Polly Young

As a real estate broker I hate to see a buyer who doesn't write real estate contracts frequently go into contract with a seller or developer who does. If you are working without a buyer's agent, you can be guaranteed that the contract will be written with the best interest of the seller (builder or developer) in mind, not yours. Although it varies by region and market conditions, typically, there is not much room for negotiations with new construction to begin with. Most likely, the builder will not be taking the lack of a buyer's agent to pay into consideration when dealing with you. It will just be a higher net proceeds to them and you not being represented by an experienced buyers agent that has your best interest in mind. Tell them that you would like to use a buyer's agent. If they say no, check with you state's real estate commission to see if the seller can actually bar you from using a buyer's agent . Do this right away, before you write a contract with the seller. It shouldn't cost you to use a buyer's agent! Good luck. - Wed May 14 2008, 08:37