Cincinnati new construction homes have really taken off again in the last 2-3 years as the local real estate market recovered.
During the economic downturn it was Death Valley with builders coming to a screeching halt, and in some cases NEVER finishing the communities they started. Fortunately in most cases other developers have moved in to complete the communities, and additionally new subdivisions are quickly filling in spots that used to be fields, woods and parks.
The net result? Many potential Cincinnati home buyers now want to build new. With regular single family homes, condos and patio homes available throughout the area, buyers are looking for the right matches. And unfortunately too often those buyers think they don't need their own real estate agent, so here are five things for you to know BEFORE you step through the door of a model home:
1. The builder's rep works for the builder. There is NO ONE inside that house that has ONLY your best interests at heart. That employee's job is to sell you a home in THAT community. Period.
2. The community starting price? In most cases it's just a teaser price. Expect to spend significantly higher than the lowest price available for the smallest home with the plainest finishes.
3. Unless you claim a real estate agent as working for you up front, we MAY get blocked out. With some builders we have to be physically present during your first visit, others will allow us to call and register you as our buyer. Ideally, we DO want to be there with you during your visits.
4. Your own real estate agent repping you costs you ZERO extra. Fact is the Home Builders Association in Cincinnati explicitly requires its members NOT to discount if a buyer shows up without an agent. The builders factor agent fees into their overhead, so ALL buyers are actually paying for agent representation whether or not they actually use one.
Now after reading this let's say you decide you DO want a real estate agent to rep you. And maybe you say "Self, I don't know Bill that well, what if he doesn't REALLY know his stuff and I decide I don't want to work with him after all?" It's a no risk proposition for you actually.
One, I work regularly with buyers of new construction homes (with a heavy emphasis on patio homes). Two, up until the contract is written to purchase a home, you're not "forced" to use me, you've just reserved the right to have me represent you! When you get to the contract phase, you could switch agents if I've not done my job for you. I don't think you'll need to and it's never happened yet, but you have that option.
If you choose to hire me to help, I can be as deeply involved as you want, or if you prefer I just be "on call" as you need me through the building process. It's totally your call.
But since you know you're already paying for an agent in the price of your new home, why not go ahead and get the service you're paying for? To get started, give us a call at 513-520-5305 or email Liz@LizSpear.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Serving Cincinnati home buyer and seller needs,
Liz and Bill aka BLiz
Comments(6)