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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!
Built by the covered Adobe Homes, this Charleston inspired Executive home has been very well designed and is a must-see. Every detail has been upgraded. Spacious open flo...
This contemporary pool by coveted Adobe Homes features custom details unlike any other home in the market! Spacious open floor plan with 12' Ceilings on first floor and 1...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. Located off SR-54 in Wesley Chapel, Westgate at Avalon Park will be your home in the center of this fa...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. Located off SR-54 in Wesley Chapel, Westgate at Avalon Park will be your home in the center of this fa...
Under Construction. Come and be a part of the rapidly growing, utterly exciting and bustling Old Seminole Heights. Come see the attention to detail and quality craftsmans...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’ll be within 15-minu...
This 2023 New Construction 2 story home with 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathroom and 1 Car Garage Is Full Of Upgrades and ready for its FIRST owner! The first floor features the liv...
Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up...
Under Construction. Being in the center of this growing city, you’ll be within 15 minutes of I-75 and the Tampa Premium Outlets, Main Event Entertainment, and just 5-minu...
This is the One, beautiful home was built in 2001. Home build in a beautiful location in heart o Land O Lakes. The home has 10-12 feet tall ceilings. This home has 2 ma...
Located off SR-56 in Wesley Chapel, Summerstone will put you at a location that you just can’t pass up. Being in the center of this growing city, you’ll be within 15 minu...
Under Construction. Under Construction. Under Construction... ***Estimated Completion Date May 15th 2023. *** Brand New concrete block 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, ...
Under Construction. Under Construction... ***Estimated Completion Date May 15th 2023. *** Brand New concrete block 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, 2,173 SF Ranch home,...
Pre-Construction. To be built. The Canvas brand represents exhilaration from expression. Our inspiring city homes are influenced by eclectic neighborhoods and local artis...
BRAND NEW - Lake view home. Welcome to your dream home in the exclusive gated community of River Landing in Wesley Chapel. Why wait, when you can buy it now and move in...
Pre-Construction. To be built. TOWER II. Pre-Construction. To be built. Soaring above the Iconic Bayshore Boulevard on Hillsborough Bay is The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Ta...
Under Construction. MLS#A4565747 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. December Completion! From the side entry, you are led into the center of the home, the heart of all of the ...
This Modern Tampa Bay Home offers modern exterior architecture & impressive interiors. This 3 beds and 2-bath home includes a 1-car GARAGE, private outdoor living spaces/...
Under Construction. MLS#A4565743 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED! December Completion - Meet the astonishing Arezzo, a truly unique villa home, set amid a stunning Esplanade ...
Under Construction. MLS#A4565741 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED! December Completion! Meet the astonishing Arezzo, a truly unique villa home, set amid a stunning Esplanade c...
Under Construction. MLS#A4565739 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. December Completion! The open-concept Pallazio is certainly inviting, with a central common area that holds ...
Pre-Construction. To be built. TOWER II. Pre-Construction. To be built. Soaring above the Iconic Bayshore Boulevard on Hillsborough Bay is The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Ta...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. SELLER IS VERY MOTIVATED! Freshly new built home in the heart of the Tampa Bay area. Location on this property is amazing ...
Brand new Bungalow Style Home! New construction, Over 2,100 sqft ! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage home upgraded like no other. The moment you arrive you notic...
Amazing Brand New Townhome, Palm Ranch Townhomes in the most central/perfect location in Tampa! Minutes from Tampa International Airport, International Mall, Bayshore Blv...
This business has successfully qualified for the E-2 Immigration Visa previously; It includes a comprehensive build-out for product display, dining and kitchen build-out ...
Location, Location, Location! This Magnolia Park East townhome has 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms in 1,280 sq ft. A cute front porch gives way to open concept living. Lar...
Enjoy the distinguished lifestyle advantages of The Edinger plan. Collaborate on culinary adventures in the streamlined designer kitchen that includes a corner pantry, Wr...
New Construction and move-in ready townhome located in Tampa Heights that’s less than a mile from Armature Works, and under 5 mins drive from Downtown. Meticulously desig...
Under Construction. The largest plan in this collection showcases a modern open-concept floorplan on the first floor among the kitchen, family room, dining room and patio...
Under Construction. New Construction and NO CDD fees in Valrico! Enjoy easy commutes when you live in Willowbrooke by Pulte Homes. This home is an open concept Roseland...
Under Construction. NEW CONSTRUCTION!!! Welcome home in Historical Tampa Heights. This beautiful three bedroom two and half bath home was designed to keep the architectur...
Turn your vision of luxurious, modern living into reality in this beautiful custom home in Upper Tampa! Across its multi-level layout, no expense was spared in putting st...
Custom Designed, Special Oasis---Defined Modern Lines, an Exceptional use of materials and finishes, Strong color contrasts of Black & White, set among the Oaks of Valric...
Under Construction. A versatile flex room rests directly off the foyer of this modern single-story home, while down the hall, the fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and ...
Under Construction. A cut above the rest, Calusa Creek is a NEW townhome community built by Sunrise Homes that offers a variety of affordable, spacious floor plans design...
Under Construction. This thoughtfully designed Marianna townhome floor plan is a 1,667 square foot townhome. This townhome provides an open living, and spacious floor pla...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. This thoughtfully designed Seville floor plan with a Contemporary Elevation offers 5 bedrooms, 3 and a...
Under Construction. Under Construction. Gemm Development Builder of Tampa Bay brings to you another quality home. Be part of the rapidly growing, utterly exciting and bus...
Come live in this beautiful new construction Shimberg home (2020) in South Tampa. This pool home is located on a corner lot with five bedrooms + BONUS room, 3.5 bedrooms,...
Under Construction. This modern two-story townhome features an open-concept design connecting the family room, dining room, kitchen and covered patio. Upstairs, two bedro...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. Cedarbrook is located in Riverview, right off Rhodine Road, and just east of Balm Riverview Road, US-3...
Under Construction. The first floor of this two-story townhome includes an expansive Great Room with direct access to the cozy nook and well-equipped kitchen, which has a...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Tremendous opportunity to build your dream home on South Tampa’s preeminent waterfront neighborhood of Davis Islands. This location is one...
Under Construction. Enjoy resort-style Florida living at Del Webb BayView! Own a beautiful one-story home in this amenity-rich active adult community. This Contour home ...
Under Construction. Enjoy resort-style Florida living at Del Webb BayView! Own a beautiful one-story home in this amenity-rich active adult community. This Hallmark home...
Under Construction. Enjoy resort-style Florida living at Del Webb BayView! Own a beautiful one-story home in this amenity-rich active adult community. This Hallmark home...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-Construction. To Be Built. Welcome to your own slice of paradise! This stunning .99-acre piece of land is a rare gem, nestled in a tr...
Under Construction. GEMM Development Builder of Tampa Bay brings to you a quality contemporary home full of natural light and unique architectural designs. This beautiful...
Under Construction. Move in Ready- April 2023. This beautiful design by Milana Custom Homes has over 4,000 sqft of living space including a grand foyer, great room, bonus...
New construction home with 3 bedroom 2 bath and 2 car garage. This home featuring quartz counter top, Porcelain tile floor, walk in closet in master bedroom, Open floor ...
Under Construction. Absolutely the best in QUALITY construction! Your "Forever Home" on a large homesite, NO HOA OR CDD!!!! In a quiet & well kept established neighborho...
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. Pre-Construction. To be built. Featuring beautiful upgrades from high tray ceilings measuring 10'8'' a...
Under Construction. This desirable NEW CONSTRUCTION end-unit townhome offers stylish living and a prime location— gorgeous 3 bedroom 3.5 bath, 2-car garage by M Ryan Home...
Under Construction. This desirable NEW CONSTRUCTION townhome offers stylish living and a prime location— gorgeous 3 bedroom 3.5 bath, 2-car garage by M Ryan Homes. Enter ...
Under Construction. This desirable NEW CONSTRUCTION townhome offers stylish living and a prime location— gorgeous 3 bedroom 3.5 bath, 2-car garage by M Ryan Homes. Enter ...
Under Construction. This desirable NEW CONSTRUCTION townhome offers stylish living and a prime location— gorgeous 3 bedroom 3.5 bath, 2-car garage by M Ryan Homes. Enter ...
Under Construction. New Construction Available Now in Plant City! Close this year on this spacious Thompson Quick Move-In Home in the community North Park Isle by Centex...
Under Construction. New Construction Available Now in Plant City! Close this year on this spacious Wakefield Quick Move-In Home in the community North Park Isle by Cente...
Under Construction. New Construction Available Now in Plant City! Close this year on this spacious Hanover Quick Move-In Home in the community North Park Isle by Centex ...
Under Construction. New Construction Available Now in Plant City! Close this year on this spacious Chapman Quick Move-In Home in the community North Park Isle by Centex ...
Under Construction. This three-story townhome showcases a total of four bedrooms to provide the whole family with private retreats for restful nights. Upon entry, the foy...
Under Construction. New Construction with NO CDD Fees in Wesley Chapel, FL! Own a Centex townhome in Wesley Reserve, located inside the new and upcoming community of Cha...
Under Construction. New Construction with NO CDD Fees in Wesley Chapel, FL! Own a Centex townhome in Wesley Reserve, located inside the new and upcoming community of Cha...
Under Construction. New Construction with NO CDD Fees in Wesley Chapel, FL! Own a Centex townhome in Wesley Reserve, located inside the new and upcoming community of Cha...
Under Construction. New Construction with NO CDD Fees in Wesley Chapel, FL! Own a Centex townhome in Wesley Reserve, located inside the new and upcoming community of Cha...
Under Construction. Your Next Great Adventure Awaits at Del Webb Bexley! This is your chance to own a beautiful home at this resort-style and amenity-rich active adult c...
Under Construction. The first-floor of this two-story home includes a versatile flex room as well as a formal dining room for gatherings big or small. Nearby, the expansi...
Under Construction. Your Next Great Adventure Awaits at Del Webb Bexley! This is your chance to own a beautiful home at this resort-style and amenity-rich active adult c...
Under Construction. Your Next Great Adventure Awaits at Del Webb Bexley! This is your chance to own a beautiful home at this resort-style and amenity-rich active adult c...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Welcome to the "Ridgewood", the newest design by Taralon Homes. Located in the highly sought after Bayshore Beautiful neighborhood in South...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pendry Residences Tampa hails the arrival of Florida’s first Pendry hotel, a new luxury offering by Montage Hotels & Resorts. An offering t...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pendry Residences Tampa hails the arrival of Florida’s first Pendry hotel, a new luxury offering by Montage Hotels & Resorts. An offering t...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pendry Residences Tampa hails the arrival of Florida’s first Pendry hotel, a new luxury offering by Montage Hotels & Resorts. An offering t...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pendry Residences Tampa hails the arrival of Florida’s first Pendry hotel, a new luxury offering by Montage Hotels & Resorts. An offering t...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pendry Residences Tampa hails the arrival of Florida’s first Pendry hotel, a new luxury offering by Montage Hotels & Resorts. An offering t...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Great opportunity to own a brand new home on quiet street on Davis Islands. This residence by Mobley Homes Custom has all the finishes that...
Elegant Residences rising skyward above a five-star hotel offering comfort and intimacy of an expertly-designed home with hotel benefits including a rooftop pool & terrac...
Under Construction. New Construction Available Now with NO CDD Fees! Move in this year on this gorgeous Wakefield Quick Move-In Home in the boutique community Summers Cay...
Under Construction. The first floor of this two-story townhome includes an expansive Great Room with direct access to the cozy nook and well-equipped kitchen, which has a...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Welcome home! This one-story Historic Bungalow DESIGN by LuCapital Management is the epitome of rustic charm in Historic Ybor District. Fea...
Under Construction. MLS#A4564063 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. December Completion! Presenting the Antigua, a vibrant home designed for comfort, convenience, and a feel of...
Under Construction. MLS# A4564053 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. December Completion! The Bonaire home design is the definition of traditional charm and livability. 2,600 s...
Under Construction. Under Construction. This NEW CONSTRUCTION home by Waterstone City Homes sits on a 1/3 acre lot in the center of Palma Ceia. It features 5 bedrooms & 5...
Pre-Construction. To be built. Coming soon to the highly sought-after Davis Islands neighborhood, this stunning custom home is ready to be built just for you. Perfectly s...
Under Construction. MLS#A4564008 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. December Completion The Bonaire is a beautiful two-story home including 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a 2-car ga...
Under Construction. MLS# A4564006 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. December Completion! The Antigua is a vibrant home designed for comfort, convenience, and a feel of eleganc...
Under Construction. MLS#A4564004 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ADDED. August Completion! The vibrant Antigua is designed for comfort, convenience, and a feel of elegance. Within,...
This beautiful and modern new home in Tampa with four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms is located in the exclusive area of Forest Hills with gofl course, close to I-...
New Construction Home!!! Don't miss out on this beautiful brand new home just minutes away from the city of Tampa! This home boasts up to 1,665 heated sq ft, featuring th...
I am an Internet Marketing EXPERT and a very tough negotiator. More eyes on your home means more offers. Let me start by putting a value on your home so you know what it would list for in today's market. It's completely FREE!
Click here to visit our home seller page and to contact me for details.