Serving Your Real Estate Needs In    

Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County & Grayson County

A Common Misconception and Some Untruths About New Construction Home Buying

Buyers often believe that they do not need the services of an agent if they are looking for a new home versus a previously owned home (resale). This is a common misconception, and for the buyer this can be dangerous. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Point 1 – New home (builders) agents do not have to be, and most are not, licensed RealtorsÒ, as such they are not governed by the same code of ethics, practices and conduct that RealtorsÒ must adhere to. They do not have a license to lose.

Point 2 - New home contracts are most always written on a builder’s own contract. They differ widely from builder to builder and are not the standard Texas forms. It is important for a buyer to be represented by a RealtorÒ who understands and is familiar with the common provisions of a home buying contract in order to protect the buyer.

Point 3 – Builder's agents represent, and work for, the builder NOT the buyer. In a resale transaction usually one RealtorÒ represents the seller and another RealtorÒ represents the buyer. This levels the playing field and provides sound advice to both parties. In a new home transaction, if a buyer decides to ‘go it alone’ there will be one person supposedly representing both parties. That is not a good business practice. Even lawyers, who are highly trained, will often not represent themselves.

Point 4 – Let’s say a buyer is out browsing alone, without their Counties Homes agent. The first question that builder’s agents ask when a buyer walks in the door unaccompanied by an agent often is “Are you represented by an agent”. (The reason this is asked is further explained in the following point.) A buyer has a few options here. If they say NO they will register the buyers name and contact information, as not being represented by an agent and later on will not allow an agent to be part of the transaction; in other words the buyer is on their own at that point. If the buyer says YES, even though the agent is not with them, most will usually register the buyer’s agent information with the buyer’s info and the Counties Homes agent can then represent them in the transaction. For safety sake ask first, but it is always better to have your agent with you in person.

Point 5 – Commission. Many builder’s agents use the gimmick of telling unsuspecting buyers that if they do not have a RealtorÒ representing them, they can get a better price for the home. Be wary of this trick; they are trying to buy your rights of representation and will often try to give the buyer a token discount, which they would have given anyway, had the buyer been represented by a Counties Homes agent. If a buyer does not think this is a gimmick, try asking for the 3% commission rebate in cash at closing and see what the builder says. Builders have a 3% buyer’s agent commission built in to the price of a home in order to compete with resale homes and to entice RealtorsÒ to bring their clients to the builder’s properties. It costs a buyer nothing to be represented by a qualified Counties Homes agent.

For New Home builders, click here: 

• Our services as your exclusive buyer's agent COST YOU NOTHING.

We help you negotiate your purchase from start to finish.

We handle all the paperwork.

We take the buying process as seriously as our buyers do, therefore we offer nothing but the highest quality of service to our clients. When you decide to purchase your home, make sure you hire someone whom you can trust and someone who wants to earn your business. Buying your home is one of the most important purchases you will make, so make sure you have the right agent who can provide you with the experience and the service you deserve.

When you understand current market conditions, you are better able to position yourself as a Seller. It helps to know if you are in a Seller's, Buyer's or Balanced market when setting your asking price. In a Buyer's market there is a lot more competition and Buyers have plenty of choices and room to negotiate, forcing you to be very competitive when setting your price as a Seller.

Here are some of the steps I will take to find your perfect home:

Determine Your Wants and Needs
This is the single most important step. By asking you a series of questions I will establish what you are looking for. My goal is to not waste your time by looking at properties that are not in your price range or homes that don't meet your needs. Throughout the buying process I will maintain your confidentiality and represent your best interests.

Help You Get Pre-Qualified
This step will show you how much you can afford.  This is accomplished by speaking with a financial institution and establishing what monthly payments you will be comfortable with.

Home Shopping
We will use every available method to locate a property that matches your search parameters.  This will include properties listed with our office, offered through other real estate companies, as well as unlisted properties.  We will disclose all known facts about the property that are likely to affect your decision. When we find the home that meets your criteria, I will assist you in writing an offer and act as a liason between you and the seller.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

A one year service contract, normally referred to as a home warranty, protects a buyer from the cost of major malfunctions during the first year of ownership. The cost of this coverage varies slightly, bit is normally between $300-$350 for basic coverage. Each service call placed during the year may have a service charge of approx. $50.
Also, calls placed during the first 30-45 days with some companies, may be disallowed as pre-existing conditions.

Sellers usually will pay for a buyer's 1 Year Home Warranty On The Property. Here Are Some Leading Companies You Can Choose From.

Examine each company thoroughly, as levels and prices of coverage vary. Each company usually has a comprehensive website that defines their level of service and pricing. Here are just a few recognized companies:

American Home Shield