Should You Hire A Real Estate Agent When Buying A New Construction Home In Tampa, Florida?

A Home Buyers Guide To The Process Of Buying A New Construction Home In Tampa, Fl And How To Protect Your Interest

Tampa, florida new home construction. Buying a new home in Tampa and Tampa, Fl home builders

Buying a new home vs. buying a "used" home which we call a "resale home", is a tough decision and there are a lot of questions to have answered before you dive in. Just because the home is new and the builder's sales agents are there to help, doesn't mean the transaction is any less complicated than buying a "used home" - in fact, it could be more complicated.

There are two issues we want to emphasize right off the bat then we'll fill in the details and more below:

1. Make no mistake, builders represent THEMSELVES and builder's agents represent the builder and not you! The buidler's agent's mission is to get you to buy as much house as you can afford and although they might seem like they are truly interested in your well being, they are there for one reason and one reason only - to sell you a home with as many upgrades as possible. Who will represent you and your interest - the person you are making the deal with?

You wouldn't use your spouse's attorney during a divorce, would you?

2. It is unlikely you will save any money by not using a real estate agent. Real estate agents are paid with marketing dollars already set aside by the builder. Builders know they need Buyer's Agents to bring them buyers, and we do and for that they gladly pay us for our services. Because you choose NOT to use an agent does not mean you will get a better deal. Use an agent and the builder pays the commission. Don't use an agent and the builder pockets that marketing money for something else. It's a no-brainer.

There are plenty of people who say you do not need a real estate agent to help buy a new home and that the sales agent, who works for the builder who is trying to get you buy a home, will help you along the process. That is true, in part, because they want your money and they want to sell you a home and have a good home-buying experience. Home builder sales agents do tend to be very helpful, smart and they know their product as any good salesperson should. However, they are paid by and represent the BUILDER, not you. They are there for the sole purpose of selling you a home - they are the SELLER'S Agent. They do not represent you in the transaction and are not looking out for your best interest outside of trying to close their deal and making the experience as pleasant as possible so the builder doesn't get their name tarnished.

Many new home buyers who heed the advice of Google and the Internet to not use an agent to represent them in a new home purchase tend to regret it afterwards and won't do it again a second time. It's not always the case of course, and there are plenty of people who have had positive results without having an agent represent them but there is no downside to hiring expert help - especially if you do not have to pay them, which you do not. Agents are paid by the builder only if and when you close on a new home.

The Famous "Builder's Sign In Sheet" - A CRITICAL Decision

New home construction in Tampa, FL. Tampa new home builders to buy a new construction home.

As soon as you walk into any new home construction sales office, one of the first things the builder's rep will ask is "Can you please sign in for our reference?" and they'll hand you a card and a pen. This starts the process and the marketing and the emails. Most people sign in to a sheet like the photo above without even thinking about it but there is almost always a check box for "Do you have a real estate agent?" If you do, you need to check that box. Usually my business card will get attached to the client's sign in sheet by the builder's sales agent.

ALWAYS BRING YOUR AGENT WITH YOU TO AT LEAST THE FIRST VISIT TO THE NEW HOME BUILDER'S SALES OFFICE

The sign in sheet not only attaches my name, as agent for you, to the new home purchase deal, but also allows them to pay me once the sale is closed. I won't get into the legal issues of when a sale is made or not and who can claim "procuring cause" as I am not a lawyer, but typically, if I brought you to the home, you found it on my site and I helped you along the way or we have a written Buyer's Agreement, my name gets logged in the sales office and the builder will have to pay me when the sale closes. They're typically very good about it because they want our help to bring as many buyers to them as possible. To them, it's a cost of doing business - a marketing expense.

If you choose NOT to fill in the "I have an agent" part of the form, it may make it VERY difficult for me to represent you after the fact as there is a proper order of things and if I am not there from the start, they may make it tough to be paid later which then can get a little complicated, especially if we have a Buyer's Contract. At that point, the pay for my services comes from the Buyer. Regardless of the legal intricacies of when a sale takes place and who is "procuring cause" for that sale, if you prefer to be represented during the home buying process, its best to have me there from the very start - before you even walk into the builder's sales office.

THE DEAL DESCRIBED ISN'T ALWAYS THE DEAL RECEIVED AND NEW HOME CONTRACTS ARE COMPLICATED

There are Codes of Ethics all agents must adhere to in order to protect the general public. The list is lengthy. When you visit a new home builder, they will have in place all the pieces - title, sales agents, lenders, LAWYERS, etc. ALL OF THEM WORK FOR THE BUILDER in some fashion. Who works for you? You might be persuaded to use their lender and go it alone because it can be easier and less costly to them.

Without proper representation, you are asking your opponent to help fight for your best interest in the purchase. Do you think they'll do the best job they can protecting you or is it in their best interest that the less you know, the better off THEY are?

Additionally, new home build contracts are written by the builder's attorney's for the builder. They can be "imbalanced" to the side of the builder. It's important to have an attorney look over your contracts. The builder's resources are vast. Everything in a new home purchase revolves around the builder closing the sale and having you "locked up" contractually. To go it alone or blindly trust the builder's people to guide you along the process is not prudent.

THE HOME INSPECTION

It's a brand new home, what can go wrong? TONS OF THINGS!!! With a resale, you pretty much know what you're getting - its been that way for years. With a new home, you have to trust the builder who largely goes unchecked, to make sure they've done quality work and you won't have issues after the fact. New homes have all kinds of issues all the time. Everything was newly installed and hasn't had a chance to be thoroughly tested in the field as an older resale home has. You need a home inspection and you need someone to represent your interest.

Did they install everything they were contractually obligated to install? Did they use the same quality materials you contracted for? Is everything working?

THE BUILDER'S AGENT KNOWS THE DEVELOPMENT BUT DO THEY KNOW THE MARKET?

When buying a new build and incorrectly assuming the builder's sales rep is your rep (he or she is not - they are paid by the builder, for the builder's best interest to be protected), they will know the different homes in the builder's new community very well and can tell you all about the models and different options the builder offers, but do they know the market? Do they know market trends to help you make a good decision as to whether the home should hold it's resale value or not? On average, brand new homes are more expensive per square foot than resale homes, meaning, you will pay a premium for a new home vs. a resale home. Will you get that money back in 5 years? Is it worth paying a premium? Can you get much more "bang for your buck" buying something older? Can you buy a significantly larger home for the same price if you go with a resale home? Does the benefit of everything being new in a new build home justify the cost difference?

Usually the sales rep who works for a builder's new community is there to sell those homes. They may be licensed agents but do not typically work outside the confines of the home-builder's properties. As a residential real estate agent, part of my job is to know my market like the back of my hand - and I do. I am in and out of almost every neighborhood in Tampa and I understand the feel, flavor and function of each. I can guide you during the decision making process and advise if the choice you are making is prudent or not, according to your goals. The sales agent for the builder will not likely discuss how their property might not be a match for you. They're there to sell you a house.

NEGOTIATIONS - THE ACTUAL PRICE MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR

The numbers will make your head spin - rebate this, incentive that, we'll throw this in, we'll ask the builder to add it......

The fact is, the $355,000 house that lured you in will likely cost you closer to $380,000 before you are done and that's with being prudent in your choice selections. Stop trying to be extra careful and that $355,000 home will cost you $400,000. There are a TON of extras and very difficult decisions to make when buying new construction. Everything looks so good and the upgrades can get very, very expensive quickly. The builders job is to get you to buy more house - "Do you want fries with that?" - that's the classic up-sell at a burger joint. With a new home builder, "For an extra $8,000 we can install this gorgeous porcelain tile instead of the cheap, builder's grade stuff we normally put in that was quoted in the original base price."

The "base model" that lured you in is very rarely what you will pay - in fact, you'll typically pay way more than what you thought you were originally getting involved with. Can you afford that or are you already at the top of your budget with the base model, which is unrealistic? Once again, with proper representation and having someone to help you negotiate all these things, you'll probably be better off. At the very least, you will go into it seeing the real full picture.

PRESSURE TO USE "THEIR LENDER"

You can use any lender in the world that you choose. This applies to my "preferred lenders", the builder's "preferred lender" and anyone else who might have been referred to you. No one can force you to use their lender. This is particularly important when weighing a new home purchase. The lender for the builder works closely with the builder. Sometimes, not always, the builder uses tactics that make it feel like they are pressuring you to use their preferred lender. You don't have to. You may get a good deal using their lender or you may not. It is wise to shop around and see what is best for you. Just because the builder's rep "assumes" you'll use their lender, you absolutely do not need to. Shop around and see what works best for you and once again, this is why representation is particularly important. A trusted expert advisor who works solely for you and not the builder, will guide you along safely.

CAN YOU WAIT TO MOVE FOR 8-14 MONTHS?

waiting to buy a new construction home might feel like waiting forever

Finally, you decide you love the idea of a new home that no one has ever lived in before but can you wait? Most of the times, builders don't start building your home until you've signed on the dotted line. How long does it take to build a new home? Here in Tampa we commonly see wait times of 8-14 months. Yes, sometimes they will have a few "inventory homes" - homes that are almost fully built or sometimes even completely built but most of the time, you'll have to wait. Can you wait that long to move? If not, a resale home is the answer.

Do you have the time and capacity to make frequent stops to the property to check on progress and make sure the builder is sticking to his timeline? Will a hurricane affect your timeline? Rain? Will they keep pushing back my move-in date because the home isn't ready? These are real issues, especially in Florida where we get some crazy weather that can delay construction.

Whatever you decide, I can help you from start to finish. Once hired, I work for you and only you. My job is to protect you. I am here to protect your interest with expert knowledge and vast resources to guide you through the complicated waters of purchasing a home, brand new or resale.

If you are considering a new purchase and would like for me to represent you and protect your interest, reach out to me today before you fill out that registration card at the builder's sales office.

I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose. It's an exciting time for you.

With Tampa Home Searcher, you can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports.

Interactive Map - Draw a shape on a map, find homes for sale.

Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood!

Thinking about possibly selling your home?

Let's have a conversation and let me, Phil Bernie, an experienced Real Estate Broker Associate, personally put an accurate listing value on your home. I'll send you my free, hand-made Tampa area home seller value report.

New Construction Homes For Sale In Tampa Bay

4402 N 38th Street, Tampa $239,900

BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! Custom built, just completed, & ready for its FIRST owner. With high end finishes from floor to ceiling, the attention to detail is sure to please...

3 Beds
2 Baths
Hollomans J J SubDv.
33610 Zip Code

3718 N 31st. Street, Tampa $269,900

Pre-construction. To be built. Photos are of a similar, completed Carlton B home plan and professional renderings for construction purposes. Expected permit completion s...

3 Beds
2 Baths
4n5 | Bethel Heights SubDv.
33610 Zip Code

11936 Miracle Mile Drive, Riverview image

11936 Miracle Mile Drive, Riverview $264,440

Under Construction. The Annapolis provides 1,461 square feet, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Mealtimes will be family times with a kitchen island for food prep, a...

3 Beds
2 Baths
Timber Creek SubDv.
33578 Zip Code

10504 Crestview Heights, Thonotosassa image

10504 Crestview Heights, Thonotosassa $550,425

Under Construction. Brand new Maronda 4/3 model home with estimated completion date of April 2021 available for sale/leaseback opportunity. Please see agent for more det...

4 Beds
3 Baths
Graceland SubDv.
33592 Zip Code

12143 Stone Pine Street, Riverview image

12143 Stone Pine Street, Riverview $269,544

Under Construction. New construction home with 1,545 square feet on one-story including 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an open living area. Enjoy an open kitchen with 36”white ...

3 Beds
2 Baths
Ridgewood West SubDv.
33569 Zip Code

11622 Stone Pine Street, Riverview image

11622 Stone Pine Street, Riverview $283,043

Under Construction. New construction home with 1973 square feet two-story including 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Enjoy an open kitchen with 36" white shaker-style cabine...

4 Beds
2 Baths
Ridgewood SubDv.
33569 Zip Code

10808 Sage Canyon Drive, Riverview image

10808 Sage Canyon Drive, Riverview $350,990

Under Construction. You will love the open-concept design of this beautiful one-story home. The Santa Fe floor plan expands 2,576 square feet and features a 3-car garage,...

4 Beds
3 Baths
Ventana SubDv.
33578 Zip Code

4919 N Nebraska Avenue, Tampa — 4919 $549,000

Under Construction. Finished in April 2021. Call about our pre-construction incentives. Welcome to the luxury 6 unit community mere steps from all of the hot spots of Sou...

3 Beds
3 Baths
Magnolia Terraces Townhomes SubDv.
33603 Zip Code

3412 N 15th Street, Tampa $239,900

Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-construction. To be built. Photos are of a similar, completed Ashley A home plan and professional renderings for construction purposes....

3 Beds
2 Baths
4mp | Benjamin's 3rd Subdivision SubDv.
33605 Zip Code

3210 E 21st Avenue, Tampa $259,990

Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-construction. To be built. Photos are of a similar, completed Tyler B home plan and professional renderings for construction purposes. ...

3 Beds
2 Baths
4np | Little Cuba SubDv.
33605 Zip Code

2103 Bayshore Boulevard Unit PH-2201, Tampa image

2103 Bayshore Boulevard Unit PH-2201, Tampa — Hyde Park House $6,599,000

Under Construction. Introducing Hyde Park House - New luxury condominiums in Historic Hyde Park from the developer of ONE St. Petersburg. This stately residential tower ...

4 Beds
5 Baths
Hyde Park House SubDv.
33606 Zip Code

2103 Bayshore Boulevard Unit 1105, Tampa image

2103 Bayshore Boulevard Unit 1105, Tampa — Hyde Park House $1,899,000

Under Construction. Introducing Hyde Park House - New luxury condominiums in Historic Hyde Park from the developer of ONE St. Petersburg. This stately residential tower ...

2 Beds
3 Baths
Hyde Park House SubDv.
33606 Zip Code

2103 Bayshore Boulevard Unit 604, Tampa image

2103 Bayshore Boulevard Unit 604, Tampa — Hyde Park House $2,649,000

Under Construction. Introducing Hyde Park House - New luxury condominiums in Historic Hyde Park from the developer of ONE St. Petersburg. This stately residential tower ...

3 Beds
3 Baths
Hyde Park House SubDv.
33606 Zip Code

2422 W Carmen Street, Tampa $664,900

Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-construction. To be built. Photos are of professional renderings and a similar, completed "Madeleine" home until construction begins. ...

4 Beds
2 Baths
4if | West Pines Revised Map SubDv.
33609 Zip Code

2508 W Carmen Street, Tampa $674,900

Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-construction. To be built. Photos are of a professional rendering and of a similar, completed "Tern" home for construction purposes. E...

4 Beds
3 Baths
4if | West Pines Revised Map SubDv.
33609 Zip Code

1501 N Morgan Street Unit 3, Tampa image

1501 N Morgan Street Unit 3, Tampa — Morgan Street City Townhomes $410,000

Under Construction. Welcome to Morgan Street City Townhomes. These custom designed town homes are just under 1500 square feet offering 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a one ca...

3 Beds
3 Baths
Morgan Street City Townhomes SubDv.
33602 Zip Code

3518 E 27th Avenue, Tampa $278,900 ▲

Newly Constructed, Turn Key ,Spacious, Charming Home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1632 sq/ft Interior Space. The interior features 9"4" ceiling and a open floor plan. Th...

3 Beds
2 Baths
Partrick & Sweet Sub SubDv.
33605 Zip Code

2909 E 28th Avenue, Tampa $274,415

Under Construction. Under Construction. Permit already received. Photos are of a similar, completed Carlton A home plan and professional renderings for construction purpo...

3 Beds
2 Baths
4nb | Campobello Blocks 1 To 30 SubDv.
33605 Zip Code

2903 E 28th Avenue, Tampa $269,505

Under Construction. Under construction. Photos are of a similar, completed Carlton B home plan and professional renderings for construction purposes. Located in the he...

3 Beds
2 Baths
4nb | Campobello Blocks 1 To 30 SubDv.
33605 Zip Code

2011 W Sitka Street, Tampa $389,900

Under Construction. Under Construction. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A BRAND NEW HOME THAT GIVES YOU MANY UPGRADES WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY ANYTHING EXTRA? LOOK NO MORE!!! This home ...

4 Beds
2 Baths
Ballard Park Rev SubDv.
33604 Zip Code

1810 Craven Drive, Seffner $379,900

Under Construction. BRAND NEW 4BR, 2 BA , 2 Car Garage Pool home in quiet subdivision. This brand new home has a split floor plan and boasts Luxury Vinyl Plank throughou...

4 Beds
2 Baths
Greenfield Terrace SubDv.
33584 Zip Code

1716 Charleston Woods Court, Plant City image

1716 Charleston Woods Court, Plant City $2,100,000

Under Construction. Charleston Woods in Walden Lake. Great opportunity to make this NEW CONSTRUCTION home your own. Nearing the stage where you can pick your flooring, ...

5 Beds
6 Baths
Walden Lake SubDv.
33566 Zip Code

5377 Companion Lane, Tampa — Lgi Homes $260,900

Under Construction. Space and style abound in the Pensacola floor plan at Madison Village. With three bedrooms, two and a half baths, multiple walk-in closets and an open...

3 Beds
2 Baths
Madison Village Townhomes SubDv.
33619 Zip Code

204 Washington Avenue, Oldsmar $529,900

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Perfect Location in the Heart of Oldsmar! You will fall in love with this NEW CONSTRUCTION Home that offers an Open Floor ...

5 Beds
2 Baths
Oldsmar Rev Map SubDv.
34677 Zip Code