Why Use Rockford Realtors in Buying a New Construction?

Should you use Rockford realtors if you are buying new construction from a builder? 

The short answer is yes and here are the main reasons why.

Representation

The real estate representative in the builder’s sales office represents the builder’s best interest not yours.  Rockford realtors represent your interests and advocates on your behalf.  Additionally, a real estate agent will help you get the most value for the least amount of money and make the real estate transaction easy and frustration free.

Agent Fees

Buyers do not pay the real estate agent fees, the seller or builder does.  Builders view commissions to real estate agents as part of their cost of doing business.  In fact, they rely on outside agents to bring clients to them.  Builders will not credit buyers the commission they would otherwise pay to a Realtor.  If they were to do so, realtors would no longer bring clients through the builders doors and ultimately it would impact their future sales. Therefore, there is no downside and no cost on your end to have an outside agent represent you.

Negotiations

You may be a great negotiator.  Even good negotiators have told me they are more effective when they negotiate for other people than they are when they negotiate for themselves because they don’t have an emotional connection to what they’re buying.  An agent will look at the transaction from a dollars and sense perspective without being swayed by emotions.  A good Rockford realtor will also know what is and what is not negotiable and as you can imagine it varies by builder.  For example, did you know many builders will cover some closing costs? Include a warranty?

Get Everything in Writing

Any concessions or guarantees provided by the builder should be confirmed in writing. Do not sign any paperwork or contracts without ensuring everything you’ve agreed upon including upgrades, fees, timelines etc. are incorporated into the contract.  If you skip this step, the builder does not have to deliver what they agreed upon and you will have no recourse.  An agent will ensure all the terms agreed upon are included in the contract.

Inspections

A home inspection is a must when buying new construction.  A builder doesn’t necessarily want to inspect itself and if they did would you trust they have your best interest in mind? Often times, homeowners think a new home warranty will cover any issues and more often than not, it doesn’t. A good real estate agent will have relationships with multiple independent inspectors who will look out for your best interest.  Excellent Rockford realtors will even help the homeowner set the appointment with the inspector and review the inspectors report to identify potential areas of negotiation with the builder to make corrections or modify fees