BUYER'S RESOURCE »

Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent
When Buying a New Build
January 30, 2025

I was talking to a friend who lives in Arizona about the new build she and her husband just bought. They didn’t know when they purchased their new home that they should have had an agent to represent them on the buy side. They didn’t think anything of working directly with the builder. Unfortunately, they are not alone. In their case, they were promised multiple things they didn’t get, and my friend said they had no recourse because they worked directly with the builder. I know another person who bought a new build without a buyer’s agent, and they were promised a fence that they never got. Most people don’t realize that you should have an agent represent you when you buy a new build. It is like the analogy of getting a divorce and working with your ex’s divorce attorney. In both cases, there is no one to look out for your needs, concerns, and best interest.
There are many reasons to have an agent represent you when you are buying a new build. Each builder is different, and it is important to understand what each builder is offering. An agent can help you to ask the right questions.
One of the most important questions is what do you have to do to be a priority on the interest list, meaning how can you be ready when your number on the list comes up? Your buyer’s agent can do the work for you. They can ask those questions. They can also contact the community’s preferred lender, introduce you to the preferred lender and stay in touch along the way as they would in any resale purchase. That way your agent is aware of any hiccups along the way, and they can be proactive to help solve them.
Another way your agent can help is to ask the important questions about what is included with the home you are buying. For example, is the air conditioning included? What about the shower door? What are the lot fees? Is this the final asking price, or are there additional charges? Can you get a finished basement? It is important for your agent to be there from the beginning, so they know what you have been promised, so they can make sure the builder delivers on those promises. The agent is also able to try and negotiate some additional finishes or upgrades for you that maybe you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing on your own.
Most people may not know this, but often times the builder’s sales representative will write up the contract. It is important to understand that once you sign that contract to purchase your new home, this is almost no way to get out of it. It is vital to read that contact closely in order to understand what you are signing. Your real estate agent can help you with that by explaining the contact and answering any questions that you may have.
It is important that you know if the new build you are buying is in a metro district. Your real estate agent can talk with you in more detail if it is a metro district. They can explain what that is and the financial ramifications of being in a metro district. Usually, metro districts have higher taxes. A good agent will advise you to call the county to see what they would calculate your actual taxes to be, since there is no previous year of taxes to look at. Your agent can ask questions regarding an HOA, and if there is one, what the amount is, and how often it needs to be paid. Your real estate agent will not only advise you to look at the covenants/HOA rules but also what to look for in these documents.
When working with a builder, you will definitely not be encouraged to perform your own third- party inspection. However, it is crucial that you have your own inspection as a buyer and that your agent be with you for that inspection. Then, not only can you mark anything with blue tape that needs to be addressed, but you can also show the builder the items that need to be addressed that can't be seen when doing a regular walk-through inspection with the builder. Once these items are completed, it is important to do a final walk-through with your agent present to ensure that the builder actually completed everything they said they would. Sometimes, things are not completed as they should have been. As an agent, I will get the remaining items that still need to be completed in writing and then hound the sales rep/builder until things get completed, even after closing.
Finally, like any real estate transaction, you need your agent to be with you at closing. Having your agent at closing will ensure the paperwork is explained to you, make sure that you have all of your questions answered and that everything is addressed. Recently, I had one client at closing needing help figuring out how he would get his mailbox key. At the closing table, there are numerous questions that can come up and without having an agent present, you might not get all the answers you need.
At TK Homes, we support our buyers regardless of whether they are buying a new build or a resale property. We are here to do everything we can to make your buying experience a positive experience and get you the most for your money. Reach out and contact a TK Homes agent today if you are interested in buying or selling a home. We have the expertise to get you where you're going, securing the best value and results along the way!
~ Written by TK Homes REALTOR®, Mary Smith