Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
I see it all too often when I walk into the model at a new construction site ... Trusting Potential First-time Home Buyers who are not represented by a Buyer's Agent.
Inside my head, I'm screaming, "Run away from the on-site agent. S/he is working for the Builder and NOT you. The on-site agent may/may not be a licensed real estate agent!"
Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against on-site agents - and as a real estate agent, they treat me quite well. However, I, too, was once a First-time Buyer, and back then, I wish I had someone to look out for me. Sometimes, you don't know, what you don't know - until it's too late!
Once I became licensed, I was determined to do everything I could to help Buyers (and Sellers, too!) to navigate through the complicated process of buying and selling real estate.
Again...The on-site agent is there to represent the Builder's interest - and not the Buyer's. In other words, although they are quite nice and are very accommodating, at the end of the day, they work for the Seller.
And in North Carolina, the on-site agent who works for the Builder as an employee does not have to be licensed! Say WHAT?? (Many are, but it's not required.)
When I was a first-time Buyer all those years ago, I didn't realize that the onsite agent only worked for one person: The Builder.
I also didn't realize that Buyers usually will NOT get a better price on the home without using a REALTOR®. So why NOT hire one to represent you? (The best part: the Builder will usually pay the REALTOR® fees - although you get to choose with whom you'd like to work.) Sweet deal, huh? You choose but someone else pays!
Why Use Your Own Real Estate Agent for New Construction?
REALTORS® have gone through rigorous training before and after licensing - and have the ability to help you better understand the complicated paperwork you're signing.
After all, this may be the single largest purchase you'll ever make in this lifetime. Shouldn't you have a professional on your side?
Think about it this way: You've been trained well to perform your chosen profession- and chances are, unless a real estate agent had the same training and experience as you, we would not understand the intricate details of how you make a living. The same goes for real estate.
A good REALTOR® is continuously going through trainingand updating his/her marketplace knowledge. For instance, in 2007, I attended approximately 80 hours worth of seminars and training - although the Real Estate Commission only requires that agents go through 8 hours to maintain a license. (That's 10 times the amount of knowledge I gained vs. what's required to renew my license.)
Wouldn't you love to benefit from all the knowledge and experience I have about this business? Call me.
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Website: www.darleenmc.com
Photos courtesy of RealEstateClipArt.com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.
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Darleen,
As usual, you have written a post full of good advice for the Consumer. I am sure some of these things will open people's eyes. Good job.