Why Should a A Real Estate Professional Represent You!!
It might not seem necessary to involve a real estate professional in a transaction where a buyer can deal directly with a builder. Think again! Without a Realtor® representing you, It is likely that all of the other people involved in the transaction represent the best interest of the builder, not you! A real estate professional representing your interests can guide you through the process, smoothing the rough places and helping to ensure that you make decisions you can live with (and in) for many years.
Reasons Why:
Just as a real estate professional calls on experience and knowledge of an area to help buyers locate pre-owned homes in a community, he or she can also direct buyers interested in newly built homes to developments and communities that match client wants and needs.
An agent can suggest builders based on their reputation for delivering a high-quality product, responding quickly to issues, and being financially sound.
An agent may be familiar with how a builder prices his products and where there may be room to negotiate price or upgrades. (This is especially inportant in the Austin Area, now)
Without agent representation, you are one buyer purchasing only one home. But an agent can significantly impact a builders bottom line by providing a steady supply of customers. The agents leverage may work in your favor at the negotiating table. (Most builders in the Austin area require your agent to accompany you on your first visit to the site.)
When you are relocating to a new area, agents can be particularly valuable resources. In addition to providing local area information regarding schools, day care or elder care services, public transportation, proposed development, and so on, once construction is under way, an agent can periodically stop by the work site, supply you with progress reports, and photograph phases of the construction.
An agent can assist you as you face design choices and consider which upgrades could potentially add value to the home when it comes time to sell.
An agent can accompany you at the site while you okay the plumbing and electrical locations prior to dry walling, as well as on the final walk-throughs or builder orientation. Any problems can be delt with in short order.
By now, you should be convinced of a real estate professionals value as you search for and purchase a newly constructed home. Still, there is another great reason to work with an agent. You enjoy individual attention and support at no cost to you. The builders pay the commission. They will not reduce the price of the home if you do not have a Realtor® to represent you. In most cases the builder will pocket the extra income or perhaps split it with the listing agent or sales person. Persons hired by the builder represent the builder, not you.