Buying New Construction in Southeast Michigan? Know Your Options Before Visiting a Model Home
Thinking about buying a brand new home in Southeast Michigan?
The 2026 Parade of Homes offers a great opportunity to explore new construction, compare floor plans, and discover communities you might not have considered.
This year's exhibition features 37 model homes from members of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan, with properties across a wide range of prices.
But before you walk into a model home, there's something important to understand.
You can choose your own real estate agent to represent you when purchasing new construction.
What Can You Buy for $600,000 to $800,000?
The 2026 Southeastern Michigan Parade of Homes features several examples in this price range.
Among the advertised options:
South Lyon: The Lyon, starting at $699,900.
Commerce Township: The Harvest, starting in the high $600,000s.
West Bloomfield: The Dublin, starting in the $700,000s.
Lyon Township: Kensington II, starting in the mid $700,000s.
Milford Village: The Sunset, advertised at $625,000.
These prices are useful starting points, but they don't necessarily represent the final cost of the home you would purchase.
Lot premiums, structural options, upgraded finishes, and other selections can change the price considerably.
The Model Home Isn't Always the Base Home
Model homes are designed to showcase a builder's available features.
That beautiful kitchen, finished basement, covered patio, or upgraded flooring might not be included in the advertised starting price.
Before comparing builders, ask:
What features are included in the base price?
Are lot premiums additional?
What upgrades are shown in the model?
Are appliances, landscaping, and a deck included?
What are the estimated completion dates?
What warranties and inspection opportunities are provided?
A $650,000 home with substantial upgrades could ultimately cost more than another builder's $700,000 home with more features included.
Who Does the Salesperson at the Model Home Represent?
When you visit a new construction community, you may meet a builder's salesperson or a real estate agent affiliated with the builder.
That person may be knowledgeable, helpful, and professional.
However, don't assume that the person selling the home is representing you as the buyer.
A salesperson working for the builder is generally there to market the builder's homes and help complete sales.
You have the option of choosing your own buyer's agent to represent your interests.
Under Michigan's real estate agency framework, a buyer's agent working under a buyer agency agreement owes duties to the buyer.
That representation can be valuable when comparing properties, reviewing pricing, discussing contract terms, and coordinating inspections.
Contact Your Buyer's Agent Before Your First Visit
This is especially important.
Many builders have registration policies governing when a buyer's agent must be identified.
Some require your agent to accompany you on your first visit or register you before touring.
For example, Singh Homes publishes a broker registration policy requiring an agent to accompany and register the buyer on the first visit for the builder's stated commission arrangement.
Policies vary by builder.
The safest approach is to contact your buyer's agent before visiting a model home, registering online, or signing paperwork.
If you've already visited a builder, you may still be able to arrange representation, but the builder's registration and compensation policies should be reviewed promptly.
Does Having Your Own Agent Cost More?
Not necessarily.
Some builders offer compensation to cooperating buyer brokers, while others may have different arrangements.
Real estate compensation is negotiable and should be explained in your buyer agency agreement.
You should understand whether the builder is offering compensation, what your agreement provides, and whether you could have any additional payment responsibility.
Don't assume that purchasing directly from the builder automatically results in a discount, or that builder compensation is guaranteed.
Why I Recommend Having Your Own Representation
As both a Michigan real estate agent and licensed builder, I can help buyers look at new construction from two perspectives.
There's the real estate side, including pricing, comparable properties, location, resale potential, negotiations, and contracts.
Then there's the construction side, including building materials, site conditions, upgrades, allowances, and the details buyers sometimes overlook.
A builder's sales team knows its homes. Your buyer's agent can help you compare those homes with other builders and existing properties.
Before You Tour, Let's Make a Plan
Whether you're interested in South Lyon, Northville, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield, Plymouth, or another Southeast Michigan community, I'd be happy to help you explore your options.
We can review available builders, compare pricing, discuss your needs, and arrange representation before you visit.
You can work with the builder and still have someone representing you.
Builder pricing, incentives, registration policies, and compensation arrangements vary. Confirm current terms directly with the builder and review applicable agreements before making commitments.