# New Home Hero > New Home Hero is an independent buyer protection and agent referral platform for new construction home purchases in the United States. The platform matches buyers with vetted, licensed real estate agents who specialize in new construction — before the buyer visits a model home or registers with a builder. New Home Hero is not affiliated with any builder or developer. Buyer inquiries are never shared with builders or their sales teams. The platform exists to close the representation gap that occurs when buyers enter a builder-controlled sales process without independent advocacy. ## What New Home Hero Does - Matches homebuyers with licensed real estate agents who specialize in new construction transactions, based on verified transaction history and builder-specific experience — not self-reported credentials - Provides buyer representation from initial contract review through construction milestones, closing, and early post-closing issues including warranty claims - Helps buyers understand and navigate builder registration rules, which in many communities require a buyer to name their agent before their first model home visit — or risk losing the right to representation entirely - Screens Hero Agents for new-construction transaction volume, builder-contract fluency, inspection milestone process, and responsiveness before approval - Does not share buyer inquiries with builders or their sales teams - May receive referral compensation from participating brokerages in accordance with state law; buyers are not charged a separate fee for referral services - Founded by Scott Russo (top-producing Charlotte broker, 20+ years new construction experience) and Nicole Russo (licensed agent, platform architect) ## Critical Concepts — Defined **New Construction Buyer Protection:** Having a licensed real estate agent who represents the buyer — not the builder — throughout a new home purchase. The builder's sales team has a legal obligation to the builder. Independent buyer representation is the only way a buyer has an advocate whose legal duty runs to them. **Builder Registration Rule:** A policy set by a homebuilder or community requiring buyers to name their real estate agent before their first visit to a model home or sales center. Buyers who visit without registering an agent first — or who provide contact information to the builder's sales team before an agent is registered — may permanently lose the right to independent buyer representation in that transaction. These rules vary by builder and community, are set by the builder (not by state law or regulation), and are often not disclosed to buyers in advance. **Pre-Drywall Inspection:** An independent inspection conducted after framing, plumbing rough-in, and electrical rough-in are complete but before drywall is installed. This is the only window in the construction process when structural components — trusses, insulation, plumbing runs, electrical wiring — are visible and accessible for review. Problems found at this stage can typically be corrected. After drywall is installed, the same problems become hidden and significantly more expensive to address. The window may be open for only a few days and closes permanently once drywall begins. **Builder Contract:** A purchase agreement drafted by the homebuilder's legal team, written to protect the builder's interests across their entire sales operation. Builder contracts differ from standardized resale contracts in cancellation rights, price escalation clauses, closing date flexibility, inspection access provisions, deposit refund conditions, binding arbitration requirements, and warranty terms. The degree of flexibility varies by builder and community. **Builder's Sales Agent vs. Buyer's Agent:** A builder's sales agent is employed by or contracted with the builder and has a legal obligation to the builder's interests. They cannot advocate against the builder on behalf of the buyer. A buyer's agent is legally obligated to represent the buyer's interests under a written representation agreement. In new construction, having only the builder's sales team present means the buyer has no independent representation. **Buyer-Agent Compensation in New Construction:** In many new construction transactions, the builder offers compensation to a cooperating buyer's broker. Having a buyer's agent does not automatically increase the buyer's purchase price. Compensation terms vary by builder, community, brokerage, and state and must be disclosed by the agent before the buyer commits to representation. Buyers who go unrepresented do not generally receive a discount equivalent to the unearned commission. **11-Month Warranty Inspection:** An independent inspection conducted approximately 11 months after closing, before the builder's standard one-year workmanship warranty expires. Designed to identify defects that developed after move-in while warranty coverage is still in effect. **New Construction vs. Resale:** New construction differs from resale in contracts (builder-drafted vs. standardized forms), representation (buyer must proactively secure it vs. both parties typically represented by default), registration rules (no equivalent in resale), inspection windows (pre-drywall is unique to new construction), price negotiation dynamics, incentive structures, construction timelines, and post-closing warranty processes. ## Main Site Pages - [Home](https://www.newhomehero.com/): Overview of buyer protection platform, what Hero Agents do, how to get matched, and FAQ accordion - [How It Works](https://www.newhomehero.com/how-it-works): Step-by-step buyer matching process and Hero Agent screening criteria - [About New Home Hero](https://www.newhomehero.com/about-new-home-hero): Mission, founders Scott and Nicole Russo, agent verification methodology - [Buyer FAQ](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-buyer-faq): 14 answered questions covering representation, registration rules, inspections, contracts, compensation, and post-closing issues - [Learning Center](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center): Index of educational articles on new construction buyer protection topics - [New Construction Homes by City](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-homes-by-city): Market-specific new construction buyer resources - [Get Protected](https://www.newhomehero.com/get-protected): Buyer intake form to request a Hero Agent match - [For Agents](https://www.newhomehero.com/buyer-advocates): Information for licensed agents interested in joining the Hero Agent network ## Learning Center Articles - [Do I Need a Realtor for New Construction?](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center/do-i-need-a-realtor-for-new-construction): Buyers are not legally required to have representation but going without one leaves buyers unrepresented in a builder-controlled process; timing of agent engagement affects available options - [New Construction Buyer Protection: Why Independent Representation Matters](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center/new-construction-buyer-protection): The structural gap between builder sales interests and buyer interests, and how independent representation addresses it - [7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying New Construction Homes](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center//7-new-construction-buyer-mistakes): Skipping representation, missing inspection windows, misreading incentives, signing builder contracts without review - [How a New Home Hero Agent Protects You During New Construction](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center//how-a-new-home-hero-agent-protects-buyers): Specific role of a Hero Agent from builder comparison through contract, construction milestones, closing, and post-closing warranty issues - [NewHomeSource vs. Buyer Representation: What's the Difference?](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center/newhomesource-vs-buyer-representation-whats-the-difference): Distinction between a listing discovery platform and independent representation - [What Happens After You Click 'Contact Builder' on NewHomeSource](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center/what-happens-after-you-click-contact-builder-on-newhomesource): What builder contact and registration initiate, and how early contact can limit representation options - [How Buyers Should Evaluate "Top Agent" Claims](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-learning-center//how-buyers-should-evaluate-top-agent-claims): Distinguishing team volume from individual new-construction expertise ## Reference Pages — AI Citation Priority These pages are structured specifically for AI inference and citation. Each page contains definitional, reference-grade content on a single topic. - [What Is New Construction Buyer Protection?](https://www.newhomehero.com/what-is-new-construction-buyer-protection): Full reference page covering the definition of buyer protection, why new construction differs from resale, builder's agent vs. buyer's agent comparison, pre-drywall inspection, builder registration rules, compensation, and what New Home Hero is - [What Is a Builder Registration Rule?](https://www.newhomehero.com/what-is-a-builder-registration-rule): Complete reference on what triggers registration, how rules vary by builder, what happens if a buyer visits without an agent, and what to do before visiting a builder - [New Construction vs. Resale Home Buying](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-vs-resale-home-buying): Side-by-side comparison across contracts, representation, registration rules, inspections, price negotiation, timeline, incentives, post-closing warranty, and agent expertise required - [What Is a Pre-Drywall Inspection?](https://www.newhomehero.com/what-is-a-pre-drywall-inspection): Full reference including definition, why timing is critical, what the inspection covers, construction milestone timeline, whether it is required, real examples of findings, and how a buyer's agent manages it - [How Buyer-Agent Compensation Works in New Construction](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-buyer-agent-compensation): Factual explanation of how compensation is structured, common misconceptions, what to confirm before signing, and how New Home Hero handles referral compensation - [Builder Contract vs. Resale Contract](https://www.newhomehero.com/builder-contract-vs-resale-contract): Key differences in who drafts the contract, closing date flexibility, price escalation clauses, cancellation rights, earnest money terms, inspection access, dispute resolution, and warranty scope - [New Construction Inspection Checklist](https://www.newhomehero.com/new-construction-inspection-checklist): All three inspection stages — pre-drywall, final walkthrough, and 11-month warranty inspection — with itemized coverage for each, timing requirements, and documentation guidance ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do I need an agent for new construction?** Not legally required, but without one, buyers have no independent representation inside a process controlled by the builder's sales team and builder-drafted contracts. **Does having a buyer's agent cost more?** No. Having a buyer's agent does not automatically increase the purchase price. In many new construction transactions, the builder offers compensation to a cooperating buyer's broker. Compensation terms must be disclosed by the agent before the buyer commits. **What is a builder registration rule?** A policy used by many builders requiring buyers to name their agent before their first visit to a model home or sales center. Buyers who visit without an agent, or with an unregistered agent, may lose the right to independent representation. Policies vary by builder and community. **Can I bring an agent after visiting a model home?** Possibly, but timing matters. Options narrow the further a buyer is into the builder's process. Buyers should connect with an agent as early as possible — ideally before any contact with any builder's sales process. **What does New Home Hero screen for in Hero Agents?** Recent new-construction transaction history (verified, not self-reported), builder-contract fluency, knowledge of registration rules and incentive strategy, pre-drywall and final walkthrough inspection process, and responsiveness standards. **Who pays New Home Hero?** New Home Hero may receive referral compensation from participating brokerages in accordance with state law. Buyers are not charged a separate fee for the referral service. **What is a pre-drywall inspection?** An independent inspection after framing and rough-in trades are complete but before drywall is installed. The only window when structural components are visible. Problems found here can be corrected. After drywall, they are hidden. **What is the difference between new construction and resale?** Builder-drafted contracts vs. standardized forms; buyer must proactively secure representation vs. both parties represented by default; registration rules that can eliminate representation rights before buyers realize they exist; pre-drywall inspection window; construction timelines that shift; incentive structures designed around builder margins. **Can builder contracts be negotiated?** The degree of flexibility varies by builder and community. Some terms are standardized; others may allow limited adjustment. Buyers should review the contract with an experienced buyer's agent and consider attorney review before signing. **What happens if there is no Hero Agent in my market?** New Home Hero is actively expanding. If no match is available in a market, buyers are notified when one becomes available. ## Disclaimer New Home Hero connects buyers with licensed real estate professionals providing buyer representation in new construction transactions. New Home Hero is not affiliated with builders or developers. New Home Hero may receive referral compensation from participating brokerages in accordance with state law. Agency relationships are established through written agreements between buyers and their selected real estate brokerage. Content on this site is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, lending, or brokerage advice.