04/01/2024
Someone recently asked me if they need an agent to help them purchase a New Construction home. They also asked about build quality and overall experience with Toll Brothers, MainVue and TriPointe homes. Here is my response:
“Hello, I would say that in terms of quality, all of the builders mentioned are on the higher end and offer similar build quality. I have helped several clients purchase and negotiate terms with both Main Vue and Toll Brothers and I have to say that I like Main Vue build process slightly more than Toll Brothers. However, I do feel that Toll Brothers offers more floor plans to choose from and more upgrades options. In terms of needing an agent to help you purchase a new construction home. The truth is that not everyone NEEDS an agent, however, there are several key reasons why a lot of people Choose to have an agent on their team. Reason ☝️One: One of the biggest reasons is reviewing and negotiating builder contracts. You see, builders pay expensive attorneys to draft contracts that are heavily weighted in favor of the builder. Sometimes there are terms, restrictions, fees, and other dialogue that can be misleading or difficult to understand. As a Realtor and New construction broker, it is my duty to understand and be able to catch these tricky terms translate them for you. Reason ✌️ Two: Builder credits- the builders will almost Never tell you this, but sometimes you can get extra special incentives or builder credits simply by having your agent ask for them(not every situation, this is a case by case basis) Reason 3️⃣ Three: builder owned mortgage companies-often a builder will incentivize potential buyers with flashy offers when it comes to financing terms and credits, if you use their own mortgage company. As an agent, I know and have seen some people get taken advantage of when they choose to work with a builder loan company(not all builder owned mortgage companies, it’s on a case by case basis). The reason the builder can offer a “rate buydown” or “builder credit” is because they know, all that money is coming back to them and more. They build it into fees, or into the home, or restrict you to using the credit for upgrades on the home. They want you to use their loan companies because they make More Money!
Reason 🍀 Four: The agents who sit the model homes are mostly great people, but make no mistake, they work for the builder, they get their check from the builder, they get their bonuses from selling homes from the builder and they have a legal obligation to represent the builder’s interests. They might act friendly and helpful and provide you information, but they do not work for the buyer, they do not represent the buyer, they have no legal duty or obligation to the buyer. So you need to understand, if there are any issues with a particular parcel of land, or material defects, or building delays, or issues with the home or the community, they will not disclose unless they must by law. For ALL these reasons and more, it is a very wise decision to work with an agent who is familiar with different builders, familiar with their contracts, familiar with the different build processes and materials used in their homes. An agent who really KNOWS New Construction and the New Construction game. Anyone is welcome to message me for a Free New Construction consultation. No Obligation to work with me. I can provide you even more knowledge and understanding when it comes to New Construction. FYI my family owns a Construction company in Sequim, WA. I worked at the company for 4 years. I grew up around custom homes and new construction my whole life. My knowledge and expertise comes from real world experiences. 🎤 drop.”
