Working with New Home Builders
Who Works for You?
First and foremost, remember that the builder representative does not work for you!
The home builder pays them to sell the builders' homes at the highest possible price. They seldom are licensed real estate agents and are not bound by the REALTOR Code of Ethics.
Builders Focus Want You to Buy...
Builder representatives have no fiduciary responsibility to you and always answer to their employer. If they have a home with negatives, such as backing up to a busy street or underneath a water tower, they have no obligation to point these issues out to you.
Builder representatives will often try to convince someone that these things are not a concern and that they are getting a great deal whether they are or not.
Be Careful If You Want Representation.
Some builders will even tell you that they will not recognize or pay your buyer representative if you visit their model without a REALTOR being present first. The premier builders do not typically do this, so be careful which builders you visit.
Let builder sales associates know that you have professional real estate advice and will be represented by a knowledgeable professional who knows the neighborhoods and how the builders are generally willing to negotiate.
Most Buyers of New Homes Use An Agent
Most new homes in our area are sold with the assistance of a REALTOR. Builders include the realtor’s fee in their marketing budget.
For this reason, the price for us to represent you is generally not included in the home price and does not add to your cost when we represent you.
Let Them Know You Have an Agent...
When you meet a builder or another agent, tell them you have an agent and that your agent will be representing you.
If they ask you to fill out a registration form, give them the essential information and our card or our name and phone number. This will pave the way for you to have a representative of your choice, paid for by the builder or the seller.
New Home Buyer Testimonial!
“Sonny and his team were absolutely amazing in helping us find our new home. Sonny took the time to explain the neighborhoods and areas, show us various locations, and tell us about what makes each area great. We have never had an agent spend so much time helping us to understand our options and make a great decision. We found our home in two days and know that we made a great decision.”
~Samantha Smith