How To Get The Most When Building New Home

          Why You Need A Real Estate Agent When Building A Home

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                       In Prosper, Plano, Frisco and McKinney Texas

1. Builders represent themselves and not the buyer of a new home. Most buyers of new homes do not understand codes, standards and technical information regarding the construction of a new home.  A seasoned realtor does..
   
   
2. Most buyers will use a builder’s floor plan without consulting an architect.  A good realtor will insist on a professional architect’s input.   Architects will introduce ideas and standards that builders want to avoid.
   
   
3. Typically, 4-6 meetings are conducted between the builder and the buyer before a contract is executed.   Usually the buyer signs the contract on the spot.  However, if a realtor is present, the realtor insists on waiting several days so that additional negotiations can take place. .
   
   
4. Most buyers will do only a walk-through with the builder.  A good realtor will insist on an inspection by a licensed inspector prior to closing and will attend the inspection with the buyer.
   
5. A realtor attending all of the meetings with the buyer and the builder will yield better results because a good realtor will have input that a buyer may not have because this is what a realtor does.
   
6. Building a home, which is usually the largest asset a buyer will ever own, without a realtor is like going to a trial without a lawyer.  You need the representation of a professional.
   
7. Realtors know what upgrades add future value to a home.
   
8. Realtors know how builder’s sales representatives earn their commissions and can negotiate a better sales price.
   
9. Realtors understand builder pricing versus timing and can therefore negotiate a better sales price.
   
10. Wrap the house in insulation?
    
11. Seal the garage floors
    
12. Radiant barrier in garage attic ceiling too?
    
13. If answer from builder is "it meets code", this means minimal.
    
14. Use 2x6’s to double insulation
    
15. Brand of appliances, HVAC, sprinkler system?
    
16. Does brick continue to top of chimney on exterior?
    
17. The warranty can be negotiated on the home.  Is there a warranty on landscaping?  Sprinkler system?
    
18. Soils test on foundation?  Let’ take a look at it.
    
19. Pest controls on new home? How long? Warranty service?  Termite treatment?
    
20. Negotiate title insurance: builders slip it in as a cost to buyer.  Significant cost 1 percent.

This is just a few key questions that a seasoned agent will review with a buyer and builder.

Bill Remington  www.billremington.com