Several People May Be Part of One Purchase
A buyer may meet many helpful people during a home sale.
One may work for the builder. One may work for you. Others may work for a bank, job site, inspection firm, or city.
A friendly talk does not show who works for whom.
One firm may fill more than one role. The facts can change by project and deal.
VARIABLE BY PROJECTVARIABLE BY CONTRACTThe Company Producing or Selling the New Home
The builder is often the firm that builds or sells the new home.
The builder role can vary. The contract sets many duties. Warranty terms can also vary.
Other firms or trade crews may do parts of the work.
The Larger Project May Have a Different Organization Behind It
A developer may plan the larger project. This can include phases, lots, roads, or shared features.
The developer and builder may be the same firm. They may also be two firms.
Check the project papers to learn which role each firm has.
Construction Work Is a Different Role
Contractors and job crews focus on build work.
They may work for the builder or developer. They do not by default work for the buyer.
Questions about the job may need to go through the right project contact.
A build role is not the same as a home inspector role.
Helpful Does Not Mean Independent Buyer Representation
The builder sales rep works for the builder or seller side. The sales rep is not the buyer’s own agent.
The sales rep may still be helpful. The rep may know the builder’s current process.
- Available homes or lots.
- Floor plans and options.
- Current incentives.
- The builder's process.
- Builder-provided documents.
The buyer should still know who works for the buyer.
BUILDER-PROVIDEDTIME-SENSITIVEAsk Early About Representation and Registration
A buyer may choose to have their own real estate agent when the builder process allows it.
Do not assume the service is free. Do not assume the builder will pay the fee.
- Ask whether an agent must be present or registered at first contact.
- Ask for the builder's current registration policy.
- Ask how representation and compensation are handled.
Builder sign-up rules can change. Check the current rule early.
VARIABLE BY BUILDERTIME-SENSITIVEUse a Lawyer for Transaction-Specific Legal Questions
A Florida real estate lawyer can answer legal questions about a specific deal.
- Contract interpretation.
- Cancellation rights.
- Deposit rights.
- Deadlines and legal notices.
- Releases.
- The legal effect of amendments or addenda.
This page does not give legal advice.
Loan Approval Is Not the Same as Being Ready
The lender handles the loan and loan approval.
Getting approved is not the same as being ready.
Loan approval does not answer every buyer question. It does not judge home condition, legal rights, or all costs.
An Inspector Evaluates Observable Conditions Within the Inspection Scope
A licensed home inspector may check parts of the home that can be seen and reached.
The inspector does not run the build job. An inspection does not promise code compliance.
Inspection access and timing can vary. Check the builder rules and contract for your deal.
Public Records and Government Inspections Have Their Own Purpose
A local building office may keep permit and inspection records. It may also keep local approvals.
City or county checks do not replace the buyer’s own review.
Public records can help. They do not prove the full quality of a home.
VARIABLE BY JURISDICTIONOne Question Can Need Several Sources
A buyer asks four people, “Can this feature still change?”
- The builder sales representative may explain the builder's current offering.
- The buyer's agent may help organize the transaction question.
- The attorney may interpret what the contract allows.
- The construction team may know what is physically planned or underway.
The best source depends on the question. It also depends on who can confirm the fact.
Match the Question to the Right Role
A helpful person does not always work for you. The right source can change with the question.
Who May Help With What?
Builder or seller side
May explain: builder offerings, process, documents, and current project information.
Does not replace: the buyer's independent representation or legal advice.
Buyer's broker or agent
May help: organize the purchase, compare facts, and represent the buyer when properly engaged.
Does not replace: an attorney, lender, inspector, or technical specialist.
Attorney
May help: answer transaction-specific legal questions.
Does not replace: inspection, lending, or construction specialists.
Lender
May help: explain loan qualification and financing conditions.
Does not replace: legal, inspection, or personal affordability judgment.
Inspector
May help: evaluate observable conditions within the inspection scope.
Does not replace: the builder, contractor, attorney, or local government.
Building department
May help: provide available permit or inspection records.
Does not replace: independent buyer due diligence.
Ask the Right Source
Any person in the transaction
- Who do you represent in this transaction?
- Who can confirm this in writing?
Florida real estate attorney
- Which document controls this issue?
- Who can interpret this contract provision?
Local building department
- Who can verify the permit record?
Licensed home inspector
- Who can independently inspect the home?
Lender
- Who can explain my financing conditions?
Buyer and trusted financial professionals
- Who can help me judge whether this payment is healthy for my life?
No one role can replace all the others. Match each question to the right source.
Check the Main Idea
Choose an answer. Then read the note. There is no penalty for trying again.
Practice a Clear Question
Know Who Can Verify the Answer
Before you rely on an answer, check the person’s role. Ask who they work for. Then ask who can confirm the fact.
