Why Should You Have a Realtor When Building a New Construction Home?

Building a new home is an exciting opportunity. You have the ability to choose the location, floor plan, finishes, and features that work for your needs and budget.

But there is an important decision to make before you choose a builder: Who is representing your interests throughout the process?

Many buyers assume that because they are purchasing directly from a builder, they do not need a real estate agent. In reality, having your own Realtor can provide valuable guidance before construction begins and throughout the purchase process.

Here are five important ways a Realtor can help when you are building a new construction home.

1. Finding the Right Land or Building Lot

The first step in building a home isn’t always choosing a builder. It may be finding the right piece of land.

A Realtor can help you identify lots or land that fit your budget, location preferences, and plans for the home. Just because a property appears to be a good building site doesn’t mean it will work for the home you have in mind.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating land for new construction, including:

• Zoning and land-use requirements
• Lot size and configuration
• Utility availability and location
• Access to the property
• Site considerations that could affect construction
• Whether the lot can accommodate the home you want to build

Your Realtor can help you investigate these considerations and coordinate the purchase of the land once you determine it meets your requirements.

2. Understanding the Local Area and Future Development

Buying a new construction home is about more than the house itself. The property and its surrounding area are also important considerations.

An experienced local Realtor can provide information about the surrounding market, existing neighborhoods, planned communities, and potential future development.

Before purchasing a lot, you may want to understand what is planned around the property and whether future changes could affect the site.

For example, are there planned roads, developments, drainage improvements, or other infrastructure changes that could affect the property?

A Realtor can help you identify questions to investigate and direct you to the appropriate sources for additional information before you make a purchase decision.

3. Understanding Builder Reputation and Construction Quality

Choosing a builder is one of the biggest decisions you will make when building a home.

Different builders have different approaches to construction, communication, customization, timelines, and customer service. A Realtor who works regularly with new construction may have knowledge of builders in the area and their track records.

That perspective can help you compare your options and ask better questions.

Your Realtor can help you research and evaluate factors such as:

• Builder experience
• Construction practices
• Reputation in the local market
• Customer experiences
• Quality of construction
• Communication throughout the building process

The goal isn’t simply to find a builder who can build the home. It is to find a builder whose experience, construction process, and services align with your project and expectations.

4. Making Smart Decisions About Customization and Upgrades

One of the biggest advantages of new construction is the ability to personalize your home.

But customization can also make it very easy to spend more than you originally planned.

When you are presented with a long list of options and upgrades, it can be difficult to determine which improvements are most important to you and which may have limited long-term value.

A Realtor can provide an additional perspective when you are evaluating upgrades.

Where should you prioritize your budget?

Which features may contribute to the home’s future marketability?

Which upgrades are primarily personal preferences?

While every buyer’s priorities are different, considering both your current needs and the home’s potential future marketability can be an important part of the decision-making process.

5. Understanding Builder Contracts and Negotiating on Your Behalf

Builder contracts can be different from the standard purchase agreements buyers may encounter when purchasing an existing home.

There may be provisions addressing construction timelines, selections, allowances, upgrades, change orders, deposits, financing, inspections, closing, and other aspects of the transaction.

Having your own Realtor gives you someone who can help you understand the real estate transaction and identify questions you should discuss with the builder and other professionals involved.

A Realtor can also advocate for you during negotiations.

Depending on the builder and the circumstances, negotiations may involve things such as purchase price, upgrades, closing-cost assistance, incentives, or other terms.

The important distinction is that the builder’s representative represents the builder. Your Realtor represents you.

You Don’t Have to Navigate the Building Process Alone

Building a home involves many decisions, and the process starts well before you choose a builder or finalize a floor plan.

The right real estate professional can help you evaluate land, understand the local market, research builders, consider upgrades, and navigate the purchase agreement.

Most importantly, your Realtor can provide an independent perspective throughout the process.

If you are considering building a new construction home in Columbus, Indiana or South Central Indiana, I can help you start with the right questions before you choose your lot or builder.

My approach is to help buyers think through the entire process, from identifying the right property to evaluating building options and ultimately purchasing the finished home.

Thinking about building a new home instead of purchasing an existing home? Let’s talk about your plans before you choose a builder.

Stacy DeVreese
Century 21 Scheetz
317-457-8652
www.StacyDeVreese.com