Myths vs Facts About Buying A New Home From a Builder

    There are several 'myths' about buying a home from a Builder and whether or not having a professional Realtor assist you in that purchase is a good idea or not such a good idea.

    The following information is from my own Tampa Florida real estate website, but I thought I'd share it here for those who visit my blog but haven't decided yet to visit my website. Here are the many popular "Myths" about buying a brand new home from a Builder.

Myth: A Builder will charge more for the home if I have a Realtor represent us.

Fact: In Tampa Bay, we have what are called "Builder - Realtor Agreements." The home you buy from a Builder will cost you exactly the same amount whether you use the services of a Realtor or not. In fact, when the builder set the price for any given model, he added into the price the fee he expected to pay a Realtor for bringing the buyer to him. So, in effect, you're paying for professional representation by a Realtor whether you take advantage of it or not. It costs you nothing to have a Tampa Bay Realtor like me assist you in the purchase of a home from a Builder. Let me give you the benefit of my experience.

Myth: Builders don't really like it when a Realtor is involved.

Fact: A Realtor actually makes the home sale easier for the Builder by helping buyers sort through the many options and upgrades available. Realtors also answer lots of questions the Builder would just as soon not have to spend time answering. The Builder's sales agent's job is to "close the deal". The more work he or she can offload to a Realtor the better.

Myth: There is a real estate agent located in every model to help me.

Fact: Most Buyers don't understand that the builder's on-site sales person at a model home is acting as a “Seller’s Agent” and is acting only on behalf of the Builder. They must act fairly and honestly but their job is to get the best deal for the Builder, not you. And, by the way, not all Builder sales people are even licensed Realtors required to abide by the Realtors' Code of Ethics.

Not only are you, the Buyer, entitled to your own agent, you should absolutely have a licensed Realtor protecting your interests, just as the Builder has his or her representative, or sales agent, acting in their interests and benefit.

Myth: You can go at model homes by yourself and then if you decide to buy, bring in a Realtor to represent your interests later when you are ready to finalize the deal.

Fact: The agreement between most Builders and Realtors requires that you be accompanied by your Realtor the first time you visit the site and tour a model home. So, take me along even if all you want to do on this visit is look at models. I won't be upset if you aren't ready to buy at that point. And, I can offer you valuable information that will help you choose the right Builder and the model that will best meet your needs and wishes.

Myth: The builder you are considering is a national builder. They wouldn't be so big if they weren't a good Builder who builds good homes. And, they've won Home Builder's Association awards.

Fact: Just being big isn't always better. A national Builder can be much better in some parts of the country and not so good in another and recognize this. And, as those who bought a home that contained drywall made in China from a national builder found out, not all builders are good builders. Furthermore, awards given out by Home Builders Associations are almost always for home designs, not for construction quality.

    If you are interested in building a new home in the Tampa Bay real estate market, I will do all the following for you:

• Introduce you to the best Builders in the subdivisions that fit your needs and desires and fit within your affordability parameters.
• Help you choose the moel that best meets your needs and will be easiest to sell in the future. Help you choose the best lot and give you the pluses and minuses of each lot and exposure when it comes to enjoying your life there as well as when it's time to resell the home.
• Help you find the best financing and insurance and help you understand what kind of financing and insurance best fits your situation.
• Suggest home options and upgades that you may want to add to make your house more enjoyable for you and help you undestand what each of those will be worth when it is time to sell the home.
• Be your liaison and advocate on any issue or misunderstanding that comes up with the Builder from the time you sign the contract until closing day.
• Assist you with virtually anything else that comes up in your individual case as you pursue the purchase of your new home either from a Builder or in the resale market.

    I invite you to take a few minutes to read descriptions of many of the most popular Tampa Bay communities on my website.

    You deserve the best representation available to you on one of the largest investments you will ever make. And, that is "my job."

    For more information about my services for buyers of new construction homes in the Tampa real estate market, visit my website, E-Mail Me or, for immediate action call me at 813.263.6806.

For Summertime Fun - The Summer Circus Spectacular

  Looking for something to do by yourself or with the grandkids when they come to visit ? With about a one-hour trip from anywhere in Tampa Bay, you can visit the world-famous Ringling Museum and Ca’Da Zan, John and Mabel Ringling's mansion and while your there, the kid in you (and the grandkids, too) will enjoy the "Summer Circus Spectacular" running from now through August 1st.

  The historic Asolo Theater on the Ringling grounds and the Circus Arts Conservatory have teamed up again for the Summer Circus Spectacular, a six-week extravaganza for "Children of all Ages."

  For the ninth year, the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling Museum of Art are collaborating in presenting short summer shows in the Asolo Theater every Tuesday through Saturday at 11AM and 2PM and on Saturdays at 2 and 5PM through August. 1st. Local families and museum visitors get a chance to sit down and be entertained in a cozy space in the theater.

  No one act in the Summer Circus Spectacular lasts very long and ringmaster, Bailey Sloan, a graduate of the famous Sailor Circus, keeps things moving along at a fast pace so the kids' attention will stay glued to the performance. Bailey's quick wit and natural charisma keep the audience engaged and entertained.

  The show opens with the Alvarez Family highlighting the gymnastic abilities of daughter Ariana and son Gianni. At one point during their act, the unbelievably flexible Ariana is used as a jumping rope for her brother. She also demonstrates her skills from the teeterboard onto her father’s shoulders, hands or head.

  Thirteen-year old juggler, Sebastian St. Jules performs several juggling bits including one where he uses balls to pound out songs on a keyboard. Dolly Jacobs makes high-flying aerialism look easy while the Anastasini brokers close out the show with their foot-juggling act, rapidly flipping each other in dozens of different ways.

  Throughout the show, clowns burst onstage unannounced with ridiculously funny skits and antics including times when popular clown, Kirk Marsh, goes into the audience playing with guests’ hair and using wigs, balloons and other props to entertain young and old. This one-of-a-kind production has become a celebrated Summer event for everyone from all over the Sarasota ansd Tampa Bay area. . Tickets to all this fun are just $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.