YES! There is a lot of information floating around on the internet questioning why in the world you would want a buyer's agent to get paid when you build a home, since we don't DO anything for you in the process.
Point 1. You are paying the same price either way (at least in the Charlotte market). Builders in general do not want to irritate the Realtor community by cutting us out. They know that we represent repeat business whereas the average homeowner is a one-shot deal.
Point 2. See above. Realtors are repeat business. Why does this affect you, the buyer? Because the builders want ME to be happy so they take better care of YOU in the process. They want me to rave about their homes to other buyers so you get the upshot of that.
Point 3. When a problem occurs. Which it will. If you and your neighbor-to-be are experiencing the same problem, who will get it corrected first? The buyer with the agent will. Why? See point 2. Also, we can raise a much bigger stink if it's something serious, by spreading truth throughout the Realtor community (please note-spreading truth-not gossip/rumors/lies).
Point 4. Of whom can you ask questions in contract? The onsite agent is working for the BUILDER-not for you. His/Her job is to get you into the house, regardless of what it takes. My job as a buyer agent is to get you into the RIGHT house, and make sure that you're asking all the necessary questions.
Point 5. What upgrades should I purchase? According to the builder-ALL of them are things ALL of your neighbors bought...ummm...they are making profit on each upgrade! A great buyer agent will guide you to upgrades that are necessary in the resale market and tell you which ones are not so essential. The builder cares about your purchase precisely until they have your money in hand. I care about it long after that-i want you to be in a house and neighborhood where your investment is sound and I can be proud to represent you in the sale when that time comes.
Point 6. Which builder should I use? You can research any builder online and find out lots of positives AND negatives about all of them. What's true and what's petty? Talk to a Realtor who can talk about reputation of quality on construction, quality of completed neighborhoods, quality of customer service on warranty. We know the builders to avoid-just ask!
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A good Broker will walk you through the transaction and make sure that you´re protected every step of the way. If you´ve agreed to use the builder´s lender, we will make sure that you get a fair interest rate & fair closing costs. As practicing market experts we know what the industry standards are, and will make sure that the builder doesn´t try and stretch beyond these. And best of all, with new home transactions experience we have established relationships with your homebuilder. Because of this, the homebuilders will be on their "best behavior." The homebuilder doesn´t want to run the risk of getting a bad reputation in the Realtor community, who can potentially bring the builder lots of homebuyers in the future.
Having a realtor in a transaction when you are not one is like having an attorney in court. Didn't Shakespeare say "Only a fool has himself for a lawyer?!!"