We all know the importance of having a competent and qualified real estate agent on your side when you’re looking to buy an existing home. But is it necessary to have one when you’re planning to build your new dream home? Absolutely.
Although it’s not mandatory that you have a real estate agent when you go the new-construction route, it’s always a smart idea to have someone on your side to represent and protect you throughout the building process.
A Smart Business Decision
Building a new home is a business transaction between you and the home builder. More than likely, they’ve built many homes before and have experience with the process. On top of that, if you’re buying in a planned community, you’ll have to deal with the builder’s sales person., and they’re probably going to suggest you work with their preferred lender.
All of these factors put the ball in the builder’s court, and unless you have someone to represent your interests in the transaction, there’s always a chance you could end up getting taken advantage of.
New construction is a great option. But it’s also a long and complicated process. Your agent is there to guide you. He/She can help explain the contract to you and point out things an untrained eye might normally miss. Having an agent you can trust isn’t just smart, it’s good business.
Your Personal Advisor
No matter how much you trust the builder’s sales person, you have to remember that he works for the builder. That’s where his loyalty lies.
Your real estate agent, on the other hand, works for you. Their main job is to make sure you’re getting what you want and that things run smoothly and efficiently throughout the building process. A really good agent will give you valuable advice along the way and help you decide on things like upgrades. They know which are worth the extra expense or will increase your new home’s resale value, should you ever decide to move.
Your agent will also ensure that things are done properly. They will recommend an independent home inspector at the end to verify that everything was done correctly and up-to-code.
An agent can even recommend the best builder for your particular job and area. Chances are he/she has worked with dozens of builders before, and therefore knows who you can trust and who you can’t.
Protecting Your Investment
Building a new home isn’t cheap. That’s why you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and that you’re not getting swindled along the way.
For example, your agent may be able to negotiate with the builder to have certain upgrades included in the price of your home. He/she will also recognize places where you can save in the process.
And if things go awry during the project – and they usually do at some point – your agent will be there to help you find the best, most cost-efficient solution, and help you get back on track and on budget.
Peace of Mind
Choosing to build your dream home is a huge decision and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. Don’t go it alone. Find an experienced real estate agent you can trust, and have the peace of mind knowing that you have someone to guide and look out for you every step of the way.