Answer: Buyers concerned about costs should be aware of the differences inherent in working with sales agents who are employed by the developer, rather than traditional real estate agents. Most developers hire a staff of sales agents to handle their properties.
Builders often require that an agent be present, and sign in, the first time a prospective purchaser visits a site before they'll agree to pay the buyer's agent's commissions. At times when buyers use an advertisement to find the development themselves first, builders can refuse to pay any commission regardless of how helpful an agent may become later in the process. It is advisable to call the development first and inquire about their policy on compensating real estate agents if you are working with or hoping to work with your own buyer's agent.
