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5 Costly Mistakes Homebuyers Make Without an Agent

December 05, 20254 min read

5 Reasons You Should Always Use a Buyer’s Agent (Especially for New Construction)

Welcome back to the channel! Today we’re diving into the five biggest reasons you should always use a buyer’s agent for every transaction—resale or new construction. These reasons can save you time, money, stress, and in many cases, prevent some major headaches.

Let’s get into it.

Reason #1: You Get a True Fiduciary Working forYou

When you sign a buyer representation agreement, your agent takes on three core fiduciary duties:

Obedience:
Within the boundaries of the law, your agent must follow your instructions.

Confidentiality:
Your personal information stays protected.

Loyalty:
Your best interest comes before the agent’s or anyone else’s.

This matters even more with new construction because most buyers walk into a model home assuming the sales rep is there to help them. They’re not. Builder reps workonlyfor the builder—and they use builder-written contracts designed to protect the builder’s interests.

Earnest money becomes nonrefundable almost immediately. Timelines are strict. Protections for buyers can be minimal. Without an agent, you’re navigating that alone.

Reason #2: Your Home Doesn’t Cost More If You Have an Agent

A big misconception is that if you walk into a model home without an agent, the builder will “pass the savings onto you.” That simply isn’t true.

Here’s the reality:

  • Builders almost always budget 2.5–3% commission for buyer’s agent representation.

  • If you don’t have an agent, that money doesn’t get removed from the price—it goes right back to the builder.

  • You pay the same price whether you have professional representation or not.

This is why notifying your agent before visiting a model home is crucial. Builders will often try to claim agency simply by having you sign in or provide your name. Without proper registration, they may refuse to pay your agent—even though you deserve representation.

We’ve navigated this with builders many times, including one memorable scenario involving a wonderful throuple. Thanks to smart documentation and a clear understanding of agency law, we ensured they received full representation and protection.

Reason #3: Agents Help Manage Timelines, Warranties, and Contract Terms

New construction contracts include specific deadlines—and missing one can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example:

  • Daily fees for delayed closings

  • Limited timelines for inspections

  • Strict upgrade and design decisions

  • Warranty timelines that require documentation

Your agent acts as a second set of eyes and a personal project manager.

We always attend design appointments with clients, document everything the builder promises, and keep written proof of selections. When delays or substitutions arise—as they often do—those records give buyers leverage.

Builders build hundreds of homes a year. You’re building one. Your agent helps level that playing field.

Reason #4: Never Skip the Inspection—Even on a Brand-New Home

Many buyers assume new construction means flawless construction. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.

We’ve seen:

  • Missing attic insulation

  • Standing water in crawl spaces

  • Incomplete electrical work

  • Incorrect installations

  • Poor grading or drainage

  • Defects that show up only with professional evaluation

In one of our earliest purchases, the inspector foundzero insulationin the attic of a brand-new townhome. In another recent transaction, our buyers discovered literal feet of water in the crawl space—essentially a swimming pool under the house.

Without an agent advocating for them, documenting issues, and negotiating repairs, they would have been stuck with a major problem the builder preferred to downplay.

Reason #5: You Need Someone Who Makes the Process Clear—and Enjoyable

Buying a home is stressful. New construction can be even more overwhelming because the process is long, complex, and full of unexpected bumps.

Think of your agent as the bus driver who warns you before hitting a bump. When you know what’s coming, it’s far less dramatic.

A great buyer’s agent:

  • Prepares you for every step

  • Anticipates problems before they happen

  • Keeps things organized

  • Breaks down confusing contract terms

  • Brings positivity and calm to a high-stress environment

  • Helps make the experience actually enjoyable

At the end of the day, you want someone who not only protects your interests but is genuinely fun to work with.

Final Thoughts

These five reasons apply toeveryhome purchase, but they’re especially important for new construction. You deserve a professional in your corner—someone who understands the fine print, the timelines, the risks, and the protections you need.

If you want to chat more or explore new construction in your area, reach out anytime. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment below, and connect with us on social. We’re a good time—and we’d love to help you find your next home.

See you on the next one!

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Michael Miller

Michael is an Idaho native and has a deep history and knowledge of the Treasure Valley. He has a natural propensity for customer service and intuitively knows what type of property his client is looking for. He has an ability to observe what the client’s needs are and listen to their wants, which has gotten him the success he has achieved today. Michael has an entrepreneurial spirit, so customer service and people skills are in his DNA. He knows that he can’t change the world for everybody, but the right property can change someone’s life and carries that purpose into each transaction.

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