Yes — and in most cases it costs you nothing extra. If you're buying a new construction home in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, or anywhere in the surrounding area, having your own REALTOR® is worth understanding before you walk into a show home.
The Builder Already Has Representation — Do You?
When you walk into a show home in Edmonton, the person greeting you represents the builder. Their role is to represent the builder's interests in the transaction — which is entirely appropriate, but it does mean they are not prioritizing yours.
A buyer's agent like Jay Lewis of Lewis & Co. Realty | RE/MAX Excellence represents you in the transaction. His role is to help you understand the builder contract, review the conditions around your deposit, assess whether your possession timeline is reasonable, and provide context on upgrade pricing.
In most new construction transactions in Alberta, the builder compensates the buyer's agent as part of the purchase agreement. You typically do not pay your REALTOR® directly — though commission arrangements can vary between builders, so confirm the details with your agent before proceeding.
What Should Buyers Be Aware of in New Construction?
New construction contracts in Alberta reflect the builder's standard terms and conditions. There are several areas buyers benefit from reviewing carefully with a REALTOR® and a real estate lawyer before signing:
Possession date provisions. Builder contracts often include clauses that allow for timeline adjustments. Reviewing these with your REALTOR® and a real estate lawyer before signing helps ensure you understand your rights and obligations under the agreement.
Upgrade pricing. Upgrade costs vary between builders. A buyer's agent can help you think through which upgrades may offer long-term value and which may be more practical to complete after possession.
Independent inspections. New builds benefit from independent inspections at key stages — including at framing and at possession. Many buyers are not aware these inspections are available to them.
Deposit conditions. Understanding the conditions under which your deposit is refundable or non-refundable is an important part of reviewing any new construction agreement.
Jay Lewis — Construction Background, Real Estate Experience
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 background informs how he walks through a property and what he pays attention to at each stage of a build.
He is familiar with structural framing, build sequencing, and finish quality — allowing him to speak to those elements during site visits and possession walkthroughs in a way that draws on direct construction experience.
Jay is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence (Lewis & Co. Realty), and works with buyers in new construction communities across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain — including communities like Genesis on the Lakes, Easton, CopperHaven, Sienna, Summerwood, Cambrian, Hillshire, and Windermere.
How the Process Typically Works With a Buyer's Agent
Working with Jay on a new construction purchase generally involves the following steps:
Community and builder review. Jay can help you look at which communities and builders align with your budget, timeline, and priorities before you visit show homes.
Show home visits. Jay can accompany you to show homes and share observations based on his construction background.
Contract review. Before you sign anything, Jay reviews the builder contract with you — walking through key clauses and what they mean for you as a buyer.
Upgrade selections. Jay can share observations on upgrade options and help you think through the decision.
Build stage inspections. Jay can help coordinate independent inspections at key stages of construction.
Possession walkthrough. Jay assists with a possession inspection and helps document any deficiencies for the builder to review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the builder pay my REALTOR®'s commission on a new construction home? In many new construction transactions in Alberta, the builder compensates the buyer's agent as part of the overall transaction. Arrangements can vary between builders, so it's a good idea to confirm this before your first show home visit.
Can I use a REALTOR® if I've already visited the show home? In many cases, yes — but it's important to register your REALTOR® before signing any documents or agreements. Contact Jay early in the process to confirm your representation is in place. Best practice is to include your REALTOR® every step of the way
Is a new construction home inspection recommended? Independent inspections are generally recommended on new builds. New homes can have deficiencies, and having an inspector assess the home at key stages of construction — and again at possession — provides useful information before you take possession.
Thinking About Buying a New Build in Edmonton?
Jay Lewis works with buyers purchasing new construction homes across Edmonton and the surrounding communities. If you have questions about the process 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