Why You Need an Agent When Buying New
With the high pressure climate of the real estate market these days, it may be tempting to think you can bypass some of the stress and hassle of buying a new home by working through the builder, without using a real estate agent. Many buyers think it is as simple as walking into the model home, looking through design books, and signing up.
Today, we'd like to share a few reasons why having your own real estate agent is actually the simplest, easiest way to buy a new build.
Negotiation is our job
If you're like most people, you find it difficult to negotiate for yourself. It can feel petty or suspicious to safeguard yourself own interests in a purchase. This is something your realtor will have no trouble doing for you. Negotiating with a seller is part of the job and in no way an inconvenience. They won't be afraid to make repeated phone calls to a builder for you or be bogged down by discussing details.
They also won't let a contract period be more protracted than necessary, raising building costs and your price. They won't hesitate to ask for all the terms you discuss in writing and in a timely manner. Protecting your best interests is their sole purpose, so they won't be shy about it.
Expertise in details.
Your agent's skills in creating and negotiating contracts will make navigating all of the choices from upgrades, to the timeline, to terms so much easier for you. You can expect a careful explanation of each line in a contract and possible risks for you and your family. Your agent can ensure you get every upgrade you have asked for and that you know which ones are above the base cost.
As you set terms, even in this fast paced market, there may be subtle changes that can work to your benefit while still letting you secure the bid. For instance, can you maintain an option period, but abbreviate the number of days? Is the market shifting in such a way that you can ask for more favorable terms in deciding who pays for the title policy and home warranty? Your agent is on top of this information.
If you are moving from a home in the same region and use your agent for both listing and buying, they can coordinate the sale of your home with the purchase of your new build, so that your move is as smooth as possible.
Industry connections
This same inside information of the local market will help them connect you with other businesses of good reputation. What is in your best interests isn't necessarily in the builder's. They pay your real estate agent's commission and so have an incentive to get you to skip representation. Some may steer you to avoid inspections or securing your own lender. A quick google search of problems with new builds in the Austin area is proof enough that just because a home is brand new, it doesn't mean there is no need for an inspection or home warranty.
Your agent will not only know of the builder's reputation but will also have a list of trusted inspectors for you. They will make sure your home is finished as promised. They will also help you secure a loan with the best terms for you and represent you when speaking to these companies. A big frustration for home buyers is a lack of communication or follow-up from builders, lenders, etc. Let this be your agent's job. They can coordinate the conversation, sit on hold, call back repeatedly, and save you time.
Since this may be one of the most important investments of your life, there is really no reason not to have a real estate agent represent you. Besides the information and access they can afford, sometimes it is just nice to have someone there for moral support.
We'd like to give you that support.
Adam & Michelle
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