Most builders have their own agents to greet you when you visit the property or they may recommend an agent that you should use
. This can be beneficial because the agent will usually be able to offer some type of incentive. They also have a relationship with the builder so things may move along smoother. You may still want to play the field and talk with other agents. They may be able to work out better deals and may change less commission. Just keep you options open and see what agent is best for you.
The same goes for the lender. Many will have lenders that they work closely with and may be able to offer incentives up front. Visit with other lenders and review all of your options. You may be able to get a better interest rate and save in the long run. When you go car shopping you will hopefully shop around for the best loan, you should do the same when making such a large investment on your home.
Hopefully, everyone will look into the builder's background. You can search online for complaints or praise about the builder. You might visit some of the existing homeowners and get some feedback about the building process and the quality of their homes. This can allow you to be more comfortable with your purchase.
This will most likely be part of the loan process but you may also want to hire an independent inspector to inspect the home before completion. The inspector may be able to identify concerns and get them resolved before they become a larger issue. This can save you money and stress in the long run.
And lastly, take the time to review upgrades and don't sell yourself short. Many pass on upgrades with the intent on doing them later. Many times they never get done and when it is time to sell the value may have not risen as projected. Choose wisely the upgrades that can add value to your home.