What do you want in new home? To build a home to suit? Move into a model? Whether you build or move into a "spec" home, you want the process to be as quick and easy as possible, and that is why hiring a Realtor will help you work with builders.

Many markets are brimming with new homes, but there's just one catch. If your area is a hot relocation destination, then you'll find fewer homes for sale than usual. You'll also be competing with multiple buyers for the homes that are available.

In many new home communities, builder homes are often sold before the foundation is laid. Lots are snapped up quickly for model homes and build-to-suit homes. When you drive around to look at new home communities, you may be surprised to learn that the new home you just left to "think about" may have a contract on it before you can even turn the car around.

How can you gain an advantage in such a fast-paced market? An expert Realtor who is a new home specialist or relocation specialist can make the difference.

Realtors who specialize in new homes, either as relocation specialists or new home specialists, make it a point to know their communities and its builders inside out. They know which builders have the best reputations, the most inventory, and what the pricing and amenities usually are. Many Realtors work closely with the builder's on-site representatives who share information such as which homes are under contract, which homes have begun construction, and in which new communities the builder has obtained lots. Smart builders are glad to work with Realtors because they can bring other clients.

Working With Your Agent

You will find that when a Realtor escorts you to a builder's model, that your agent will register you with the on-site representative. Your agent will let the representative know if you are "just touring," or if you would like a presentation in preparation to buy. If you really like a particular home, the builder, or would like to see more of the builder's products, you and your agent may return for an in-depth consideration of a particular home or plan and its prices, and features.

For presentations, your agent will step back and let the representative take center stage, because the representative is the expert on the builder, the product, the pricing, and modification possibilities. He or she will help you work out your choices such as carpet and cabinet finishes, and upgrades, if any. When you are ready to talk money and terms, your agent will step back in and assist you with the details and the negotiations of the contract.

Keep in mind that if you choose to be represented by a Realtor, then he or she is your agent. If you tour new homes and register in a new home without your agent, you may be risking your opportunity to be represented by your agent at the transaction. The builder could feel justified in refusing to pay your agent's commission out of the proceeds of the sale. Also keep in mind that neither the builder nor the on-site representative are your agents, so they won't be working in your best interest. By the same token, your agent should never send you out to look at homes on your own and should be available for all home viewings, contact with the builder and his/her representative, and all negotiations as well as the closing of the sale.

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Published: January 7, 2000

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Blanche Evans is the award-winning senior editor of Realty Times, the Internet's leading independent real estate news service. She is featured daily on the Realty Times Video Network in the "Realty Viewpoint" segment. Blanche has been named one of the "25 Most Influential People In Real Estate" by REALTOR Magazine, and has been twice recognized as a "notable." In 2005, she was named "Top Reporter Covering the NAR" by Delahaye-Bacon's. Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68. Order Now Review - Honors In 2006, Blanche was selected among scores of candidates to author two consumer real estate guidebooks for the National Association of Realtors: The NAR Guide to Home Buying, and The NAR Guide to Home Selling, Wiley & Sons. She is currently planning two new books for the NAR and its members.       Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans. Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR "The GNAR membership meeting last week featured Blanche Evans as the keynote speaker. Her comments and insights resonated extremely well with those in attendance and we have had many requests for copies of her PowerPoint Presentation. She was a terrific part of the membership meeting and convention program!" - Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Coverage from WSMV, Nashville - 8-14-2007 That Interview Guy - Get Inside The Head Of Today's Generation 2007 AE Institute Session - To purchase 2006 AE Institute Session - Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 HouseValues Mastermind call - Parts 1 2 Blanche's fireside chat with Jeremy Conaway, HAR - Click here. To contact Blanche, email her at . For more articles by Blanche, click here.