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4 Reasons You Need a Realtor to Buy New Construction

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Broker BR568924000

A new construction home offers a lot of promise. It will give you the latest in technology, the most energy efficiency, new appliances, and, of course, built to the latest codes. Being the very first resident is another big benefit. Buying new construction is an exciting time but it's also one that can be quite confusing. When you're looking at model properties in developments such as Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear, Arizona, you'll no doubt be wowed by the aesthetics and function. When the whirlwind tours are over, you'll start to think about the logistics.

Do I need a Realtor to Buy New Construction?

In practically every new construction community, there will be a licensed real estate agent or broker on-site. There to show you around, answer questions, and provide you with information, he or she will be more than happy to sell you a new home. Though it's certainly worthwhile, and necessary, to learn as much you can about the various models and about the neighborhood at-large, you ought to go through the buying process with your own buyer's agent.

When you buy a new house, do you need the services of an experienced real estate agent? The answer is yes, and here’s why. When you buy an existing house, what you see is what you get for the asking price. When you buy an as-yet-unbuilt house, what you see in the builder’s furnished model is not what you get for the advertised base price. --Washington Post

One of the key reasons for this, is unlike a resale property of an existing home, the buying process just isn't as straightforward. You'll find that there's a lot more to buying new construction, such as selecting a home site, deciding on a floor plan, and, opting for different features, including upgrades. Of course, the good news is you'll get a warranty and everything will be new. In order to get the best deal and make the right decisions, you'll need your own Realtor when purchasing a new construction home, and here are the reasons why:

  1. The builder's agent doesn't represent you. The person who is on-site is paid on his or her performance. Convincing you to choose certain floor plans, features, upgrades and more is just part of their job. Wherever possible, she or he will upsell, and, you'll pay more in the end. By having an experienced agent of your own, you'll get the right advice about what to go for and what to decline.

  2. You'll have the advantage of fiduciary responsibility. Your buyer's agent is there on your behalf, to explain anything you might not understand, in the sales contract or the riders. You'll have someone that's giving you sound advice and can answer questions about things such a loan products and closing costs.

  3. An experienced professional will negotiate the deal. One of the biggest mistakes new construction home buyers make is to go it alone, or, with the on-site sales representative. When you have a Realtor of your own, you'll have a professional that will advocate for discounts, freebies, and more.

  4. You'll have someone that's good at managing the home buying process. Signing a sales contract doesn't mean it's the end of the process. You'll still have a litany of things to do, from scheduling inspections, to the appraisal, to getting insurance. Your buyer's agent will be there to help you save money, as well as time.

Whether you're looking for new construction in Estrella Mountain Ranch or any other community in the valley, do yourself a favor and hire an experienced and knowledgeable buyer's agent to represent you throughout the transaction.

John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Cheryl - Yes, these are very good reasons buyers need Realtors to buy new construction homes.

Aug 27, 2015 11:04 AM
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Cheryl - wish more buyers realized this, it's good that you are putting out this info. Having a buyer's agent on their side is so important and FREE to them.

Aug 31, 2015 12:13 PM