Man, ya’ gotta’ love shopping Model Homes. Lush landscaping greets you at the curb calling like sirens to stroll inside. Crown Moulding decorates ceilings everywhere, Granite Counters gleam in kitchen, and an airy bright Sunroom calls you to sit and enjoy a book and a cup of coffee.
Each different model is loaded with upgrades. But that’s not the way they are sold. Did you ever try to buy a car at the advertised price you saw in the newspaper or TV? Upgrade that radio to a CD player? Do you want the All-weather tires? That 4 cylinder is a little under-powered; do you want to upgrade to the 6? Model homes have the same Sell Technique. Visiting them is a great way to learn a few decorating tips. However, it is a very misleading strategy for finding and buying a home.
If you decide to drive around Charlotte over a weekend, it is not hard to find the model homes. It seems every corner is adorned with directional signs guiding you from one home builder to another. You drive up to Lake Norman, past a sculpted stone entrance, you drive by the community swimming pool, and walk up the path to the sales office to tour the Model Homes.
When you do, please remember that the smiling greeter is the same as the car salesman. They have one objective; they want you sign a contract. After the contract is in place, negotiating is over. There is a safer way to tour model homes. Align yourself with an Exclusive Buyer Agent and let them run interference for you. That’s what Ann & I do. We go with you. When you want to just drive around on your own, we give you a stack of business of cards. Pass them out; I call them, “Get Out of Jail Free” cards.
Oh, and one more thing, an Exclusive Buyer Agent will be there for you, interpret contract terminology, coordinate inspections and repairs, and ensure that all the details of the final contract are accurately recorded in your favor. And to date, none of our buyers has ever had to pay us a dime. We negotiate our fee from the sellers.
Stop by again – because I have lots of other truths to share about the home buying process. If you want professional, dedicated, and friendly help buying a home in Charlotte, let us know.
Cya’ when you’re ready.
Wayne
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