The Downside of Dual Agency: Why You NEED an Agent for a New Build
Building a new home is one of the most exciting, yet challenging, experiences you can have inyour life. I am here to take the "challenge" out of it, and leave all the excitement! Entering into a new construction contract without an experienced buyer's agent, like myself, subjects a buyer to “dual agency.” The site agent is legally bound to represent the best interests of the builder, not the homebuyer. They are expected to work to legally secure the builder thebest deal and cannot negotiate against their client. This is consistent throughout the course of the build: the builder is their client. The advantages of using me--an experienced buyer’s agent--are many…including the very big benefit that my professional representation is FREE! It is a misconception that not using abuyer’s agent will save money – that simply is not the case. Always remember, the site agent represents the builder. There is a listing contract in place that specifies the agent’s duties and the commission paid by the builder. When an unrepresented buyer contracts a home, the commission agreed upon does not change, it simply reflects the listing broker (site agent) receiving both sides of the commission. Site agents want to sell homes, not handle every aspect of the buyer for months after thecontract. Many site agents actually welcome experienced buyer's agents for reasons to include:
Site agents find it much easier to deal with another agent as opposed to directly with a buyer.
Buyer agents often handle questions and potential issues long before the site agent is called.
Site agents depend on agents in the field to sell homes. Nothing is better than word ofmouth advertising for a builder - and, when it’s a good experience, agents talk.
Buyers, like yourself, benefit from using me as your buyer's agent for MANY reasons, including:
An experienced buyer’s agent knows how to present requests and negotiate. Many builders are inflexible, but I know how to work with the site agent to get things done that might not normally happen.
An experienced buyer’s agent knows how to read and explain a new constructioncontract. While the site agent can, they will not offer options for things that become sticking points.
An experienced buyer’s agent will be there even after the home closes. It is routine for issues to arise during the first year of a new home. Site agents tend to forget a buyer’s name after the contract is signed.
An experienced buyer’s agent will have suggestions and advice along the way, including options, inspections, mortgages, construction issues, etc...
An experienced buyer’s agent will be able to analyze the data and trends in the area and offer advice.
An experienced buyer's agent in a new construction build is FREE to you!
There is no substitute for experience in your buyer representation! Given the amount of money spent on building a home, it is prudent to obtain experienced buyer representation from a realtor like myself. And, when that experience, guidance, and direction is available at no cost to you, why not take advantage of that opportunity?!?
Let me "help you move in the right direction!" Contact me at Michelle.Hudepohl@cbws.com or follow me on Facebook!
(513) 254-5440
Disclaimer: This is a guest blog post written by one of our advertisers, Michelle Hudepohl. Thank you for advertising with MasonMetu.
