New construction

Building a new home is exciting. You get to build your dream from the ground up, choose your lot, your model, interior finishes, and upgrades. But like any home purchase, buying new construction is serious business, an expensive transaction with many financial implications and many parts.

That's is why it’s critical to obtain representation from a Realtor® when considering a new home purchase. Here's why:

Builder sales representatives represent the builder. Often builders have their own sales representative on site to answer questions, assist people who walk in, and explain the differences between models and floor plans and share information about upgrades. But it's important to remember that builder representatives represent the builder, as they are contractually obligated to do. “Realtors® are trusted resources for real estate information and can help home buyers navigate the increasingly complex home-buying process," said National Association of Realtors® President Gary Thomas. The buyer representation agreement ensures the buyers Realtor® will represent the interests of the buyer alone and not the seller.

Fiduciary responsibility. One of the most important considerations for any buyer is fiduciary responsibility. When you retain the services of a Realtor®, their responsibility is to you. That means you have an expert who is looking out for your best financial interests, an expert who's contractually obligated to protect you. A Realtor® can help you navigate the new-construction contract; help you understand how specific clauses, riders and upgrade options affect you; and make sure you know what you need to do before you sign on the dotted line.

Negotiating a better deal. Finding the right model and picking your upgrades is the fun part. Once you're ready to sign the contract, a Realtor® can work on your behalf to negotiate the terms, from upgrade options to financing and closing costs. In addition, a Realtor® can present other options, including other communities, other builders, for financing or might be able to work with the builder's lender directly to get you a better rate for your mortgage.