Bring and register your agent on the first visit to the builder, and you get up to 1% of the price back at closing plus full representation. Skip that step and you can lose both.
Yes, you can get a rebate on new construction in California — but you must register your agent on the first visit to the builder. The builder pays a co-op commission (often 2–3%) to buyer's agents who register their client up front; that co-op funds a rebate of up to 1% of the price at closing. The builder's rep works for the builder, so your own agent negotiates upgrades and contract terms. Builder incentives usually stack with the rebate.
Bring your agent — and register them — on your very first visit to the builder. Do that, and you get up to 1% of the price back at closing while keeping full representation. Walk in alone, and you can lose both.
New-construction sales offices work differently from resale. The friendly rep at the model home works for the builder, not you. Builders pay a co-op commission to buyer's agents who register their client on the first visit — that co-op is what funds your rebate. Skip it, and there's no buyer-agent compensation to share, and no one on your side of the table. This is the single most important thing to know. Start with the rebate pillar.
You pay nothing extra, and the builder's base price is the same either way. The co-op is already built into the builder's budget.
Because the builder's rep negotiates for the builder. An experienced buyer's agent earns their place by:
Builders dangle incentives — closing-cost credits, rate buydowns through their preferred lender, free upgrades. Good news: these usually stack with your rebate, because the rebate comes from the co-op commission, not the incentive budget. The catch is the fine print — some incentives require using the builder's lender. We help you compare the true cost, incentives and rebate together, so you don't trade a better rate for a worse price.
| Builder incentive | Your buyer rebate | |
|---|---|---|
| Comes from | Builder's marketing budget | Co-op commission |
| Requires builder's lender? | Often yes | No |
| Stacks with the other? | Usually yes | Usually yes |
| Negotiable? | Sometimes | Fixed up to 1% |
Before you visit, so we can register you and protect your rebate.
In person or online — this establishes buyer-agent compensation.
Upgrades, lot premium, incentives, and contract terms in your favor.
Independent inspections at key phases and before closing.
Up to 1% of the price back — as cash, credit, or buydown.
Tell us before you visit. We'll register you, protect your rebate, and negotiate the builder contract in your favor.
Disclaimer: Portfolio Home Realty is a licensed California real estate brokerage (DRE #02232009) serving Los Angeles County and Orange County. The buyer rebate is a portion of the buyer-side commission returned to eligible buyers at closing and is generally up to 1% of the purchase price, subject to lender approval and the seller offering buyer-agent compensation. Dollar figures on this page are illustrative estimates, not guarantees. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice — consult your CPA, attorney, or lender about your situation. Equal Housing Opportunity.