Why hire a Realtor® to help with the purchase of new construction?


The benefits of new construction are undeniable. 

~ The first to live there; untouched by others.
~ New appliances and warranties.
~ Finishes and treatments you may have gotten to choose. 

Buying new construction is ideal for many people and stopping in to visit a sales office can make the process seem like a breeze; but there are plenty of good reasons to make sure to bring your own Realtor® with you on that visit.

The Builder's Agent is who will greet you when you stop by a builder's sales office. When you purchase new construction you are purchasing from the builder and the builder will have an agent. When you purchase an existing construction you would want to have your own agent right? So why wouldn't you want to have your own agent when you purchase new construction? When you are purchasing new construction, the seller (in this case the builder) is still responsible for the commission for both agents so there is no additional responsibility for the buyer. Remember to bring your agent to the FIRST meeting with any builder you are considering; if you don't, the builder may refuse to work with your agent.

How does having your own Realtor® help when you are purchasing new construction?

* Understanding the neighborhood: The builder's agent is responsible for being able to answer all of your questions about the builder's product. Often times a builder will be building homes in multiple neighborhoods. They may know a lot about the codes & requirements to build in that neighborhood, but it isn't necessarily their responsibility to know everything about what that neighborhood has to offer, HOA information or fees associated with living there. Your Realtor® will find all of that information for you so you can make an informed decision.

* Understanding pricing: The builder's agent is just that; the agent for the builder. Their job is to get top dollar for the builder's product. Sometimes new construction is not even listed in the local MLS and comparables can be difficult to identify. Your Realtor® will work hard to find comparable home prices so that you know you are paying a fair price for your home.

* Understanding the contract: Your Realtor® will have your best interests in mind when you are reviewing the contract to purchase your new construction. They will help you understand what you are signing and make sure that the terms are fair for both parties.

* Inspections: Just because the property is a new construction does not mean that you don't need an inspection. Many builder's hire subcontractors to do most of the work on the properties. Having another set of informed eyes to make sure everything has been completed is very important. Think of an inspection on new construction as having an expert help you create your "punch list". I mean, they will get on the roof to make sure all the flashing is properly installed and that is something I would rather find out about BEFORE the first rain.

* Gate-Keeper, Opinion-Giver, Support System: Often times a buyer may not know which builder they would prefer when they first start the process of deciding to build a home. They will visit multiple builder's offices to review the product they have to offer and visit with several builder's agents. Again, the builder's agent has a goal to sell their builder's product. It can be difficult to walk away without making a deposit or even just telling them no. Your Realtor® can be your voice in these times. Your agent will have experience with many builders in the area and can offer suggestions for who you should visit and who will have products that may suit the style and areas you are looking for. Your Realtor® may have previous experience with some of the builders in the area that they can provide input on what it is like to work with them.

There a plenty of good reasons to make sure to bring your Realtor® to that very first meeting with any builder! If you are considering building a home or working with a builder I would love to be a resource for you!

Michelle@TM5Properties.com



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