A buyer’s agent can help you compare North Dallas builders, communities, homesites, included features and contract milestones. Before touring a model home, discuss representation, negotiable compensation and the builder’s registration rules so you understand the arrangement from the start.
There are many reasons why homebuyers love new construction. They get to move into a brand-new house that has the latest and greatest finishes and will likely have little maintenance in the near future. While the process may seem straightforward, there are lots of things that buyers need to be aware of. Having a real estate agent in your corner can help you avoid the many headaches associated with going the new construction route.
Selecting the Right Builder
Most agents are very familiar with the various builders in their area. They understand which builders have the best price points, who specialize in certain styles of homes (production, semi-custom, custom, etc.), what materials a builder uses, and whether the builder has a reputation for having good or bad quality or is responsive to service requests after-closing.
By sitting down with an agent and explaining your goals and requirements, they can save you a lot of time by immediately narrowing down the list of builders who are best suited for your project.
Selecting the Right Community, Floor Plan, and Lot
Agents help guide buyers through the selection process to ensure that the floor plan, community, and lot aligns with the buyer’s individual needs. There are some floor plans and communities that may be hard to resell. An agent will be able to point out these potential challenges. An agent can help you evaluate lot orientation and raise questions about site conditions. For soil, drainage, structural or engineering questions, use qualified inspectors or engineers rather than treating an agent’s observations as a technical assessment.
Selecting Options
When you visit a builder to tour a model home, you will likely be presented with a model that has all of the optional features and upgrades. This is intentional as the builder’s number one priority is to sell each house for the highest possible price. Not every upgrade adds significant value to the property. A real estate agent can help their clients pick the best options to maximize their investment. An agent also knows which options are highly marked-up in order to assist with negotiating a better deal.
Having an Advocate in Your Corner
The on-site agent at the model home may look and sound like someone who is there to help you. However, this representative works for the builder and is there to represent their employer’s best interests. Ask who each person represents. Do not assume every builder sales representative has the same licensing status or that a sales conversation replaces your own due diligence. Your agent can help you compare written information, clarify property questions and coordinate the next steps. For legal advice on a builder’s contract, consult an attorney.
Once you have reached a decision on which builder to use and which model you would like, it’s time for the real work to begin. Now it’s time for your real estate agent to negotiate with the builder and lock down the purchase of your new property!
Discuss Representation Before the First Visit
Compensation is negotiable. Your written agreement should explain the services and how your broker will be paid. A builder may offer compensation, but policies vary and payment should not be assumed. Confirm registration requirements before touring. See TREC’s buyer-representation guidance.
Use the pre-tour checklist and learn how to compare incentives. Let’s plan your new-construction search in Prosper, Celina, Frisco or the North Dallas community that fits your routine.
