I am working wiht a seller right now who was not represented by their own Realtor when building a new home. This has turned into a disaster for them both emotionally and financially. This could have all been avoided if they had had their own representation. My own parents recently had a similar experience. The amount they have spent on attorney fees is unbelieveable. (They live out of my area, so they could not initially ask for my help. Yes, I have scolded them!) A realtor familiar with new builds is extremely important. Even if a builder says they will reduce the cost if you don't use one, believe me, in the end you will end up paying more.

Dee Nofziger
Realtor

Rockheadsgirl
The builders rep represents the builder not you. Their job is to get a house sold not to try to help protect you in the transaction. You should have a Realtor® represent you in the transaction. Also beware of the "False" payment on new constuction. You are only paying taxes the first year on the lot not on the home. Expect your payment to go up after taxes are assesed on the property.
I don't know if you are familar with Quail Run a subdivision by Cristo in Trenton. This subdivision is located about 5 minutes from my home at Wayne-Madison and Trenton Rd., about 25% of the homes forclosed, in my opinion by looking at the time line because of the tax bump on payments.

Mark is absolutely right! Builders do budget for Realtor fees, so you won't be saving any money not using your own Realtor. Many Realtors are very familiar with the new-build process, and can help you through most of the questions you have, act as your advocate with the builder to be sure you are getting what you are paying for. And, the market being what it is wherever you are, builders are finding themselves more willing to make concessions or add-ons, and a good Realtor may be able to help you negotiate in that regard. As you know (or are finding out), building a home is a very BIG deal; why would you not want someone totally on YOUR side, helping you make this a very happy, positive experience? Good luck and happy housebuilding!

Susan

Hi,

Chris makes some good points and I agree you should have an agent working for you. With a production builder like the one you are considering there would be no cost to you... Actually you will pay if you use an agent or not. You see the builder has two budgets, a production and a marketing budget. They know what % of buyers will have an agent represent them and they factor that cost across ALL BUYERS... so you will not get a discount if you don't use an agent.

I have built several homes in addition to remodeling experience and both Residential Construction Certified (RCC) and a Certified New Home Sales Specialist. If you would like to talk more about questions on home building and/or would like to discuss having me and my team represent you in your home building please call. 937-353-4600

Best of luck to you either way!

Yes, you should have a Realtor. The site salespeople represent the builder. Sure, they can facilitate the purchase just fine. But they are not there to look out for your best interest. It costs you nothing (usually) to have a Realtor represent you with a builder. A good Realtor will know the process and be a huge help to you. And yes, even though the builder has to pay the Realtor's commission, you are still likely to get a better price on the home with the negotiating assistance of an agent. One thing to be aware of though.....if you visit the sales site and register with the builder, the you have actually waived your right to representation. Make sure that your agent is the first point of contact for any home that interests you, and that they come with you on your first visit to the site. New construction offers some of the best buys going right now. Keep in mind that the builders are willing to negotiate down from their asking prices, unlike a few years ago. Also, ask about their incentives. Many are offering creative incentive packages just to bring buyers in the door. Good luck to you.