The place to start is making sure you, the home buyer, has representation. This means NEVER dealing directly with the on site sales reps or builders agent. They may be very nice people but they don't represent you! Over the years I have often had buyers referred to me who were thinking of a new home. After we had a chance to talk they would discover there was much they were never informed of. They often did not know the sales history in the area they were considering. Meaning if they needed to sell the home in the next few years they may not be able to or they would have to sell it for thousands less than they paid for it!
They did not realize how the taxes would be calculated on the their new home. They were often not aware of items in the "builders agreement" that could hurt them down the road. They did not know their options with construction financing verses end loan financing and which one may protect them more.I could go on and on. Bottom line, it costs a buyer nothing to have representation and it can cost them a GREAT DEAL not to!
When selecting an agent to represent you in new construction be SURE to ask that agent questions. Don't assume all will do the same thing or all are equally qualified. Just a few of the questions to ask should be.
a) How many buyers a year do YOU represent?
b) How often have you represented buyers in new construction?
c) What kind of things will you do to protect me during the process and after?
Again, I could go on. The key here is you don't want an agent using YOU to practice on. You want an experienced professional in your corner.