How it works
Buying a CBH home with a buyer's agent
The new-construction purchase is a real process with real stakes. Here is exactly how it works from the buyer's side, and where an independent agent earns his keep at every step.
- 01
Get pre-approved for your loan
Before we book model tours, get a pre-approval letter from a lender you trust. Builders' in-house lenders can be excellent, but you should comparison shop; your agent can review the terms with you so the financing serves you, not a sales quota.
- 02
Choose your community and floor plan
We compare CBH communities against your budget, commute, school zones, and timeline: selling neighborhoods for speed, coming-soon communities like Centerville for more choice. We walk the models, the lots, and the upgrade structure together, no sales floor attached.
- 03
Register your agent before the first visit
This is the single most important step. Builders have strict registration rules: if you visit a model or register on their site without an agent, their policy may leave you unrepresented. A quick call with me first protects your right to your own side of the table.
- 04
Earnest money and the contract
When you pick a lot and plan, you sign the builder's contract and put down earnest money. I walk you through every page, flag what is negotiable, and make sure deposits, change-order pricing, and contingency dates line up with your expectations.
- 05
Third-party inspections and the builder walkthrough
Your builder has their timeframe; you deserve your own check. We schedule independent inspections at the right milestones, and we do the builder walkthrough together with the punch list in hand, so issues get fixed on their dime before closing.
- 06
Closing day
A final walkthrough confirms every promised item is in place, the numbers match the contract, and the keys are yours. If anything is still outstanding, we resolve it before you accept delivery. Then you get to enjoy a brand-new home, built on your terms.
The myth
"You can't use an agent on a new build."
People hear this in model homes all the time, so let's set it straight: with most builders, including CBH, buyers absolutely can use their own agent with a buyer's representation, and in most cases the builder pays that agent's commission. The catch is timing: you usually need to be registered with your agent before your first unaccompanied visit or online registration.
The risk of walking in alone
- You may not be able to add an agent later and keep the builder-paid commission.
- The only side of the table you hear is the builder's.
- Contract, incentives, and upgrade pricing get presented as take-it-or-leave-it.
The smart way: register first
- Call me before you visit any CBH model or community site.
- You keep full buyer representation, usually at no cost to you.
- Every model, floor plan, and contract gets a buyer's-side look.
What it costs
Usually the builder pays your agent's commission
In most new-construction purchases, the builder's marketing budget covers the buyer's agent commission, which means strong representation often costs you nothing out of pocket. Every builder's terms differ, so I spell yours out on the first call, before we tour a single home.
