A few days ago, I wrote a short blog about the benefit of a buyer's agent when working with a builder. That value of a buyer's agent is pretty apparent. After reading Don Rich' blog titled, Let's Buy a Brand New House, I wanted to raise an issue that I have been stewing over. I am not referring to independent agents who work for a builder. I am referring to the builder's agents who are W-2 employees (not independent contractors).
When I am working with a builder's agent, I like to be just as involved as I would be otherwise. It is sad to hear Laurie Mindnich's comment made on Don's above mentioned blog: "In my many years of representing builders, I can count on one hand a Realtor that did anything beyond the initial contract (except, of course, checking on the closing date). Most agents arrive and leave, and the rep on site...does all of the contact and follow up." I can personally say that I have never treated a client this way. It is my job to manage my client's transaction, take care of any issues that arise and care for their emotions. Anything less would be unprofessional.
I have worked with builder's agents who were great, and builder's agents who were not so great.
But what about the builder's agent who tries to go around you? I had an experience once with a builder where there was no respect for the agency relationship that I have with my buyer. After the offer had been submitted, I made a few phone calls over the period of a few days to the builder's agent regarding the status of the offer. The builder's agent didn't call me, but instead called my buyer to let them know that their offer had been accepted. This particular builder's agent wasn't returning my phone calls and was trying to deal directly with the buyer. I called, finally got a hold of him and explained that it is improper for the seller's agent to contact the buyer's directly when they have their own representation. This is, in essence, an example of interfering with agency relationship.
When the builder's agent attempts to undermine the agency relationship between the buyer and the buyer's agent by "going around" the buyer's agent, I can see how it can appear to the buyer that the builder's agent is the one to go to when a problem arises. A good builder's agent will refer the buyers back to the buyer's agent to answer their questions and concerns. The builder's agent should not be contacting the buyer's directly. That is one of the many reasons why they have an agent.
When I bring a buyer into a new construction site that has an on site agent, I am the buyer's agent, and the builder's representative is just that...the builder's representative.
JMHO
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