The sales office at a new community represents the builder, not you. Bringing your own agent costs you nothing, the builder pays the buyer agent commission, and you gain someone negotiating upgrades, incentives, and contract terms on your side. One catch: most builders require your agent to be registered on your first visit, so connect with one before you tour models.

Yes. UHC statewide programs (up to 6% DPA) and most county programs work on new builds as long as the purchase price is within program limits. New construction also unlocks SB240 assistance, $20,000 at 0% interest available only on newly built homes.

$20,000 in state assistance for first-time buyers purchasing new construction, structured as a 0% deferred loan with shared-equity recapture when you sell or refinance. It stacks with UHC down payment assistance, so combined help can reach $44,000 on a $400,000 loan.

Often, especially on standing inventory and end-of-phase homes. Rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and free upgrades track the builder's inventory pressure. This is where buyer representation earns its keep: your agent knows which communities are sitting on finished specs and motivated to deal.

Quick move-in (spec) homes are finished or nearly finished and can close in 30 to 45 days, the same as a resale. Building from dirt typically runs 6 to 10 months depending on the builder, phase, and options you choose.