Do I Need a Realtor When Building a Custom Home?

When shopping for their dream home, many prospective homeowners are exploring the possibility of building instead of buying an existing home. As Canadian home sales start to rebound, with a 3.6% increase in May 2025, the time to start actioning those dreams is now!

Early in the research process of house hunting, many people begin to wonder: do I need a realtor when building a custom home? Considering how complex the home building process is, and the amount of fine print and significant costs involved with it, it’s a valid concern.

At Montbeck Developments Inc., we work with clients from the first sketch to the final walkthrough. As Mississauga custom home builders, our team provides design, construction, site evaluation, and even financing options. So, where does a qualified real estate agent fit into the picture?

Understanding the Realtor's True Role and the Construction Process

Many people enter a new construction process assuming that a realtor can help manage the construction process, or act as a project lead. 

The right realtor can offer insights into neighbourhoods or recent real estate transactions, which may be helpful when initially purchasing property or home buying, but that is as far as their responsibilities go. They are not responsible for building contracts or site coordination. That role belongs to your builder. 

In the context of a custom home design/build project, a realtor’s role is limited to the market for land. An experienced realtor can assist in identifying suitable lots, evaluating zoning potential, and comparing recent sales to ensure the property aligns with your investment goals, however, once the land is purchased and you enter the design and construction phase, their role naturally recedes.

If you are considering an outright purchase, rather than a customized build, it’s important to distinguish between your realtor and a builder’s agent. A builder’s agent represents the builder’s interests. Their goal is to support the transaction on behalf of the builder, which may not always include disclosing hidden costs or identifying builder mistakes that could affect quality or value.

A realtor means having a personal advocate in your corner, someone who understands both market dynamics and the risks associated with new construction, but they won’t be involved in the actual build.

You Don't Need a Realtor to Start a Custom Build

At Montbeck, we handle the complex process of building a custom home from beginning to end, including land preparation, building permits, architectural plans, and construction management. 

This means that you don’t need to involve a real estate expert to begin the process of building your dream home. When working with professionals who understand the details of new construction, it keeps all project components aligned under one team and the process tends to move more smoothly.

Will a Realtor Really Get You a Better Deal?

Unlike resale transactions for model homes or buying a new construction, where the buyer’s agent represents your interests in a back-and-forth deal, building a custom home operates on different terms. Closing costs are determined by construction home costs, materials, design scope, custom features, and location.

Builders like Montbeck work with clients to outline clear specifications and options. Bringing in an experienced real estate agent may not create savings. It could mean you're paying for a service you don’t need.

Building With Confidence, Building With Montbeck

Choosing to build a custom home should feel empowering, and while the idea of having your own realtor by your side may offer comfort, it’s important to ask whether that agent represents your best interests or just adds another layer of complexity on top of all the paperwork. 

At Montbeck, we offer a client-first process that handles every step of the journey from site selection to design and delivery. Our goal is to help you customize your ideal space without unexpected costs or delays. 

Since our beginning, Montbeck has focused on architectural elegance, smart functionality, and delivering personalized homes in the GTA. If you’re considering a custom build or want to learn more about our homes and services, contact us to schedule an appointment. Let’s make your dream home a reality.