How Realtors Partner with Builders

In the active world of real estate, the partnership between realtors and builders can lay the groundwork for unrivaled growth and success. Visualize an alliance where every new home builder development is met with ready-to-buy customers and each property listing captures superior quality and innovative architecture. This relationship redefines the real estate industry, sells more homes profitably, and magnifies buyer experiences. Discover the benefits of working with builders as a realtor and see why this synergy is the cornerstone of homebuilder success. 

Realtor-Builder Relationships

Realtors working with builders can often be portrayed as mere intermediaries facilitating transactions; however, this misinterpretation undermines these relationships' highly symbiotic and mutually beneficial nature. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), realtors were involved in selling new homes in about 88% of transactions, highlighting their integral role. Realtors working with builders go beyond the transactional stereotype, including strategic and marketing expertise, mutual respect, buyer influence, and shared success-driven goals. Understanding these partnerships' value acknowledges the industry's mutually beneficial alliance. 

5 Ways that Realtors Partner with Builders 

Here are five actionable ways to help you get started with building a realtor-builder relationship:

1. Co-op Policy Implementation 

A builder’s co-op policy provides structured incentives and commissions to real estate agents who bring buyers to new home communities. These policies encourage collaboration while working with builders and cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship. Follow this framework to integrate a builder co-op policy: 

• Conduct research to understand builder needs and preferences 
• Define clear objectives and mutual benefits
• Outline strategic efforts and protocols
• Formalize an agreement upon consulting with the builder and legal professional 
• Invest time in cultivating a solid relationship 
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success
• Promote internally and externally

2. Customized Buyer Programs

These programs provide a personalized approach to how realtors partner with builders, designed to enhance the buyer experience through unique incentives. Below are four incentives that make new construction more attractive to buyers:

Pre-Construction Access 

Realtors offer their clients coveted opportunities for new projects from partnered builders, including early access to the broader range of home options available. The realtor and builder benefit from the unique selling proposition, early commitments, accelerated sales process, and client satisfaction.

Co-Branded Marketing Efforts

Marketing materials elevate the realtor's profile and position while tapping into their extensive network of pre-qualified buyers. Creative brochures and flyers can highlight the features and customizations of new developments as well as the benefits of working with the realtor and builder. Co-branded blog posts and articles showcase the partnership and permit future backlinking projects. Joint social media campaigns and content across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok reach a more comprehensive digital audience. Collaborative marketing leverages each other’s strengths beyond digital advertising, including co-branded discounts and print media. 

Custom Home Design 

Homeowner Support

3. Model Home Hosting 

Realtors can influence their client relationship management, marketing skills, and the new home associates' detailed property knowledge through open house partnerships. 

This partnership can be broken down into three components: 

• The realtor and builder would initially discuss the partnership terms, roles, and responsibilities. Realtors should market the model home through their channels and schedule client appointments. 
• We recommend that the builder’s site agent perform the tour. They have the proper training to present the best features and amenities for the new home development. The site agent would conduct, and the agent would accompany, providing any additional support. 
• After the tour, the realtor follows up with the buyer to answer any questions and discuss the formalities of the sale. Both parties would continue to support each other throughout the closing process. 

This approach to working with builders streamlines the home buying process, ensuring a smooth transaction. Model home hosting creates stronger relationships and optimizes resource utilization. 

4. Market Analysis and Feedback

Utilizing comparative market analysis demonstrates how realtors partner with builders. Real estate agents can assist builders with valuable market information and buyer feedback regarding design preferences, pricing strategies, desired features, and buyer criteria. These suggestions help builders tailor their offerings to current market demands. This relationship curates a feedback loop whereby there is a continual development process and ongoing communication to make adjustments to enhance the marketability of the builders’ projects.

5. Real Estate Networking Events 

These events establish a platform from which direct interactions, relationship-building, and collaborative discussions can thrive. By fostering personal connections, there is trust in working with builders as realtors, and vice versa. Networking events are great opportunities to explore new business opportunities. 

Examples of networking events include: 

• Development expos: These events allow builders to showcase their latest projects, allowing realtors to identify new developments that suit their clients. 
• Local meetups: During this informal gathering, realtors and builders discuss market trends and innovative selling techniques. 
• Industry conferences: These educational events provide attendees with knowledge from industry experts and diverse group networks. 
• Community fundraisers: Local events supporting charities build community engagement, enhance both parties' public image, and build relationships in a social setting. 

Real estate collaborations create synergistic relationships, benefiting both parties and, most importantly, the client. It combines the strengths of both professions to deliver an exceptional home buying experience. Remember, you are both stewards to impactful work, playing roles in fulfilling people’s dreams of homeownership. A home is a place of fellowship and love; these partnerships have the opportunity to be a part of that process. 

It's time to leverage the benefits of working with a builder as a realtor! Get connected with our home builder partners today.