Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 27, 2017
NEW CONSTRUCTION? YOU STILL NEED YOUR OWN AGENT
Buying a new home comes with lots of perks – like knowing you’re the only one who’s ever tracked mud on the floor or smeared food on the counter. And most new developments offer another lure: their own on-site agent. Should you bite? No. Here’s why: Like any other seller’s agent, a builder’s agent is working in the best interests of the builder. That’s not to say anything shady is going on; just that the agent – by law – must put the builder’s interests first.
A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, will be looking out for your interests first and foremost. That means they can advise you on the “fairness” of the home’s pricing in relation to the market and neighborhood, help you find financing, and even negotiate on your behalf for upgrades like higher-end appliances, finishes and other extras. They can also help you find a home inspector (yes, new homes should still be inspected) and arrange for closing. In short, having your own agent means you can enjoy greater peace of mind and feel more confident you’ll be getting just what you’re expecting: the home of your dreams.