I want to help my client buy a piece of land as well as assist them with the build of their dream home, what do I do?

Helping your client find the right contractor for building their dream home in the Santa Catalina Foothills is both a professional service and a fiduciary responsibility. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on best practices and REALTOR® standards:

1. Understand Your Client’s Needs

• Discuss your client’s vision for the property, including architectural style, budget, timeline, and any preferences for green building or specific features.

• Clarify if they have any prior relationships with builders or specific requirements.

2. Research and Pre-Screen Contractors

• Compile a list of reputable, licensed general contractors who have experience with custom builds in the Santa Catalina Foothills area.

• Verify each contractor’s license status, insurance, and history for complaints or disciplinary actions (check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors).

• Look for contractors with strong portfolios, references, and experience building on similar terrain (Foothills can have unique considerations).

3. Provide Recommendations Transparently

• Present at least three qualified contractors to your client. If you have any personal or financial interest in a contractor or their business, you must disclose this in writing at the time of the recommendation (per the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, Standard of Practice 6-1).

• Share background information, licensing details, and client testimonials for each contractor you recommend.

4. Facilitate Introductions and Meetings

• Arrange and attend introductory meetings between your client and the contractors, helping your client ask the right questions regarding timelines, costs, previous work, subcontractors, and communication processes.

5. Guide the Bidding and Selection Process

• Advise your client to obtain written bids or proposals from each contractor, detailing scope, costs, allowances, and timelines.

• Help your client compare bids objectively, looking beyond just price (consider reputation, communication, warranty, and fit).

6. Support Due Diligence

• Encourage your client to contact past clients of the contractors for references.

• Suggest they visit completed homes, if possible, to see quality firsthand.

7. Assist with Contractual Relationships

• Advise your client to use a clear, written construction contract outlining all terms, expectations, and protections. Recommend that they have the contract reviewed by a qualified attorney.

• If establishing the relationship electronically, make sure your client understands all the terms and specifics before signing (as required by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics).

8. Maintain Professional Boundaries

• Do not accept any compensation from the contractor unless fully disclosed and agreed to by your client.

• Remain available for oversight and questions, but do not direct or supervise the contractor’s work unless you are licensed and insured to do so as a general contractor.

9. Document Everything

• Keep records of all recommendations, disclosures, and client communications for compliance and future reference.

Key Reminders from OMNI and REALTOR® Standards

• Always operate transparently and ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Protect your client’s interests by providing unbiased information and supporting their due diligence.

• Disclose any direct or indirect interest in a recommended contractor in writing.