Is it better to use a Real Estate Agent or a Saddlebrooke sales agent? (Phoenix: neighborhoods, buying)

[Daisypups]

We will soon be setting up our visit to Saddlebrooke in July with plans on staying there a few days and I presume that we will be talking to one of the sales agents who will show us around, etc. Ultimately, is it better to work with an outside real estate agent (should we get serious about buying something) or just stick with the sales people on the property? Are there things an outside agent would know and tell us about the property that maybe the Robson sales people wouldn't necessarily divulge? If and when it comes to making an offer is an outside agent better to have for this part of the process or does it matter? I don't want to make it sound like we would worry that Robson would be dishonest. We just want to get all the information that is needed (and as unbiased as possible) to help us make a future decision. Anybody out there who can share their buying experience with Robson? Thanks much in advance.

[jksn75]

I'd get an outside realtor. Remember, your realtor works for YOU and your best interest. The Robson salesperson will be looking out for their best interests. Using a realtor will not cost you anything.

[Bummer]

I agree, Jksn . . .

[AlaskaErik]

Absolutely get a realtor. They are working for you. And if you go to a Robson tour, or any other tour, without your agent, be sure to tell them up front that you are working with a real estate agent. Usually, the agent will accompany you to these presentations, but if not, Robson needs to know you're working with an agent.

[Daisypups]

Thanks for your quick replies. It all makes sense in what you have shared. On to picking an agent. : )

[RCN55]

I sent you a private message about the agent I used. She is a former Robson agent. She was outstanding. Found me a great home. One of the best agents I have ever worked with.

[angiesu]

realtor for sure. she helped negotiate greater incentives. good luck!

[GeneR]

When we were interested in that area i started looking at the realtor's web site at soldtucson.com. I talked to a realtor associated with that team and did not have a good experience...it was not one of the team leaders. Their web site is very good however so you may get some good info from it. The salesperson seemed uninterested when we told her we wanted to stay in a price range well below $250k. We never called her back when we did our visit last summer...Our initial visits were without a realtor.

The only time you need a realtor with you on first visit is if you plan on buying new construction....and if you want to tour pre-owned for-sales. Neither applied to us. We just wanted to get the lay of the land, see facilities...

I posted some rather lengthy reviews of our visits on both Tucson and Phoenix boards here.

[CV880]

Just wondering....my wife and I did a visit to Saddlebrooke Ranch and it is on our list of "possibles" for new construction. I now read that it may be of benefit for you to have a realtor working with you for new builds.

Is there some problem doing so now that we have already visited the property? We hadn't considered this previous to our visit. And what is the big advantage of having an agent? Finally, what is the cost involved and who would pay?

Thanks.

[jksn75]

As stated above, they can negotiate greater incentives. They can also help if you have issues that arise with the builder. They can explain the documents at closing. Ours helped us schedule an independent inspection behind the walls before sheetrock went up. They basically look out for your best interests. It doesn't cost you anything. The builder pays their commission. But, you don't need to have one. Plenty of people walk into those neighborhoods on their own and don't have any issues.