Don’t you just love hopping into your car on the weekends and driving around town, looking at homes for sale?

Perhaps your typical Saturday morning kicks off with a visit to the Waxhaw Farmer’s Market for fresh produce, then an early lunch at Provisions or Broome St Burgers, before hitting up the local open house circuit.

Follow that up with a visit to a new construction neighborhood – maybe Millbridge or Lawson or Walnut Creek around here – to see what the builders have to offer.

The next thing you know, you’re discussing financing and you are on the builder’s e-mailing list. What started as a carefree venture into town now has you halfway committed to purchasing a new home!

But have you discussed any of this with a Realtor®?  No, I am not talking about the amazing real estate professional who works for the builder, though we love them, too.  I am talking about an agent who works for you and not the builder.

If you think you don’t need an advisor to guide you through the home buying process of a new home, I advise you to think again.

In any real estate transaction in which two parties are involved, one side works for the seller and one side works for the buyer.  A buyer’s agent is specifically designated to work with you and acts with your best interests in mind.

Purchasing a home from a builder isn’t much different from buying a resale home in that there are just as many pitfalls along the way which an experienced agent can help you navigate.

Did you know that as a buyer you can have a home inspection on a new construction home? Not only can you, but you absolutely should! And if you are building the home from scratch, your inspector can monitor the building process from footers to finish.

When buying new construction, your agent will assist you in negotiating pricing and incentives, recommending financing, overseeing inspections and negotiating pre-closing repairs, among other things.

Remember, the builder’s agent works for the builder while your buyer’s agent works for you. And the best part? The builder pays your agent’s commission, so having representation doesn’t cost you a dime.

So if you are planning to purchase a new construction home, first hire a buyer’s agent who will work for you throughout the transaction.