There is something satisfying about buying a new construction home. Knowing that your family is the first to live in the home, having the ability to pick and choose your fixtures and finishes, and enjoying perks like modern appliances, warranties, and lower maintenance costs.

The list goes on.

And builders make it so easy to buy a new construction home. You can register on the builder website or simply walk into a presentation center and sign up. But should you do that?

In this post, we’re talking about whether you really do need a Realtor to buy a new construction home from a project builder.

Before we dive in, is it better to buy a new build or a resale home in Park City? Find out in our blog right here.

The Risk of Not Using a Realtor to Buy a New Construction

Most new developments have a sales center staffed by very helpful and nice salespeople who are ready to help answer all of your questions. It would stand to reason that they could facilitate your transaction, but at the end of the day, you need to understand that the salesperson is working for the builder, not the buyer.

Buying a new construction home without a Realtor would be akin to buying a home from a listing agent. Yes, it can be done, but you put yourself at significant risk by not having the proper representation.

Some of the downsides of not working with a Realtor include:

• You might end up paying more. Although most new construction projects have a set price that is non-negotiable, a good agent can find other ways to save you money, which brings us to the next point.
• You might struggle to negotiate effectively, leaving more money on the table than you intended. A good agent can add more value by negotiating on things like HOA fees, upgrades, memberships, and more.
• You could be subject to hidden fees or miss out on incentives and other discounts that aren’t immediately obvious.
• If you’re not experienced, you could miss out on serious flaws or defects in the home.
• You might unknowingly agree to unfavorable contract terms that could cause major problems later on.
• The transaction could take longer than it should, especially if there are disputes with the builder.

On the surface, it might seem easier to work directly with the builder here, but when you account for all the financial, legal, and emotional risks involved, it makes much more sense to engage the help of a Realtor.

Do you have more questions about buying (or building) a home in Park City? Here are a few more posts you might find interesting:

• How to Build a Custom Home in Park City
• How to Buy a Ski-In, Ski-Out Property in Park City
• Is it Better to Buy or Rent in Park City?

Benefits of Using a Realtor to Buy a New Build

Even the simplest real estate transaction can get complicated. But with a new build, you’d think things would be easier. That’s not the case! There are just as many moving parts when buying a new construction, and a lot of those moving parts are things that average buyers are not used to handling.

Working with a Realtor to buy a new construction home is the best way to protect yourself and ensure you’re making the right decisions.

Here’s what you can expect when working with a Realtor for these types of transactions:

• You’ll have someone on your side through the whole process, advising you on everything.
• You will save money because your agent will have the ability (and skill!) to negotiate on your behalf.
• Your agent can advise and recommend the most beneficial upgrades and warranties (and negotiate on them!)
• Your agent likely knows about incentives and builder discounts you might not even be aware of.
• The sale is more likely to go smoothly as a quality agent knows the ins and outs of the transaction and can anticipate and solve any unexpected issues.
• You’ll feel more confident knowing that you are covered from a legal perspective since all contracts have been reviewed by an expert and explained by someone with your best interests at heart.
• Your agent will be more familiar with common defects and red flags to look out for.
• You’ll have access to your agent’s extended network of mortgage lenders, lawyers, home inspectors, interior designers, and more.

At the end of the day, working with a Realtor will help you secure your new home for a better price and better conditions. The sale will go smoothly, and you’ll have a level of protection that you would otherwise not get if you did not work with a Realtor.

When you sign a buyer agreement with a Realtor, they are legally obligated to work in your best interests. There is no such guarantee with a builder. With that said, oftentimes developers will assign official real estate agent partners for their projects; in these cases, your Realtor is still working in your best interests in order to facilitate a smooth transaction.

How do you know if you’re working with the top Park City real estate agents? Read this blog to see what you should look for!

Finding the Right Realtor to Help Buy a New Construction

When you’re in the market for a new construction home, you should consider many of the same Realtor attributes as if you were buying a resale property.

Open communication, local knowledge, a strong team, and a stellar reputation are a great starting point for finding an agent. When purchasing a new construction home, we would strongly advise you to select a Realtor with experience in this type of property.

Some agents also have relationships with builders, which could work to your advantage!

At CFH, we’ve been working in Park City and Deer Valley for over 30 years. We’ve been here since the beginning and have extensive experience helping clients buy new construction homes. We’d be happy to help on your journey! Give us a call today at 435-647-8083 or email us at info@CFHparkcity.com.