I recently helped a client buy a home in the Briar Chapel community in Chapel Hill, NC. They were a wonderful couple, relocating to the area, and an absolute pleasure to work with. As out-of-state buyers, there was no question as to whether they needed a Realtor to assist them, it was a given. They needed local eyes and ears to act on their behalf and do all the coordinating with contracts, inspections, negotiations, that they couldn't be here for themselves.
But what about the local buyer who is interested in buying new construction? I often get asked by clients, "Do I need a buyers agent when buying new construction?". Yes, it's true the onsite sales office has agents to assist clients in their purchase, but those agents usually represent the builder first and foremost. In many cases, the onsite representative is not even a licensed real estate agent. As an employee of the developer/builder, they do not HAVE to be licensed to sell real estate by the NC Real Estate Commission.
Many large corporate builders pay a cooperating real estate agent (a Buyers Agent) from an entirely different budget that has nothing to do with the price of the home. While it may be possible to walk into a new home sales office and receive a discount equal to a buyer's agent commission, say for example 2.5%, you may be selling yourself short. Often the onsite representative has $20,000 - $40,000 of unadvertised available incentives. Using a qualified Realtor who knows market prices, is familiar with the builder, and has access to local knowledge of what the builder has done for past clients, will ensure you negotiate the best price possible and that YOUR interests are protected! I work hard to develop relationships with builders and onsite representatives in area communities. I know their sales cycles, hot buttons, incentive packages, and professional hierarchy so that I know who to approach if I'm not getting the response I need from an onsite representative. I am a professional negotiator that works on YOUR behalf.
For more information on the Buyers Agency Service I provide, please send me an Email or give me a call at 919-599-9500.
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