Building a New Home? Why You Need Your Own Real Estate Agent

When you're house hunting, the allure of new construction is undeniable. You get to be the first to live in the pristine home and know everything about its beginnings. The new home will be spotless and full of brand-new appliances. Building a new home or buying a new construction takes the worry out of immediate improvements for years to come.

If you are interested in buying a new home or construction, the builder's agent will be ready to help you with the process. But remember: You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if a project appears to be simple with a builder’s on-site agent, you're going to want someone representing your side of the deal.

What is a builder's agent?

When you purchase new construction, the home's builder is considered the seller - and the agent representing the builder is called the builder's agent. The builder’s agent will always have the builder’s best interest in mind. The job of the agent is to get the highest price for all of the homes the builder is selling, and negotiating with these agents can be tricky.

Why you should hire your own real estate agent

Before looking at a construction site or a home site, it's always a good idea to have your real estate agent accompany you on your first visit. Why? Because the builder (aka the seller) will be responsible for paying the commission and needs to know if you'll have a real estate agent representing you. So, bringing your agent to the first visit will make it clear that the builder's agent will be on the hook for paying commission. Some builders might even refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent the first time you visit the home on a new construction site.

“Your real estate agent helps you obtain the most value for your money,” says Debb Carl of DEBnAIR Real Estate in Sedona, Arizona.

When buying new construction, here’s what your real estate agent will help you with that you might miss out on if you stick with the builder’s agent:

Negotiating extras: Want upgraded counters or appliances in that new home? Your agent can help you with all those extra perks, amenities, and upgrades. Your agent can help negotiate with a builder on everything from paint type to landscaping.

Recommending financing: A builder typically will have a “preferred” lender that it will try to steer you to, but your real estate agent can help make sure that you’re getting the mortgage that works best for your situation.

Overseeing a home inspection: Tempted to forgo a home inspection in new construction? “Don’t do it”, advises Sedona Real Estate Agent Airen Sapp. “The number and severity of new-home defects often rival resale home problems,” she says. The builder’s agent is unlikely to push for or offer up an inspection, so it's up to you and your real estate agent to make it happen.

How the builder's agent can help you

All that said, the builder's agent can be a valuable resource for learning about your potential new home. Local agents are knowledgeable about the construction in your specific buying area and available amenities, as well as the housing development and general community.

Everyone wants to walk away from buying a home—whether it be a new construction or not—with peace of mind. Having a real estate agent in your corner will help facilitate that.

For more information on Sedona land for sale or new construction negotiation, call 928-301-1947 and ask for Debb or call 928-301-2568 and ask for Airen. We are eager to find the perfect space for you!

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