Don’t be swayed by the smell of fresh paint or the sparkle of something brand new – buying a new home is as challenging and complex as any real estate transaction. You’ll need to translate the builders contract with all the specific points or make sure the translation they give you is correct, avoid (possibly) unnecessary home improvements that the builder will try to offer you, and ultimately have faith that the construction site shown early in the process will one day be a warm and comfortable home. Hiring an unbiased real estate agent can take the stress and hassle out of each of these considerations.
The value of hiring a REMAX agent:
1. Helping you understand the paperwork of a new build;
The contracts of a new build property differ from developer to developer and are often very favorable to developers. Although in most cases it is not possible to change the contract details, a REMAX agent can put you in touch with a local legal expert to guide you .
A REMAX agent can work together with your legal expert to go through the contract and point out any potential issues to the sales rep. A good agent will also know the right time to involve a lawyer, as well as when to let things go. This will not only save money on legal representation, but will also keep the relationship with the promoter right for as long as possible.
Without the help of a real estate agent or lawyer, you can agree to some undesirable terms such as:
-Using poor quality building materials without your knowledge
-Construction delays with no end date in sight
-An unreasonable payment schedule
-Changes in scope of work
-Give up your right to legal resources in the event of a disagreement
2. Agents separate your needs from your wants
Selecting so many different aspects for your home can seem like a pretty exciting project, and it is actually one of the main reasons people choose to buy a brand new home, but remember this is where builders / developers can get the most of their benefit from. There are many upgrades that the builder / developer will offer you that can be easily done for a lower cost.
Here are some examples of upgrades that will not add a great value to your home, but will allow the builder to add extra costs on top of the property price:
· Light fixtures
· Mouldings
· Door knobs
· Countertops
· Mirrors
3. Maintain good communication with the builder / developer
Staying in regular contact with the builder can be a time-consuming task. Having a REMAX agent will give you peace of mind. A good agent will go the extra mile to give you updates themselves of photos taken from the progress of the building in case your builder is silent for a while.
A REMAX agent will also provide you with valuable information about the construction process. Maybe you’ve worked with builders before, maybe they can tell you about other similar builds and ease any potential tension before it arises. But a REMAX agent can give you useful information due to the knowledge of the area, not only about the new build itself, but also about the facilities surrounding you, ready for your new life in the neighborhood after the move.
4. The agent is an expert in the area
When it comes to a new build, real estate agents will be able to provide you with knowledge of all the builders / developers in the area, as well as the history behind each of them. An agent can tell you how much a house costs in that area and the prices of the new builds . A REMAX agent, as a defender of your interests, will tell you if the price is too high, not only for the purchase but also regarding any extras that the promotor lets you choose.
5. A professional agent who has your interests as a priority
It may be that everything goes according to plan, in which case great! However, it is good to know that you have an experienced real estate professional on your side. If you want to make sure your home purchase goes smoothly, consider hiring a REMAX Agent. You will be happy for the services we can provide you even when unexpected problems arise!
If you’re wondering whether you have to wait, it’s still possible to sell your home – here’s how!
If you were ready to sell your home, you might be wondering – like a lot of people right now – if it’s even still possible to sell your home during the current situation. While it’s true that the way real estate is being bought and sold right now has changed due to COVID-19, the reality is that people are still buying and selling real estate. So if you’d like to sell your home, you can! There are just a few changes – some big, some better – to how things will be done.
Fewer buyers, more serious offers
There are not as many buyers in the current market, as some people are choosing to wait and see and some are facing financial insecurity. But the buyers that are in the market for a new home right now are serious. They aren’t looking at homes “just for fun” and they aren’t just curious about what’s available. They aren’t out to waste anyone’s time, and they’re ready to buy. To make sure, agents are pre-qualifying buyers to leave only the serious prospects. And if buyers are out looking now, they don’t want to wait until the Covid-19 shutdowns are over, so they’re probably wanting to close in the next month or two. Good news for sellers!
Plus, since many sellers have chosen to take their properties off the market during this time, you may even find less competition for your home. There is less choice out there for buyers, so if your home is already on the market, there is no reason to withdraw it.
Agents are still here for you
They may be working remotely, but real estate agents are still open for business. They are still able to talk with you on a video call to advise you on how much your property is worth or give you an idea of the market in your area.
If physical showings are still allowed in your areas, your agent will prioritize the safety of your family and your property above all else. Only the buyer will be allowed to see the home, no large families or friends, and no children. Your agent and the buyer will use gloves, masks, sanitizers and wipes, and your agent will be the only one touching doors or light switches, and they will sanitize any areas they’ve touched before locking up.
However, if showings aren’t allowed – or you aren’t comfortable showing your property in person – your RE/MAX agent already has experience with the latest digital technologies so they can start selling your home online.
Virtual tours, real sales
Engaging photos and videos have been powerful marketing tools in the past few years, but they are more important than ever now. Good photos not only drive interest and offer more convenience to buyers, but they give them the in-depth look at your property they need to start making serious decisions. By hosting a video call view, your agent can take prospective buyers on a guided tour of the space, showing every detail and answering questions as they come up. And since online tours are easier for buyers, this means more exposure for you.
Time is valuable, especially stuck at home
Even if you decide not to list your home right now, there is still plenty you can do now to help your sale when you’re finally ready. One of the most important steps to prepare your home for sale is to reorganize and tidy up. Buyers can be put off by clutter, which can make rooms look smaller and darker than ones with clear and orderly surfaces. So this lockdown is the perfect time to go through each room, clearing out any clutter, re-evaluating décor and packing away some of the personal items you have on display.
If you have access to home repair stores, this is also a great time to tackle small upgrade or repair projects you may have been putting off, like touching up paint or retiling a bathroom. Your agent can take a virtual tour of your home with you and make suggestions for the kind of changes that can pay off with a higher price for your property.
Whatever you decide to do, your agent is here to help you understand your options and make the best decisions for your home and your family. So get in touch and let’s discuss the next step for your home!
