Are RE agents involved in builds? (contingencies, agent, sales, construction)

[GuyFriendly]

How does that work?

Say we buy a lot - I assume you use an agent for that? Then we contract with a builder to build a log cabin in NC on that lot. Do we use the same agent? None? A different one?

It doesn't seem like we would need an agent for a build, but might want one for a lot. Is this correct?

Thanks!

[Bill Keegan]

Originally Posted by GuyFriendly

How does that work?

Say we buy a lot - I assume you use an agent for that? Then we contract with a builder to build a log cabin in NC on that lot. Do we use the same agent? None? A different one?

It doesn't seem like we would need an agent for a build, but might want one for a lot. Is this correct?

Thanks!

I don't think there's any great need to have a real estate agent involved when building a home on a lot you already own. There's no real estate being sold here, so why involve a real estate agent?
If you've not been involved in the process of building a house before, and you aren't sure exactly what you want, you might want to have some sort of expert advisor to help you through it. To go through the different considerations when making all your decisions. To choose the right architect, the right general contractor, etc. And if that advisor happens to be a real estate agent, so be it. But the pay for that should be something totally different that what you would pay someone to help you buy real estate.

[gbone]

Originally Posted by GuyFriendly

How does that work?

Say we buy a lot - I assume you use an agent for that? Then we contract with a builder to build a log cabin in NC on that lot. Do we use the same agent? None? A different one?

It doesn't seem like we would need an agent for a build, but might want one for a lot. Is this correct?

Thanks!

Some things to consider when contracting with a builder for a house you design or have designed:[list]
Contract-The builder will most likely want to use his contract. His contract was developed by an attorney representing him so it will probably be biased towards protecting the builder. Get your own real estate attorney to tighten up the contract so that you are protected when it comes to meeting deadlines, materials used, draws, penalties, home inspections, contingencies, etc.[list]
General Contractor-Make sure you do your due diligence before selecting one. Check references, talk with owners of houses the builder has built, visit some of those houses, etc.
Architect-Make sure you do your due diligence here also. Also discuss in detail all of the materials to be used in the construction. Materials vary widely in terms of quality and cost. Once materials are decided make sure that your builder contract specifies all materials to be used.
Home Inspector-Find an experienced and respected home inspector that will inspect the house at different stages of construction(from pouring of slab/footings, pre drywall, final inspection, etc.). The purpose here is to insure that the house is being constructed using the materials specified in your contract, constructed according to code, and that no "shortcuts" have been taken.

[Rakin]

GF, if you were moving to Dallas and wanted to build a new home I can improve the process 200% and improve on what the final result would be.

But since you are building a country cabin on your own land no need for an agent. The best thing you can have is a reputable, honest builder who you can work with.

[GuyFriendly]

Thanks gbone - GREAT advice!