1. Going to buy new construction without a buyer's agent. The builders's agent represents the builder. Remember to go with your agent when you go for the first time. Once you are registered you can go by yourself . Different builders have different rules so check them out. The agent can also negotiate terms for you. See the consumer notice at www.parealtor.org/upload/assetmgmt/standard%20forms/PDFs/cn.pdf
2. Selecting too many options and then finding out your purchase price is much more than you had planned on spending on a house. Make sure you talk to a loan officer to see what you qualify for before you put down a deposit.
3.Not picking some options that might be really important to you and it might cost you too much money and inconvenience if you want to put it in later. If you can afford it, you might want to pick some options that will help sell your house faster if you do have to sell in a couple of years. Your agent can guide you about things that add value .
4.Changing your mind about floor plans and structural changes, once you have selected them. Most builders charge you when you make such changes, even though they may have not started construction.
5. Checking the reputation of the builder. There have been instances where the buyers have gone to a builder who did not complete construction or took more that 2 years to build.
Please read Five Biggest Mistakes Buyers make when looking for a house http://activerain.com/blogsview/163600/five-biggest-mistake-buyers
and the Advantages of hiring a Buyers agent http://activerain.com/blogsview/100328.the-advantages-of-hiring
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Good comments! The builder's reputation can often vary from region to region as well, based on the quality of the Project Management and subcontractors.
Naturally, being an inspector, I would add that having a 3 or 4 phase inspection of the home by a professional inspector (performed at several stages of construction) would also be wise. The right inspector should have an extensive background in construction methods and materials, building codes, and be familiar with standards for builder performance (like the NAHB "Residential Constrcution Performance Guidelines" that establish when an item it too far out of allowable tolerances.
While many builders have good quality control in place, some tend to rush or take short cuts, especially as the closing date nears.
To support your point about using your own agent - make sure that your builder does not disclaim responsibility for mold or installation of at least a passive radon mitigation system (one that penetrates the slab and terminates on teh EXTERIOR of the home).