Use an Agent Who Has New Home Sales Experience

Many people think that they can save money by not using, or don't need the services of a Agent when buying a new construction home. This couldn't be further from the truth! New homebuilders typically try to monopolize a transaction - they only give you their attractive incentive packages if you agree, in writing, to use their lender, their title company, and sometimes even their insurance company! An Agent will walk you through the transaction and will make sure that you're protected every step of the way. If you've agreed to use the builder's lender, your Agent will make sure that you get a fair interest rate & fair closing costs. Your Agent will know what the industry standards are, and will make sure that the builder doesn't try and stretch beyond these. And best of all, an Agent with a lot of new home transactions under their belt will have established relationships with your homebuilder. Because of this, the homebuilder will be on their "best behavior." The homebuilder doesn't want to run the risk of getting a bad reputation in the Agent community, who can potentially bring the builder lots of homebuyers in the future.

Don't Sign ANYTHING Until You've Worked Out Every Detail of the Sale

Buying a home can be very emotional - and it should be. You're not simply picking out a house; you're picking out where you'll spend the holidays next year, where your parents will come visit you, and where you might raise your children. However, the on-site sales agent will try and play on this emotion and get you to "write up the contract so that no one else can get your house." That's just fine, as long as you understand what you're signing, and everything is okay with you. Just remember - no matter what is said, everything will be done as it is outlined in the contract.