When you see a new home development, you expect to see a sales office where you can view floor plans and probably look at a few model homes. What you don’t realize is that the “friendly” new home model host is working for the builder, and is protecting the builder, not you. The builder has already included the real estate commission into the price of his new homes. Builders know they will sell a certain number of homes through the assistance of a Realtor, and have factored that into their pricing.

Suppose you go to look at a new development with your Realtor, and the price of the house you like is $650,000. What do you suppose the price would have been if you had gone alone and were not working with a real estate agent? That’s right - $650,000. Just because he doesn’t have to pay a commission, the builder is not going to reduce his price.

So how can you save money by working with a professional Realtor? Easy – you can save on that built-in commission. Many Realtors will give a reduced commission on selling your existing home if they handle the purchase of the new one, so the result is that you will have more cash to use for the purchase of your new home. Plus, you have someone representing you on both the sale of your existing home as well as on buying your new home. REMEMBER… the builder’s sales person represents the builder’s best interests - not yours.

Here’s the important thing, though. To get the savings, your first visit to the builder must be with your Realtor. Otherwise, the builder won’t recognize the Realtor as your representative. Then with a professional on your side, you will be protected on the purchase of your new home. Call me first - I’ll gladly answer your questions.