Buying a brand new home is exciting! You get to be the first person to live in the house. Everything is pristine. Your neighborhood is comprised of beautiful new homes and perfectly manicured yards!
Often there is a community center with amenities such as a resort pool, playground for the kids, pavilion or clubhouse for neighborhood events and even a fitness center. Some new home communities are now including town centers. Boutique area businesses within walking distance of your home are becoming an attractive community amenity.
Often the temptation is to visit a new home community alone and end up buying directly from the builder. Here are some reasons we suggest partnering with your own realtor for new home construction purchases.
6 Reasons Why Using a Realtor is Always Best in a New Construction Home Purchase
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Representation Focused on YOU
It is important to be represented by your own realtor. The onsite real estate agent represents the builder who is the seller. Your agent is designated as the buyer’s agent.
It is important to take your real estate buyer’s agent with you for your first visit to a new home community. Your agent will be documented as your representative, and will always be focused on negotiating the best deal for you.
If your realtor is not with you for your first visit, let the builder's onsite agent know that you have your own representation.
It is important to communicate this information at the beginning of your journey to ownership in a new home community. Otherwise, you may not receive full representation.
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Agent Fees
The seller, (or builder) pays all agent fees. This is not paid by the buyer. Sellers expect to work with realtors representing buyers and pay the realtor commissions. Pam Harrington Exclusives is a highly respected real estate company. Our realtors offer buyers and sellers professional real estate services with over 44 years of dedicated experience in Charleston area real estate.
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Negotiations Are Important
New home communities offer more flexibility in contract negotiations than pre-existing home purchases. Your realtor can negotiate for upgrades and perks as a part of your contract negotiation.
While homes are still in the construction phase, the buyer of a new home may select colors and other upgraded options such as lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances and flooring.
This can become a part of your contract negotiation with your experienced Pam Harrington Exclusives real estate agent representing you. Meet the Team.
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Purchase Contract for your New Home
Your real estate agent can anticipate and navigate any questions that arise, and advocate for options that may be available while the homes are still under construction. These become part of your ratified contract for sale. Your experienced Pam Harrington Exclusives realtor will be prepared to explain the terms of the sales contract, and any fees due by the buyer.
- Is there an HOA?
- What are the fees for the community?
- What additional benefits or amenities are available to you as a home owner?
Understand all terms of your purchase agreement with the help of your realtor. It is important to include all negotiated upgrades, fees or additional terms in your written, signed agreement.
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Inspections and Punch List Items
Even though you are buying a brand, new home there may be some items that need correction. New home warranties cover most issues, but may not cover them all.
A pre-closing inspection may identify needed repairs, or generate a punch list to be completed by the builder, prior to move in.
This is a mutually beneficial process. Your new home builder wants you to enjoy your new home and by knowing if there are issues prior to closing, they can complete them and deliver a quality residence for you and your family.
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Financing
New home communities often work with a builder's preferred lender. When you are represented by a Pam Harrington Exclusives realtor you have access to a variety of options reputable lenders for financing. Shop around for the best interest rate for your mortgage. Just a percentage point difference in your lending package can mean real savings for you each month.
New Home Communities on Johns Island
New home communities are a popular choice for home buyers on Johns Island, just 20 minutes from Historic Charleston, South Carolina.
Hayes Park, a New Leaf Construction community off Maybank Highway, recently broke ground. This highly anticipated mixed-use community will have only 55 single family attached homes and townhomes. If you are considering a new home in the next 12-18 months contact us now to learn more.
Another new home community on Johns Island is Sea Island Preserve. This highly anticipated gated community will soon be open for lot purchases! Twelve different floor plans will be available with home sizes ranging from 2200 square feet to just over 3200 square feet. Sea Island Preserve is conveniently located on Main Road, north of Bohicket Road. Contact us to meet and secure your desired lot space!
If you are looking for a new home soon, check out our current Johns Island new construction listings below or read about new home neighborhoods on Johns Island!