Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

<article class="post-1232721 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry" id="post-1232721"><span class="entry-date">October 15, 2024</span><div class="entry-header center-block text-center"><h1 class="entry-title">Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home</h1><div class="shareBlock"><div class="shareTitle">Share</div><div class="shareIcons"><a aria-label="Twitter Share Link" class="twitter solid display-inline-block" data-tracking="Post,Social Post Link Clicked,Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/share?text=Why+an+Agent+Is+Essential+When+Buying+a+Newly+Built+Home&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fgilliggroup.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-an-agent-is-essential-when-buying-a-newly-built-home%2F" target="_blank"><span class="force-hidden">Twitter</span></a>
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</div></div><div class="post-tax post-category"><span></span><a href="../category/realtor-blog/index.html" rel="tag">Realtor Blog</a></div><div class="post-tax post-post_tag"></div></div><div class="entry-content"><div><img alt="Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home Simplifying The Market" decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/KeepingCurrentMatters/content/images/20241010/20241015-Why-an-Agent-Is-Essential-When-Buying-a-Newly-Built-Home-original.png" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; clear: both; max-width: 100%;" width=""/>
<p>For some buyers, there’s a misconception that <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2024/09/18/the-latest-builder-trend-smaller-less-expensive-homes/?a=712984-fa409495d5d70154d03a25e81e9540e2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">newly built homes</a> aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes. Unfortunately, this is turning some <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2024/09/27/buy-now-or-wait-infographic/?a=712984-fa409495d5d70154d03a25e81e9540e2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">buyers</a> away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As <em>Builder Online </em><a href="https://www.builderonline.com/data-analysis/incentives-remain-name-of-the-game-for-builders-in-2024_o" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">says</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“As resale inventory remains limited and the price spread between new and resale homes narrows, new homes are increasingly an attractive value proposition for buyers, with incentives such as rate buydowns a way to help address ongoing affordability challenges.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s break down the best way to make sure you feel good about looking into new home construction. That way, you’re not missing out on such a great option today.</p>
<h4><strong>Choosing the Right Builder</strong></h4>
<p>The key to making sure you get a quality <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2024/05/09/the-top-2-reasons-to-consider-a-newly-built-home/?a=712984-fa409495d5d70154d03a25e81e9540e2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">newly built home</a> is to choose a good builder. Reputable builders adhere to strict building codes and standards, use advanced construction techniques, and often offer warranties that cover structural issues for several years. That’s why the <em>Mortgage Reports</em> offers this advice:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“When embarking on the journey of buying a new construction home, one of the most important steps is selecting the right builder. This decision can significantly impact the quality and satisfaction you derive from your new home.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>And while you could dig into research about all the builders in your area, there’s an easier option to get the job done: lean on a pro. When you work with a local <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2024/08/20/how-to-choose-a-great-local-real-estate-agent/?a=712984-fa409495d5d70154d03a25e81e9540e2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">real estate agent</a>, they already know about the builders and the new home communities under construction in your area. </p>
<p>Beyond that, maybe they’ve even worked with other <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2024/09/25/why-buying-now-may-be-worth-it-in-the-long-run/?a=712984-fa409495d5d70154d03a25e81e9540e2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">buyers</a> who opted for a home in one of those neighborhoods. Here are just a few of the things your agent will help you with:</p>
<p><strong>1. The Builder’s Reputation: </strong>Your agent will help point you toward builders with strong reputations and positive reviews from previous buyers. Additionally, your agent will make sure the builder is licensed and insured. Membership in professional organizations, such as the <em>National Association of Home Builders</em> (NAHB), is also a good sign of a builder’s commitment to industry standards.</p>
<p><strong>2. Their Model Homes: </strong>Your agent will also be able to tell you if the builders have model homes you can tour. And when your agent walks through the model with you, they’ll draw your attention to the little details that matter most. Things like the quality of finishes, layout, and overall feel of the home.</p>
<p><strong>3. Builder Warranties: </strong>Your agent will also be able to help you navigate any builder offers or incentives. Reputable builders often provide warranties to cover major structural elements of the home for a significant period of time. This is a testament to their confidence in the quality of their construction. </p>
<p><strong>4. Getting Inspections</strong>: Even with new homes, <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2018/11/06/5-tips-when-buying-a-newly-constructed-home?a=712984-fa409495d5d70154d03a25e81e9540e2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">inspections</a> are crucial. Your agent will coordinate the inspections with licensed professionals to ensure the home meets safety and quality standards before you move in.</p>
<h4><strong>Agents Are the MVP When You’re Buying a Brand-New Home</strong></h4>
<p>Maybe that’s why <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/if-they-build-it-will-buyers-come" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data</a> shows homebuyers unanimously scored their agents higher than their builders when looking back on their recent purchase:</p>
<p><a href="https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/KeepingCurrentMatters/content/images/20241010/20241015-Recent-Buyers-of-Brand-New-Homes-Say-Agents-Were-More-Helpful-Than-Builders-original.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img alt="a screenshot of a graph" decoding="async" src="https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/KeepingCurrentMatters/content/images/20241010/20241015-Recent-Buyers-of-Brand-New-Homes-Say-Agents-Were-More-Helpful-Than-Builders-original.png"/></a>So, you don’t need to worry that they just don’t make them like they used to. By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent to choose a reputable builder, you can feel confident when buying a newly built home today. As <em>Realtor.com</em> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/should-you-go-it-alone-when-buying-from-home-builder/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">says</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“If you are interested in buying a new construction . . . </em><strong><em>You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal.</em></strong><em>”</em></p></blockquote>
<h3>Bottom Line</h3>
<p>If you’re considering buying a brand-new home, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Work with a local real estate agent to find a home you’ll love and be proud to call your own.</p>
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