Why You Need An Agent For New Construction

Ready to buy a home and considering going in the exciting route of new builds? Gosh, there are many advantages to building new like being able to create the floor plan that works for your family, choosing your finishes and falling in love with the house as it goes up. It may seem like an easy enough process, but there is a lot of risk when it comes to new construction. It's unfortunately not as trouble free as we'd like to hope. If you don't have the right representative by your side to help with the things that need to be looked out for from a professional's eye it can quickly become a nightmare. You want someone to represent your interests and ensure you're are not taken advantage of by the builders or their representatives.

1. NOT ALL BUILDERS ARE CREATED EQUAL

The most important part of finding an agent is having a professional's perspective to finding a builder with a great reputation. There are many that offer an inferior product with inadequate consumer service that as industry professionals we steer away from. You get to benefit from your agent's network of vendors, lenders, and home builders. They have the expertise to connect you with a builder that matches your needs/desires, and more than likely, have already had experience with the builder with a past client. Or, if they haven't worked with a builder you want to use directly, they can gather person-to-person recommendations from other agents to know the expected experience with said builder. They will help you find one, that not only delivers exactly what their clients want, but in a timely fashion.

2. LOCATION: THE RIGHT LOT IN THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD

The lot you choose to go with in a new build can either be a positive to your new home, or detrimental. In the excitement of the process, we tend to overlook important features of a property. It's important to have a professional to ensure you make a purchase that will best serve you. They'll be able to find a neighborhood that best fits your lifestyle and a lot that has a location that works for you. Whether you're single with pets, or a family with children, the lot location can really make a huge impact and the financial sale in the future. An agent will be able to help walk you through, so your decisions work in your favor both today and the long term.

3. UPGRADES AND PLAN MODIFICATIONS

Agents are experts in the field and will ensure you get the upgrades and modifications that will best suit your lifestyle keeping your budget in mind. Often a small change here or there can save you plenty of time and money in the future. The goal is to present you with options as you make decisions that will increase the value of your home in the long term. The right agent will be working towards your best interest ensuring to make changes that end up benefiting you.

4. HANDLING CONTRACTS AND PAPERWORK

Your agent will handle the contract and all of the paperwork, andwill review every page you are asked to sign to ensure that it is in your best interest. Agents help you break down the best loan types, purchasing processes, and steps to take that benefit YOU, not the builder. After all, YOUR AGENT WORKS FOR YOU. They'll make sure there are no overlooked terms in a builder's contract that could end up hurting you during the building process or after you move in.

5. NEGOTIATIONS

It is imperative in the purchasing process to have an agent that is able to represent you and negotiate for you. The building process is so much more than having the builder put in your favorite counters and floors. Your agent will work and negotiate to get you a price to benefit you - not the builder. The agent will be able to run a comparative market analysis ensuring you are paying a fair price for the property. You don't want to end up overpaying for the home - it could put you in a tough spot when it comes time to sell. They'll also be able to negotiate terms around building time frame, closings costs, and so many other aspects of a contract that you may otherwise overlook.

6. THE BUILDER'S AGENT REPRESENTS THE BUILDER, NOT YOU

It may seem easy just to pop into an office of a new build, or a builder's office, and use the onsite agent. But keep in mind that this agent works FOR the builder, NOT for you. So they will be working to make sure the builder gets the best deal at the end of the day. By having a buyer's agent of your own, you can ensure there is a professional on your side that can walk you through the process and avoid being taken advantage of during the transaction. They will also have a better handle on things when you hit bumps along the way and there are always a few hiccups.

7. BUILDERS OPEN HOUSES

As an agent I want my clients to see as many homes possible while we are making this life altering decision as they can. Sometimes, my clients are on their want home from church or finishing a sporting event for the kids or just driving around and see a builders open house sign and want to take a peak. Yes, yes and yes! Go in, sign their sheets and be honest, you are represented! Give them the name of your agent and tell your agent you went to see them. The builders agent will then talk to your agent and get everyone on the same page.

8. EXPECTATIONS

Agents with experience in new builds can help manage and guide you along the path. Your buyers agent will provide realistic expectations and assist in taking the uncertainty of the process away. The idea is to alleviate your stress allowing you to enjoy your new home and all the wonderful steps it takes to get you there.

9. TIMELINES

"Shouldn't it be done by now?" The most common question with a new build. After the framing is complete and its under roof it looks like it should be weeks before moving day. There are many ticks on the timeline from county, city and township permits to inspections and their permits, contractors and subcontractors. An experienced new build agent can help communicate with the General Contractor and the YOU to ensure everyone is on the same page and all of your questions and concerns are addressed.

10. WALK THRU'S AND INSPECTIONS

The final walk-thru is not the time to make changes. Understanding the key times to walk-thru the home to ensure the chosen materials are going into the house and the floor plan changes are all correctly reflected is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Your buyers agent will walk through the house with you and your contractor to make sure your requests are honored. When the time comes a full outside inspection is completed to ensure the builder hasn't made errors (we are all only human).

Your buyer's agent can save you thousands not to mention the headache of trying to navigate a new build on your own. Let's discuss the types of build you see for your family. Whether it be a full custom builder or a semi-custom builder you are ALWAYS better off having your own representation. Give me a call and I'll be happy to talk with you about your unique situation! 614-678-4462.

-Taunya Hughett