New Construction Buyer
Benefits of Using A Buyer Agent in New Construction
A new construction buyer’s agent will be there even after the home closes. It is routine for issues to arise during the first year of a new home and it is important to have a broker to ask questions too. Because onsite sale agents are very busy attempting to sell the reminding homes in the community they tend to forget a buyer’s name after the contract is signed. Haveing a new construction buyers agent is NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!
In addition to reviewing the Agreement of Sale (PA) prior to buyer signing. This is not a legal review (only an attorney can do that), but an experienced agent will be able to spot terms and conditions that are atypical and of potential concern to the buyer. The agent may then be able to negotiate terms and conditions that are more favorable to the buyer but still acceptable to the builder. Keep in mind most new construction contracts are written by attorneys that represent the builder and these contracts are therefore heavily weighted in favor of the builder. It is very important to have your own set of eyes to look over the documents.
How else can a New Construction buyers agent help?
– They can compare and evaluate builders’ reputations and history of their construction quality and service
– Help you compare and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of new construction homes vs. resale homes
– Provide information about the community
– Uses past sales with builders to maximize price and option concessionsHelp buyer with evaluation and selection of a building lot and options. Lot location and certain options have a very real bearing on resale value.
– Help you evaluate which options should be done by the developer during construction and which are more affordable to be done by an outside vendor post closing.
– Truly negotiate on behalf of the buyer. Many builders are offering “free” options and upgrades, but some are also making additional price concessions.
– Recommend a real estate attorney for final contract, title commitment and to hold your escrow funds. The developer should never hold your deposits.
– Obtain and review a preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement to be sure it is accurate and advise the buyer of the amount needed for settlement.
– Assist buyer with utilities, security and HOA requirements, decorators, service professionals, schools, et. al.
– Attend settlement with the buyer.
– A buyer’s agent serves as an extra set of ears as a witness at court or arbitration – When the builders sales representative is familiar with all rules, features and prices and it’s all new to buyer – it is good to have experienced person on buyer’s side listening with buyer and taking notes, a lot of information is verbalized in short period of time.
– Attend the signing of the Agreement of Sale
– Assist with the buyer’s financing and review financing paperwork. This is especially important if the builder is tying “free” options and upgrades to the use of a builder-affiliated lender.
– Check on the property during construction and keep a photo record at different stages.
– Be your leverage with the builder as problems arise during construction
– Keep everything in writing – Sometimes even the very nicest builder makes verbal promises that later become a point of contention. An experienced buyer’s agent is conditioned and trained to “put it in writing” even though at the time it doesn’t seem necessary.
– Arrange for a final inspection with a license building inspector and generate a “punch list” to be completed before final closing.
– Document and help resolve any issues with construction, financing, title, etc. throughout the process.
– Attend a pre-settlement walkthrough with the buyer to make sure that all items are satisfactorily completed or that a proper punch list is established to assure completion after settlement.