New Contruction vs. Resale Construction and the Inspection. It happened again today! My clients, that I have in escrow as a listing, are downsizing and purchased a townhome. A very nice townhome in an exclusive area of Scottsdale. From the beginning I had been told that they had another agent helping them to purchase their new home and that they were hiring me because I was the neighborhood specialist of their existing home. Yes, I lived in that neighborhood for 11 years, served on the board, and numerous other functions. While all of this is true, I made one mistake. I didn't fully question them about the agent assisting them with the purchase of their townhome. And why would I? It appeared that all was as it should be.
Today I learned that they used the onsite agency of the huge planned development. From all appearances, I'm sure they did a decent job; however, my client tells me that they closed today and their floors were dirty. Now that wouldn't be such a big deal in todays world of foreclosures, but for new construction and in the area they chose, this wasn't appropriate.
I stopped my client mid-sentence and asked if they used an "outside" agent for their purchase. She replied that they used the agency in the neighborhood. I explained to her my thoughts on this, that the agent should be an independent 3rd party so to speak. I don't feel they were well-represented.
Unfortunately, by the time they told me of their decision to hire me to list and another agent to purchase 3 months ago, it was too late. The relationship had been formed and I couldn't have said anything anyway. But I did explain to them to please call me if anyone else they knew was purchasing new construction real estate in the near future.
Now that the walk through and close of escrow is fast approaching, I'll get an opportunity to ask if they used a home inspector to inspect their new home. If they didn't, I'll be able to recommend they do that to protect themselves and request any repairs sooner than if they hadn't done the home inspection.
So, a not so great situation for them will turn into several opportunities to ask for referrals and to continue the level of service I love providing. I'd like to be the first REALTOR® that they consider for their family and friends!
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