The Benefits Of Hiring A Realtor For New Construction In Florida

Building a new house is both exciting and stressful. If you are considering buying a new construction home, you may be looking forward to picking out all of your finishes and getting a brand-new house. At the same time, you might be a bit nervous about making such a huge financial commitment.

Many people don’t realize that - just like when buying an existing home - you can and should be represented by a Tampa Realtor when building a new home. They will advocate for you throughout the process, helping you pick a good builder, score a good deal, and decide which upgrades make the most sense for your home. They can even help you find financing and get an inspection to ensure your home is properly constructed.

Eaton Realty works with both buyers and sellers in Hillsborough County, Florida real estate deals. As former contractors ourselves, we offer a unique perspective on buying a new construction home - and share our hard-won experience and wisdom with our clients. If you are considering building a home in the Tampa area, our Tampa realtors can shepherd you through the process. Reach out today to talk to a member of our real estate team.

Have questions about building a new home in Hillsborough County? › 813-672-8022

Why You Should Work with a Realtor When Building a New Home

Most people only build a new home once in their life. When they do so, they work with builders - who may have built hundreds or thousands of homes. These builders also have a team of professionals - such as a builder’s agent and lawyers - who represent their interests.

A builder’s agent is obligated to represent their client’s best interests - not the homeowner’s. Given this, it only makes sense that you have your own agent when building a house. Below are some reasons why.

Negotiation Assistance

When it comes time to negotiate a contractfor new construction, the builder will have their own agent - whose interest is in getting the most favorable deal (and highest price) for their client. If you have your own real estate agent, they will represent your best interests in negotiations.

This is particularly important because contracts for new construction can be complex. Your real estate agent can help ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your contract. They can also negotiate for you, helping you to secure a better deal or even upgrades and incentives.

An Understanding of the Local Market and Area

Real estate agents spend 40 or more hours a week immersed in all things real estate. They often know everything there is to know about an area, such as property values, schools, and plans for future developments. This knowledge makes them an invaluable resource for building a home.

Picture this scenario: you choose to build a home in a suburb of Tampa that almost has a rural feel to it. Within a few short years, a new highway and a shopping plaza are built just blocks away from your home - and your tranquil setting is gone.

Developers may not tell you that the green space in your neighborhood won’t be green for long - but your agent will. Your Realtor can review the builder’s site plan and advise you about any proposed developments. They can also help you think through other aspects of your choice, like the reality of your commute and the potential resale value of your home. Part of their job is to stay on top of news and information affecting the real estate market, like the opening of a new office park. They can impart this information to you to help you make a more informed decision about where to build.

Knowledge of Contractor Quality and Reputation

There are a lot of builders in Hillsborough County - but not every contractor does a great job. It can be hard for the average person to know which contractors are great… and which should be avoided. A contractor might have a slick website and a beautiful model home - but behind the scenes, homeowners might be dealing with endless problems with their builds.

A seasoned Tampa real estate agent can help you sort the metaphorical wheat from the chaff. They will listen to your needs and recommend a builder that can help you achieve those goals. If you have a builder in mind, they can talk you through what they know about that company’s track record, construction practices, and customer satisfaction. Your agent will help you make a more informed choice when selecting a builder.

Helping with Customization

When you build a home from the ground up, you will have to make many choices about everything, from the color of the siding to the type of fixtures you want in your bathroom. It is easy to get overwhelmed by your options - or go way over your budget because all the upgrade options are so tempting.

Your agent can explain which upgrades offer the best return on investment in your market. Being in West Central Florida, this may include decisions about extras like putting in a pool or more outdoor living space. They can also advise you about what might not make as much sense based on your budget and goals.

At the same time, your Realtor will listen to your plans for your house - which will influence the choices that you make. If this is your forever home, it may make sense to splurge a bit on certain features. If you know that you will be moving out of the area in a few years, they can help you pick features that appeal to the most buyers and give you the most bang for your buck.

Recommending Financing

Builders often have preferred lenders that they steer homeowners to - which may not be the bank that gives you the best interest rate. Instead of simply relying on the builder’s recommendation, your agent can give you more options. They can also advise you of loan options you may want to explore given your particular situation.

Remember: Hillsborough County real estate agents help buyers find financing as a routine part of their job. They are knowledgeable about different loan options, such as special programs for veterans and first-time home buyers. They can refer you to several lenders to help you find the best loan and rate for you.

Overseeing Inspections

You might not think you need a home inspection for new construction, but they’re very beneficial. Even the most conscientious builder may make a mistake or simply forget to complete something. In fact, there is a whole side of TikTok devoted to the problems found in newly-built homes. According to some experts, the number of problems in a new home can often rival those found in an inspection of an older home.

Builders will rarely encourage buyers to get inspections because it does not benefit them. Your Realtor can make sure that you get a home inspection. They can recommend an inspector for you, oversee the process, and help you interpret the inspection report. They can also help you negotiate concessions or fixes for any problems found during the inspection.

Get Professional Guidance Building Your Home

Whether you are building a house in a development or a custom home on your own lot, you will need someone to advocate for your best interests. Having a real estate agent is the best way to ensure that you are treated fairly and getting a good deal when building a new home in Hillsborough County, Florida. Your agent will help you with each step of the process, from picking a builder to the final inspection and closing.

At Eaton Realty, we represent both buyers and sellers in real estate transactions in West Central Florida. For each client, our goal is to help you make an informed decision and get the right house for you. If you are building a new house, we will take the time to educate you about your options and help you make the best choice for your needs. To learn more, fill out our online contact form or call our office at 813-672-8022.