Do I Need a Realtor for New Construction?

If you've been captivated by the recent new construction in the area, you've probably wondered what that purchasing process is like. Do you even need a Realtor? The builders sure do make it look like you don't.

Building a home is more similar to buying a resale than you may think. Take a look at these 4 aspects of the building process and see the advantage in having someone work for you- for free!

1. Representation

The simple explanation is that the builder's Sales Reps work for the builder. Some are licensed, not all are Realtors (Realtors are held to a higher ethical code) and overall they negotiate, sell for, and are paid by the builder.

You wouldn't buy a typical resale home from an seller's agent without having one yourself, so why would you let the builder do this? Choosing to be represented by a Realtor when you build ensures that someone is fighting for you.

2. Negotiation

Negotiations between a typical resale and a new construction are not identical. Even so, do you know what builders offer their buyers as incentives? Do they pay for closing costs or offer free upgrades? Do they offer a 5 or 10 year home warranty? Having a knowledgeable Realtor will give you insight into what is typical for a builder to offer. You may get some free stuff!

3. Inspection and Survey

Do you know who to call if you need an attorney, inspector, appraiser, surveyor and lender? If not, then a Realtor would be handy to have. The new home still needs to appraise, the land to be surveyed, the lender to prepare your loan and the attorney to close the deal. A Realtor's connections alone give them value in every purchasing situation.

4. My Commission

As with all my buyer clients, you don't pay me! The seller, or in this case, the builder, pays my commission at all times. If it's free for you, then forgoing a Realtor is "like the buyer paying for the builder to not represent them" -Realtor.com Ask me to represent you in the purchase of your new home. Not near Charlotte, NC? I specialize in finding great Realtors in every city.