How Your Real Estate Broker Can Help You Build a Home

With affordability in mind, many Buyers are flocking to the outskirts of the metro area to build their next (or first) home.  Buyers may want a home without the burden of having to make improvements or repairs associated with older houses. Some folks like knowing that a new house is a blank slate–no skeletons in the closet so-to-speak.  But if you’re not going to see resale homes, then how can your Realtor/ Broker/ Agent be of value? Isn’t trusting the Builder enough? The answer is that your Broker will be the single most helpful advocate during the process and Builders aren’t always as altruistic as you’d want. A Builder’s job is to build and sell houses–they are in business to achieve their best outcome much like a conventional house Seller. They can stand to break a few eggs to make an omelette. Your Realtor is in business to achieve Your best outcome.  The best part is the VAST MAJORITY of Builders will pay a commission to Your Realtor to help you; much to their own chagrin. 

Although the process doesn’t start in the same way as finding a resale home it ends like all other real estate transactions.  In fact, the process can be more involved than a traditional resale. Right now there is a surge of new-build developments cropping up everywhere. With this comes not only the traditional hurdles of finding the right location and floor plan, but also the added pitfalls of overseeing a brand new build that takes course over many months–sometimes a year. And at the end you want a perfect product, right?  That’s what your Realtor is charged to accomplish. They can assist in the following areas:

Which Builder is right for you?

Realtors have either experienced first-hand or heard of the reputation of Builders in the area. We have the resources to find the right one for you. Realtors know what traits to look for when choosing Builders. 

Which community?

Amenities, parks, geography, HOA dues, proximity to roads & business, TAX RATES, etc are all important factors to consider.

What and Who Should you Ask? 

Realtors are natural detectives, and a seasoned pro knows what to ask and when throughout the course of the build. We also help keep track of the players on the Builder side–its not always easy to know who is in charge of what at the construction site.

Which Lot do you choose?

Think about elevation, drainage, what surrounds the Lot, etc.

How long does it take to build and where do you live in the meantime?

Some new home Buyers have to Sell or Lease before the new house is finished–Your Realtor can help!!

When and how should you negotiate?

Many Buyers overestimate and underestimate their ability to negotiate on new builds.  A seasoned Realtor knows what to do and when to get you the best deal possible. 

When should you inspect the Building Process?

It’s a mistake to assume that the Builder will build the house perfect the whole way through. At certain times, its key to have a professional inspector or certain vendors inspect components of the house so that you don’t get stuck with a problem as soon as you sign the closing documents. Once the deal is done, its done. 

Blue Tape?

Toward the end of the process, your Realtor is an extra set of eyes.  We know what what is supposed to be right and what’s not. When it comes time for the Blue Tape final walk through, you’ll be glad your Realtor is with you to spot mistakes that need to be corrected before closing. 

Traditional transaction aspects?

Besides the build, Buyers still need help navigating Lenders, Title Companies, Closings and Documents.  Your Realtor is there to help you make sense of it all. 

Building is a HUGE process! Why not have help from your trusted Realtor in one of the biggest purchases and processes you’re likely to go through in life?  If you’re considering building as an option for you and your family, contact Ascension and we’ll help you get to the closing table unscathed!