Olympia Real Estate: How A Real Estate Agent Can Help

Buying A New Home? Do You Need Representation?

If you have decided to buy a brand new home it may, at first, seem unnecessary to involve a real estate professional in the transaction. You may think that working directly with a builder is easier and will save you money, but before you go that route, think very carefully about the advantages of having a real estate agent represent your interests. A good agent can guide you through the entire process, smooth the rough places and help you make a decision you will be happy with for many years.

Here are some ways your real estate agent can help:

A real estate agent calls on experience and knowledge to help buyers locate pre-owned homes in a community. In the same way he or she can also help you find new homes and new developments which match your specifications.
Your agent can suggest builders based on their reputation for delivering a high quality product and responding quickly to issues and problems which may arise during or after construction.
Your agent is likely to be familiar with how a builder prices products and where there may be room to negotiate price or upgrades.
Without agent representation the builder sees you as one buyer purchasing only one home. An agent who works with many buyers can significantly impact a builder's bottom line by providing a steady supply of customers. The agent's leverage may work in your favor at the negotiating table. (Note: Some builders require your agent to accompany you on your first visit to the site. Check with your agent or the builder to be sure of the expectations in each situation.)
Your agent can write and negotiate the agreement between you and the builder and make sure everything is clearly specified in writing so there will be no misunderstanding later about what you thought was included in the agreed upon price, what happens if the house is not finished on time, what choices you get to make along the way, etc.
The loan process may go more smoothly with the help of an agent who works regularly with lenders and knows who to contact and how to satisfy the many requirements and expedite the process. If you do not already have a lender, your agent can help you find one experienced in new construction lending.
When relocating to a new area, agents can be particularly valuable resources. Your agent can provide local area information regarding schools, day care or elder care services, public transportation, proposed development, and more. Once construction is underway, your agent can periodically stop by the work site, supply you with progress reports, and photograph or videotape phases of the construction. This can be particularly valuable if you are out of town during all or part of the construction process.
Whether you are in or out of town, your agent can assist you as you face numerous design choices. Together you can consider which upgrades could potentially add the most value to the home when it comes time for you to sell.
Your agent can accompany you to the site once the construction is completed for the customary walk-through and help make sure that all the conditions of your agreement with the builder have been met.
Your agent can help you coordinate the closing of your previous home with the move into your new home and can often help you make temporary housing arrangements if that becomes necessary.

There is definitely value in having an agent represent you as you search for and purchase a newly built home. In most cases the builder will pay the agent's fee, although you may agree to pay it yourself if you wish. If you take advantage of the individual attention and support you can get from an agent who represents you, you will be getting yourself off to a great start in your new home.

	Prudential Olympia, REALTORS® 2630 Martin Way Olympia, WA 98506 Email: info@prudentialolympiarealtors.com Phone: 360-456-4486 Fax: 360-456-4980 Toll free: 800-956-4486
is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. 2000-2001, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
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All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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