New Builds · Phoenix & the Greater Valley
Independent Buyer Representation for New Builds
← Back to HomeDestyn Moreno · The AZ Real Estate Go-To Girl
Buying a brand new home is exciting, but the friendly sales consultant in the model home works for the builder, not for you. I represent buyers of new construction homes across Phoenix and the Greater Valley, so you have someone on your side from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
With 22+ years in real estate and a decade in title and escrow before that, I know how builder contracts, deposits, and closings really work, and where buyers can lose money or leverage if no one is watching.
Do I Need a Realtor for a New Build?
The builder's sales team represents the builder. Their job is to sell homes at the best price and terms for the builder. That's not a criticism, it's simply who they work for.
Your own agent represents only you. I negotiate on your behalf, explain the fine print, compare the home to resale options, and make sure deadlines and promises are kept.
Ask how compensation works. Many builders offer to pay buyer agent compensation, but it isn't guaranteed. How I'm paid, and by whom, depends on our written buyer agreement and the builder's terms. We'll go over both before we tour, so there are no surprises.
Bring me on your first visit if you can. Many builders have registration policies that require your agent to be with you, or to register you, at your first visit to the sales office. Visiting alone first may affect whether the builder will pay your agent's compensation, depending on that builder's policy. If you've already visited, you can still ask about getting your own representation, so reach out either way.
How I Help New Build Buyers
Builders don't always lower the price, but there is often room elsewhere: lot premiums, upgrade credits, closing cost help, or a better deal on a quick move-in home. I know what to ask for and when.
Builder incentives are frequently tied to using the builder's preferred lender or title company. I help you compare the real numbers, so you know whether the incentive is truly the better deal for you.
Builder contracts are written by the builder's attorneys and look very different from a standard resale contract. I walk you through deposits, cancellation terms, completion dates, and warranty language before you sign.
New doesn't mean perfect. I recommend independent inspections before drywall goes up, before closing, and again before the builder's one-year warranty period ends, so issues get fixed on the builder's dime.
Build schedules can shift. I stay in touch with the builder through every stage, track your design and lender deadlines, and plan around rate locks and your current home sale.
My background in title and escrow means I know what a clean closing takes. I coordinate the final walkthrough, the punch list, and every detail through closing day.
Valleywide New Construction
New construction in the Valley comes in many forms: modern townhomes and infill homes in Downtown Phoenix, including new builds in and around historic neighborhoods, plus master-planned communities across Phoenix, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Chandler, Gilbert, and beyond. Each comes with different builders, HOA rules, timelines, and incentives.
Because I also specialize in Downtown Phoenix's historic districts, I can help you weigh a brand new build against a restored historic home, or find a new build that fits right into an established neighborhood.
Coming Soon
My guide to buying new construction in Phoenix and the Valley is coming soon. Leave your details and I'll send it to you as soon as it's ready, and I'm happy to answer your new build questions in the meantime.
Thank you. I'll send you the New Build Buyer's Guide as soon as it's ready, and I'll be in touch personally.
Common Questions
You are not required to have one, but it is strongly recommended. The builder's sales consultant works for the builder. Your own agent represents only you, helping you negotiate price, upgrades, and incentives, reviewing the builder's contract, and keeping an eye on inspections and timelines.
It depends. Many builders offer to pay buyer agent compensation, but it isn't guaranteed. How your agent is paid, and by whom, depends on your written buyer agreement and the builder's terms, so we'll review both before we tour and you'll know exactly what to expect.
Ideally on your very first visit. Many builders have registration policies that require your agent to be with you, or to register you, at your first visit to the sales office. Visiting alone first may affect whether the builder will pay your agent's compensation, depending on that builder's policy. You can still ask about getting your own representation, so reach out either way.
Yes. New homes can still have defects. An independent inspector can check the home before drywall goes up, again before closing, and again before the builder's one-year warranty period ends.