Buying a new build without a realtor
We're looking to buy a one off new build from a small builder (so not a place on a subdivision) and wondering if we need a realtor / buying agent to help with the process. Also will we still need to get stuff like radon testing done, and if so should it be done when we purchase or when the place is built.
We did look around a few places with a realtor but she wasn't much use, and despite us showing interest in the area didn't tell us about the new build (just kept telling us about places without stuff we wanted in areas we told her we didn't want to live!). |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by cxx
(Post 11697848)
We're looking to buy a one off new build from a small builder (so not a place on a subdivision) and wondering if we need a realtor / buying agent to help with the process. Also will we still need to get stuff like radon testing done, and if so should it be done when we purchase or when the place is built.
We did look around a few places with a realtor but she wasn't much use, and despite us showing interest in the area didn't tell us about the new build (just kept telling us about places without stuff we wanted in areas we told her we didn't want to live!). |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Thanks.
We're not tied to this one as we haven't signed a contract. Just asked them to show us a few properties, and never once asked them to recommend others, but they just kept sending emails of possible properties even though they'd never asked for any criteria, and then ignored the reasons I told them we weren't interested in the ones they suggested :banghead: I've not had particularly good experiences with realtors, hence hoping that we can go it alone. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
We bought new in a subdivision with no realtor. Hubby negotiated a hefty discount direct with their 'selling agent', all went smoothly.
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Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by ChocolateBabz
(Post 11697967)
We bought new in a subdivision with no realtor. Hubby negotiated a hefty discount direct with their 'selling agent', all went smoothly.
I have found that realtors have a habit of trying to push "similar" homes, or ones that have features that other people like or look for - ground floor master bedrooms being a favourite irritation of mine. Unless you're buying in an area with a known radon problem (typically over granite bedrock) I wouldn't worry too much about radon. If you do have the house tested I would do so as soon as the shell is complete (the outer structure of the house is what contains and traps the radon), so it can be remediated before you close on the house and move in. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by Pulaski
(Post 11698256)
Unless you're buying in an area with a known radon problem (typically over granite bedrock) I wouldn't worry too much about radon. If you do have the house tested I would do so as soon as the shell is complete (the outer structure of the house is what contains and traps the radon), so it can be remediated before you close on the house and move in.
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Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by cxx
(Post 11698308)
We've seen other houses in the area that have tested positive for radon - one said it had done some mitigation but still tested positive. Plus it is a granite area so think it's likely there will be some. Is it something which can easily be remedied or should we steer well clear?
If the house isn't started yet you might want to speak to the builder and/or an independent consultant to discuss incorporating radon ventilation under the foundation, which I believe would just be perforated plastic pipe in a gravel bed before the concrete is poured. The cost of doing this should be negligible and it should be very easy at the initial stage, with maybe $100 of plastic pipe and a few $00's of additional gravel, plus labour. I don't see it being more than $2,000 even for a very large house. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
We completed a purchase with small builder on new build without a realtor.
However we did get the contract checked over by a lawyer who specialises in real estate procedures and law. He highlighted some issues in the builder's contract which needed amending to safeguard us. Reading the contract carefully, understanding the payment schedule and making sure you get what you signed up for is crucial. Also going onto site regularly just to keep on eye on things. Hubby picked up a number of issues while the house was being built which would have been labour and cost intensive had they had to be remedied after completion. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by cxx
(Post 11697848)
We did look around a few places with a realtor but she wasn't much use, and despite us showing interest in the area didn't tell us about the new build (just kept telling us about places without stuff we wanted in areas we told her we didn't want to live!).
|
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by SanDiegogirl
(Post 11698487)
We completed a purchase with small builder on new build without a realtor.
However we did get the contract checked over by a lawyer who specialises in real estate procedures and law. He highlighted some issues in the builder's contract which needed amending to safeguard us. Reading the contract carefully, understanding the payment schedule and making sure you get what you signed up for is crucial. Also going onto site regularly just to keep on eye on things. Hubby picked up a number of issues while the house was being built which would have been labour and cost intensive had they had to be remedied after completion. So either find a good buyers agent (by recommendation is usually best) or get a knowledgeable lawyer to review the paperwork. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by cxx
(Post 11697848)
..... We did look around a few places with a realtor but she wasn't much use, and despite us showing interest in the area didn't tell us about the new build. .....
To be clear, it is reasonable that the realtor is paid for their services, but they should either negotiate a fee from their client, or at very least bring the non-fee earning properties to the attention of their client and let the client decide. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by Pulaski
(Post 11698545)
So long as this goes on it makes a lie of "realtors' " claims to be professionals. A true professional has an ethical obligation to act in the best interests of his/her client. That realtors routinely disregard suitable FSBO and new build properties just because they won't collect a fee undermines the credibility of the realtor business.
To be clear, it is reasonable that the realtor is paid for their services, but they should either negotiate a fee from their client, or at very least bring the non-fee earning properties to the attention of their client and let the client decide. I think I have been lucky in that I have known some very good realtors who were long time family friends. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by Pulaski
(Post 11698545)
So long as this goes on it makes a lie of "realtors' " claims to be professionals. A true professional has an ethical obligation to act in the best interests of his/her client. That realtors routinely disregard suitable FSBO and new build properties just because they won't collect a fee undermines the credibility of the realtor business.
To be clear, it is reasonable that the realtor is paid for their services, but they should either negotiate a fee from their client, or at very least bring the non-fee earning properties to the attention of their client and let the client decide. |
Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by cxx
(Post 11698581)
This place IS listed with another realtor, so I assume the builder is paying them commission, and it's listed on realtor.com etc.
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Re: Buying a new build without a realtor
Originally Posted by cxx
(Post 11698581)
This place IS listed with another realtor, so I assume the builder is paying them commission, and it's listed on realtor.com etc.
The following company lists on the MLS and Realtor.com for $99 for up to 6 months. HOUSEPAD LLP | Licensed, Premium, MLS Brokerage Services In fact when I sold my townhouse, my agent said tried to slip it by me and said "if it's alright with you, I'll give the buyer's agent 2.5%" and I said "why not 3%" and she said", "Oh, OK". |
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