How do I protect my commission on a new build?

You can likely recover this, but you need to act today — not next week. Most builders have a process for disputed registrations, and your existing relationship with the buyer is your strongest leverage.

Most production builders require agent registration on or before the buyer's first visit to pay co-op. That's their policy and it exists for a reason — builders need to know who's involved from day one. But most builders also have an exception process. KB Home's registration policy typically allows the buyer to request a change if no purchase agreement has been signed. Your buyer walked in casually — they didn't go there to buy without you. The on-site agent registered them as unrepresented, which is standard procedure. This isn't adversarial — it's how the system works when an agent isn't present.

On a $490k home, co-op commission is typically 2-3%, so you're looking at $9,800 to $14,700. Every day you wait, the on-site agent builds more rapport and the registration becomes harder to dispute. If your buyer signs a purchase agreement as unrepresented, you're likely locked out entirely.

Have your buyer call the sales office and say: 'I have an agent I've been working with — I'd like them registered on my file.' Then call the on-site agent yourself, introduce yourself professionally, and ask to be added. Bring your signed buyer representation agreement. If the on-site agent pushes back, ask to speak with the sales manager. Be respectful — you're asking them to update a record, not accusing them of anything. Going forward: brief every buyer before they visit any model home. One sentence: 'If you visit a new community, give them my card at the door or I may not be able to represent you there.'