It is rare for builders to employ their own sales staff. Independent sales agencies sell for all builders and owners. There is no exclusivity, and unlike the UK, several estate agents can sell the same property.
The prices of new properties are fixed by the builder and are non-negotiable.
It is important to appreciate that using an independent agent does not mean you will pay more for a new property. Put another way, in by-passing the agent and going direct to the builder, you will not pay a lower price.
There is a very good reason for this: builders rely on agents for almost all of their business. Agents do most of the advertising and promotional work and spend time and money attracting clients from the UK and other countries, and more time and money escorting them around properties. Builders benefit from this and the relationship between builders and agents is therefore a strong one. So, while builders do not turn away clients who approach them direct, they keep faith with agents by offering no discounts off their standard price lists. That is how the system works.
In addition, reputable agents offer essential follow-up services such as introducing you to legal representatives, opening bank accounts, keeping you informed as the building progresses etc., services which are not provided directly by the builder.
A reputable agent with a good local knowledge can also recommend the best builders in the area, whereas without this knowledge you are open to dealing with possible unscrupulous builders etc.
