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Buying
Pre-Construction?
Here’s Why A Real Estate Professional Should Represent You
By Crissie Cudd |
It might not seem necessary to involve
a real estate professional in a transaction where a buyer can
deal directly with a builder. Think again! A real estate professional
representing the buyer’s interests, can guide you along
the right path, smooth the rough places and help ensure you make
a decision you can live with (and in) for many years. Here’s
how:
Just as a real estate professional calls on
experience and knowledge of an area to help buyers locate
pre-owned homes in a community, he or she can also direct
buyers interested in newly built homes to developments and
communities that match client specifications.
An agent can suggest builders based on their reputation for delivering
a high-quality product, responding quickly to issues, and being
financially sound.
An agent may be familiar with how a builder prices his products
and where there may be room to negotiate price or upgrades.
Without agent representation, you are one buyer purchasing only
one home. But an agent can significantly impact a builder’s
bottom line by providing a steady supply of customers. The agent’s
leverage may work in your favor at the negotiating table. [Note:
The builder may require your agent to accompany you on your first
visit to the site. Check with the builder.
When relocating to a new area, agents can be particularly valuable
resources. In addition to providing local area information regarding
schools, day care or elder care services, public transportation,
proposed development, and so on, once construction is under way,
an agent can periodically stop by the work site, supply you with
progress reports, and photograph or videotape phases of the construction.
An agent can assist you as you face hundreds of design choices
and consider which upgrades could potentially add value to the
home when it comes time to sell.
An agent can accompany you at the site while you okay the plumbing
and electrical locations prior to drywalling, as well as on the
walk-through or builder orientation.
By now, you should be convinced of a real estate professional’s
value as you search for and purchase a newly built home. Still, here’s
one more great reason to work with an agent-the builder pays the agent’s
commission. You enjoy individual attention and support at no cost to
you. What a great way to start life in a new home!
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