Do you need a realtor when purchasing a pre-sale home?

By Brittany Reimer
January 17, 2023

Teaming up with a realtor is highly recommended, and that’s because there are two sides in every pre-sale transaction. One side consists of the sales team representing the developer. When it comes to pre-sale home purchases, the job of the sales team is to act in the best interest of the developer. To avoid a conflict of interest, the sales team cannot represent homebuyers at the same time that they are representing the people or group selling the homes. This is where the other side comes in: The realtor who represents the needs of the individual purchasing a pre-sale home. If you are looking to buy a pre-sale, it’s a good idea to seek a realtor who can support your needs throughout the search and purchase process. As licensed professionals, both the sales team and the realtor take their duties of honesty and reasonable care seriously for everyone involved, and having your own representation is advantageous to the selling process.

Realtors: Operating on your behalf

When you enlist a realtor to support your pre-sale journey, you are securing a representative who will work with your best interests in mind and who is accountable to you alone. Your realtor is responsible for operating on your behalf to learn about prospective pre-sales and advise you on the choice that is right for you. Realtors have a well-rounded knowledge of the market, comparable developments and expertise in contract negotiations. Homebuyers will have someone who can manage the timeline of the deposits, review documentation and contracts, and generally ensure the process is smooth. Moreover, there is no downside to securing a realtor on a pre-sale; in this case, the realtor’s commission is paid for by the developer, not the purchaser. There is no cost to you to employ a realtor.

There’s another key benefit to working with a realtor when purchasing a pre-sale home. Realtors have access to inside information and VIP sales events at multiple developments. These VIP pre-sale events are by invitation only and offer the best selection and pricing. Often, up to 50 per cent of new-home products sell before sales open to the public. So, a realtor can provide you with information and access to a VIP preview, ensuring you get the best deal with the most choice.

Sales teams: Providing expert knowledge to support the process

On the other side of the buying experience is the sales team. A sales team offers a client relationship to the developer. They are trained experts in all aspects of the homes they help to sell, from amenity offerings and finishing options to the specifics of the building’s neighbourhood. As industry professionals, they bring a high standard of project knowledge. These product experts are a great resource to homebuyers and will help guide a home purchase. They prepare contracts and communicate any potential offers to the developer. However, the members of a sales team cannot advise you on things like price, negotiations, or terms and conditions of offers. Any information shared with a sales team would not be considered confidential.

If you are considering buying a pre-sale home, why not take full advantage of both real estate teams. Secure a realtor first so you have a professional who has your interests front of mind, and then tap into the expertise and knowledge of the sales team at a development to provide all the information you need to purchase your next home.

About Brittany Reimer

Brittany Reimer is managing director of MLA Canada’s Fraser Valley branch. Brittany uses her experience, relationships and passion for the real estate marketing industry to help push MLA into a new frontier.

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