Buying New Construction in Myrtle Beach, SC
New construction is booming in Myrtle Beach, SC! With more and more people moving to our beautiful area, the demand for newer homes is on the rise. And when you are in the market to buy a home, the allure of new construction homes is undeniable. You get to be the first to live in your pristine home—one untouched by dirty hands or muddy shoes. It’s full of brand-new appliances with all the finishes and treatments that you picked to fit your wants and needs. And you won’t have to worry about making any cosmetic or structural upgrades for years.
If you are interested in buying a new construction property, the builder’s agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal. The Matt Harper Team has built a trusted relationship with the area builders and we know the neighborhoods.
What is a builder’s agent?
When you buy a new construction property, the home’s builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder’s agent. The builder’s agent will always have the builder’s best interest in mind. After all, the job of the builder’s agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling so the agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down. You will not get anything “extra” or get a lower sales price by not being represented by your own Realtor.
Why you should hire your own real estate agent?
It’s a good idea to have your real estate agent accompany you on your first visit to the new construction site. Why? Because the builder (aka the seller) will be responsible for paying the commission, and needs to know if you’ll have a real estate agent representing you. So bringing your agent to the first visit will make it clear that the builder’s agent will be on the hook for paying commission. Some builders might even refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent the first time you visit the home on a new construction site. Someone from our team will be available to work with you prior to and when you go to visit the builder.
It is your real estate agent’s job is to help you get the most value for your money, with the least hassle and frustration.
When buying new construction properties, here are the key things your real estate agent will help you with that you could miss out on if you stick with the builder’s agent:
- Negotiating extras: Want upgraded counters or appliances in your new home? Your agent can help you with all those extra perks, amenities, and upgrades. Your buyer’s can often negotiate with the builder on things like paint color or even the style of garage door, especially if the neighborhood is in the beginning phases.
- Recommending financing: A builder typically will have a “preferred” lender that it will try to steer you towards, but your real estate agent can help make sure that you’re getting the mortgage that works best for your situation. Shopping around is always wise, and you don’t want the builder’s agent pressuring you into using their suggested professional unless it’s the right fit for you and your family.
- Overseeing a home inspection: Tempted to forgo a home inspection in new construction? Don’t do it! The total number and severity of new-home defects are often greater than your typical resale home inspection problems. The builder’s agent is unlikely to push for or or even offer you an inspection, so it’s up to you and your real estate agent to make that happen.
How the builder’s agent can help you.
With all of this in mind, the builder’s agent can be a valuable resource for learning about your potential new home and neighborhood.
The builder’s agent is usually very knowledgeable about the construction and available amenities, as well as the neighborhood and general community vibe. You can usually rely on the builder’s agent for background information—just don’t make them your sole point of contact on the buying and selling process.
Everyone wants to have peace of mind when buying a home, whether it be a new construction or not. Having a real estate agent in your corner will insure that your best interests are always a top priority. The Matt Harper Team is well versed with representing new construction buyers and we’ve built great relationships with the local and national builders along the Grand Strand. We look forward to representing you and your family as you build your perfect Myrtle Beach home.