Do You Need a Realtor for Your New Home Build? Your Guide to Making Informed Decisions
Buying a new home is a big decision—one of the biggest you’ll ever make. So, it’s natural to wonder if you need a realtor when purchasing a brand-new home. The truth is, you might not need one, but it could be in your best interest to have one by your side.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of working with a realtor during a new build process—and why partnering with Cantiro, one of the best home builders in Edmonton, gives you an edge from day one.
Realtor vs. Area Sales manager: What’s the Difference?
When buying a new home, it’s helpful to understand the different roles that a realtor and a builder’s area sales manager (ASM) play in the process. An ASM works directly for the homebuilder and are highly knowledgeable about our available models, lots, construction timelines, and design options. Their goal is to guide you through the building process, answer questions about the community, and help you find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget.
A realtor, on the other hand, represents you as the buyer. They offer a broader market perspective, can help you compare builders across different communities, and advocate for your interests throughout negotiations and paperwork. While both professionals are valuable in different ways, they serve distinct purposes. At Cantiro, we’re proud to work alongside trusted realtors and ensure a seamless, informed, and supportive homebuying experience—whether you choose to work directly with us or bring a realtor into the process.
Research – Trust the Experts
While the internet provides a wealth of information, a realtor’s expertise is invaluable. They have firsthand knowledge of the builders, their reputations, and the neighborhoods they serve. When you tell your realtor you’re interested in a new build, they’ll get to work researching communities and builders in Edmonton that fit your preferences. This insider knowledge can save you hours of online searching and offer peace of mind when making such a major decision.
realtors love cantiro
If you ask around about top realtors in Edmonton, you’ll quickly discover that many of them have strong working relationships with Cantiro. Why? Because our reputation is unparalleled in this industry. We have built extensive relationships with many realtors in Edmonton, this is due in part to our ability to provide information about floorplans, interior styles, amenities, and more. What we’re mostly known for is keeping our promises and building a home that you can be proud of.
Comparing Your Options With Confidence
Once your realtor has gathered the necessary information about various builders and communities, they’ll help you compare your options. Whether it’s price, home features, or available upgrades, a realtor can give you a non-biased assessment of your choices. This allows you to weigh the pros and cons of each option and figure out how to allocate your budget effectively. Having a realtor to guide you through this comparison ensures you’re getting the most value for your money and helps you avoid making costly mistakes.
Cantiro’s Role in the Process
It is true that a realtor has a greater understanding of the re-sale market as opposed to new builds. When you build with a reputable builder like Cantiro, we will educate you on the process; the value that a realtor provides at that point is learning right alongside you.
Negotiation – Advocating for the Best Deal
A seasoned realtor knows how to negotiate for the best deal. They understand the market, your budget, and how to maximize your investment. From securing the best price to negotiating for additional perks or upgrades, a realtor is your advocate in the process. Their expertise ensures you get the most value possible for your new home—something that’s especially important with new construction, where the price is often set with little room for negotiation.
Cantiro’s Promise
Cantiro is committed to making sure that you will be satisfied with your investment. It is true that the price of new home builds is often inflexible; but this is because we refuse to compromise on the value of our homes. Our Area Sales Managers will be able to show you how the money that you spend with us translates into innovative features, thoughtful design, and enduring quality.
The Design Phase – A Time for Personal Decisions
While a realtor can help you with research, comparison, and negotiation, there will be plenty of decisions you’ll need to make on your own. The design phase is where most of your time and money will be spent, and this is a process where a realtor isn’t needed. Choosing your home’s floor plan, finishes, and upgrades is a highly personal experience, and it’s important to make these decisions based on your own tastes and preferences.
What You Can Expect
You won’t be alone. Cantiro’s design consultants will assist you every step of the way to make sure that you find options that reflect your style while staying within your budget.
Why Consider Hiring a Realtor?
If you’ve been asking: Do I need a realtor to buy a house or is it better to work directly with a builder? The answer depends on your comfort level and preferences.
Realtors offer value in:
- Research and builder comparisons
- Navigating communities and lot options
- Advocating during negotiations
- Answering questions and ensuring transparency
At Cantiro, we value our strong relationships with realtors and work collaboratively to create seamless experiences for homebuyers.
How to Choose a Realtor
Wondering how to choose a realtor who understands new home construction? Look for someone experienced in both resale and new builds, and who isn’t tied to just one builder. The best realtors offer balanced advice and prioritize your goals.
If you’re just beginning your search for the best realtors in Edmonton, Alberta start by asking for references and checking online reviews. A great realtor will educate and support you—not pressure you.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Realtor (New-Build Specific)
Not every realtor specializes in new home construction, so it’s important to choose someone with the right experience if you’re considering a new build. Asking the right questions upfront can help you find a realtor who understands your needs and complements the builder’s process—not complicates it. Here are a few questions to guide your conversations:
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“How familiar are you with new home construction?”
You’ll want someone who understands how the new build process differs from resale—especially when it comes to timelines, builder contracts, and warranties.
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“Which builders do you regularly work with?”
A well-connected realtor should be able to speak to the reputations, quality, and customer service levels of different builders in your area. (We’re proud that many realtors in Edmonton speak highly of Cantiro.)
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“Do you understand the builder’s contract and what’s negotiable?”
New build contracts are different from standard resale agreements. A realtor with experience in this space will know which parts are fixed and where you may have room to negotiate on upgrades or incentives.
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“Can you help me compare new build communities?”
Your realtor should be able to walk you through the pros and cons of different neighbourhoods, including things like future development plans, school zones, and transit access.
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“What support do you offer once I choose a builder?”
Some realtors step back once you sign a contract with a builder—others stay involved throughout. Clarify how hands-on you want your realtor to be during construction, the design phase, and your final walkthrough.
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“Do you charge a fee for working with a builder?”
In most cases, the builder covers the commission for the buyer’s agent. Still, it’s worth confirming how your realtor handles compensation—especially if you start the process by visiting showhomes on your own.
Choosing the right realtor can add a layer of confidence and clarity to your homebuying journey. At Cantiro, we welcome realtors into the process and work closely with them to make sure your experience is smooth, informed, and stress-free.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you choose to work with a realtor or rely on the expertise of our dedicated Sales Team, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from your initial search to move-in day. Not quite ready to commit? Contact us and discover the Cantiro difference today!