http://darbyview.com/blog/archive_202608/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Building a new home can be a beautifully frustrating and tediously exciting process. Many people don't realize the benefits of having a knowledgeable agent when building a home. Before the hammers start swinging, you need to set yourself up for success and know how to find the right builder for you.Let's “pull back the curtain” on using an agent when building a home and answer some of the questions I'm asked most often. Hopefully, this information will help you feel confident about the process and alleviate some of those potential BIG headaches.Can I Have a Buyer's Agent Represent Me When Building a House?Why, yes, you can! It's easy to assume you can't use a Realtor when you're buying directly from a builder. You walk into a beautiful model home, sit down with a friendly sales representative, and they walk you through their process.The problem is that the builder's sales representative represents the builder, and their job is to sell you on building with their company.When starting the process of building a home, you need someone representing your interests. It can be overwhelming to compare different builders, communities, incentives, lot options, and floor plans.The most important decisions happen early in the process, but even in the middle of construction, I've had to step in when a buyer felt like the builder wasn't taking their concerns seriously.Does the Builder Pay the Buyer's Commission?Builders often advertise that they will pay a commission at closing to the agent who refers the buyer. In fact, I've recently received emails from builders offering additional commission incentives if one of my clients builds with them during a particular month or year.I share this with you because many homebuyers don't realize this benefit and don't consult with an agent because they fear an additional out-of-pocket expense. Any amount of money paid to DarbyView Realty needs to be disclosed to you before you sign any contract or agreement.Can I Visit a Model Home First and Then Use a Realtor?Some builders have strict “registration policies.” They may require an agent to register you or accompany you on your very first visit in order for your agent to receive compensation from the builder at closing.A quality builder's sales representative can make all the difference in your building experience. The person sitting in the model home isn't always the most knowledgeable about the community or the incentives being offered. Our brokerage does have a short list of quality sales representatives with most home builders in Central Ohio, and we are happy to refer builder representatives who offer a great experience.Can I Negotiate the Price of a New Home?Every builder is different, but I find that builders are often more negotiable on incentives rather than price. Lowering the price can affect the appraised value of future homes they build in the community, so they would rather “sweeten the deal” with additional incentives.One of the biggest missed opportunities I see isn't necessarily getting a lower price, but knowing how to maximize the incentives the builder is already offering.Builder incentives could include:Buyer closing-cost creditsDesign-center creditsInterest-rate incentives or buydownsFree or discounted upgradesLot-location incentivesAppliance packagesGenerally, a builder won't reduce the price by $10,000, but they may offer $20,000–$40,000 worth of incentives that can have a very real impact on your overall costs.Can I Use a Realtor to Build a Custom Home?Fully custom or semi-custom homes often have way more moving pieces. Before you can even purchase the land, you may need to find the right builder, lender, soil scientist, surveyor, zoning officials, etc.This is where using an experienced and knowledgeable agent can really be valuable.I've worked with different builders and lenders over the years, and I can help connect you with people based on your particular goals, budget, building style, and location.I don't believe in simply handing you a list of names. I want to help you find the right combination of land + builder + financing + design for the home you actually want to build.Thinking About Building? Make a Plan.If you're even thinking about building a new home, a casual planning call can be incredibly beneficial before you start visiting model homes.Finding the right builders, floor plans, pricing, lot availability, and builder incentives can all help prepare you before you ever sit down with a builder's sales representative.My goal is to share all the information you need so that you can make a wise and well-informed decision for you and your family. http://darbyview.com/blog/2/new-construction-homes/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:55:28 -0500 What Is Seller Financing?In a seller-financed transaction, the seller agrees to accept payments over time rather than receiving the entire purchase price at closing. The buyer signs a promissory note outlining the loan terms, including the interest rate, payment amount, loan length, and any balloon payment, if applicable.Some people mistakenly call this a “land contract,” where the buyer does not take ownership until a later date. Though similar, in a seller-financed transaction, the buyer receives ownership of the property while the seller receives monthly payments, much like a bank mortgage. It’s an arrangement that can often be customized to fit both parties’ needs.At first glance, seller financing may sound like a sophisticated or complicated real estate strategy. It can really be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. Seller financing isn’t the right solution for every situation. However, when it makes sense, it can create tremendous opportunities for both buyers and sellers.Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney, and this post should NOT be taken as legal advice. This is simply information based on past experiences that may help you in the future. Consult an attorney before entering into any real estate contract.Benefits for the BuyerBenefits greatly depend on the unique terms of the agreement. In general, some of the greatest benefits to a buyer include easier qualification, a faster closing, flexible loan terms, and a negotiable down payment.Challenges for the BuyerChallenges also greatly depend on the unique terms, but some of the potential hardships with seller financing include balloon payments, higher interest rates, and fewer consumer protections. (Again, talk with a real estate attorney.)Benefits for the SellerThere can be great benefits to the seller, or mortgagee, as well. The seller’s position can be a bit more sophisticated because you’re dealing with tax ramifications, but a quick call to your accountant can help guide you in structuring a potential loan.In short, the benefits can include: tax benefits, monthly income, and a faster contract timeline.Challenges for the SellerOn the other hand, the two biggest challenges are: delayed access to cash and the risk of the buyer defaulting on the loan.Existing Mortgage ConsiderationsThese next few thoughts will really ruffle some feathers of some investors I know.If the property already has a mortgage, the seller should understand that the mortgage likely contains a “due-on-sale” clause that requires the balance to be paid in full if ownership transfers.There are many investors who will want to do a “subject-to” transaction, where the buyer acquires the property, but the existing mortgage remains in the seller’s name and is not paid off. The buyer becomes responsible for continuing to make the payments, while the bank is unaware that a sale has occurred.If your mortgage has a “due-on-sale” clause, this type of transaction can create serious legal and contractual issues. I discourage anyone from entering into “subject-to” transaction. If there seems to be no other way first consult an attorney and fully understanding the risks first.Loan ExamplesI have personally and/or professionally helped with a variety of financing structures. These payment structures include interest-only, fixed-rate and term, step-rate, and balloon payments.I would like to highlight that these loans tend to be shorter-term and are often used as a bridge for the buyer to eventually refinance the property with a traditional bank loan.Is Seller Financing Right for You?Seller financing isn’t a magic solution, but it is an incredibly useful tool that many people overlook. It can help buyers become owners when traditional financing isn’t the best fit, while giving sellers additional flexibility and the opportunity to earn interest on their investment.Every transaction is different. The key is understanding your goals, evaluating the risks, and structuring an agreement that protects everyone involved.As a real estate broker, I’ve seen creative financing solve problems that traditional lending simply couldn’t. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about how seller financing works, it’s worth having the conversation before assuming a bank loan is your only option.I’m always willing to help answer questions. Please reach out anytime. http://darbyview.com/blog/1/seller-financing/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:02:12 -0500