Even with all the homes up for sale, some people just have to have new construction. It's clean, it's new and nobody else has ever lived in it. Understandable, but a word to the wise. If you go for a newly constructed home, bring your real estate agent.
Why, you ask? Isn't there a site agent on hand to help you? Well, yes... and no. Here are a few good reasons why a personal agent, or buyer's agent, is a good idea:
Conflict of Interests
While the builder has an agent on site, that agent is not working in your best interests. Consider, if the site agent got a better deal for you (which takes money out of the builder's hands), would they still have a job? No. However, your own agent is there to make sure you get a good deal and likely has information of the sales price of similar homes and any incentives the builder may be offering.
Being Informed
A builder's agent doesn't have to tell you about the negatives of a deal. They'll push the positives and even sometimes use high-pressure tactics to get you to sign the contract. You need a real estate professional that you know is on your side. We know the drawbacks of the transaction as well as the positives.
Contacts
Agents get around; they go everywhere. As a result, they tend to gather a lot of professional contacts and information. If you're choosing a builder with a bad reputation, your agent should know. Your agent will also have relocation information and contacts from home inspectors to decorators to movers to help you with your move to the new home. Your agent will know if the builder's lender is reputable, and if not, your agent will be able to recommend a highly regarded lender to you. In short, your real estate agent is a rolodex of home buying and selling resources.
If you're looking at new construction in the Greater Tampa or Sarasota areas and need the assistance of a professional real estate broker, I can help. Call me today at (813) 765-1182 or email me at steve@TheFloridaAuthority.com for more information.
Steve Eckhardt, Broker
Comments(1)