Relocating to North Carolina- Centex Homes (Charlotte, Raleigh: sales, real estate, mortgage)

[mzdeejay]

Hello, my husband and I , after careful consideration and research, have decided to take the big leap and relocate our family from NY to NC. We want to build a new home so we visited a few sites in Raleigh and found Centex Homes. Centex appeared to offer the most square footage at an affordable price. In NC, the sales staff was helpful and accomodating but we did not commit to any thing until we could talk it through amongst ourselves (which we did on our road trip back to NY). By the time we reached NY we decided Centex was the way to go. Once in NY, I contacted the online sales representative for Centex homes. She called me back and left a very curt message advising me that Centex homes does not deal with anyone from the states of NY, NJ, CT. In response I called the model home office (where the sales staff was so accomodating and helpful) and left a message but no one has called me back since. Has anyone heard of why Centex has such a hostile reaction to New Yorkers and can they shed some light as to why?

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

You may get more responses if you post your question on the Raleigh Durham Forum (Link at top of North Carolina Forum Page). There are several posters there currently having great experiences purchasing from Centex Homes. I can't explain why they were curt with you, but as aperson who recently purchased a home here in Raleigh, I encourage you to get your own buyers agent to represent you even if you are buying new construction. Those on-site sales staff are working for the builder and not you, they don't have your best interest in mind. Here is a link to a recent discussion on this very topic:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/ralei...t=construction

Good Luck!

[NCHomeFinder]

I have to agree with NRG - all of the Centex developments I've been to have been very friendly, regardless of where my clients are from. I don't have an explaination for their attitude, maybe someone having a bad day? In my experience, Centex has been great to deal with here in the Raleigh area, and they offer a quality product.

With regards to having a realtor represent you, especially buying a home long distance, even with a quality company, it is always a good idea to have someone on your side of the table. Typically, the builder pays the fees, and in NC, it is common if not expected for buyers to have their own representation. It will not hurt your negotiating power - you stand a good chance of getting a better deal!

Here is the required disclosure about agency in the state of NC:
http://www.ncrec.state.nc.us/pdf/bro...nts-8.5x14.pdf

It explains the different agency relationships, including who represents whom in the transaction.

I'm sorry you had a negative experience with that person on the phone, and I hope by now you've received a nice call back from the sales center!

[businessperson]

I have to believe that was an isolated incident. The Sales Agent must have been a nut case. First of all...that's illegal. You CANNOT discriminate. When you contact them again please do it through a Buyer's Agent. I would guess they'll take a different tone with the agent. If not, report them to the Real Estate Commission.

[artichoke63]

That's bizarre. Companies like Centex are concerned with making money. That's all they care about, not where you are from. Try calling back.

Artie

[mzdeejay]

Thank you for the feedback. By the posted responses, I can see everyone had the same reaction I did so I will summize that what I experienced was an isolated incident. I will re approach Centex again, this time with representation.

[heretostay]

Stay away from the National builders.

[niknaxx]

Originally Posted by mzdeejay

Hello, my husband and I , after careful consideration and research, have decided to take the big leap and relocate our family from NY to NC. We want to build a new home so we visited a few sites in Raleigh and found Centex Homes. Centex appeared to offer the most square footage at an affordable price. In NC, the sales staff was helpful and accomodating but we did not commit to any thing until we could talk it through amongst ourselves (which we did on our road trip back to NY). By the time we reached NY we decided Centex was the way to go. Once in NY, I contacted the online sales representative for Centex homes. She called me back and left a very curt message advising me that Centex homes does not deal with anyone from the states of NY, NJ, CT. In response I called the model home office (where the sales staff was so accomodating and helpful) and left a message but no one has called me back since. Has anyone heard of why Centex has such a hostile reaction to New Yorkers and can they shed some light as to why?

We've had good luck with Centex but we live in Huntersville. I'm surprised that you received such a response. They are so into customer satisfaction at least here in Charlotte, and I would call back and let them know. They are a good home for the money. Also, I agree with one of the other posters, get a buyers' agent to deal with them, you'll do better in the long run with price and construction.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by mzdeejay

Thank you for the feedback. By the posted responses, I can see everyone had the same reaction I did so I will summize that what I experienced was an isolated incident. I will re approach Centex again, this time with representation.

Now you're talking!

[dan4jeepin]

I just bought a Centex home in Knightdale (just east of raleigh) and I must say I love the house, the field manager was great, the CTX mortgage people were awesome, and the original sales person we worked with was great. But I must say the other sales person was terrible, lied to us, was never at the sales office when she was suppose to be, lacked communication on important things, and just overall sucked. This is where having a agent on our side really made the difference instead of me having to deal with the sales lady I just let my agent go and find out the information and make things right for us. I highly recommend using an agent it will make buying with centex alot easier.

Here is my agents website if your looking for a good one.

http://shanno2415.remax-carolina.com....asp?acc=79737