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STEVE KLENOW

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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Agreed. If not an agent, then use an Attorney.

* Many builders in Florida use their own contract, which needless to say, favors the Builder, not the Buyer.

Feb 22, 2021 07:22 PM
Ambassador
3,383,184
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I bought my new construction with a worthless agent.  She just sat there to get the commission.  We had so many issues and she barely lifted a finger.  It affects how I represent my buyers on new construction.

Feb 22, 2021 07:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,539,715
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Both parties need unbiased representation.

Feb 22, 2021 10:17 PM
Ambassador
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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Based on past experience, I can say with 100% confidence that buyers need agent representation like Steve Higgins said or there could be trouble ahead. 

Feb 22, 2021 06:25 PM
Rainmaker
804,829
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

I believe all buyers and sellers need their own representation. A sellers agent does not have a buyer's best interests at heart and same goes for a buyer's agent with a seller. No matter how capable and competent the agent is.

Feb 22, 2021 06:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,306,062
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

When a buyer buys new construction, the seller's agent is positioned to legally represent both seller and buyer and the contract used is provided by the seller and is not the usual, standard contract.

An agent who has introduced the buyer to the seller/new construction project can offer insight to the buyer about expectations during the process. The buyer's agent can bring value by explaining terms, contingencies, time frames, appraisal, underwriting, upgrades, choice of lenders and many other feature of the process. Of course, the seller's agent will also go over these thinks but a buyer can benefit from the feedback of their own agent.

And...the advice from the buyer's agent is free.

Feb 23, 2021 07:00 AM
Rainmaker
899,657
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

I say yes, a buyer should have agent representation when purchasing new construction. How about choosing the right builder to start with? I ask the questions buyers don't know to ask some of which are personal to the buyer and some that are specific to Real Estate. I try to make sure they have a copy of the contract in advance to review since it probably isn't a NC contract and encourage them to speak with one of my closing attorneys at that time if they have questions. I try to make sure they're clear on things like a non-refundable deposit. We talk about timelines, walk the lots they're considering, talk about potential resale, get inspections, I go to the appointments with the builder, I'm copied on all communications, I push back when things aren't going right, I check on the house when the buyer cannot and so much more. Yes, sometimes we have to tell a client to speak to an attorney but many times things can be solved without one. 

Feb 23, 2021 06:25 AM
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Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I would never recommend a buyer not being represented no matter how competent the seller representative proclaims to be.

Feb 23, 2021 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
626,867
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

Depends on the personality of the Buyer. I always recommend representation, however over the years I have learned there are certain people who you will not convince and they will go their own way.

Feb 22, 2021 06:28 PM
Rainmaker
1,194,466
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

You know what the old saying is..."Those who represent themselves have a fool for a client"

Feb 23, 2021 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

"....yet to be built..."
The buyer DOES NOT NEED AN AGENT they need an attorney.
After all, all the agent is going to do is say, "Consult your attorney or accountant."
Agents Not BEING ATTORNEYS are not licensed to interpert the intent of the builders contracts.
Now, if your question included reference to a show model, that would get a differnt response.

Feb 23, 2021 04:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,193,135
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Maybe is the correct answer.  We provide advice to buyers and sellers but can not make up their minds.  We can provide advice and consult.  So I still feel strongly about maybe.

Feb 23, 2021 03:25 AM
Ambassador
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

That happens, I imagine, most of the time.  I've had pushback from the agents representing the builder ... reminding me that "you are only a referring agent here" HA. They did not want me around. That did not stop me from representing my clients and ensuring they were getting the answers they need and the build they want. 

Feb 23, 2021 08:22 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I have learned that too many traditional agents sign the buyer into the new home community and then dissappear.

The term "buyers agent" is very loosly used and does not guarantee anyone is advocating for you.

Unless you are well versed in new construction issues, know how to negotiate and are willing to become UNpopular to make sure that the buyer best interests are met... a typical buyers agent is not much help.

How many "buyers agent" even make the builder put the escrow money in a real escrow account?  

None I bet...

Eve

Feb 23, 2021 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
2,180,305
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

It Depends on the Mind Set of the Site Agent
Do they believe and practice Win - Win ????

Feb 23, 2021 06:32 AM
Ambassador
2,430,413
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Could a buyer buy a new construction home directly without a buyer's agent? Yes. And it might work fine.

Should a buyer buy a new construction home directly without a buyer's agent? No. Everyone should have someone on their side, who can help them with the biggest purchase they will make. A skilled new construction buyer agent will be able to guide them around all the potential obstacles.

Feb 23, 2021 06:19 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

You won't believe how many buyers purchase a home directly from the home builder here in Dallas Metro.  They'll start panicking and start calling any agents when there's a situation between them and the builder.  

Feb 23, 2021 01:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,842,961
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

whenever I read a builders contract it's mind blowing. They don't even have to actually build the house even though they've used your upgrade money for sometimes 1.5 years or so.

They also 'entice' buyers to not use a broker by giving perks to use their lender. Again the buyer is not protected there either but I'm sure they get a cut of that pie also.

I've bought new construction & you just have to have faith that someday you'll get a house. You have no choice with an attorney reviewing the contract for you (IL).

Feb 23, 2021 06:33 AM
Rainmaker
5,205,857
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Same as all things in life. Choose wisely or you may be disappointed.

Feb 23, 2021 05:52 AM
Rainmaker
910,278
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Yes, as long as buyer knows what to look for and understands the process. It can also depend on builder reputation. Based on the questions I get on my land listings, it's obvious that over 50% of agents that call me have almost zero knowledge and experience with new construction. They would provide little to no help to a buyer looking at new construction homes.

Feb 23, 2021 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,050,315
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

HA! The SINGLE biggest mistake I have made in real estate was buying unrepresented from a builder . . . and I was a licensee! I expected professional courtesy. I did not receive ANY courtesy. I was told by broker friends, hire someone . . . I should have. Had to take my builder to the state 2x and I won both times. But what a pain in the ass!

Feb 23, 2021 10:48 AM
Rainmaker
5,862,877
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Buyers can buy a new build from dirt start, but are in a better situation represented by their own Buyer's Agent.

Feb 23, 2021 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,011
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The sellers agent looks out for the seller. Especially with a new home, the buyer needs someone looking out for them. There are many moving parts that need to be done right that can come back to cost big $$$ if not done right

Feb 23, 2021 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You need an experienced agent.

Feb 23, 2021 09:53 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,470
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

One should have legal representatio,  A

Feb 23, 2021 10:51 AM
Ambassador
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Currently in the process of helping buyers buy a preconstruction home.

Feb 24, 2021 07:06 AM