News > Visiting a New Condo or Townhome Development? Read This First

2016-02-04

There are lots of things to consider when buying a new condo or townhome in Orange County, and one of the most important is whether you will have a buyer's agent represent you. It's a decision that can be made for you without you knowing. How does this happen? Buyers who visit a new development site without their own agent and sign the register are often simultaneously signing away their right to an independent buyers agent to represent them.

A buyer's agent can add a lot of value to a purchase by helping you make wise decisions in a time when excitement is high.  Here are some things that buyers agents can help you with in a new home purchase:

1. A buyer's agent can help you read and understand the contract. For example, if you sign a builder sales contract to buy a home that hasn't been built yet and change your mind before it's completed, can you get out of the contract? If so, at what cost? The sellers agent will be happy to answer questions about the contract, but wouldn't you rather have an unbiased third party looking over the paperwork rather than putting all your trust in the seller?
2. A buyer's agent can help you comparison shop. Buying a home is frequently an emotional decision so having a detached point-of-view involved in the process can be a great help. The seller's streamlined process is designed for a fast and efficient buying experience. But one of the key things that the seller's agent WON'T do is help you understand how the price compares to other new developments or other recently completed developments in the area.
3. A buyer's agent can offer a second opinion on which upgrades to buy or which unit to pick. Do you pay more for a view?  How much more?  How about that condo by the road that is less expensive than the other units?  Do you buy wood floors or put them in yourself later?  There is a myriad of choices that a seasoned professional well versed in condos and townhomes can help you make.

Many people are unaware that when they visit a new condo or townhome development, the sales agent works for the builder. Like a car salesperson, the in-house sales agent is motivated to sell as many units as possible as fast as they can. They're trained to guide buyers through their process and may gloss over some details that might be important to know. The sales agent will probably offer financing too but is it the best you can get?

We're experts in the condo and townhome market and have the knowledge and experience to get you into the best new condo or townhome anywhere in Orange County. Contact us - we'd love to assist you in your search and will work to earn your trust.

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• New Construction Condos in Orange County