This is the first in a seven-part series on buying a new home in Jacksonville Florida. 'How can a Realtor® help me?' is the first question many buyers ask when they set forth to buy or build a brand new home.

There is so much information available to buyers today, that it is tempting to think that a Buyer does not need a Realtor to represent them when they are buying a new home in Jacksonville. After all, the builder's representatives are so helpful when buyers visit the models. Maybe they will give a Buyer a better deal if they don't bring a Realtor at all.

There are some Buyers who are very savvy and can represent themselves, but that is the exception. I can't even count the times I have been in homes for sale where the buyer had no representation when they bought it and now there is a problem they have to pay for that a simple home inspection would have revealed. Or, they bought a home that is extremely difficult to sell for any number of reasons.

Here are 7 reasons how a Realtor® can help you:

1. A real estate agent is working for the Buyer, not the builder. The Realtor® will point out details that will affect resale, helping the Buyer avoid buying a home that would be difficult to sell or installing too many upgrades for the neighborhood (and not getting their money back).

2. The site agent represents the builder. There are many gracious site agents but they are still working for the builder. There are some situations where the builder will make a demand and the Buyer will make a demand. The site agent cannot represent the Buyer at that point. There are some site agents who work for the developer, but usually they are working for the builder.

3. Third party negotiations yield better results according to NAR (National Association of Realtors®) statistics. An experienced Realtor will know the right questions to ask to get the best deal for the Buyer. They will have a good idea of where the builder will negotiate and where they won't.

4. A conscientious Realtor® will recommend that the buyer conduct an independent building inspection. Even very conscientious builders can miss something in a new home. The detailed Realtor will also let the Buyer know about the option of doing inspections during the building process - at slab, at frame stage, and the final inspection.

5. An experienced new home sales Realtor® will know where the best deals are and save the buyer a lot of time. They also know the questions to ask to give the Buyer advance knowledge of opportunities for a great deal on a home.

6. An experienced new home sales Realtor® will know where the best communities are and where new ones are going to be even before the news is made available to the general public.

7. An experienced real estate agent knows who the good builders are and who to stay away from. Through their network of agents, they will hear things the public may not know.

If you're thinking of buying a new home in Jacksonville Florida, we can help you answer these and other questions about "How can a Realtor help me?" We work in the Jacksonville area, specializing in Clay County and portions of St. Johns County and Duval County.  Call or text us at 904-673-2308 or email us at sharon@teamalters.com.

Part 1 - How Can a Realtor® Help Me?

Part 2 - Should I Buy a Spec Home or Build?

Part 3 - Choosing a Community

Part 4 - Choosing Your Lot and House Plan

Part 5 - Negotiating the Contract and Financing

Part 6 - Design Center and Options

Part 7 - Build, Walk(through) and Close!