Posts Tagged ‘ Realtor® ’

When buying a new home, prospective homeowners are looking for the best deal possible, giving them the best home and amenities for their money. Many buyers mistakenly believe that bypassing a Realtor® will save them commission dollars, as they are cutting out the “middleman” who will certainly take their own cut.

In some industries, direct buying is a wise, money-saving choice, but in real estate, foregoing the services of a Realtor® can cost you big in the long run.

Don’t be fooled into believing that dealing directly with a builder will offer big discounts. It is a rare case in which this is true. Most builders who ask to work directly with a buyer will park the price of a new home up to include what would have been paid to the Realtor®. Buyers who take advantage of these “deals” direct from a builder’s representative will pay the same as they would when using a Realtor®, but will lose the benefit of having an experienced voice working to help them with their purchase and any issues that may come up with the builder.

Why Would It Cost the Same?

Builders credit over 85% of their sales to real estate agents.

They want and need agents to bring buyers to their communities and work with the client to figure out what community and builder plan will work for the buyer. The builder typically will have only one on-site agent, sometimes two, but never enough to handle all the buyers who are interested in learning about their homes.

That said, builders will not undercut their main source of business by offering a discount to buyers without agents.

Realtors® Offer Sales Guidance WITH Data

When selecting a new home for purchase, a Realtor® can help you to select the features that best fit your needs. Many times, when working directly with a builder, buyers are offered excessive upgrades or substandard materials at a premium price. A Realtor can assess your financial situation and lifestyle needs to help you determine exactly what you need and can afford in your new home. Agents also help to protect you from shady builders, looking to make extra money by tricking buyers into allowing them to use a lower quality product.

In addition to giving advice on the options a builder offers, a Realtor can offer comparable sales from the MLS to ensure that you are getting a good deal on the price. Often the builder will quote a price to the prospect and see what sticks. By using an agent, you’ll have data to backup the price that you’ll pay for your home.

Realtors® Are Your Advocate During the Process

Employing the services of a Realtor®, particularly when purchasing a newly constructed home, will give buyers an extra line of defense against many of the common issues that arise during the buying process.

Rather than battling the builder ALONE when problems arise during construction, your Realtor will take matters into their own hands and work to assure that any problem is corrected in a way that is suitable to you.

With plenty of mediating experience between buyers and builders, an experienced Realtor® knows what needs to be done to get the desired results.

Realtors® are also experienced in contracts and contract negotiations. While the wording of a contract may be somewhat cryptic to the buyer, a Realtor can clarify any wording that is confusing and work to get changes made to contract stipulations that are unsuitable. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and misleading contract terms that are binding, once a purchase agreement is signed.

Still Want to Go It Alone?

While some have successfully purchased homes directly from a builder, buyers should ask themselves if this is a risk that they are willing to take. In most cases, the peace of mind and protecting that is given by using a Realtor® is well worth their commission. By choosing to purchase a newly constructed home through a Realtor®, the likelihood of a positive outcome is almost assured, from start to finish.

Have further questions? Give me at call at 512-964-9925, I’ll be happy to explain the process further.

- DeeDee Kallam, Realtor®

When buying, selling or leasing Austin real estate, it pays to let a REALTOR® work for you. Unlike agents licensed only by the state, REALTORS® have taken additional steps to become members of their professional real estate association, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This means they must adhere to NAR’s continuing education requirements and Code of Ethics, which mandates that all parties be treated fairly in every transaction.

REALTORS® can save you time, trouble and money in reaching your homeownership goals. Below are several powerful services and resources REALTORS® use to work for you.

Ethical Service
Under the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, REALTORS® are obligated to provide confidentiality, honesty, loyalty, fairness, competency, expertise and knowledge of the industry in interactions with clients. Working with a professional REALTOR® ensures you are treated fairly not only by legal standards, but by strict ethical standards as well.

Legal Knowledge
REALTORS®’ extensive knowledge of the legal processes associated with buying and selling houses in Austin can be very helpful to you. Whether you’re puzzled over closing paperwork or worried about liability when selling your Austin home, you can simplify your life by obtaining a REALTOR®’S insight.

Financial Expertise
REALTORS® have a sophisticated understanding of the Austin real estate market. They can help buyers determine how much home they can afford and explain financing options. REALTORS® also help sellers set realistic prices, pre-qualify buyers and negotiate the best price for their homes. REALTORS® can even help lessees find properties to lease.

Marketing Tools
REALTORS® know the best ways to effectively market homes for sale in Austin, Texas. In addition to using signs, ads and open houses to market properties, REALTORS® have access to a powerful network of agents throughout Central Texas who will be exposed to your property. REALTORS® also have the advantage of comparative market data content and a wealth of other Austin real estate market resources.

Continuing Education
All REALTORS® must complete mandatory ethics training and continuing education requirements to remain members of NAR. Many REALTORS® enhance this training by earning designations in specialized fields. Learn more about how these designations help consumers by visiting our Glossary of Designations.

Personal Relationships
Finally, REALTORS® have the knowledge and experience to help you find a home that suits your family and your lifestyle. REALTORS® bring a sense of partnership in your endeavor to buy, sell or lease the property that works for your personal situation.

Give me a call so we can get started.

DeeDee Kallam, Realtor
512-964-9925