How do I work with new construction builders in Florida as a real estate agent?

What is different about working with builders?

New construction is not the same as a resale transaction.

The builder controls the contract, the pricing, and the timeline.

You are not negotiating the structure of the deal.

You are guiding your buyer through a process that already exists.

The builder represents the builder.

You represent the buyer.

When do I need to disclose agency?

In Florida, agency must be disclosed at or before showing property.

A builder model home counts as showing property.

This means your agency disclosure must be delivered before you walk into the builder with your client.

If you wait until after the visit, you are out of compliance.

What should I do before visiting a builder?

Before any builder visit, you should complete three steps.

Establish your relationship with the buyer.

Provide your agency disclosure.

Confirm you will be present at the first interaction or that the buyer will clearly identify you as their agent.

This is the most important part of the process.

If this step is handled correctly, everything else becomes easier.

How does builder registration work?

Builders track who introduced the buyer.

This happens at the first visit when the buyer signs in or speaks with the sales rep.

If you are properly registered:

• The builder recognizes you as the agent
• You are included in communication
• Your role is clear from the start

If the buyer registers without you:

• The builder may treat them as unrepresented
• Your involvement can be limited
• Your position becomes unclear

You should attend the first visit whenever possible.

Does the builder commission agreement protect me?

Builder commission agreements confirm that the builder may pay a commission at closing.

They do not establish your relationship with the buyer.

They do not replace agency disclosure.

They assume you already had a relationship with the buyer before the builder was involved.

Your documentation is what supports your role.

What documents should be in my file?

Your file should clearly show your involvement from beginning to end.

At a minimum, include:

• Agency disclosure
• Communication or documentation showing your relationship with the buyer
• Builder registration or commission agreement
• Executed builder contract

This creates a clean, complete record of the transaction.

When do I request my CDA?

Before closing, you must request your Commission Disbursement Authorization.

This is how the brokerage reviews your file and approves your commission.

Submit your CDA here:
https://easy.realty/getpaid

Do not wait until after closing.

The CDA process ensures:

• Your file is complete
• Your documentation is correct
• Your commission can be processed without delays

What are the most common mistakes?

These are the issues we see most often:

• Visiting a builder before disclosing agency
• Letting the buyer go to the builder alone
• Assuming builder paperwork covers everything
• Not documenting the relationship early
• Waiting until closing to fix the file
• Forgetting to request a CDA

All of these come from skipping steps at the beginning.

What is the correct process?

Follow this simple system every time:

1. Establish your relationship with the buyer
2. Deliver agency disclosure before showing
3. Attend the first builder visit or control registration
4. Guide your buyer through the process
5. Document everything in your file
6. Request your CDA before closing

If you follow this, your role is clear, your file is clean, and your transaction runs smoothly.

Easy Realty Standard

At Easy Realty, agents are expected to:

• Disclose agency at or before showing
• Clearly establish representation early
• Be present or properly registered at the first builder visit
• Maintain a complete and accurate transaction file
• Request a CDA before closing

This protects you, your client, and the brokerage.

Related Resources

Free Course: How to Work with New Construction Builders in Florida