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👷‍♀️ Thinking of Building Your Dream Home?

Why You Need a Realtor and a Keen Eye

Building a new home is exciting—but before you pick paint colors,
make sure you’re protected every step of the way.

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Realtor = Advocate

Before you fall in in love with a model kitchen, pump the brakes. 🚦 That friendly builder rep isn’t your new BFF—they’re a salesperson working for the builder. And while your new home might have a spa tub, what it really needs… is a Realtor on your side.

Should You Use a Realtor?

Short answer: Yes. Please. For the love of countertops and sanity—YES. 🛠️

When you waltz into a shiny new model home and start chatting with that super-friendly sales rep? 😄 News flash: they work for the builder, not for you.
Their job is to sell you a house and maximize the builder’s profits
(They’re not evil—just not your fairy godmother. 🧚‍♀️)

“But I’ll Save Money Without a Realtor… Right?”

Nope. 🚫 That’s a common myth. Some reps might even suggest you’ll save money without an agent—usually by offering you “free” upgrades. ✨ Spoiler alert: those upgrades are wildly marked up. 💸 Builders already bake agent commissions into the price. Not using one just gives them a bigger slice of the profit pie.

Why You Want a Realtor on Your Team

Your Realtor = 🧑‍🏫🕵️‍♀️📞💪
A watchdog, an advocate, a translator of builder-speak, and the voice of reason when you’re staring at tile samples and questioning life choices. 😵‍💫 Building takes time—and things will go wrong. A good agent will help you stay calm, push back when needed, and make sure nothing sketchy gets swept under the (newly installed) rug.

Be Aware:

Read the Fine Print (Like, Really Read It)

  • Upgrade costs that weren’t in the original estimate
  • Change order fees for making adjustments mid-build
  • Vague timelines with zero penalties for delays

“Standard Features” Are… Not That Standard

  • What’s included in the base price vs what’s extra?
  • Can you get a list of upgrade pricing in writing?
  • Are finishes like flooring, counters, appliances builder-grade or showroom-worthy?

Phased Inspections = Lifesavers

Get a third-party inspector (not just the builder’s guy) to check the house at key stages:

  • Foundation pour
  • Framing and structure
  • Electrical and plumbing
  • Final walk-through

A few hundred bucks now can save thousands in repairs later. 💥

Budget for Surprise Costs

  • Landscaping
  • Window coverings
  • Mailbox fees, fencing, sprinklers, etc.

Timelines Are “Flexible” (a.k.a. Lies)

Rain, delays in materials, subcontractor no-shows… it all adds up.

  • Be emotionally prepared for a longer build than promised
  • Don’t lock in move-out dates or schedule the moving truck too soon

Communication is Everything

Builders juggle multiple projects—if you’re not following up, things can slip:

  • Set regular check-ins with the builder rep
  • Keep all emails and texts
  • Ask for updates with photos

Don’t Skip the Final Walkthrough

And don’t just “glance around.” Bring a checklist and take your time. Look for:

  • Doors that don’t close right
  • Paint issues, scuffs, or missing finishes
  • Electrical outlets that don’t work
  • Leaks or water issues (run those faucets!)

With the right guidance, a little patience, and a solid team on your side, building your dream home can be as rewarding as it is exciting. 🏡✨

Info provided by Kathy Masterson (License #788021) in good faith and intention.