When you're house hunting, the allure of new construction is undeniable. You get to be the first to live in the pristine home - one untouched by grimy hands or muddy shoes. It's full of brand-new appliances and the finishes and treatments that you picked to fit your tastes. And you won't have to worry about making any cosmetic or structural upgrades for years.
If you are interested in buying a new construction, the builder's agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder's on-site agent, you're going to want someone representing your side of the deal.
What is a builder's agent?
When you buy a new construction, the home's builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder's agent. That agent's job is to always have the builder's best interest in mind. After all, the job of the builder's agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling so the agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down.
Why you should hire your own real estate agent
It's a good idea to have your real estate agent accompany you on your first visit to the new construction. Why? Because the builder (aka the seller) will be responsible for paying the commission, and needs to know if you'll have a real estate agent representing you. So bringing your agent to the first visit will make it clear that the builder's agent will be on the hook for paying commission. Some builders might even refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent the first time you visit the home on a new construction site.
It will be the job of your agent to get the most value for your money, and to help the process run smoothly. When buying new construction, here’s what your real estate agent will help you with that you might miss out on if you stick with the builder’s agent:
All that said, the builder's agent can be a valuable resource for learning about your potential new home. Since they likely have represented the builder since construction of the housing development began, they are knowledgeable about the selection of homes being built, optional amenities, and the visions for the community. You can rely on the builder's agent for background information—just don’t make this individual your sole point of contact on the buying and selling process.
Pax Real Estate Agents Are Here to Help
Everyone wants to walk away from buying a home with peace of mind - whether it be a new construction or not. Having a real estate agent in your corner will help facilitate that.
If you are considering building your own home, we've compiled a list of new construction properties available now (several of which are Pax listings). The list consists of newly-constructed homes, homes to be built, and vacant land in Calvert County. Looking in other areas and/or other types of property? Give us a call. Pax agents are here to help you find your dream home!
If you are interested in buying a new construction, the builder's agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder's on-site agent, you're going to want someone representing your side of the deal.
What is a builder's agent?
When you buy a new construction, the home's builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder's agent. That agent's job is to always have the builder's best interest in mind. After all, the job of the builder's agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling so the agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down.
Why you should hire your own real estate agent
It's a good idea to have your real estate agent accompany you on your first visit to the new construction. Why? Because the builder (aka the seller) will be responsible for paying the commission, and needs to know if you'll have a real estate agent representing you. So bringing your agent to the first visit will make it clear that the builder's agent will be on the hook for paying commission. Some builders might even refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent the first time you visit the home on a new construction site.
It will be the job of your agent to get the most value for your money, and to help the process run smoothly. When buying new construction, here’s what your real estate agent will help you with that you might miss out on if you stick with the builder’s agent:
- Negotiating extras: Want upgraded counters or appliances in that new home? Your agent can help you with all those extra perks, amenities, and upgrades. Your agent can negotiate with the builder on things like paint color and appliances, exterior finishes, etc..
- Recommending 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. Shopping around is always wise, and you don’t want the builder’s agent pressuring you into using their suggested professional unless it’s right for you. That won't happen if they know you have an agent working for you.
- Overseeing a home inspection: Tempted to forgo a home inspection in new construction? It's just as important to have a newly-constructed home inspected as it is for a resale home. The builder’s agent is unlikely to push for or offer to do an inspection, so it's up to you and your real estate agent to make it happen.
All that said, the builder's agent can be a valuable resource for learning about your potential new home. Since they likely have represented the builder since construction of the housing development began, they are knowledgeable about the selection of homes being built, optional amenities, and the visions for the community. You can rely on the builder's agent for background information—just don’t make this individual your sole point of contact on the buying and selling process.
Pax Real Estate Agents Are Here to Help
Everyone wants to walk away from buying a home with peace of mind - whether it be a new construction or not. Having a real estate agent in your corner will help facilitate that.
If you are considering building your own home, we've compiled a list of new construction properties available now (several of which are Pax listings). The list consists of newly-constructed homes, homes to be built, and vacant land in Calvert County. Looking in other areas and/or other types of property? Give us a call. Pax agents are here to help you find your dream home!
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