Kim Coughlin, East West Realty
Q. What do you like about selling new construction?
A. There are many reasons I like to sell new construction - With a new home the buyers can pick the exterior elevation, interior colors such as counter tops, flooring, paint colors, appliances and fixtures that they want at a design center. It's also a great feeling to know everything is brand new and if for some reason something goes wrong you have the builder's warranty behind you.
Another important factor with a new home is the way the builders construct the homes now - Energy Star standards are much higher and can save the buyer money every month. This is a very strong advantage over purchasing a resale home.
Q. What is important about your relationship with the site agents
A. At East West Realty in Eagle Landing, we consider ourselves the experts on selling the community and giving the families we meet an overview of the amenities and then telling them about the builders available to them that accommodate their needs and desires in a home. The site agents are the experts on their builder and all that the builder has to offer. Their knowledge of available homes, pricing and the included features is very helpful to the buyer in making their home buying decision.
"By working closely with our site agents we create a great buying experience for our new homeowners!"
Kim Sandberg, Re/Max Unlimited
Q. What do you like about selling new construction?
A. I love the fact that new construction offers so many options for my customers. Because they have the opportunity to pick and choose the upgrades and finishes they want, they truly can build their dream home. I love being a part of that.
New construction also brings peace of mind. I know my customers are getting quality materials/construction, and often the latest environmental/energy-saving technologies available. I also have greater peace of the mind that the transaction will close, with fewer hurdles. Working with a builder is, in essence, more of a pure business transaction. There's less emotion, and less drama. Customers understand that a builder, like any company, is a business, and can only give so much. That makes reaching a mutually-agreeable compromise that much easier.
Ultimately, the builder and I have the same goal in mind...keep customers happy, satisfied and focused on getting the home they want, built on their budget and timeframe.
Q. What is important for your relationship with site agents?
A. As I stated in the previous question, the site agent and I have the same goal in mind...keep the customer happy and get them into the home they've always wanted. Site agents are vital partners in providing exceptional customer service, education and advocacy.
As a Realtor, I value the knowledge, expertise and assistance site agents can provide. And I'm committed to bringing just as much to the table. I never want to just drop a customer off at the door. I want to be involved with every step of the transaction, working closely with the site agent to make sure our mutual customers' expectations are met. When Realtors and site agents work effectively together, it's much easier to bring a satisfied customer to the closing table.