Your driving around one weekend and just happen to pull into a new construction subdivision. Maybe you've been thinking about moving for a while, maybe you haven't. Doesn't matter. The on-site sales person will gladly allow you to tour the decorated model, show you different floor-plans and answer any questions you may have. Oh, and they will surely tell you about the special incentives!
Then it happens. You find one you fall in love with. The wheels start turning. You start talking numbers. You start talking, "what if's." If your impulsive, you may make a decision and commitment right then and there. If your not the impulsive type, you may take some time to think it over. Either way, your focus is most likely primarily on the house and the wonderful future you can have there.
But what about the builder and their subcontractors? What about the materials used to construct the home? What about the community as a whole? What about the property taxes and association fees? How about earnest money? Are there registered sex offenders nearby? What kind of development is planned in the immediate area? What about the schools? What about the contract (that is usually written to protect the builder)?
You may be able to get the answers to these questions on your own. The on-site person may even be very knowledgable and helpful. But, keep in mind, they represent the builder(s) and their loyalty and duty is to them. I am not saying new construction sales people are bad or dishonest; I use to be one. The on-site agent has one primary goal- to sell homes within that community. Secondarily, they will try to do so, while protecting their client and their clients interests (to make money) as much as possible.
So, why do people purchase homes, new or not, without a real estate consultant? Most consumers have realized the benefits of having a buyers agent when buying a home. However, for many, there still seems to be a different way of thinking when it comes to new construction. Is there just a fundamental trust in the "system?" Do people think there are automatic layers of protection? The truth of the matter is there are a lot of people that have purchased homes without representation and everything turned out okay. There are also enough stories of people that did not have the happily ever after. Will having a buyers agent prevent all bad possible things from occurring? No, especially if the buyers agent isn't really qualified. However, hiring a qualified agent, that is truly concerned for their (buyer) clients best interest, can and will help consumers avoid a major life decision disaster.
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