Why would a buyer need an agent to represent them when buying a new home?  There are so many reasons…let me name my top 3:

1) The sales agent at the new home site represents the builder…they are there to provide you with information but they are protecting the best interest of the builder.

2) A buyer's agent can give you objective professional advice and insight during all phases of the process, such as contract, construction, walkthrough, and closing. The buyer’s agent knows what questions to ask and is looking out for the buyer’s best interest.  Many times buyers get caught off guard at the eleventh hour because they didn’t ask the right questions or know what all the home buying process included.

3) An experienced agent can save the buyer money when buying a new home. Builders do not discount the price because the buyer has no representation. Buying a home is one of the largest investments one will make in their life, why not use a professional that has years of experience and knowledge to put to work for you?

Many of the agents in my office have spent hours helping fix issues that arose due to a friend or family member buying a new home without representation.  Let me tell you about one success story that came up recently:

A homeowner was represented by one of the agents in our office.  The property was about to close.  Funds were wired on Thursday.  Final walk-thru was completed on Friday. Propety was going to close and record Monday.  The movers were set for the following Saturday.  All was well...until the new homesite sales agent called and stated that although the property closed and recorded on Monday, the keys could not be turned over to the new homeowners for several days after because a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) had not yet been obtained for the property.  Instantly, the agent in our office made calls to the sales office, the superintendent, title and the lender.  This agent did not take "NO" for an answer and finally was able to negotiate further for his clients by getting them $219 per day for a minimum of 10 days for the inconvenience, waiver of the all notary and wiring fees as well as delivery and redelivery fee reimbursements from the furniture and moving companies, not to mention keys to their new home!

So don't make the mistake of buying a new home without REALTOR representation!  It could end up costing you A LOT more in the long run!

 

Additional Articles to Reference:

10 Benefits of Using a Realtor to Buy a New Home

Buying a New Home? An Experienced Real Estate Agent is Essential