Walking Into a Maryland Model Home? The Builder’s Representative Does Not Represent You

By Dawn Riley, Associate Broker, Realtor, Master Certified Negotiator and Pricing Strategy Advisor | Published August 4, 2026

Starting October 1, 2026, Maryland builders holding a property open must clearly disclose that the builder’s sales representative represents the builder, not the buyer.

Why the notice is necessary

A model-home sales representative may be helpful and professional, but that person works for the builder. The representative’s duty is not to negotiate against the builder for the buyer.

Registration can affect representation

Builders may have registration policies affecting outside broker involvement. A buyer should contact their agent before the first model-home visit, online registration or substantive conversation with a sales office.

New construction is still a negotiation

Price may be only one term. Lot premium, incentives, lender credits, options, completion dates, inspections, deposits, change orders and warranty terms can carry more financial weight than a headline discount.

Calvert County property issues still apply

New does not mean simple. Buyers may need to evaluate roads, stormwater, utilities, HOA documents, broadband, school boundaries, commuting patterns and future phases.

What independent representation adds

A buyer’s agent can compare competing communities, explain the transaction process, track deadlines and negotiate within the brokerage relationship. Legal interpretation should go to a Maryland attorney.

The bottom line

This law deserves attention, but it should not be overstated. My role is to identify the issue early, verify the controlling information and strategically position my client with clear deadlines and documented facts.