Why do you need a real estate agent when you buy or build a brand new home?
Recently, I got asked why someone would need to use a Realtor when building a brand new home, since you don't need Realtors to "open doors". There are many reasons why you should work with a Realtor while building a new home. Realtors are there to provide professional advice and be a resource for information. Here are a list of Top Reasons and Questions to consider when you are building a new home.
1. City taxes- Realtors know the area and can help you pick a home in an location that suitable for your needs and budget.
2. Homeowners Association rules and regulations-- we can also help you avoid or educate you about HOA rules within your community.
3. School systems- knowing what school systems your children will be attending.
4. Lot Suggestion-- Realtors can provide suggestions to factor in during lot selection with your builder, like traffic patterns and helping decide if premium lots are worth the additional expense.
5. Resale potential- should you decide later down the road that you would like to sell your home, things such as color selections and exterior elevations make a huge difference in resale, in which your Realtor can help with these selections and provide advice.
6. Is it better to buy one of the last lots in a development? Or one of the first in a new one?
7. Will the investment of a full basement rather than a partial basement benefit you?
8. Is a radon system available to you in your home? If not, where can you get them for free?
9. Basement rough-ins-- Realtors can help you think about other rough-ins that may save money down the road, like basement bath, ceiling fans, can an empty conduit or chase be added for future tech or utilities (solar panels, power to patios).
10. Should you go with the latest trend in exterior color, or something more timeless?
11. Do you prefer morning sun in the kitchen or afternoon shade on the patio?
12. Are you willing to pay extra for a sloped lot and walkout basement that will allow you to create additional living space in future years, thus avoiding the need to move to a larger home as your needs change?
13. What do "preserve" lots mean on the developers map? Who owns the preserve, what assurance is there that it won't turn into town homes or apartments in the future, does it contain a wetland they may create an insect nuisance?
When you are sitting with the sales rep for the builder, you are likely sitting with a sales person agent, whose sole duty is to serve their employer and who are generally paid on commission. They may not share info that doesn't promote the sale. I, on the other hand, have legal, ethical, professional, and fiduciary responsibilities to put your best interests ahead of all other considerations, within the boundaries of law and regulation.
If you are building a new home and need a consultant who is on your side, please reach out and give me a call. I am happy to discuss your new build home.
