Several people may be involved
A new-home buyer may speak with many people. Their roles are not the same.
- Builder sales representatives
- A buyer's real estate broker or agent
- The builder or developer
- A lender
- A Florida real estate attorney
- An inspector
- A contractor or construction staff member
Clear roles help you know who gives the information and who should answer each question.
The builder sales representative works for the builder or seller side
The onsite sales professional works for the builder or seller side. Do not assume that person represents the buyer.
The representative may know a lot about:
- Available homes and lots
- Floor plans
- Builder procedures
- Current inventory
- Current pricing and incentives
- Builder documents
- Construction updates
A helpful person may still represent the other side
A person can be polite and helpful while still representing the builder or seller side.
Before you rely on advice, ask about the person's role. This matters when you discuss:
- Negotiation
- Contract terms
- Registration
- Representation
- Compensation
- Cancellation
- Legal rights
Ask a Florida real estate attorney about legal rights, contract terms, deadlines, or legal effects.
The buyer's relationship depends on the agreement and the facts
A buyer may work with a broker or agent. The role depends on the agreement and the facts. Florida law also matters.
Do not assume representation is free. Do not assume the builder always pays. Do not assume the builder must accept an outside agent.
A real estate professional can explain their role. A Florida real estate attorney should explain legal rights and legal agreements.
First contact may happen earlier than you expect
A buyer may first contact a builder in several ways:
- A sales center
- A model home
- A builder website
- An online form
- An event
- A phone or chat channel
Builder registration rules can vary by builder and community. The rules can also change.
Ask about representation and the current written policy early. Do not assume an agent can be added after first contact.
A helpful conversation without a role question
A Florida buyer visits a new-home sales center. An onsite representative explains plans, available homes, and builder steps.
The conversation is useful. Later, the buyer realizes they never asked, “Who do you represent?”
The point is not that the representative did anything wrong. The point is to know each person's role before you rely on advice.
Someone can help you without being your representative
Someone can help you without being your representative.
Ask two simple questions: “Who do you represent?” and “Who represents me?”
Ask before you assume
- Who do you represent?
- Are you representing the builder or seller?
- Who represents me?
- What agreement defines my representation?
- Does this builder have a current registration policy?
- Does my agent need to be identified before my first visit?
- Where can I review the current policy in writing?
Use the right source for the question
Builder Sales Representative
Can explain builder information, sales steps, and builder materials.
Buyer's Real Estate Broker or Agent
Can explain their role and help organize buyer questions within their work.
Florida Real Estate Attorney
Can explain contracts, legal agreements, rights, deadlines, and legal effects.
Builder
Can verify its current written registration and sales policies.
Check the idea, not a score
This is a learning check. There are no grades and no passing score.
1. Who does the builder sales representative work for?
2. A builder representative is friendly and helpful. What should the buyer still clarify?
3. Who should interpret a legal representation agreement?
Review the role before relying on advice
The AI Professor can explain general role ideas and help you prepare questions for the right person.
