Back to Buyer Rebate Questions

Already Visited a Builder Model Home Without an Agent? Here Is What to Do

Short answer: ask the builder about its agent policy before you sign anything. Most Arizona builders only pay a buyer's agent who came with you, or registered you, on your first visit. If you signed the guest card alone, that builder may refuse to pay an agent at that community, and then there is no commission to rebate. Communities you have not visited yet are still open, so register before you go.

Why Builders Have This Rule

Builders pay agents for bringing them a buyer. If you found the community and walked in yourself, the builder sees no reason to pay. The guest card or online sign-in is how they record who came first.

What to Do Now

1. Don't sign the purchase agreement yet. Once you are under contract, adding an agent is almost never possible.
2. Text us the builder and community. We contact the sales office and ask its policy. Some builders allow an agent if you have not signed a contract, or within a short window after the first visit.
3. Get the answer in writing, by email from the sales office, before you rely on it.
4. Register before visiting anywhere else. Most builders let your agent register you by email or online ahead of time, so you can tour on your own.

If the Builder Says No

You can still have an agent represent you, but the builder will not pay that agent, so you would pay the fee under your buyer agreement. With RebateAZ that fee is 1.5% of the price (minimum $4,500), and your agent talks it through with you before writing any offer. Many buyers in this spot instead compare a similar home at a community they have not visited, where the rebate is still available. See what new homes actually sold for in Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does signing the guest card count as my first visit?

Usually yes. Most builders use the guest card or online sign-in to record who registered you. If no agent is listed, they treat you as unrepresented.

Does the rule apply to every community from the same builder?

It depends on the builder. Some apply it per community, some across all their communities in the area. Ask the sales office, or let us ask for you.

How do I make sure it does not happen again?

Text us the community before you go. We register you with the builder, and you can tour the model on your own.

Get Started

Tell us what you are looking for and we will text you shortly with a realistic rebate estimate and answers to your questions.