Is It OK to Contact a Builder to Buy His Spec Home Before It’s Completed/Listed? (new agent, contract)
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In two weeks I’m moving to an area where new construction homes are selling quickly. To try to beat the crowd, I jumped into the city’s permit database to search for lots and floor plans of spec homes currently under construction that I would be interested in purchasing. I’m a cash buyer who is ready to purchase ASAP! (Will be renting a VRBO while searching.)
So I sent a list of 8 addresses and builder names to the realtor I’ve met with and chosen (he has not asked me to sign an agreement yet). I asked him to contact each builder or builder’s listing agent, if applicable, to determine an approximate completion date and price for each home. His response to my email was, “Thanks for the comprehensive email.” That was three days ago and I’ve not heard back from him since. (He did, however, post a YouTube video today, so I’m sure he’s still alive )
Am I wrong in asking him to do this? Should I just contact the builders/listing agents myself? Or is trying to buy a new house in this manner just not done? Are there rules/regs prohibiting this?
I've purchased many lots like this over the years in different states. Going on the cities database and finding the owners and dealing with them directly. Not everyone was receptive but I found several who were and bought some nice properties this way. As long as you're not under contract with your agent and since you haven't heard back from him in 3 days I'd contact the builders directly. Especially if houses are selling fast in that area I wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity while you're waiting for your realtor to get back to you. Like the old saying goes if you snooze you loose!
I've purchased many lots like this over the years in different states. Going on the cities database and finding the owners and dealing with them directly. Not everyone was receptive but I found several who were and bought some nice properties this way. As long as you're not under contract with your agent and since you haven't heard back from him in 3 days I'd contact the builders directly. Especially if houses are selling fast in that area I wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity while you're waiting for your realtor to get back to you. Like the old saying goes if you snooze you loose!
My thoughts exactly! So glad to know this isn’t an unheard of strategy. It certainly makes sense to me. I’m going to continue down this path and will find an agent who agrees.
My thoughts exactly! So glad to know this isn’t an unheard of strategy. It certainly makes sense to me. I’m going to continue down this path and will find an agent who agrees.
Yes you need a new agent. Good agents approach builders ALL the time about what they have coming up.
In two weeks I’m moving to an area where new construction homes are selling quickly. To try to beat the crowd, I jumped into the city’s permit database to search for lots and floor plans of spec homes currently under construction that I would be interested in purchasing. I’m a cash buyer who is ready to purchase ASAP! (Will be renting a VRBO while searching.)
So I sent a list of 8 addresses and builder names to the realtor I’ve met with and chosen (he has not asked me to sign an agreement yet). I asked him to contact each builder or builder’s listing agent, if applicable, to determine an approximate completion date and price for each home. His response to my email was, “Thanks for the comprehensive email.” That was three days ago and I’ve not heard back from him since. (He did, however, post a YouTube video today, so I’m sure he’s still alive )
Am I wrong in asking him to do this? Should I just contact the builders/listing agents myself? Or is trying to buy a new house in this manner just not done? Are there rules/regs prohibiting this?
Those addresses you sent the realtor - i assume they were email addresses. Were they addresses for general mailboxes like info@xoxo.com? I wouldn't expect a quick reply from those general email addresses. Or a reply at all from some of them.
We contacted a builder while a spec home was being framed. We were able to customize all of the things we wanted to customize as if we built the home. He was happy to work with us.
Those addresses you sent the realtor - i assume they were email addresses. Were they addresses for general mailboxes like info@xoxo.com? I wouldn't expect a quick reply from those general email addresses. Or a reply at all from some of them.
They were the addresses to the properties, not email addresses.
Yes you need a new agent. Good agents approach builders ALL the time about what they have coming up.
Thank you!
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