Buying New Construction

THINKING OF BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION?

5 REASONS YOU NEED YOUR OWN AGENT WHEN YOU BUY NEW CONSTRUCTION

There are many reasons you might decide new construction is the way you want to go. It's all new, you can often make it your own and there should be no major repairs or upgrades needed for quite some time. Because you often won't be competing with other buyers for the same property, you'll avoid having to make a quick decision or deal with multiple offers on the home you want. The allure of new construction is undeniable!

If the idea of building a new construction home sounds like something that might be the right fit to you, talk to your agent! Here are some reasons why...

1. The on-site sales agent works for the builder. The builder's agent will always have the builder's best interest in mind. After all, the job of the builder's agent is to get the most money from the sale of the home. Although they will walk you through the process, they are not there to get the most for YOU. Your agent is your partner and advocate during the process, they work for you and your best interests throughout the entire journey. An agent can also give insight on which builders will work best for your particular situation and which ones to watch out for. 

2. Your real estate agent can help you stick to your budget. New construction offers the option to add many upgrades and additional items that can easily blow your budget. Having an agent with you can help you choose what makes sense to upgrade now, what may be better to upgrade or change out later, or what might not get you the best return when you go to sell. Agents may also be able to negotiate with the builder's agent on these upgrades, when possible.

3. Your agent can help you find the best financing. Builders often have preferred lenders who will offer financial incentives for you to work with them. Your agent will help you determine if the builder's preferred lender is the best fit for your situation, and if not, can recommend a lender that is a better fit for you. We work with many lenders who all have their own unique benefits for financing buyers.

4. Your agent will attend and help you navigate any inspections. It can be tempting to forgo inspections when purchasing new construction ...after all, it's all new, right? Unfortunately, even with new construction, people make mistakes. There will be many contractors and sub-contractors working vigorously to get your house completed as soon as possible, and mistakes are made. It's good to have a professional inspector take a look through the house before the drywall goes up to make sure that the structure, plumbing, and electric are all correct. Your agent will help you make sure that any issues are resolved before the builder moves forward. We also recommend a final inspection to ensure everything is installed and working correctly. If there are issues, your agent will make sure that they get resolved. Once you have moved in, it can be difficult to have these issues addressed by the builder.

5. Your real estate agent genuinely wants to help you. We want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money and that you are making a sound investment. The best part is that it usually doesn't cost you anything, a most builders typically pay the buyer's agent commission. It's a win-win!

So, as tempting as it might be to just stop in to the Model Home in a new neighborhood, you should always give your agent a heads up before stepping in the door! Bringing your agent to the first visit will ensure that the whole process will run smoothly and that the builder will pay your agent's commission. Some builders may refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register with the agent or under the agent's name the first time you visit the model home or new home sales center.

If you have any questions about purchasing a new construction home or anything else, we're here to help.