Are you thinking of having a home custom built just for you? Or do you simply want to buy one that’s already built, never been lived in, and is ready to move into? Perhaps you don’t want a house at all, but are looking for a new condominium? With the annual Spring Parade of Homes now in full swing, there’s no better time to consider a new home.
The Parade of Homes — held twice a year in the spring and the fall — is the signature showcase for the province’s residential construction industry. Hosted by the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA), this event provides a truly unique experience for anyone interested in purchasing their dream home.
Although different types of show homes are featured in many of Winnipeg’s newest neighbourhoods, you aren’t limited to buying a home within city limits. There are also beautiful show homes ready to view in communities located outside the city, such as in Brandon, La Salle, St. Adolphe, Stony Mountain, West St. Paul, Oak Bluff West, Headingley and more.
With over 119 new homes to check out, represented by 31 different custom builders, you don’t want to miss Canada’s biggest and best Parade of Homes event.
While you’re checking out all these homes, you may be assuming there’s no need to work with a REALTOR® while deciding to purchase. After all, the builders and developers have on-site representatives promising to take care of all the paperwork for you, right?
Not so fast! There are a number of advantages to working with someone who knows you and what you want in a home, and has your best interests in mind. To make your custom home buying experience as informed, enjoyable and stress-free as possible, here are a few things you need to know about the process and why choosing a REALTOR® to work with you is a good idea.
A REALTOR® makes the sales process less overwhelming
Buying a new build can be a lot more complicated than purchasing a resale. You’ll benefit from working with a local expert who knows the project’s neighbourhood, target audience, materials used and sales data. Enhance your search for homes by saving your search and getting notifications from REALTOR.ca favourites or on winnipegregionalrealestatenews.com. Most importantly, they’ll know which builders are most reputable for delivering on time. A REALTOR® can also offer information on what is the best time to buy — pre-construction, mid-construction or after the building is completed — since they might have intel on upcoming promotions. For example, builders may offer a free parking spot during pre-construction or they may lower the purchase price when the building is unloading the last few units.
A REALTOR® can negotiate on your behalf
Sure, you can simply trust a sales representative to haggle with the builder, but that may not get you the best deal or added perks, like free upgrades or new appliances. Understanding the fine print in a purchase contract is not for the faint of heart. A real estate professional can point out the confusing clauses you’re better off negotiating on.
You’ll get the low-down on the up-sells
Immaculately designed model homes offer all the bells and whistles, tempting buyers into adding all sorts of extras onto the standard price. Sometimes, these upgrades aren’t worth it when it comes to resale value. Your REALTOR® can help you decide what’s worth choosing now, and what can wait for a remodel in the future when your budget allows.
A REALTOR® will provide guidance and support throughout the transaction
When it comes to pre-construction, home buyers must navigate multiple steps and interact with several people before closing. In addition to making many decisions around design, buyers must also make technical choices about electrical work or construction add-ons during the build. In addition, some buyers will be dealing with loan officers, appraisers, notaries and home inspectors. Having a trusted REALTOR® working for you means you can access their vast network to find the best professionals to help you.
The bottom line? The builder’s rep has the builder’s goals in mind, while your own agent is a valuable resource with just one person to satisfy: You!
The annual Spring Parade of Homes is a free event that is running until March 22. Show home hours are Monday to Thursday, 4-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12-5 pm. In Brandon, show home hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 5-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12-5 pm. To check out what types of new homes are available in Winnipeg and surrounding areas, visit www.homebuilders.mb.ca for all the details.
Show homes can also be viewed privately outside of Parade hours by appointment, so make sure you contact a professional REALTOR® to work with you!
— Realtor.ca