Quote:
Originally Posted by The Yen Man
This is my first house so I'm really new to the whole real estate game, but do you really need a realtor when building a house? This is meant as a serious question, and not a rhetorical cocky question at all. I'd honestly like to know in case I missed out on something since I didn't even think about go through a realtor. I just went to a showhome, liked what I saw, and then proceeded to haggle with the sales guy.
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Because you went into the showhome unaccompanied by a realtor (most showhomes require a Realtor walk in their clients and register with them) the sales rep would argue that you are their client and would avoid dealing with your Realtor at all costs. Buyer's Realtors get compensated by the builder and that money usually comes out of the sale rep's commission in that particular transaction. I know a few builders give their sales reps (area managers) 1% commission on the final sale price of the new home.
If you like a particular area, choose a Realtor before hand, and they will be more than happy to accompany you into the sales center / showhome. If they aren't and think it's a hassle, find a new Realtor.
As I mentioned before, a realtor has access to the mlx database and can find up to the minute information about comparable solds in the area and can help you negotiate a favourable price along with favourable terms. At no cost to you.