Browse Forums Real Estate 1 Feb 01, 2021 12:28 pm Hi everyone, house build newbie here! Apologies in advance if there is an existing thread on this topic but I haven't been able to find it. I'll also preface by saying I'm completely new to this - don't have anyone in my family who has build a house so have been relying totally on online information so far! I'd really value some opinions on the arrangement between the Real Estate Agency which is selling a block of land I'm keen on, and a local building company. I enquired with the Agency about the block; the listing agent referred me to the 'builder'. When I called said 'builder', the person this turned out to be is someone who is both employed by the Agency and working for commission with a local building company. It took several conversations for the full arrangement to be explained; the person in question has also drawn up plans for the block (he has a background in building and architechture). No formal arrangements have been put in place with the builders in question, and when I said that I will be seeking further quotes on the build, the person was very quick to try and dissaude me (doesn't think anyone else can give a better price, quotes are lengthy to obtain etc etc). He is also negotiating with the listing agent on the price of the block, and has asked me to send him my details and information on requirements I need to meet for various grants etc to put in an offer on my behalf. I have not engaged this person as a buyer's advocate or similar; from the first conversation he has behaved as though trying to get me a good deal. Does any of the above stand out as concerning, and if so, what questions or actions can anyone suggest I take? I could be being overly cautious, but have just read so many horror stories here and elsewhere and really not wanting to be caught out on my first home! Re: Opinion sought: arrangements between real estate agent a 2Feb 02, 2021 11:58 am Hey Jaymee Welcome to the forum Free sketches aren't Free.. you need to pay for them in one form or another The real estate agent, Building Designer/broker, Finance broker, Insurance broker ,etc, etc all work on commissions or kick backs. Unfortunately you won't know if you are getting a good deal with the build price, unless you can get other builders to quote and compare. Further more if the designer/sales broker is reluctant to release copyright to you then that should serve as a warning. Hidden fees can be in excess of 10% and you will never know. OT, Here in WA all commissions must be disclosed. BTW, I've got nothing against sales commissions and google clicks/leads, make them earn their fees, insist on full disclosure of data and proofs Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Opinion sought: arrangements between real estate agent a 3Feb 03, 2021 8:13 am StructuralBIMGuy Hey Jaymee Welcome to the forum Free sketches aren't Free.. you need to pay for them in one form or another The real estate agent, Building Designer/broker, Finance broker, Insurance broker ,etc, etc all work on commissions or kick backs. Unfortunately you won't know if you are getting a good deal with the build price, unless you can get other builders to quote and compare. Further more if the designer/sales broker is reluctant to release copyright to you then that should serve as a warning. Hidden fees can be in excess of 10% and you will never know. OT, Here in WA all commissions must be disclosed. BTW, I've got nothing against sales commissions and google clicks/leads, make them earn their fees, insist on full disclosure of data and proofs Cheers Chris Hi Chris, thanks for the welcome and your thoughts. Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post, but I wasn't expecting to use the plans for free - very happy to pay for it. It was more the person's behaviour and how opaque he has been that was sending up red flags for me. Since this post I've managed to find a builder that I'm comfortable with and will soon start working with a draftsman on some plans, so I think I'm okay! Re: Opinion sought: arrangements between real estate agent a 4Feb 03, 2021 9:02 am Quite often Architects/Draftsman double dip in that clients pay a fee for the design and select builders that also pay them secret sales commissions which they may not disclose to you. The warning signs are they desperately try to dissuade you from talking to others. Owning your own plans, data and quantities means you are free to discuss your build and costs with whoever you wish to. Finding the best Builder that is transparent and upfront with processes and costs....no hidden surprises after you're locked in/signed... you get the gist Post back if you have further questions Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Before you rip it up, if you can in the grout lines, drill some holes and pour/inject techgrip by sika. I have used it to bond mdf to timber, but in the process it dripped… 1 4368 Not much in this responce. My suggestion is, what are you looking to build and why. This will all be impacted by the local councils planning scheme. Familiarise yourself… 6 5925 Thanks for the suggestion. The space between shower and sinks was too tight. I agree about the toilet location. So I have tried two other options: The lower one is… 3 6238 |