The difference between a smooth new construction experience and a nightmare often comes down to one critical decision: having your own real estate agent. While many buyers assume the builder's on-site representative will adequately protect their interests, this fundamental misconception can lead to costly mistakes and frustration.
In this eye-opening conversation with Corey Gilmore, team lead for CMG Real Estate Group, we uncover why having independent representation is absolutely essential when building a new home. Corey shares a shocking story about a client whose builder constructed the entirely wrong floor plan upstairs—and then refused to fix it. This real-world example perfectly illustrates why you need someone fighting exclusively for you when problems arise.
We explore the crucial distinctions between resale and new construction purchases, revealing how much less control buyers have with builders. From navigating complex builder contracts to understanding the true cost of those "free closing costs" when using an in-house lender, your agent provides expertise that protects your investment at every turn.
For custom home buyers, the stakes are even higher. An experienced agent helps prevent common pitfalls like overbuilding for the area (which destroys future equity) and manages expectations around realistic timelines. As Corey explains, "If they tell us a year, it could be 18 months"—knowledge that prevents the all-too-common scenario of having moving trucks arrive when your home isn't ready.
Whether you're considering a production builder or custom home, this conversation provides essential insights that will transform your building experience. Don't make the costly mistake of navigating new construction alone—discover why the right representation makes all the difference in turning your dream home into reality.