Do you need a realtor™
Do Not Buy A New Construction Home Without a Realtor™
Today, we’re tackling an important topic for all you future homeowners out there: Why you shouldn’t buy a new construction home without a real estate agent. Trust me, this is something you need to know before signing any papers!
I’m sure you have noticed that everywhere you look in your communities right now there seems to be a new housing development being built. We are still experiencing a housing shortage and the only way to fix that problem is to have more houses so it makes perfect sense to think about buying new construction. So let’s get into what you need to know.
- Why You Need Representation
- Navigating the Contract
- Negotiation Power
- Inspections Are Still Important
- It Doesn’t Cost You Anything!
Why You Need Representation
So, you’re excited about buying a brand-new home. I get it! The fresh paint, the new appliances, everything untouched. But here’s the thing—when you walk into that model home, the salesperson you’re talking to works for the builder, not you. Their job is to protect the builder’s interests and get the best deal for them. That’s where having your own real estate agent comes in. They represent your interests, making sure you get the best deal and avoid potential pitfalls.
Navigating the Contract
Let’s talk contracts. Buying a new construction home often means you’re signing a builder’s contract, which is completely different from the standard home purchase agreement. These contracts can be long and full of legal jargon. A real estate agent knows how to navigate these, ensuring you understand what you’re agreeing to and can negotiate terms in your favor. Again, these are the Builder’s contracts that the builders lawyers have drawn up. I have seen some pretty interesting things in these contracts that I will have to save for another video, but needless to say, you want to be aware of what you are signing. You may or may not be able to change the contract but you certainly want the choice of whether or not you can agree to them in the first place and an agent that knows you will be able to help you determine what is best for you.
Negotiation Power
Speaking of negotiating, did you know that you can negotiate the price and terms on new construction homes? Many people think the price is set in stone—it’s not! An experienced agent knows what’s negotiable, whether it’s the final price, upgrades, closing costs, or warranty terms. Without an agent, you might leave money on the table.
Inspections Are Still Important
You might think, ‘It’s a new home—why would I need an inspection?’ Well, even new homes can have construction issues or building code violations. Your agent will advise you to hire a home inspector, making sure everything is up to code and built correctly before you close the deal. Trust me, skipping this step can be a costly mistake. You want to have someone who routinely negotiates on their clients behalf to make things that come up in an inspection right.
It Doesn’t Cost You Anything!
Here’s the best part: having a real estate agent won’t cost you anything when buying a new construction home. Builders typically cover the buyer’s agent commission, so you get expert representation at no cost to you. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of that?
Whether it’s protecting your interests, navigating complicated contracts, negotiating better deals, or ensuring a proper inspection, having a real estate agent by your side is a must when buying new construction. Don’t go it alone!