Walking the model home? Bring someone in your corner.
Buying new construction in the Lowcountry runs by different rules than buying a resale. The agent at the model represents the builder, not you. The contract is the builder's contract. The negotiation is rarely on price. Here's what worth knowing before you sign — and the communities I work.
Six things buyers usually don't hear at the model home.
There's a lot of confusion around how new-construction representation works. The short version: you can have your own agent, the builder pays them, and you're better off for it.
The model-home agent works for the builder
The person greeting you at the model is paid by the builder to close the sale on the builder's terms. They are friendly and informative — and they are not your advocate. What you tell them is information that flows back to the seller.
Your own representation costs you nothing
The builder pays both sides at the closing table. Bringing me along doesn't add a dollar to your purchase price — but skipping it removes the only person at the table working the builder's contract on your behalf.
The real negotiation is rarely on base price
Most builders hold the line on base price; moving it sets a precedent for every other buyer. Where the wins live: upgrades, lot premiums, closing costs, rate buydowns, appliance packages, fences, blinds. I know which builders give on which line items — and which won't.
The contract is the builder's contract
Builders use their own purchase agreement, drafted by their attorneys for their interests. The standard contingencies you'd have on a resale — appraisal, inspection, financing — may not survive the builder's draft. Knowing which clauses to push back on is most of the value of having me there.
Timeline risk is real
Permits, weather, supply chains, labor. A six-month build is often nine. Your deposit is your leverage; how the contract treats delays decides who pays for the extended rate lock or the second move-out.
Day-one choices drive resale years later
Corner lot or interior. Kitchen upgrade or primary suite. Third bay or no third bay. The decisions you make at the design center are what your home is worth in five years when you sell. I can tell you which options the local resale market actually pays for.
Walking a model this weekend?
Bring me with you — or have me there before you sign. No cost to you, and you'll know what to ask, what to push on, and what the builder's going to say next.
New-construction inventory across the tri-county.
I work the major new-construction communities across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties — models, price points, incentives, and lot maps. As inventory comes across my desk from builders and other agents, I list it here. The other agents' contact info is left off on purpose; if a home looks interesting, you call me.
Central Park
Nature trails · Minutes to Downtown and the Beach. HOA $1,200/yr · $1,200 one-time capital contribution (due at closing).
Primary on 2nd floor, fireplace, screened porch, dual balcony
Dual primaries, study/flex on main, loft, screened porch, double driveways
Primary on main, study/flex on main, loft, fireplace, screened porch, double porches
Primary on main, study/flex on main, loft, screened porch, double porches
Primary on main, loft, fireplace, screened porch, double porches
TBB. Dual primaries, loft, fireplace, screened porch
TBB. Dual primaries, guest suite, loft, fireplace, screened porch, double porches w/ triple French doors
TBB. Dual primaries, loft, fireplace, screened porch
Primary on main, guest suite, fireplace, screened porch, double porches w/ triple French doors
Primary on 2nd floor with balcony, study on main, fireplace, sunroom and screened porch
Primary on 2nd floor with balcony, study on main, fireplace, sunroom and screened porch
Primary on 2nd floor with balcony, guest suite on main, fireplace, sunroom and screened porch
Primary on 2nd floor with balcony, study on main, fireplace, sunroom and screened porch
Primary on main, dining and study on main, 2nd floor loft, 4 bedrooms upstairs
Primary on main, dining and study on main, 2nd floor loft, 3 bedrooms upstairs
Prices, options, and availability change frequently. Listings here reflect the most recent flyers from each builder — call me for the latest before walking the model home.
Photos: Dream Finders Homes (community hero by KeenEyeMarketing). Floor-plan renderings used as a fallback for to-be-built lots.
Walking a model this weekend?
Bring me with you — or have me there before you sign. No cost to you, and you'll know what to ask, what to push on, and what the builder's going to say next.