When buying a new home, particularly a custom-built home, it is very tempting to do so without the middleman, i.e. the realtor. After all, is he not just a third party who will require more expenses and resources from you in the end? Won't he simply do what you could do (talk with the builder, negotiate and buy the home) but with more time, as he will have to discuss first with you, then with the builder, and finally with you again? Couldn't you do it all on your own, getting the best deal and saving money in the end? The builder seems to think you could, and he wouldn't lie, would he?



Honestly, he might. The custom builder is not your friend, regardless of how nice he may be or how many fine dining establishments he escorts you to. In the end, the builder is looking to pad his pockets and build his portfolio. He has a business to run, and if he gives you the best deal he can, he may not make enough of a profit to continue running it. He has no choice but to act in his best interest. It's not malicious; it's not personal. It's business and it's fact.

Now you may believe that being aware of the builder's motives will enable you to prevent getting duped and actually get the best deal. But how much real estate experience do you have? Maybe you've bought a building before, or a home, or maybe you've executed some leases on your own. All of that is great experience, but it's not enough. You don't know the ins and outs of the real estate world; you aren't constantly working within the market. You have other things you have to attend to: your family, your work, etc. No matter how much you think you know about real estate and how well you think you can manage, you need to realize that you do not have the experience, education and know how to manage on your own.

A realtor, at least a well-known and reputable one, does. You cannot become a realtor without proving your worth. You must first take classes and work towards obtaining your license, which requires a test (i.e. proof of your worth). You also need to build a reputation through experience and positive interactions with clients. This requires you to only secure the best deals possible for your clients and to remain on top of the latest trends and regulations involving real estate. In short, you must know every inch of the market, never faltering and never waning in your knowledge.

While you may think that the realtor will have to behave much like the builder - working only to get the commission and make the deal - you're wrong. A realtor is only as good as his clients are happy. So, his best interest is your best interest. He also may know of things you don't, like when a deal must be requested, when an area is not as prestigious as it's made to seem, and when you are getting the raw end of the bargain. Further, his only job, aside from his other clients, is you. He doesn't have to devote 9 to 5 to anything but real estate. You and the market are it. When that's the case, how can you honestly think not using a realtor is even remotely a possibility?