Ask the builders represenative if they are a licensed real estate broker. In North Carolina the builder’s sales represenatives do not have to be licensed realtors. Therefore they are not held to the same standard as a licensed realtor.
Ask the builders represenative “Who is your client?”. As big as they smile and as nice as they seem, just remember, they are paid by and work for the builder.
Some builders don’t put all of their properties in the MLS. How do you know what the original price was? How do you know what the current price is? Are they running any specials? You have to go by what the represenative tells you. Once a property is entered in the MLS system,it creates a history that can be tracked for up to ten years. Some builders will run specials for a set period of time. The first time you look at the home it will be one price, the next time you go look the builder will have dropped the special and raised the price of the home. How much sense does that make in the best buyers market in 25 years?
Some builder represenatives may tell you, if you don’t use a realtor they can discount the purchase price of the home.
Some builder represenatives may not tell you or suggest to you to get a home inspection. By law you have the right to have a home inspector check out the property.
Bottom Line is, YOU NEED A REALTOR (buyers agent), even for new construction. You need someone to look out for your best interest, to make sure you’re getting the best price possible, to make sure you’re getting the whole story about the property and community, and last but not least to make sure you know your rights as a buyer. Just remember, the builders represenative does not work for you, but a realtor will.