Builder-Agent Partnership Pact

For a buyer to be part of an optimal new home buying experience, it is important that the real estate agent and work in partnership under common guidelines throughout all phases of the purchasing process.

The guidelines below are presented for the mutual benefit of agents and to 1) promote the high standards of conduct in the transaction of real estate; 2) serve as the buyer’s guarantee of business integrity and responsibility; and 3) facilitate open communication between all parties.

Mutual Responsibilities

• I will make sure that I serve the buyer’s needs, above all else
• I will respect my counterpart’s important role in the new home buying process
I understand that both agents and builders bring capabilities and assets to the table that can help a buyer find the right new home
• I will maintain an open line of communication throughout the process
I will make sure that my updates are communicated to my counterpart in a timely manner
• I will make sure that roles, responsibilities, timelines and expectations are clearly defined at the outset
• I will adhere fully to all procedures agreed to with my counterpart
• I will listen to my counterpart, consider his/her perspective on all issues and have a professional, thoughtful, two-way dialogue about all facets of the potential transaction
• I will proactively communicate with my counterpart to pre-empt any potential disputes
• I will help to create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration that facilitates open conversation, is free from judgment, avoids the use of threats, accepts all viewpoints and experiences and accommodates disagreement
• I will take the time to prepare for all conversations with my counterpart or my buyer
• I will refrain from making assumptions and will clarify all procedural and information points directly with my counterpart
• I will negotiate with my counterpart in good faith

Responsibilities

• I will compensate my counterpart in accordance with my company’s policies
• I will provide my counterpart with all information and materials – including my company’s policy documents – at the outset of the home buying process
• I will take the time to immediately answer any questions that my counterpart may have along the way and will anticipate his/her needs by proactively providing additional information
• I will respect my counterpart’s requests with regard to communicating directly with the buyer
• I will alert my counterpart immediately if I communicate with the buyer and I will provide a full summary of the interaction

Agent Responsibilities

• I will comply with all procedures set forth in the builder policy
• I will take the time to learn about all new home procedures and products offered by my counterpart
• I will educate the buyer about the process of purchasing a new home and working with a new home builder
• I will communicate product and procedural information fully to the buyer at appropriate points during the process