Buying A Builder's New Home
Myths  vs.  Facts

Myth:  A builder will charge more for the house if I use a Realtor to represent me.

Fact:  In Tampa Bay, we have Builder - Realtor agreements. The home costs the same whether you use the services of a Realtor or not. It costs you nothing for me to represent you. Let me give you the benefit of my experience.

Myth:  Builders don't really like it when a Realtor is involved.

Fact:  A Realtor actually makes the sale easier for the Builder by helping buyers sort through their options. Realtors also answer lots of questions the builder would prefer not to spend time answering; the Builder's job is to just "close the deal".

Myth:  There is an agent located in every model to help me.

Fact:  Many Buyers don't understand that the on-site agent at a model home is a “Seller’s Agent” and is acting only on behalf of the builder. They must act fairly and honestly but their job is to get the best deal for the Builder, not you.

Not only are you, the Buyer, entitled to your own agent, you should absolutely have a Realtor protecting your interests - just like the Builders has representatives acting for their benefit.

Myth:  You can go look at model homes and if you decide to buy, you can bring in a Realtor to represent your interests later when you are ready to finalize the deal.

Fact:  The agreement between a Builder and Realtors often requires that you be accompanied by your Realtor the first time you look at a model home. So, take me along when you want to look at models. I won't be upset if you aren't ready to buy at that point. I can offer you valuable information that will help you choose your builder as well as the model.

Myth:  The builder you are considering is a national builder. They wouldn't be so big if they weren't good. And, they've won Home Builder's Association awards.

Fact:  Big isn't always better. National builders may be better in some parts of the country than others. Awards given out by the Home Builder's Association are for home design, not for construction quality.

If you are interested in building a new home in the Tampa real estate market, including all of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, I will:

• Introduce you to the best builders in the subdivisions that fit your needs and desires.
• Help you choose the best lot and give you the pluses and minuses of certain locations and exposures for resale purposes.
• Help you find the best financing and insurance.
• Suggest options that you might want to add to make your house more "live-able" for you and more "saleable" down the road.
• Be your liaison and advocate in the event of a problem or "misunderstanding" with the builder.
• Help you with any individual needs and agreements not mentioned above.

    You deserve the best representation available to you on one of the largest investments you will ever make.

    For more information about my services for buyers of new construction homes in the Tampa real estate market, Request My Free Tampa Area Builders Information Package or E-Mail Me.

    For outstanding Tampa Bay real estate service, you cannot do better than selecting Tampa Broker. Cheryl Stimac of Red Shoe Realty, Inc.