There are many things a Buyer should know when it comes to buying a newly built home or condo property. 

Are you dreaming of owning a brand new, never-lived-in, newly-built home, or maybe a luxury condominium in an urban high rise building?   We can help!  But it's important that you reach out to us BEFORE you call that sales office. 
 

You CAN and SHOULD have your own representation when you work with a developer Seller. Our Epique Realty Agents have represented many Buyers who have purchased 'new dev' properties, especially in SF or in the East Bay.  You can ask for our Exclusive New Development Buyer's Guide, below. 
 
Typically, new construction projects built by developers list their offerings in phases, via a website and an on-site sales office, with salaried agents who work for the developer.  Buyers might begin on-line by looking at the project's marketing website; the next step is to visit the sales office; if possible, you'll tour the actual site or building and maybe a 'model' unit that has been staged (and probably decked out with all of the available amenities). The developer's salesperson provides details on available inventory, floorplans, amenities, finishes, upgrade costs and asking prices. 
 
What many Buyers don't realize, however, that - just like a resale purchase - it is in your best interest to have your own representation.  Those agents who staff the sales office are working for the Seller.  As a Buyer, there is nothing stopping you from bringing in your own Buyer's Agent who will act specifically on your behalf. Why wouldn't you want someone who is looking out for you, helping guide you so that you get the best deal,  instead of the agent who is employed by the developer?
 
If you have your own representation, you might be able to better position yourself when it comes to negotiations, adding upgrades and finishes or including developer incentives. Chances are that your Buyer's Agent who is helping you is already familiar with details regarding the building's inventory, rate of sales, and has knowledge regarding any incentives or perks that sales office has been providing to other Buyers.  Think about this - developers don't advertise all of their inventory; in fact, they advertise just enough to get potential Buyers in the door. Usually, they have many, if not hundreds, of similar upcoming offerings in that subdivision or building. The asking prices depend on where they are in their Phases: is it Phase One, with a lot more inventory to come, or has the project already almost sold out and the have 'close-out' offerings?  Are they offering incentives to Buyers in the form of credits, finishes, appliances, pre-paid HOA dues, etc. in order to move some inventory? 
 
Our Epique Realty Agents are typically already familiar with the new dev project or building, because once the sales office opens up, those developers offer sneak preview tours to the agent community and provide us with pricing details, floorplans, and inside information such as perks, incentives, amenities, information on future release dates for upcoming Phases, etc. 
 
This means that the chances are high that as your local resource, we've already visited the site, seen the model units, know which floorplans are the most desirable and also know how motivated those developers are to sell their inventory at any given time.

   
We have created a "New Development Buyer's Guide" that has detailed information  on what to expect when you decide to buy brand-new construction.   

Some of the topics that are in our New Dev Buyer's Guide include: 

-How to find local new development opportunities/newly constructed properties

-Why is the paperwork different? New dev contract and disclosures explained

-The best time to tour at the sales office

-What to look for or ask while you are touring the sales office

-How to get the best deal: credits, finishes, pre-paid developer perks

-Why do developers have recommended lenders?

-Hidden costs when buying new developed properties

-What to think about when it comes to timing the close of escrow on a new build

-Builder warranties & promises

-And more industry tips & knowledge!