Don't Step Foot into a New Construction Model!!!

Isn't it interesting that if you went to the attorney representing the "other" side, the attorney will (should) tell you that it would be a conflict of interest to represent you as well.  But, when you go to the seller's agent, you expect to get some sort of "deal" on the transaction.

Wow, I never knew that builders played this type of game, although I think it's more about builders who are paying a sales team & therefore don't want to pay twice. Another tip would be for people who feel they have to write down a name, tell them to write down their realtors name ... or for me, I'll just make up a name

Great article Tabitha. Also, your marketing picture is perfect!

Love the term "Rules of Engagement" ... I have this conversation with almost every buyer ... and it seems to be Murphy's Law that if I don't I get a call down the road ... "Hi Diana!  Thank you so much for helping us shop for a home. We just wanted to let you know we found a For Sale By Owner ... or We are going to Build!  We'll tell our friends about you!"  -- I politely and say Congratulations!  Let me know if I can help with anything else! Then I hang up the phone and ask myself, how could I have forgotten to have my "always talk" with this customer?  My own fault!  Lesson Learned again!

Tabitha - I agree. This is a message that needs to be sent again and again and again, because people just don't listen well. 

From the comments it's nice to know that at least some builders will honor a buyer's relationship with their agent. 

Great post and completely agree.  We have been dealing with this issue a lot lately in our area.  We must continually discuss the "Rules of Engagement" with our clients.

Most builders in my area encourage us to register our clients on line. Since almost all of them allow it, you should determine which builder communities are active in the general area, which ones buid a home within their price range, and simply take a few minutes to register your clients on line with the ones that meet the criteria.

Many areas are starting to ramp up their building activities again and this may seem a daunting task at first, but if you limit it to those within your buyers price range, I think you will find yourself only registering with a few.

Have "the talk" with them, but cover your bases anyway!

Tabitha,

I like the way you put it. This is something we need to go over and over with the buyers... even friends and family who you think may know just by hearing things. Our contractors are spit on this. Some WILL NOT pay commission if the agent is not there on first visit and others will pay if you have a buyer broker and your buyers were wandering.

I work in new construction and do open houses.  We ask if the visitor is working with an agent.  If they say yes, we ask them to tell us the name and we follow up with that agent.  And yes, that agent will get the 3% for bringing a qualified buyer. 

Great information Thanks for the blog

I can't imagine a new development company unwillingness to cooperate with agents under such circumstances, especially, if the buyers are his clients. 

A  great guide/book, (Home Buyers  Handbook) to send/give to each FTHB in the beginning of your consulation.

For whatever reason, regardless of the state of the housing market in the Charlotte area, builders here have always gotten two thirds of their business from agents. So they really "court us."

For the most part, Dallas area builders play well with Realtors. I have worked with four builders and all worked well with my clients, from the reps, to project managers, to builders. The last one I worked with was a mid sized builder, who went out of his way to personally meet with me and the buyers on a regular basis.  If I think I have a buyer who might walk into a model home, I call all reps in the area and may even visit them to make certain they know who I am and who my clients are, in case my buyers and/or the reps forget the "Rules of Engagement!" This is a perfect phrase and a great intro to the topic with clients!

The most important reason I tell my folks is they never want to be without representation. That "friendly" agent works for the builder so guess whos interest they are protecting? 

Hi, I can't believe I missed this post, great read on todays hot topic. Thanks for sharing.

Tabitha, those who are not in the real estate industry rarely understand the importance of choosing an agent to take them to the new construction communities instead of just walking in on their own.  Such a shame because we provide value that they won't get by going it alone.