Whether you’re new to the real estate industry or just looking to pivot to the new-construction niche, focusing on recent builds could help you attract more clients and better serve them. In a competitive housing market, specializing in new homes can offer numerous advantages for both you and your buyers. For house hunters, shopping for new-construction homes can provide more options and greater peace of mind. As an agent, you may benefit from a larger available inventory, as well as develop helpful relationships with builders and their affiliates. In this article, we’ll be exploring those benefits further and sharing our tips for how to become a real estate agent specializing in new homes.
Benefits of new homes for your buyers
In order to be successful in this niche market, it’s important to first understand the numerous advantages new-construction homes may offer your clients. Knowing the reasons why a house hunter might want to buy a new home instead of a resale can better equip you for making the sale. Some of these benefits may include:
- More diverse floor plan options. Modern plans are often designed with today’s lifestyles in mind. For example, new homes are often more likely to have dedicated areas for remote work, such as tech centers or home offices. Because a new home is essentially a blank canvas, homebuyers may also have greater flexibility in how they can use a space. With resale homes, your buyers could be stuck with outdated layouts and design choices, unless they want to undergo costly remodeling.
- Desirable communities. As a real estate agent, you probably know that location is a key component to a dream home. New-build communities often make it easier to check off location-based items on your client’s wish list. Onsite amenities—such as parks, pools and fitness facilities—as well as easy access to the schools, shops, restaurants and services of the surrounding area are common benefits of new home neighborhoods. An added bonus: most of the people moving into these communities are new. This could make it easier for your buyers to meet people and form relationships (rather than being a newbie in an established neighborhood where everyone has known each other for years).
- Less maintenance. When your buyer purchases a resale home, they may be taking a gamble on how much work needs to be done. While an inspection will likely catch major issues, there’s always the chance that something small can slip under the radar, only to be discovered later on when your client is all settled in. If they buy a new home, however, they may not need to make those repairs or replacements for many years—saving them time, energy and money up front. Even when a repair is needed sooner than expected, new homes typically come with warranties.
- Green features. New-construction homes frequently come with new appliances and systems, which are often designed to meet today’s higher environmental standards. These newer features may have a whole host of benefits—both for the planet and for your client’s wallet—ranging from less water waste to better energy efficiency. Visit our website to see what Richmond American is doing to build greener homes for our buyers.
- Lower insurance premiums. While not a guarantee, homeowners insurance companies tend to view new-construction houses as less of a risk than resale homes, something that may be reflected in lower insurance costs. This makes sense—new homes are built to meet current building codes. Additionally, new builds are likely outfitted with modern plumbing, wiring, HVAC systems and other features that put them at a safety advantage.
- No bidding wars. In the competitive world of resale homes, there’s a chance your client may get their hopes up for a specific home, only to be outbid by another buyer. Why not save them potential disappointment and stress by steering them toward new-construction homes instead? The first-come, first-served process of new builds put homebuyers in control, rather than being left to the whims of a seller. Additionally, if your client falls in love with a particular floor plan, there may be a few listings for that plan available at that specific community or at a nearby community.
Benefits of new homes for real estate agents
While buying a new home is certainly favorable for clients, selling a new home is also advantageous to you as a real estate agent! When you specialize in selling new homes, you could potentially enjoy:
- Fewer surprises. Selling new homes typically means you’ll be working with a builder rather than an individual who may have minimal experience with home sales. That probably means there is a greater likelihood that the contracts, terms and timelines will be fairly straightforward and predictable. You may even be able to review a builder’s purchase agreement before your clients sign their contract. Knowing what to expect upfront can help you guide your buyers more effectively.
- Easier touring. Have you ever tried scheduling a tour of a resale home, only to be shocked by an unsightly mess inside the residence? New homes could help you avoid this roadblock and make it easier to sell, as builders often have model homes available for touring. These models are usually professionally decorated and designed so any buyer can envision themselves living there—rather than being off-put by the previous owner’s clutter and/or questionable paint or carpet choices.
- Broader inventory. With a diverse range of floor plan options from homebuilders, specializing in new homes puts you in a better position to meet your client’s needs. At Richmond American, for instance, we offer a wide variety of collections, floor plans and home features to match your buyer’s lifestyle and budget. Whether they’re looking for a modern townhome with a low-maintenance yard or an open-concept house with plenty of room for entertaining, we have a floor plan that can fit the bill.
- Quick move-in options. Have a client who is ready to move as soon as possible? Resale doesn’t have to be their only option! Thanks to the availability of spec homes, house hunters can enjoy the many benefits of a new home without waiting on the traditional new-construction timeline. The cherry on top? A quicker close could mean a quicker commission for you.
Did you know? Richmond American quick move-in homes boast fixtures and finishes that have been carefully curated by our team of in-house designers. Your client could be in a brand-new, professionally designed home in as little as 30 days!
Tips for how to become a real estate agent specializing in new homes
Familiarize yourself with neighborhoods
Find out which new home communities are in your area and become an expert on them. Visit masterplan websites, chat with sales associates and tour the neighborhoods yourself. Take note of onsite amenities, nearby shopping and dining, local schools and anything else that might be a selling point for your clients.
Leverage builder resources
As mentioned previously, one of the perks of selling new homes is that you’re working with established businesses. Be sure to take advantage of any resources offered by builders, such as online client registration. With Richmond American, you can easily register your clients for up to 30 days, meaning they can tour our communities even if you’re not around, at no risk to your commission.
Stay up to date
Some homebuilders offer agent newsletters or membership programs, which can be a great way to stay current with upcoming events, new communities, active listings and more. Additionally, neighborhood events may provide excellent opportunities for research and networking with fellow agents!
Ask about affiliates
You may already have a go-to loan officer or insurance agent that you work with, but it could be worth your while to ask homebuilders if they have any affiliate companies. Utilizing in-house resources could streamline the process for you and your clients. Affiliated professionals will likely have an in-depth understanding of the builder’s product, timelines and workflows.
Know available incentives
Don’t let your clients leave money on the table! Builders and/or their affiliate lending companies may have special offers or financing programs that can save your buyers a considerable amount of money in closing costs or monthly mortgage payments. Find offers available in your region by visiting RichmondAmerican.com.
Additional resources for you
At Richmond American, we value our relationships with real estate agents and are dedicated to helping you help your clients. Here are some tools and resources to keep handy as you begin your journey into new home sales:
- Guides. We offer a series of complimentary guides that you can share with your clients, covering everything from credit score management to ensuring a smooth move. We’ve also created one specifically for you, filled with even more guidance on how to become a real estate agent specializing in new construction. Download your free copy here: Selling New Homes Guide
- New Home Specialists. These local home search pros are basically like your own personal assistants. They’ll do the legwork for you and your clients by narrowing down options, creating community lists, scheduling tours and more.
- Real estate updates. By signing up for a free account on RichmondAmerican.com, you’ll receive the latest information on events, special offers, active listings, new communities and more in your area.
What makes our floor plans Lifestyle Approved?
Our architects put a lot of thought into designing homes that fit the way homebuyers live today. Learn more about our in-demand features and options.
