I was recently asked by a buyer, "I have heard that a realtor fee is built into the cost of the home purchase. Can you tell me what the Realtor actually does for the buyer in this situation?"

Buyer Agent Benefits

Why use a buyer's agent for a new home? Because the builder's agent's job is to get the best possible price and terms for the builder and your buyer's agent's job is to get the best possible price and terms for their client, you! That is the number one reason. And, your agent has usually been through this process many more times than you and knows from experience what the pitfalls are and where to look for them.

Other than this, here are some reasons to use a buyer agent and some services you should expect.

As a Buyer's Agent, I provide these additional services:

• Have you pre-qualified even before you walk into the subdivision office so that your negotiating position is as strong as possible.
• Know the builder's history and reputation particularly with post sales service and warranty because even the best constructed home will have problems that will only show up after you've lived there a while.
• Do comparative market analysis in the local area around the subdivision so you will have a good concept of the home's value before you sign a contract.
• Know about any problems with the subdivision or the area that may not be known or mentioned up front by the builder's representative.
• Know about resales of homes in nearby or even in the same subdivision that will affect your negotiating position.
• Know about special incentives such as upgrades that may be available but won't be offered without negotiation.
• Know if the builder may stand to benefit by closing out a particular segment by the end of the current quarter or if there are other time constraints that might strengthen your negotiating position.
• Review all the bonds and assessments on the home you select.
• Review the contract to make sure there are no misunderstood provisions.
• Follow the transaction through escrow, assuring that everything is being done according to the contract, in a timely manner.
• Assist in watching over the construction if you are absent or out of town.
• Be with you when you select your upgrades. (It might be better for you to spend upgrade allowances on Landscaping, Escrow Costs, etc. rather than inflated builder upgrades). With the money saved you can shop for items such as carpet, drapes, etc. on the open market.

William "Art" Sexton
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