Builders prioritize their interests over yours, so who’s got your back?

A lot of my clients ask me, “Pierre, do I need an agent for new construction?” My sincere answer is always an unequivocal ‘yes.’

The new construction process requires a lot of attention to detail, and you’ll need somebody who will help you identify the right neighborhood, the right plan, and the right lot. Truthfully, most lots aren’t the best lots, and most plans aren’t the best plans, but with our guidance and experience you'll be able to make great decisions.

While it's true that all contracts are based on North Carolina law, builders design their contracts such that their interests are prioritized (sometimes blatantly so). You need an experienced agent who can read through that contract, interpret its jargon, and explain its finer points to you as effectively as possible. Throughout the process, you’ll likely be wondering whether you’re getting a great deal; as agents, we have special access to the builder’s past sales, and using that data, we’ll do our very best to negotiate strongly on behalf of your interests.

During the time of contract, you’ll be making some structural selections, and it’s my job to help you choose features that will truly be worthwhile investments. In that all-important design center meeting, you’ll be asked to make decisions regarding countertops, cabinets, floors, fixtures and more. It’s easy to shoot from the hip and choose something based on trendiness, but as an experienced real estate expert, I’ll help you carefully select things that will be great long-term investments.

After the design center meeting comes the on-site meeting where you’ll be able to walk the lot before construction begins. Then, following a few months of construction, you’ll have what’s called a pre-drywall meeting where you get to see all the rough-ins (plumbing, heating, electrical, etc.). 

Some weeks later, you’ll have a home orientation, which is another long meeting where we’ll tour the whole home and discuss all of the warranties available. This is when we’ll note any problem areas for the builder to correct before closing.

Once we conduct a final walk-through to check that the builder made good on their promises, we’ll meet for closing and make sure everyone has their i’s dotted and their t’s crossed. Again, the agent’s role in the new construction buying process is to represent your best interests and preserve your investment every step of the way. 

If you have further questions about what it’s like to buy new construction, or anything else relating to real estate, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon!