The short answer: yes. Purchasing new construction is oftentimes much more complex and intimidating than buying a resale home. On top of helping you navigate the ins and outs of the process - paperwork, negotiations etc., working with a real estate agent when purchasing a new build will ensure that you have an expert advocating for you throughout the entire process.

Imagine this scenario

You go to visit a model home and are greeted by a kind and informative person. They show you around the property and provide plenty of information including suggesting upgrades that may be made. What you may not know is that this person is likely a real estate agent who works directly for the builder or developer. At the end of the day, this person cares more about their bottom line than they do about making sure that your home is built exactly the way you want it AND at a fair price.

On the other hand, you could have a good real estate agent who is working for YOU representing you, and looking out for your best interests throughout the process.

Will I save money by not working with an agent?

Some new-home buyers think that if they do not use an agent for their purchase, the builder will reduce the price of the home by the amount of the commission. This is FALSE. Builders do not want to reduce their prices because it sets the comparison price for future home sales in that neighborhood. Oftentimes builders instead add the commissions paid to a buyer’s agent into the marketing budgets of the homes. Generally speaking, if a buyer goes to a new-home builder without a real estate agent, either the builder’s agent or the builder will pocket that money.

What are the benefits of working with my own real estate agent to purchase new construction?

When buying new construction, are some of the things your real estate agent will help you with are:

Negotiating extras
Want upgraded counters or appliances in that new home? From paint colors to the garage door, your agent can help you with all those extra perks, amenities, and upgrades.

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. It is always best to shop around rather than be pressured into using the builder’s preferred lender.

Arranging and overseeing the home inspection
A builder’s agent is unlikely to push for or offer up an inspection, so it's up to you and your real estate agent to make it happen. Realtors® regularly work with inspectors and when you have your own agent working for you, that agent will be able to suggest an excellent inspector and make those arrangements for you.

When all is said and done, the most important thing is that you have a new home that is exactly what you wanted and that you feel good about. Having an agent in your corner will help facilitate that.

Does Santiago Properties work with clients purchasing new construction?

We have helped several clients with the new build process and we would be happy to do the same for you. If you’re thinking about going this route, as always, we suggest reaching out to us sooner rather than later. Oftentimes if you go to a builder before reaching out to a real estate agent to represent you, you will be stuck with having to use the builder’s agent who doesn’t necessarily have your best interest in mind 100% of the time. A conversation with Santiago is the best place to start. You can reach him by phone or email at: 616.337.0564 or santiago@kw.com