Building a new home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but as with anything important in life, it comes with its challenges. With so many decisions and details to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Truth be told, many people don’t even consider working with a REALTOR before entering into a contract with a builder … but why is that? Here are a few myth-busters to help get to the root of this common misunderstanding:
1) “I don’t want to pay REALTOR fees” – Just like with purchasing a resale home, REALTOR fees are often paid by the seller. And in the context of new homes, this means the builder. There may be instances where builders choose not to work with REALTORs (and pay commission); however, it’s worth noting that in Ontario, most builders gladly welcome REALTORS and their clients.
2) “Builders will charge more” – The good news is that working with a REALTOR when building your home should not incur additional charges from the builder—builders have already factored in the commission for the buyer’s real estate agent in the project’s overall cost.
3) “There’s no added value ” – Au contraire, my friend, and allow me to count the ways :
a. Expertise: REALTORS know the market, and they also know builders and which builder can best meet your needs.
b. Negotiations – A REALTOR’s objective representation ensures that emotions don’t cloud your judgment, while their negotiation skills help you secure favourable terms on things like price, upgrades, or timelines. Plus, their established relationships with builders can be advantageous in reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
c. Paperwork – On top of everything you must think of when building, imagine if you had one thing alleviated from your ‘to-do list.’ Well, this is where your REALTOR will become your best friend!
d. Support – Did I mention that building can be stressful? Among the many talents of a REALTOR, they can be the best shoulder to lean on when going through the building process. Whether you need a second opinion on an upgrade or a third party to settle the score of the ‘do we go granite or quartz’ debate between you and your partner, your REALTOR is here to serve.
e. Representation – Above all, your REALTOR will represent your interests throughout the building process. They will keep the builder on their toes, ensuring that every “T” is crossed and “I” is dotted at every step.
By delegating some of the responsibilities to a REALTOR, buyers looking to build can focus on their day-to-day jobs and other essential obligations while still being involved in the decision-making process. This can help buyers maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduce the stress associated with building a new home.
So why not take advantage of the expertise and guidance of a REALTOR throughout the homebuilding journey?
