Do I need my own agent or can I use the builder's agent in Springfield?

Nov 17

If you plan to build a new home in Springfield Ohio, you will meet a builder’s sales representative early in the process. Many buyers wonder if they should work only with that representative or bring their own agent. The short answer is simple. You gain more protection, clarity, and negotiation leverage when you work with your own REALTOR. The builder’s agent represents the builder’s interests, not yours.

How Builder Representation Works

A builder’s sales rep is trained to explain floor plans, pricing, incentives, and community rules. Their job is to move the construction process forward and protect the builder’s position. They can guide you, but they cannot advocate for you when it comes to pricing, contract terms, upgrade decisions, or inspection issues. Their priority is the builder’s bottom line.

Why Having Your Own Agent Matters

Your own agent gives you independent advice on lot premiums, contract language, and upgrade value. You get support during selections, timelines, and walkthroughs. You also gain someone who can identify problems early before they become expensive delays. This guidance saves many buyers money because your agent knows how builders price homes, where markups occur, and which incentives are truly negotiable.

Common Misconceptions

Many buyers fear that using their own agent will raise their costs. In new construction, the builder typically pays the buyer agent’s fee. That means you get full representation without adding to your purchase price. Some buyers also believe the process is simple enough to handle alone. The truth is that new construction includes contracts, deadlines, and quality checks that most buyers only experience once. An agent who does this often can spot issues quickly.

What Independent Representation Looks Like

Your own agent compares builders, reviews pricing structures, and checks the contract for risky clauses. You receive clear guidance on which upgrades make financial sense and which ones do not. During construction, your agent monitors progress and attends key walkthroughs to ensure items are addressed before closing. You move through the process with more confidence and fewer surprises.

Why Springfield Buyers Choose Move Smart With Amanda

Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR with eXp Realty, brings appraisal management experience plus deep builder knowledge across Springfield, Dayton, and Columbus. She explains the process in plain language and advocates for your interests from the first conversation to the final inspection. Buyers appreciate her contract clarity, negotiation skill, and ability to keep builders accountable.

Amanda’s Bio

Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR with eXp Realty, helps buyers, sellers, and agents move smart through life and career transitions. With an MBA, experience in appraisal management, and SRES and C2EX endorsements, she brings strategy, clarity, and advocacy to every move. Based in Springfield, Amanda serves clients across Ohio and mentors agents nationwide through her brand Move Smart With Amanda.