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We are looking at moving to Bluffton, Sc. next year. While we will not rule buying an existing home, we are attracted to a new home built for us. Pulte has 2 developments in the area ( Del Webb Haven, and Baynard Park ) and Lawton Station by Village Park Homes, and DR Horton also has an offering. Do the new homes sales people work with buyers agents? Are we better off by ourselves? Any help would be appreciated.
Never buy from a builder's agent. They are obligated to the builder NOT to you! Buyer's agents can work with you on any purchase and help you understand what is customary for the area (key for re-sale).
Last edited by SouthernBelleInUtah; 11-26-2014 at 10:32 PM..
If my wife and visit the builders model homes by ourselves, can we then come with a buyers agent at a later date?
It depends. The "standard" answer is the agent needs to be there on first visit. This rarely happens as most of my buyers drive the different areas first without me. Many tell the sales person they're already working with an agent, and that protects you right there. Also, sometimes when the agent then calls a couple/few weeks later and says, "I understand my buyers stopped by and spoke with you..." no sales guy is going to mess up a sale by saying the agent can't be part of it if the buyer is going to buy. Every buyer is allowed the right to have representation, and though the builder might say the buyer can pay themselves, most won't say that as the sale and customer service is more important.
YES, but...
Never let them know your name. Do not "sign in".
Find a buyers' agent who is willing to kick back part of his/her commission to you.
It is probably better to focus on finding an agent who works as an agent for the buyer, has new construction experience, and is helpful throughout the process.
The gomers who steer the pigeon to the model home, show up to collect a check at closing, and give back 1% so they can pocket an easy $4000-$5000 with absolutely no intent or capability of adding value are a dime a dozen here. To the point that onsite agents and construction superintendents comment in bewonderment and awe at real agents who actually show up more than once and work to help the buyer.
YES, but...
Never let them know your name. Do not "sign in".
...
Right.
Although Mega-Corp onsite agents can be aggressive and abrasive about it.
Demand to be treated with respect, whether your agent is present or not.
Del Webb can be particularly difficult about allowing you to use an agent after you have already visited. (We always used fake names, phone numbers, email, etc just in case. But we ended up not buying in Del Webb.)
Mike Janquish is spot on (as usual). I've told this story before around here, but when we purchased new construction, our realtor's careful and complete documentation ended up requiring the builder to include over $12000 in upgrades that we didn't pay for - including a structural upgrade that added 100 square feet to the house. And when we had construction delays, she pushed at them to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.
She also went with us to the design center and helped with some if those choices. We had never built before, had just moved from Phoenix where styles are VERY different, and we were overwhelmed with the choices. Without her assistance, we would have made several selections that would have been mistakes in the local market - both in terms of beauty and resale. (Mostly flooring choices - wood floors are not common in Phoenix.)
Get a Realtor to represent YOU. This is not a situation where you employ DIY tactics or trust the salesperson who works for the builder.
Thanks for all of the great information. My wife and I visited Sun City about 5 years ago. Would that prohibit us from coming back now with a buyers agent?
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