Do I Need My Own Agent to Buy a New Construction Home?

The builder. Their job is to sell the builder's homes on the builder's terms, and they usually do it with kindness and real knowledge. But when upgrades, dates or fixes need to be negotiated, their duty is to the company they work for.

• Helps you compare communities and builders using the same yardstick.
• Explains the contract. Builders often use their own contract, not the TREC forms used on a resale home. It has different rules about deposits, dates and changes.
• Helps you see the costs that are not in the price. In DFW, many new communities have a MUD or PID, paid along with property taxes. Here is what they are and how much they weigh.
• Negotiates whatever can be negotiated: upgrades, dates, items on the final punch list.
• Walks with you through the construction checks and the final walkthrough before you take the keys.

Yes. New does not mean free of mistakes. Many families hire their own inspector at two points: before the walls are closed, to see what will be hidden later, and before closing. The builder does its own checks, but your inspector works for you. If something comes up, here is how to read the report in The inspection found problems.

1. Decide whether you will have an agent before you walk in. Call and ask what that builder requires for your agent to accompany you.
2. Talk to a lender you trust. The builder may have a preferred lender and offer something for using them. Compare in writing before deciding. I walk you through the process step by step, but what you can buy is for the lender to say.
3. Get everything they offer in writing. A verbal promise in the sales office is not part of the contract.
4. Ask about MUD, PID and the homeowners association on your first visit.
5. Ask about the warranty: what it covers, how long it lasts and how to report a problem.

The builder does not wait for yours to sell. Two clocks run at the same time, and that plan gets built before you sign. More in You signed with a builder and your current home has not sold.

• Registering alone on the first visit and finding out later you can no longer bring your agent.
• Comparing only the list price, without MUD, PID, HOA and upgrades.
• Skipping the inspection because the house is new.
• Signing the builder's contract without reading it calmly. If you have legal questions, have an attorney review it. I explain how the process works.

Will the model home treat me the same if I come with an agent?

Yes. Your agent works with you and with the builder so the process is clear.

Can I negotiate with a builder?

It depends on the builder, the community and the timing. Sometimes the price moves, sometimes upgrades or dates. That is why you ask, and get it in writing.

Do I have to use the builder's lender?

You are not required to. Compare in writing and decide with numbers.

A new home feels simple because everything is clean and ready. The contract, the costs and the construction are not that simple. Having someone on your side from the first visit keeps you from deciding in a rush.

Do you already have a new community in mind?

Text or email me the community name or the area, and I will tell you what to ask before your first visit. No commitment, nothing to sign.

I am Veronica Yeary, a REALTOR in Dallas-Fort Worth, CRS, ABR, SRS and CIPS, in real estate since 2010.

469-441-8890 · Text or call · veronica@veronicayeary.com · Email