Should I sell new construction?
The commission is different. The game is different. Let's see if you're ready.
Example situation
“I've been selling resale for 6 years, averaging $4.2M/yr in volume. A national builder just opened a community near me and they're offering 3% co-op. My broker says new construction is a waste of time because the builder controls everything. But I keep losing buyers to the model home.”
Judgment —
Sell it. But go in with your eyes open.
Reality —
Your broker is half right — the builder controls the process. But you're already losing buyers there. The question isn't whether to work new construction — it's whether to get paid when your buyers walk into that model home anyway. At $4.2M volume, if even 20% of your pipeline is considering new, that's $840k in volume you're handing to the on-site agent for free.
Cost —
The learning curve is real: you need to understand builder contracts, limited inspection rights, and preferred lender incentives. You'll also spend time without the listing control you're used to. But the alternative — pretending new construction doesn't exist in your market — costs more.
Move:
Register your next 3 buyers at the community before they walk in alone. Learn the builder's contract and incentive structure cold. Position yourself as the agent who knows both sides — resale and new. That's the edge.
Real OneShot output — 1 input, 1 answer, no comfort