What You Need to Know Before You Visit a Model Home
When you walk into a new construction model home, there's usually someone there to greet you, answer your questions, and walk you through the floor plans. They're knowledgeable, friendly, and employed by the builder.
That's worth understanding before you sign anything.
The builder's agent is not working against you — but they are working for the builder. Their job is to sell homes at the best terms for the company they represent. That means when questions come up about what's negotiable, what's in the contract, or what you should know before committing — they're not the right person to ask.
An independent buyer's agent represents only you. They have no relationship with the builder, no incentive tied to the builder's interests, and full fiduciary duty to make sure you're making a decision that works for you — not just one that closes the sale.
And in almost every new construction purchase, the builder pays the buyer's agent fee. You get full representation at no out-of-pocket cost.
Not sure what to look for in a buyer's agent for new construction? Here's what great representation actually looks like.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
From first conversation to closing day — here's what full representation actually looks like.
Pre-Visit Consultation
Before you set foot in a model home, we sit down with you to talk through communities, builders, price points, and what to watch for. That first visit sets the tone for everything — you want to walk in informed, not sold to.
Upgrades & Selections Guidance
Builder upgrade packages are designed to maximize the builder's margin, not your resale value. We help you figure out what's worth paying for, what to skip, and what to do after closing instead — so you don't spend $30,000 on things that won't move the needle when it's time to sell.
Groundbreaking Attendance
We show up at the start of your build — not just at the end. Being present early establishes the relationship with the site supervisor and sets expectations for communication throughout the process.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
This is one of the most valuable things we offer, and most buyers don't know to ask for it. Once the framing, plumbing, and electrical are visible — before the walls close up — Scott walks the home with a trained eye. Anything that needs to be addressed gets addressed now, not after closing.
Builder Contract Review
Builder contracts are written by the builder's legal team to protect the builder. We walk through the contract with you before you sign so you understand what you're agreeing to, what's negotiable, and where the leverage points are.
Negotiation
Most buyers assume the price on a new construction home is fixed. It's not — and price is often not even the most valuable thing to negotiate. Closing cost contributions, rate buydowns, lot premiums, and included upgrades can all be on the table depending on the builder and the market.
OUR EXPERIENCE
IN THIS MARKET
Scott and Jill Ferguson have been representing new construction buyers in the Cincinnati-Dayton corridor for over a decade. That means familiarity with how different builders operate, what their contracts typically include, where there's usually room to negotiate, and what buyers in specific communities have experienced.
Monroe Crossings — $550K–$900K range, active across multiple phases
Caravel / Liberty Township — $700K–$1M, established builder relationships
FAQs
Common Questions About Buying New Construction
Do I need a buyer's agent for new construction?
You're not required to have one, but it's one of the most important decisions you'll make in the process. The agent in the model home is employed by the builder — their job is to sell you that home at the best terms for the builder. A buyer's agent represents only you, helps you evaluate the community and contract, and guides you through a process that's very different from a traditional resale purchase. And in almost every case, the builder pays the buyer's agent fee — so there's no cost to you for having someone in your corner.
Is the builder's agent on my side?
When should I contact a buyer's agent?
Can you negotiate with a builder?
Does using a buyer's agent cost me anything?
WHO IS THIS FOR?
New construction isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is the kind of help you need.
Here's who we work with most often — and why the process looks a little different for each.
Buying New Construction
for the First Time
New construction is a different process than buying resale — longer timelines, builder contracts, and upgrade decisions that affect your resale value down the road. We're the one person in the room working for you. We'll help you understand what you're signing, what's negotiable, and what to watch for so there are no surprises on move-in day.
Buyers Who Want to Do New Construction Right This Time
Returning Clients & Right-Sizers Ready for the Next Chapter
LEARN MORE About the New Construction Process
Ready to Talk Before You Visit a Model Home?
The best time to reach out is before you've registered anywhere or fallen in love with a floor plan. But if you're already in the process, it's not too late to ask questions.
There's no obligation and no sales pitch — just a straightforward conversation about what you're looking for, what the process looks like, and whether we're the right fit. We've been doing this in West Chester, Liberty Township, and Monroe for over a decade. We're happy to share what we know.
Let's talk before you walk through that model home door.
