Brought to you by the Builder Realtor Relations Committee of the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association
Daniel Davis
Executive Director, Northeast Florida Builders Association
Q. What are the best ways for Realtors to gain knowledge of the new construction process? Why should Realtors promote new construction to their buyers in 2012?
A. With the opportunities available to Realtors to sell new construction homes, every Realtor should have an understanding of the new home construction process. The Northeast Florida Builders Association offers information, educational opportunities and training on the new construction process to Realtors and other industry professionals, and I would encourage every Realtor to become involved in the association and participate in its training and educational programs. It is also important in the new home construction process to communicate with the builder.
An excellent way for a Realtor to learn more is to contact a distinguished builder, schedule a meeting and ask him or her about the process.
I believe there are many advantages with new construction home. Buyers may choose the colors, finishes and features for their home as it is being built, and also will enjoy the protection of new home warranties. It’s important that every buyer understands what they are purchasing and, for some, a new construction home will be more appealing. With so many foreclosures and short sales on the market, a buyer may have to do significant work and hire professionals to bring the home up to code.
Q. There is a lot of talk about energy efficient homes. How do builders achieve an Energy Star rating? What are the tax credits for an Energy Star rated home for the buyers?
A. Builders achieve an Energy Star rating by going above and beyond the current code. They build homes with energy efficient systems and products,and they work with a skilled contractor that can meet or exceed the Energy Star ratings established by the JEA and NEFBA.
New home buyers are eligible for a rebate, not a tax credit, and the amount varies depending on the home. The amount typically ranges from approximately $350 to $1,500.
Q. How do agents keep up with the code changes in new construction?
A. We offer a full range of educational programs at NEFBA. The best thing to do is to get involved and participate in different training programs. It is without a doubt the best way to learn.
Q. How beneficial is membership in the Sales & Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association?
A. Membership in the NEFBA SMC is extremely valuable and even critical in today’s economy for marketing and sales professionals. NEFBA and its SMC offer the best cutting-edge programs and services in the industry, and it is the reason the association has been able to thrive and survive for such a long period of time.
Our SMC attracts all of the successful people in the industry. If someone wants to network with the industry’s best and learn the tricks of the trade, they should get involved in the SMC and NEFBA.
Q. What continuing education classes are available in 2012 to agents who want to further their knowledge of new construction?
A. NEFBA offers a full schedule of educational and training programs throughout the year. Topics include energy efficiency, code changes, worksite safety, business law and maintaining a thriving business. On Wednesday, Feb. 22, TECO Peoples Gas, in support of the NEFBA E-Council, is offering a free half-day seminar on building economical and energy efficient homes for Florida homebuyers. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at NEFBA headquarters and includes lunch courtesy of Rinnai. To register, contact Jamie Atkins at NEFBA at 725-4355 or email [email protected].
(For more information about NEFBA or its SMC, visitwww.nefba.com.)