by Category | Realtors (Buyer’s Agent) | Builder Sales Associates (On-Site Reps) |
|---|---|---|
Who They Represent | Claims to work for you based on code of ethics – May owe fiduciary duty (loyalty, disclosure, etc.) Reality: Not every agent prioritizes you over their paycheck. Some will push whatever closes fastest. | |
Commission Paid By | Paid by the builder | Paid 100% by the builder |
Fiduciary Duty to Buyer | Yes on paper – but some agents care more about getting paid than getting a buyer the best house or deal | None. May say what they need to just to get the sale. Example: Buyers do not need a Realtor or Home Inspector, the builder knows better. |
Pricing & Incentive Negotiation | May negotiate lower price, bigger incentives, upgrades, closing-cost help | Only offers the builder’s published deals; rarely reduces price |
Knowledge of the Market | Usually knows more communities, resale values, builder reputations, incentives | Knows mainly their own neighborhood & the builder’s script |
Access to Inventory | Limited to their community only | |
Builder Reputation Insight | May share real buyer experiences and quality feedback | Will not speak negatively about their builder |
Lender Choice | You choose any lender you want | Pushes (often requires) the builder’s preferred lender |
Direct Cost to Buyer | Builder sets amount and pays the commission. Some agents add a transaction/coordination fee. In rare cases the agent may ask you to cover any shortfall. (All fees should be disclosed upfront.) | No direct fee (weaker negotiation often costs buyers indirectly) |
Best For | Buyers who want broader choice and at least some representation | Buyers already committed to one community who prefer no agent, and are okay being taken advantage of |
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