It’s no surprise that the 2025 housing market will be deeply influenced by the new administration—though it’s hard to say exactly how.
While no one has a crystal ball, there are a few housing market predictions gaining traction: mortgage rates will likely stay above 6%, commission rates might drop, there could be a slight uptick in existing homes for sale, demand for rentals is expected to climb, and it’s still going to be a seller’s market.
In short, it’s a mixed bag, but some distinctly good news is that new home construction is on the rise. Realtor.com predicts a 13.8% increase in single-family housing starts—that’s 1.1 million new homes.
This growth in new construction presents a big opportunity for ambitious agents to not only expand their business but also potentially carve out a fresh niche. By teaming up with builders or helping buyers interested in new homes, you can learn a valuable new skill set, tap into more inventory, and attract a fresh pool of clients.
And the benefits don’t end there.
If you’re intrigued, keep reading to get the lowdown on its advantages from Dennis and Teresa Walsh, recognized experts in residential construction, new-home sales, and real estate marketing, who have spent decades helping agents bridge the gap between themselves and builders.
4 benefits of working with builders
More than 36 years ago, Dennis, who was working in construction at the time, noticed that builders and Realtors® weren’t often on the same page when it came to working together. He was routinely being asked by various building associations to explain the process to both sides. To fix the problem, he and Teresa created their Certified New Home Specialist, Residential Remodeling Specialist, and Residential Construction Certified courses. Over the years, they’ve trained more than 170,000 builders and real estate professionals, and their programs are even endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders.
Not long ago, I sat down with the Walshes to record an episode for our Stay Paid podcast. When we talked, they laid out some compelling advantages of working with developers and new-home buyers and why agents should consider becoming certified.
1. You’ll stand out from the competition
According to Teresa, 60% of active buyers are interested in new homes, but instead of calling an agent, they go directly to the builder. Why? Most agents don’t (or can’t) position themselves as experts in new-home sales.
Think about it: If a buyer in your market Googled for an agent who could help them compare different types of builders or tell them who the best one is, would your name pop up? Probably not. But a designation like Certified New Home Specialist will identify you as uniquely qualified, putting you ahead of other agents. The real key, though, is knowing your stuff and being able to show buyers why you’re the go-to resource for new homes.
2. You’ll build expertise and credibility
Working with new homes isn’t the same as working with existing ones—it’s an entirely different ball game. Getting certified gives you the knowledge you need to confidently guide clients through the process, from securing financing and deciding floor plans to managing construction costs and understanding contracts (which, heads-up, tend to be way more detailed than standard ones).
Imagine a new-home buyer interested in a specific location or area lands in your lap tomorrow. Could you answer these questions?
- Who owns the lot?
- How do I finance the build?
- How do I keep costs in check during construction?
- What’s the difference between allowances and selections?
Then there are teardowns, rebuilds, infill development, raw land sales, and lot sales; all these situations present opportunities that an agent may not have previously considered.
If these topics leave you at a loss, you’re not alone. It’s exactly why training programs exist. By becoming an expert, you’ll not only feel more confident but also position yourself as someone buyers and builders can trust—and that means more referrals and repeat business.
3. You’ll unlock more inventory
As an agent, you know that one of the biggest challenges in today’s market is low inventory. But once you’ve used your specialized knowledge and skill to build a good relationship with a developer, they can offer you preferred or exclusive access to newly constructed homes, either in planned developments or lots, and properties that aren’t publicly listed, like teardown homes or speculative builds.
Even in areas without much new development, partnering with builders can pay off down the road. For instance, some also handle renovations or remodels, which can lead to referrals for homeowners getting ready to sell. They can even share tips for highlighting potential upgrades in listings, making your marketing stand out to buyers.
4. You’ll earn more commission
In fact, Dennis and Teresa told me that builders frequently reach out to them, asking to connect them with certified agents who can represent them well. Being in that network can open the door to some seriously lucrative opportunities.
Take action
