This is certainly a topic that is up for debate and after many years wearing both hats I feel like I have the experience to offer you an objective opinion to consider.  The idea of having a new home built can be an exciting endeavour!  

It’s an opportunity to personalize the space you and your family will create memories in

It’s an opportunity to dream and refine every space in your home.

It’s an opportunity to exercise your resolve and to prioritize and budget.

It’s an opportunity to create something that becomes an expression of yourself.

In my experience all this opportunity can exhilarate some and overwhelm others. 

When you decide to build a new home, whether it is the first time or the 10^th time, the selections you choose are such a reflection of your personality that the decisions can often seem challenging.  A lot of time and effort will (and should) go into paint colours, floor coverings, cabinet styles, countertop choices, the look of your baseboards and door trim, the size of the rooms and feel of the spaces.  When you move into your home it will be your masterpiece, you will have made concessions and compromises, but you will also have put your heart into each decision.

So back to the original question, do you need to take a realtor along for this ride, what is the advantage?  Here’s something I know to be true, a builder representative will know more about the product and community they are selling then any realtor.  That representative should be knowledgeable and experienced with the product they are selling, if they aren’t this is a huge red flag.  That builder representative is just that, they represent the builder, this is not to say they won’t represent the buyer as well, but first and foremost they are accountable to the builder.  So I generally tell people that it is up to your comfort level.  I have represented lots of buyers who have built with all different builders, and I have had lots of clients who worked directly with the builder and I represented them to sell their current home.  There is no one answer.   

If a realtor is representing you when you are considering building a new home the realtor needs to have a through understanding of building practices, building products, specifications, and building code.  The realtor must have experience reading and reviewing blueprints, understanding deposit structures and warranty providers.  The realtor should have an extensive knowledge of construction contracts as these contracts are vastly different then a typical real estate contract.  If the realtor is not well versed in these practices and paperwork then I would suggest the builder representative may be able to assist you better.

I’ve spent years working in the building industry and I have reviewed hundreds of contracts and subsequent documents.  I am very comfortable understanding (and explaining) builder lingo and I know what to look for so that I can best represent a buyer and their best interest.  I know what it takes to build a home that not only looks amazing but will be structurally and mechanically sound.

If you (or someone you know) has any questions about building a new home, what it entails, what the process looks like, or how to get started please let me know.  And remember if you are thinking of building a new home and decide to start looking at showhomes let your realtor know, your realtor must be present on your first visit to a showhome if you want them to represent you during the purchase.  This is a rule set by the Calgary Real Estate Board and BILD Calgary.

Building a new home is such a rewarding experience I have had the pleasure to witness it first hand many times.  I always tell clients that there will be bumps in the road, there always is, but it will be worth it.  I caveat this to say that you must be protected to ensure you know what is being built for you, not all builders are created equal.