Buying a New Home
If you are interested in buying new homes in New Braunfels, the builder’s agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you are going to want someone representing your side of the deal.
What is a builder’s agent?
When you buy a new construction in New Braunfels, 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. After all, the job of the builder’s agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling so the agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down.
In my lengthy career as a real estate agent, I’ve seen and heard it all. I prepared this article to help new home buyers:
“New Home Buyers Top 7 Greatest Regrets”
You can get it free here:
[download_after_email id=”6398″]
Why you should hire your own real estate agent?
It’s a good idea to have your real estate agent accompany you on your first visit to the new homes for sale in New Braunfels. Why? Because the builder (aka the seller) will be responsible for paying the commission and needs to know if you 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 do not register the agent the first time you visit the home on a new construction site. Your real estate agent’s job is to help you get the most value for your money, with the least hassle and frustration.
When buying new construction, here is 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. We can often negotiate with the builder on things like paint color or even the style of garage door, especially if the housing development is in the beginning stages.
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. Shopping around is always wise, and you do not want the builder’s agent pressuring you into using their suggested professional unless it is right for you.
Overseeing a home inspection: Tempted to forgo a home inspection in new construction? Do not do it. The number and severity of new-home defects often rival resale home problems. The builder’s agent is unlikely to push for or offer up an inspection, so it is 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. They are knowledgeable about the construction and available amenities, as well as the housing development and general new home community’s vibe. You can rely on the builder’s agent for background information—just do not make this individual your sole point of contact on the buying and selling process.
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.
How will you know this is the best purchase for you?
The builder’s agent will not have any information on what the other new home builders in the neighbors are offering or what they have available. I receive emails and brochures from all the local builders in the area. I receive information on new homes from San Antonio to Austin. They let me know if they have cut the price on homes ready to sell and if they are offering more closing costs or upgrades on their homes.
If you would like a list of local builders and new neighborhoods in New Braunfels (or wherever you may be looking for a new home), you can call me at (830) 708-7199 or email me at suzzrealtor@gmail.com and I’ll get it to you ASAP.
I’m always ready to help you find the perfect home for you AND and at the best price. I also have a list of experienced and talented custom home builders.
