Have you been thinking about buying a new custom built home? With the Twin Cities and surrounding area expanding so quickly, there’s lots of new construction homes out there. It probably seems easy; just go to the builder, tell them what you want, and then you have a home! But many times it’s not that easy. Many things can still go wrong, and you can end up with a property that’s not nearly as perfect as you expected.

1. Hiring a buyer’s agent doesn’t cost you!

Buying a home is possibly the most expensive thing you’ll ever do, but using a buyer’s agent doesn’t cost you anything! Having someone by your side through the process is priceless, and the fact you don’t have to pay them is even better! 

2.   Having an agent helps ensure you hire the right builder.

Without a doubt, one of the top reasons why you should have a buyer’s agent when purchasing a new home is to be able to get a professional’s advice on the reputation of the builder. If a builder in your area isn’t reputable, chances are your Realtor will know. One of the greatest things about working with a good Realtor is that you benefit from their network of agents, vendors, lenders and other professionals. Word gets around when a business doesn’t take care of their customers in the real estate industry.

3.   Your agent will help guide you when it comes to the lot, location, and neighborhood.

The best value in real estate is not always clear without extensive experience to guide you. While you can just go with your gut, working with your agent can help ensure you make choices about your purchase that will best serve your interests. For example, in new construction, the lot you choose is important. Quite often buyers will be choosing a lot from a fancy looking neighborhood plan. It will look nice and green and pretty. But you don’t really know what you’re getting from solely looking at a builder’s marketing plan. An agent who knows new construction will ask to see the lot’s specific site plan. You don’t want to be surprised with a drainage ditch in your back yard or a large utility box right in your front yard!

4.   They can guide you on appropriate upgrades and plan modifications.

One of the nice things about new construction is customizing your home to your exact needs and wants. Of course, like any other home, there are certain amenities that are going to be more important than others. Without proper guidance, you could easily spend a lot of money on things that don’t matter when it comes time to sell. An experienced buyer’s agent can guide you into some of the best new home upgrades with the highest return on investment. Some improvements really make a difference when you sell!

5.   Your agent will make sure all the paperwork is in order.

Having a fiduciary in your corner is always important. Many folks often wonder what a buyer’s agent does for you; real estate purchases involve a lot of paperwork and documents that can be confusing and overwhelming. Your agent will help you review any contracts to make sure you’re protected and that you’re getting what you paid for. The agent will see any issues that arise and make sure they’re taken care of appropriately.

6. An agent will negotiate on your behalf.

The best part of having a buyer’s agent is having someone in your corner, going up to bat for you and representing your best interests. When you go directly to the listing agent for the new construction, you enter into what’s called Dual Agency. A dual agent cannot, by law, give you advice; they have to stay neutral as they are representing both the buyer and the seller. Do you really think you’ll get the best price on your home if your agent is representing both you and the builders? The agent at the builder’s site is representing their client the builder, not you.

The truth is, you need a buyer’s agent to look out for your best interests when buying new construction. As with any home purchase, there are too many potential pitfalls, hidden risks and costs, and complications involved in the process to guarantee a good result unless you have an experienced agent to help. It’s vital to have a list of questions to ask a builder before moving forward. The answers to these questions will determine whether you move on with the build and enjoy the process of building, or if it will end up a frustrating mess. At Grey Duck, we make sure you’re 100% prepared going into this process so there aren’t any unhappy surprises!