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WHY YOU NEED AN AGENT WHEN BUILDING A HOME
Cost to You
Nothing! Any compensation given to REALTOR is recognized by the builder as a marketing fee and has no impact on the final cost of the home. Builders desire, expect and encourage REALTOR participation.
Savings to You
Are you getting what you're entitle to have ... both in quality and value? Your experienced agent knows what you should receive and what "extras" might be available.
Resale...Appreciation & Profit
Give your investment the best opportunity for appreciation at resale. Questions concerning site location, builder, design and decor are important. Your agent knows you are building not only for today ... but for tomorrow.
You Are Represented
With your real estate agent, YOU are represented! Your agent's experience, knowledge, and reputation represents strength and leverage on your behalf.
THE HOMEBUYERS GUIDE TO NEW HOMES
10 TIPS TO SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY
1. Get in Touch with your Agent.
Before you visit your first home, sit down with your agent/realtor and do your homework. You'll want to be prepared so that you can determine a comfortable price range for your new home. Determine a Comfortable Price Range - better yet let your realtor connect you to a loan officer to get you preapproved for a loan. Determine the size of your downpayment
and convey that to the loan officer.
2. Sellers' Agents Versus Buyers' Agents
Here's a good point to remember. The sales agent in the model home represents the builder, not YOU. They are known as sellers' agents. As a buyer you can work with buyers' agent/realtor at no additional cost. It is his/her business to best represent your needs by being knowledgeable about home cosntruction, warranties, financing, differences in rpicing, quality, even lot selection so that you can get the best value for your money. In fact, this is the reason for the licenses of realtors - in order to protect the financial interest of the buying public or /consuming public.
3. A Builder for All Reasons
Like all tradesmen, builders vary in their fields of expertise. For example there are builders who specialize in craftsmanship, others who are known for their innovative use of space, and those who offer below-market financing or customer attention during construction and after move-in. You will determine your own specific needs or preferences then yor realtor may suggest the builder or the community where they build that can address your requirements.
4. Get the Facts About Your Builder
Before making a final decision, it is wise that you and your realor will check out reputation and financial strength of the builder. Get "spec sheets" on home features covering everything from floor plans to energy efficieny, including lot availability and delivery of your home.
5. Check Out the Neighborhood
* Learn as much as you can about the community
* Discover what amenities it has to offer.
* Investigate if fianncial reserves have been set aside to build or replace major amenities liek raods/strees.
* Review the rules for the homeowner's association or find out if one will be set up and the amount of the dues
* Find out if there is a plan for construction in the area
of the adjacent vacant land.
6. Choosing Options and Upgrades
The least expensive the base price of the house is, the more options and upgrades you can add without fear of overpricing it for the neighborhood. Options are items the builder installs during construction, such as adding usable space like sunroom or den. These features can add the most to the resale value of your home. Upgrading means means selecting quality above "builder standard". Your realtor will guide you on the selections and how to take advantage of builder incentives.
7. Negoitaitons
Oftern buyers don't realize that there may be room for negotiating price, upgrades or options. For example, your realtor will have some scope for negotiating with the builder who has an almost completed home but has not sold yet. Your realtor will know the builders' offer for discounts or special financing to help close the deal.
8. Be Sure the Contract Works in Your Favor
This is where your realtor can specially help you. Do not write or sign a contract with a builder's representative without the presence of your realtor who has expertise in the
real estate documents and contract. He/she will help explain the fine prints in the warranties of the builder and other improtant items in the contract.
9. Financing - What's Best For You
Some builders especially in high volume communities that place large numbers of loans can offer special financing packages. However, home loan lending is highly competitive and you have many financing choices other those being offered by the builder. Let your realtor help you shop for the best financing and lender for you to get the right program that will fit to your needs.
10. Just Because it's New - Doesn't Mean it's Perfect.
Yes, it's new and typically it's built with modern materials that are durable, low maintenance, stronger, quieter and safer. But becasue nothing is perfect, even if it's new, consider hiring a reputable licensed home inspector. Your realtor will help you create a "punchlist" from what you've learned to address any problems before closing.
In short, the smart realtor you choose in the buying process of your home will be such a help in your real estate transaction. It gives you peace of mind and you'll have an
enjoyable experience during the process. That's where we can come in. Give us a call and experience the difference!
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