Who was your home builder?

[1stLand]

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.

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.

[puckluck]

Originally Posted by NSFL

When we had our house built about 13 years ago, Shane did a crappy job. But looking at some of their show homes now, the quality appears to be much better.

Show homes are meant to be nicer. Shane homes still builds crappy houses.

[Bunk]

Some guys from the 19th century.

[Eddie Bronze]

http://www.sabalchalet.com/

If anyone is looking...

[SeoulFire]

Screw going with a realtor - that industry is a darned good example of a self licking ice-cream cone and people would be better off without it.

[Blaster86]

Bob.

[Holy-Smokinen]

We built with Cedarglen and so did my parents and they were great just built in 2009. Lots of selection choices, but I do have to warn you their "standard" selection aren't the greatest so you may be looking at lots of upgrades.

[DionPlett]

No one's mentioned Heartland, they built the home I have now and I think it's pretty good.

[stampsx2]

I ended up building with Excel. I have to admit I was a bit worried at first because of all the horror stories, but it actually turned out really good. I am happy.

Make sure the person who sells you your home is friendly and doesn't just care about making the sale. Makes things a lot easier if you do have problems down the road.

Hear all this stuff about haggling. How much have you been able to drop the price?

[dubc80]

Thanks for all the responses. Great information thus far.

Regarding the negotiating, I know people who bought from Shane and they said that during the floor plan design process, they did not budge on pricing at all when options were added. However when it was time to sign the papers they put in an offer about $10K lower than what it was spec'ed out at and it got accepted.

I know other people who bought from Cardel and they had to pay the sticker price. Basically take it or leave it.

I'd think the builders really do have the leverage, unless you can build a case and show them that there are similar homes or lots which are selling for less.

[asifka]

I am building with Genesis in Kincora. They did not negotiate on price, instead gave us alot of upgrades (main floor hardwood floor, 9'ceiling, 2 rooms were extended 5' over garage, railings in basement staircase instead of wall, moved fire place from corner to middle with upgraded stone, etc).

our possesion date is 20 days delayed, which worked out in our favour. There are few problems they still need to fix. Overall, i like the quality and finishes so far.

Centrax was another builder we looked at in Kincora. The type of lot we prefered, it was sold out.

[Izzle]

Necrobump!

Any new updates that people are willing to share for builds in the last 5 years or so?

[ryeguy252]

Currently doing a custom build in mount pleasant. Purchased lot ourselves (old bungalow then coordinated demo ourselves), then interviewed builders before going ahead with a builder. Happy to answer any questions if anyone is going this route but it appears most are interested in building in a newer community where builders own the lots. Were just about at preboard. Feel free to PM.

[The Yen Man]

Crazy necrobump lol. I'm still in the same home that I built 15 years ago, but paid off now. Sage Hill has come a long way in 15 years since I first moved there and it was just farmland all around me (still remember one time seeing some dude and his wife riding their horse into the community).