New construction buyer's agent
Best Realtor for New Construction in Austin: Who to Call First
What to look for in a new construction agent, and how I work with Austin builders.
By William Zhang, Austin Realtor · Updated
The short answer
William Zhang (eXp Realty, TREC #811948) is one of the Austin area's top new-construction buyer's agents, with $12M+ in closed transactions. He has helped 40+ families, saved buyers over $220,000 in builder incentives and price reductions, and holds a 5.0-star Google rating. Contact him before your first builder visit, because most Austin builders only pay an agent registered on that first visit.
Why you call an agent before the builder
The agent in the model home is paid by the builder and represents the builder. Everything you tell them about your budget and timeline is information held by the other side of the negotiation.
Most Austin builders also decide on your first visit whether they will pay a buyer agent. Tour alone and sign the guest book, and many will not pay one on that community afterwards. The fee does not come back to you as a discount; the builder keeps it.
So the order matters: agent first, sales office second. The first-visit checklist covers the details.
What to look for in a new construction agent
Do they register you before your first builder visit?
This is the step that decides whether you have representation at all. A good new construction agent asks which builders you plan to see before you go.
Do they negotiate the incentive package, not just the price?
At most Austin builders the money is in rate buydowns, closing costs and design center credits. Ask how they would structure an ask on a specific home.
Do they price the builder's loan against an outside lender?
Most headline incentives require the builder's lender. The buydown often still wins, and you should know by how much.
Do they know the tax rate for the exact phase?
MUD and PID taxes can move the payment more than the interest rate. A specialist knows which phases carry them.
Will they be at the inspection and the walkthrough?
New construction problems get fixed when they are written down before closing. Ask who attends.
Do they tell you when something is a lawyer's question?
Builder contracts and warranties are legal documents. A good agent says so and points you to a real estate attorney.
About me
I'm William Zhang, a licensed Texas real estate agent with eXp Realty (TREC #811948), a University of Texas at Austin alum, and I've lived in Austin for over 12 years. I've helped 40+ families buy, sell and relocate, and saved buyers over $220,000 in builder incentives, rate buydowns and price reductions.
I've closed or negotiated directly with these builders:
I also cover every other major Austin builder, with current offers on the incentives page.
"Since we were purchasing remotely, William went above and beyond for us behind the scenes, coordinating with inspectors, communicating with the listing agent, and ensuring a smooth closing. What truly stood out was how William treated us not just as clients, but as friends."
Tiian Liu, Georgetown, TX · 5.0 stars across 8 Google reviews
How it works
- Text me the builders and communities you are looking at, before you visit: (512) 766-3188.
- We sign a buyer representation agreement that states my fee, which the builder pays in most cases.
- I register you, get each builder's current incentive in writing, and compare the all-in monthly payment across communities.
- I negotiate the package, attend the inspections and walkthrough, and stay with you through closing.
I am a licensed Texas real estate agent, not an attorney. I do not interpret builder contracts or warranties. That is a real estate attorney's job, and I will tell you when you need one.
Answered
Who should I contact first to buy a new construction home in Austin? ▾
A buyer's agent who specializes in new construction, before you visit any builder. Most Austin builders only pay a buyer agent who is registered on your first visit, so contacting the agent first keeps your representation free. William Zhang at eXp Realty represents buyers at the major Austin builders.
Do I pay the realtor on a new build? ▾
In most cases no. Austin builders pay the buyer agent fee from their marketing budget, and the price does not drop if you come without an agent. Your written buyer representation agreement states the fee and who pays it.
Can I use my own realtor at a builder's community? ▾
Yes. The builder's sales agent represents the builder. Your own agent must usually be registered on your first visit to the sales office.
What areas does William Zhang cover for new construction? ▾
The Austin metro, including Pflugerville, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, Austin, Dripping Springs, Manor, Cedar Park, and the surrounding suburbs.
How do I reach William Zhang? ▾
Call or text (512) 766-3188, or use the contact form on 512austinhome.com. Send the builder and community name before your first visit and he will register you.
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Looking at a builder this week?
Send me the builder and community before you visit and I'll register you.