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looking at new construction
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one_person
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Registered: 01-30-2008


one_person

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Hello all,

I could use some general advice on going to look at a new community. I have been reluctant to visit the sales offices of new communities for fear we will not be able to use Redfin in the future by "accidentally" using the services of one of their agents. On the other hand, we need to visit to get information: floor plans, pricing, timelines for construction, deposits, upgrades, etc.

Is there any general advice you have about this situation? If I visit, and one of their agents shows me a model, gives me literature and information, and otherwise spends time with me, does this constitute some kind of agreement between myself and them that would preclude me from making an offer in the future using Redfin?

I am not ready to buy at this point. It will be at least June before I am ready. Plus I am not positive I will use Redfin, I just don't want to close any doors by not being informed.

Thanks in advance for your replies
Kudos!
01-30-2008 01:18 PM
 

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Re: looking at new construction
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JanelleS
Redfin Staff
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Registered: 07-05-2007


JanelleS

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Welcome to the forums. Thanks for posting.

We suggest you find the MLS number, and submit and inquiry to Ask Redfin to see if the home has a VOC. In cases with Variable Office Commissions (VOC), certain conditions must be met or else the buyer's commission varies. An example of this may be where the buyer must be accompanied by an agent for any visits to the listing. This is stated in the “agent only remarks” section of the listing, and not made available to the public. (How's that for irony?) If all conditions are met, the commission is the full stated amount. If not, then the commission is cut, usually to around 1%.

Also, I would avoid signing any guest or registration books. If you go to an open sales office, you cannot be forced to use their agents. You have a choice, even if you do spend time with them.

However, if an agent directly helps you find a property, Redfin recommends you make an offer through that agent. If you believe your agent is not delivering the value you expect, you can end your relationship with that agent and sign up for Redfin Direct.

In the event you signed a buyer's agency agreement, you must first inform your agent in writing of your decision. Please read this agreement carefully to ensure there are no other obligations to the agent following termination; if you are unsure about the terms of the agreement, you can call us, or consult with an attorney. If you have not signed a buyers' agency agreement, you can inform the agent of your decision in any way you like.

 

Janelle Saylor | Real Estate Operations
Kudos!
01-30-2008 01:33 PM
 

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Re: looking at new construction
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one_person
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Registered: 01-30-2008


one_person

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Thanks a lot for your help. I have submitted my question on the specific properties via Ask Redfin.

To sum up, it sounds like I need to be concerned about the VOC information (if any) and be careful about what I sign and what information I give them.

Assuming for a minute that there is no VOC, and I don't sign anything in their offices, it appears that they can give me information and show me a model without any sort of "client relationship" being formed or implied, reserving me the right in the future to make an offer through anyone I want, including Redfin.

It is unfortunate that it is this tricky! Once I receive a reply to my request and visit their office, maybe I will post back to this thread and share my experience. These forums and your services go a long way towards empowering consumers. Thanks again.
Kudos!
01-30-2008 03:43 PM
 

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tango_dude
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Registered: 08-04-2009


tango_dude

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Just to add to this discussion - this happened to me once in the Greater Boston area.  Apparently, all new community sales offices in MA will ask you for your ID before showing the model.  They say this is for security purposes, but instead of just holding onto the ID for the duration of the tour, they will promplty make a photocopy.  I visited one such property, and after 10 mins of my arriving there (and having my ID photocopied), asked if I can work through my agent, but was told that they now represent me, and that the buyers agent is supposed to accompany me to the tour if I wanted otherwise.

 

On the other hand (after I started mentioning "buyer agent" as soon as I visit), there was this different sales office where the saleperson nicely took down the name of my buyers agent and informed me that she will happily work with my agent if I wanted to make an offer later.

Kudos!
08-04-2009 08:50 PM
 

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