New Construction Buyer Rebates in Florida: Bring an Agent to Your First Builder Visit
Why the first builder visit matters, and how to get cash back on a new build.
Who pays the agent on a new build?
On most Florida new construction, the builder or developer pays the buyer’s-agent commission out of their marketing budget. The sales price usually doesn’t go down if you show up without an agent. That commission just stays with the builder.
So bringing an agent costs you nothing, and with Silver Dog Rebates, part of that commission comes back to you at closing.
Why the first visit matters
Many builders require your agent to register you at your very first visit to the community or sales office. If you walk in alone and sign the guest card, the builder may refuse to pay an agent later, and there’s no commission left to rebate.
Contact us before you visit any community or home site. We’ll confirm the builder’s commission terms and your projected rebate. If no rebate will be available, we’ll tell you before your visit.
How much can you get back?
Our new construction rebate is based on a minimum 3.00% commission paid by the builder, developer, or listing broker, which is common in new construction communities. On a $400,000 new build, that’s about $5,100. If the commission is lower, your rebate is reduced proportionately. See your number in the calculator.
What builders allow
- Some builders don’t allow buyer rebates at all.
- Some require the agent at the first showing, which isn’t always possible.
- Builder cooperation is required. We work to secure a commission in every situation we can.
What we do for you on a new build
- Contract review (builder contracts favor the builder)
- Upgrades, lot premiums, and incentives
- Inspections, including pre-drywall and final
- The walk-through and punch list
Lender rules still apply
If you’re financing, the rebate is applied to your closing costs, and most lenders don’t allow any overage to go to you. Paying cash? The full rebate reduces the funds you bring to closing. More on lender rules.
Common questions
What if I already visited the builder without an agent?
Call us anyway. Some builders will still recognize an agent after a first visit and some won’t. We’ll check the builder’s rules and tell you honestly whether a rebate is possible.
Does the rebate apply to pre-built homes and custom builds?
Yes. New construction includes completed homes the builder hasn’t sold yet and homes built to order, subject to the builder’s cooperation.
Is there a minimum price for a new construction rebate?
Our calculator starts at $195,000. Looking at a new property likely to sell for less? Call (407) 357-0357 and we’ll work out your rebate with you.
Questions? A real, licensed Florida agent answers, usually in under 90 minutes.