If you're buying a new build in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, or the surrounding area, you may have heard that you should have your own REALTOR® — but what does a buyer's agent actually do in a new construction transaction? Here's a straightforward breakdown.
A Buyer's Agent Represents You — Not the Builder
The starting point is understanding who represents who. When you visit a show home, the sales representative on site works for the builder. Their role is to assist the builder in completing a sale under the builder's terms.
A new construction buyer's agent like Jay Lewis of Lewis & Co. Realty | RE/MAX Excellence is engaged by you and works on your behalf throughout the transaction. His role is to help you navigate the process with your interests in mind at each step.
What a New Construction Buyer's Agent Does
Helps You Choose the Right Community and Builder
Before you walk into a show home, a buyer's agent can help you think through which communities and builders align with your budget, lifestyle, and timeline. Edmonton and the surrounding area have a wide range of new construction options — from entry-level townhomes to move-up single family homes — and the right fit depends on factors that go beyond the show home experience.
Jay works with buyers across communities including Genesis on the Lakes, Easton, CopperHaven, Sienna, Summerwood, Cambrian, Hillshire, Windermere, and others across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain.
Reviews the Builder Contract With You
New construction purchase agreements are prepared by the builder and reflect the builder's standard terms and conditions. Before you sign, a buyer's agent reviews the contract with you — walking through key clauses including possession date provisions, deposit conditions, upgrade terms, and any other areas worth knowing about before you commit.
It is also strongly recommended that buyers have a real estate lawyer review the contract independently before signing.
Provides Context on Upgrade Pricing
Upgrades are one of the most significant financial decisions in a new construction purchase. A buyer's agent can help you think through which upgrades tend to hold long-term value, which are more practical to complete after possession, and how to approach the upgrade process with your overall budget in mind.
Coordinates Independent Inspections
New builds benefit from independent inspections at key stages of construction — typically at framing and again at possession. Many buyers are not aware these inspections are available to them on a new build. A buyer's agent can help coordinate these inspections and be present to discuss any findings.
Assists With the Possession Walkthrough
At possession, a buyer's agent helps you conduct a thorough walkthrough of the completed home, documenting any deficiencies with the builder to review and address before or after you take possession.
Jay Lewis — A Construction Background That Informs Every Step
Jay Lewis spent over 20 years in construction through his company Konstruct, specializing in framing new homes, renovations, and full contract builds across the Edmonton area. That hands-on background informs how he approaches every stage of a new construction purchase — from evaluating build quality during site visits to reviewing finish standards at possession.
He is familiar with structural framing, build sequencing, and construction materials — which allows him to speak to those elements in a practical, informed way throughout the process.
Jay is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence (Lewis & Co. Realty). He works with buyers purchasing new construction homes across Edmonton and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a new construction buyer's agent cost anything? In most new construction transactions in Alberta, the builder compensates the buyer's agent as part of the overall transaction. You typically do not pay your REALTOR® directly. Commission arrangements can vary between builders, so confirm the details with your agent before proceeding.
When should I contact a buyer's agent in the new construction process? As early as possible — ideally before you visit any show homes. Registering your REALTOR® before your first show home visit ensures your representation is in place from the start.
Can a buyer's agent help me if I've already chosen a builder? In many cases, yes. Contact Jay to discuss where you are in the process and whether representation is still available to you.
Thinking About Buying a New Build in Edmonton?
Jay Lewis works with buyers at every stage of the new construction process — from community selection through to possession. If you have questions or would like to discuss a specific community or builder, Jay is available to help.
Call or text Jay at 780-220-8449, or visit jaysells.ca.
Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence | Lewis & Co. Realty