New Construction: Great Financing, Available Inventory — and Why You Should Have Your Own Realtor®

If you have been thinking about buying a home, new construction deserves a serious look right now.

Many builders have completed homes sitting in inventory, and that can create opportunities for buyers. Depending on the builder, community and individual home, incentives may include special financing programs, interest-rate incentives, closing-cost assistance or other buyer incentives.

But there is something just as important as the incentive being offered:

Who is representing YOU?

The Builder’s Sales Representative Represents the Builder

When you walk into a new-home sales center, you will probably meet a friendly and knowledgeable salesperson. They can explain the homes, floor plans, available lots, upgrades and builder incentives.

But buyers need to understand that the builder's sales representative works for the builder.

Their responsibility is to the builder and the builder's transaction. They are not your personal real estate representative.

That doesn't make the builder's representative the enemy. It simply means you should have someone on your side of the transaction, too.

Have Your Own Realtor® Before You Visit

This is where I come in.

As your Realtor®, my job is to represent your interests and help you evaluate the entire purchase—not simply the house.

I can help you look at the builder's incentives, financing options, completed inventory, location, resale considerations, contract terms and the overall value of the property.

And sometimes an incentive that sounds fantastic isn't necessarily the best option for a particular buyer. We need to look at the numbers and determine what actually makes sense for you.

One important point: contact me before visiting or registering with a new-home builder. Builder policies regarding Realtor® representation vary, and some builders have specific requirements about when your agent must become involved.

Don't wait until after you have registered or signed paperwork to decide that you want your own representation.

Already-Built New Homes Can Be Especially Interesting

Not every new-construction purchase means choosing a floor plan and waiting months for your house to be built.

Builders frequently have quick-move-in or completed inventory homes available.

For a buyer, that can mean getting the advantages of a brand-new home without the traditional construction wait. Depending on the property, you may find modern designs, improved energy efficiency, new appliances and systems, warranties and considerably less immediate maintenance than you might encounter with an older resale home.

And when a builder wants completed inventory sold, that's when I particularly want to examine the numbers and incentives with you.

Don't Shop Just the Incentive — Shop the Whole Deal

You've heard me say before: shop the payment, not just the interest rate.

The same principle applies to new construction.

Don't buy a house simply because the builder advertises an attractive rate or incentive. We need to consider the purchase price, monthly payment, taxes, HOA fees, insurance, financing costs, location and whether the home actually fits the way you want to live.

A great financing program attached to the wrong house is still the wrong house.

Let's Explore Your New-Construction Options

There are some excellent new-home communities and already-built homes available, and it costs nothing to have a conversation about your options.

Before you walk into that new-home sales office, call me first.

Let's determine what you can comfortably afford, what you're looking for and which new-construction opportunities make sense for you.

Wes Stolsek, REALTOR®

OMNI Homes International

520-404-9773

www.wesleystolsek.com