5 Reasons to Use a Realtor with a New Build Home

There’s lots of excitement around the idea of a new build home. Building a home from the ground up is a dream for many homebuyers. The idea of customizing a home to fit their lifestyle is a major draw when homebuyers are deciding between new construction and buying an existing home.

While most homebuyers know the benefits of using a realtor when buying a home, it’s common that many don’t realize how important it is to use one especially during the process of a new build home. There are many different “hands in the pot” when it comes to the sale of a brand new home. Understanding who is on your team is the key to a successful outcome.

At the Erica Diaz Team, we know it’s important to understand ALL the aspects of buying a new home when it’s from scratch. This article explains the difference between a builder’s agent and a buyer’s agent. Along with the importance of having a buyer’s agent, highlighting five reasons why it’s critical to use a realtor when building your dream home!

What Is A Builder’s Agent?

When you’re buying a pre-existing home, the people who lived in the home before you are the sellers. They may be selling their home by themselves, or they may have a realtor working on their behalf. When buying a brand new build, the builder is considered the seller. The builder hires an agent to represent them. It makes sense, of course, that the builder’s agent would be working with the seller’s best interest in mind. And these agents can disguise their motives behind a plate of cookies and a tour of your potential new home. But don’t be fooled, these friendly and smiley faces are thinking of the builder. And they’re exceptional at what they do. This is why you need a professional on your side to help you see past the warm cookies and smiles and see the facts, figures, and numbers.

Builder Agents Have One Job

The builder’s agent has one job: to get the highest price for the sale, and to make you feel excited and comfortable while they’re doing it. Negotiating with a builder’s agent can be difficult since they have no real incentive to come down on the price. This is why you need to have an experienced real estate agent with you from day one, even before you start visiting developments. Since the seller’s agent typically pays the commission in a real estate deal, bringing your agent with you to your first visit will make it clear to the builder’s agent that they’ll be in charge of that part of the deal.

That being said, it’s important to clarify that builder agents can do a lot to help you with the purchase of a brand new home. There are valuable things you can learn about the home from the builder’s agent, tiny details that your agent may not know off of the top of his/her head. They can give you a good idea about the builder’s history, the available amenities, and the plans for the neighborhood. We suggest picking the builder’s agents’ brain to learn as much as possible about the new home, but also to have an agent on your side who is looking out for you.

Why Do You Need A Real Estate Agent For A New Build?

Coming to a new build with an experienced real estate agent is like having an educated sidekick with a whole lot of training. It allows you to walk confidently into the home-buying process knowing that you’re not going to be taken advantage of. You’ll be able to focus on the details of the home (have you seen all of these upgrades?!) and know that your real estate agent is doing everything necessary to ensure you get the house you want for the price that is fair.

5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Real Estate Agent when Buying a New Build Home

1. A Real Estate Agent Knows Where to Start

Are you looking for a custom new build home? Maybe you want to build in an up-and-coming neighborhood community? Before you even find the piece of land that will eventually become the home of your dreams. You’ll have to do some neighborhood shopping to figure out where you want to build your home.

Having an experienced real estate agent by your side who knows the area and is familiar with the builders can make a huge difference during the search. For instance, a home surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty on the lake might be best as a custom new construction home in Windermere. Whereas a new build in an emerging community in Winter Garden offers that small-town feel. A real estate agent can confirm you’re working with a reputable builder to ensure you’re getting the best home for your family.

2. Real Estate Agents Know New Build Home Perks

There’s so much excitement that comes with purchasing a new build home! Like being able to customize it exactly to your liking and lifestyle. It really does not get much better than that. Everything from the flooring to the kitchen backsplash and extra patio space can be added to create the home of your dreams.

All too often, new-build homebuyers become overwhelmed with all the decisions. In some cases, they even spend too much money on upgrades that could be negotiated. Don’t let this happen to you. While there are many choices when it comes to cabinet finishes and lighting. Chances are there might be missed opportunities if you’re making the decisions without the guidance of a real estate agent.

Working with a real estate agent on a new build home can help score the upgrades that make all the difference. It’s easier to get some upgrades and amenities thrown in when the home is in the beginning stages. This is just another reason that it’s essential to have an agent involved ASAP.

3. Check! And Double Check!

All too often it’s thought that new build homes have minimal issues (or mistakes) because, well, it’s new. Unfortunately, new build homes can have just as many problems and defects as older homes. It’s vital to get an inspection before you sign on the dotted line to make sure everything is exactly what it’s supposed to be.

The builder’s agent probably won’t offer or insist on an inspection. However, we suggest one is done. A professional real estate agent will highly recommend a home inspection on a new build home. There are plenty of reasons why skipping it to save money is a bad idea. An agent will help get the inspection process rolling and typically, be present for it.

If this is your first time building a home from the ground up, having a realtor on your side gives you access to years of experience and expertise. They’ll know to check for things you wouldn’t even think of. Allowing you to move forward in the building and buying process with confidence.

Also, while it would be nice to have all of the upgrades. Not all of them will add the same value to your life and your home. A real estate agent can help you decide on smart upgrade choices and steer you away from ones that tend to cause more trouble than they are worth.

4. Real Estate Agents Get You the Best Financing

Remember the sweet, smiley, cookie-serving builder’s agent we were talking about? Another part of their job is to help you navigate how you’re going to pay for this fancy new house of yours. If you don’t already have a plan, the helpful building agent will know just the lender to send you to. However, their suggested lender may not be the right one for your specific circumstance. If you have little experience with mortgages and money lending, this could mean serious financial struggles for you.

When you have the Erica Diaz Team in your corner, we will have a solid understanding of your financial situation and guide you towards lenders we know and trust. Ultimately, pairing you with a lender that will get you the best mortgage. We always recommend shopping around to find the best interest rates and plans for you. One of our real estate agents can help you with that!

Building promotions are another way real estate agents can save you money on a new build home purchase. An agent with inside info about the local builders and their promotions can often help negotiate a lower price and better terms for new construction. If attempting this without an agent, there’s little chance without the inside scoop, that getting the promotions will be successful.

5. A Real Estate Agent Works for YOU!

The seller hires a building agent to get them the highest price on their homes. While smiles and personalized tours through model homes are great, they aren’t going to help you get the best deal for your new construction home. A seller’s agent has the seller’s best interest (and bank account) in mind. This is where a realtor is invaluable, because, they will do the same for you.

The Erica Diaz Team is ready to make the phone calls, schedule the meetings, ask for the upgrades, and go back and forth with negotiations for you. We’ll handle construction delays, financing issues, and permits with confidence so that you don’t have to. We’re here so that you can fall in love with the idea of your new home without worrying about all of the hassle and stress that happens behind the scenes. We can translate your contract from real estate jargon to terms you can actually understand. Honesty and transparency when presenting you with all of your options is our main goal.

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Erica Diaz Team – 5 Reasons to Use a Realtor with a New Build Home

Areas like Winter Garden, Clermont, and Windermere are booming with new developments right now and many builders are eager to sell. This puts you, the buyer, in a great position, especially if you have an experienced real estate agent on your side to help you navigate the process. Major builders like Ryan Homes, CalAtlantic, K. Hovnanian, and Lennar are all making their mark on Central Florida, making it possible to design the home of your dreams in one of the most highly sought-after neighborhoods in the area.

For years, Erica Diaz and her team have helped families find new homes for the new chapter in their lives. They know the builders, the communities, and the neighborhoods in-depth, giving you an insider’s perspective when customizing the home of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a brand new estate on Lake Apopka or the tight-knit community vibe of Winter Garden, Erica Diaz and her dedicated team can help you navigate the world of new construction and find the home you’ve always wanted! Ready to get started? Call the Erica Diaz Team today!