Nearly all buyers of new-construction homes — 88%, according to a nation-wide survey in 2013 — involved a real estate agent in the transaction. While it may not be required, if you are considering or buying a new-construction home, you should consider it. Most new-home construction projects — particularly large developments — have sales staff to assist in the transaction. They are knowledgeable about the project, the home models, and incentives. But in contrast to a real estate buyers agent, their job is the project, not you. Times have changed; builders expect real estate agents, and frequently the commission for an agent is built in to their pricing. Agents help guide buyers to realistic choices and help them in the complex purchase process. Building a relationship with an agent, and building their knowledge about a development, can also lead more people to the builders project. If you do have an agent, make sure they are contractually committed to represent you in the process. If you do not have an agent, look for a buyers agent or new-home cobroker to help.

REALTOR® is a registered trademark, as the ® symbol indicates. Only members of the NAR — National Association of Realtors — are allowed to use the trademark as part of their professional title. Members have access to educational resources and certifications around the complex real-estate process. They are also required to adhere to a Code of Ethics. According to NAR, their aim is to be experts in real estate, trends, and their local community, in order to help both buyers and sellers succeed. Roughly half of the people who can sell real estate (by getting a state license) take the additional steps to join NAR and become a REALTOR®. You can find licensed a REALTOR® by searching the NAR directory, or browsing regional resources.

Legal assistance is required in the home-buying process in some US states, but not others. States that currently require a real estate attorney to be involved include: Alabama Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Kansas Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Mississippi New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Dakota Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Vermont Virginia West Virginia As states pass new legislation, this list may change, so check local laws. Even if a lawyer is not required, the agreements and documentation in a home purchase do involve legal commitments. Engaging a legal representative may be helpful.