Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Feb 05, 2015 11:54 am Having looked at what feels like a hundred display homes and spoken to at least that many sales agents, got to say although I know its not the way to do it, our reaction to the sales people is starting to play quite a major part in what company we eventually choose. One made a point of how many times he had taken a client out to lunch, another told us prices were going up the next day and tried to extract $1500 out of us before we'd even come up with a plan, yet another is treating us like we are their clients already (I'm guessing that one is a sales technique to make it harder to walk away from them). We handed one a plan we had designed ourselves, she raved about it then pushed it to the side of her desk and started shoving her plans under our noses, none of which looked anything like what we wanted, then proceeded to use scissors and sticky tape to design for us what she wanted us to have. We went to a display village an hour away from us and to say we were treated rudely once we disclosed we were building in another area, would be an understatement. One lady literally turned away and started talking to another couple half way through our conversation. As soon as you say you have spoken to another of their agents in another display village we are told we will have to deal with that person. Isn't it up to us who we deal with? I don't want any part of their 'first in first served' games. Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 2Feb 05, 2015 2:13 pm I think their reluctance to "let" you deal with someone else has more to do with politics than anything else. I had problems with a salesperson's lack of communication so like you, I approached one in a different display home of the same builder. the second one said they were not willing to help me because they didn't want to tread on the other's toes. I then contacted the sales manager who harped on about the first salesperson being their most experienced. I pointed out it was the lack of information and interest in selling to me, not experience, that worried me but he also fobbed me off. needless to say they have lost the sale. I hope you eventually find The Right One. Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 3Feb 05, 2015 2:32 pm It probably goes more to commission - the original sales agent could be entitled to make a claim on the eventual sales person if it works like real estate. It's not that hard to do your job well, what a shame you've had this experience! Rebecca Jarrett-Dalton Property crazy expert mortgage broker, love building new homes! Two Red Shoes mortgage broker http://www.tworedshoes.com.au/building Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 4Feb 05, 2015 3:59 pm If you are going to display homes with your own plans you really need to concentrate on those builders who advertise themselves as 'Custom Builders'. The majority of the big builders are not set up to build anything other than their standard plans, or a variation of those. (some builders are open to more variations than others) If you want to go with a big builder (and their are cost advantages over the custom route) the way to go is to look at plans to find something most like what you want and then look to modify the plans to get nearer your ideal. (the representatives cut and paste approach) There is a bit more info on understanding the 'agents' at this link http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2014/10/dis ... lders-rep/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 5Feb 05, 2015 5:00 pm Perhaps also use this time as a time to filter out those you feel you won't be able to work well with rather than just see the negative in them? The right one will feel right and be easy to deal with and be able to accomodate your plan. Good luck. Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 6Feb 05, 2015 6:32 pm The agent that we finally chose was not from a builder in our initial shortlist. We finally went with the agent who was prepared to listen to our needs and managed to translate them into a floorplan and elevation we were after. We also experienced all those different "types" of agents you described, include one who wanted $2000 deposit upfront even before discussing our needs! Our Build Thread: The "Extended" Marina by Visionone Homes Our Inspirations: Frank Lloyd Wright | Houzz Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 7Feb 06, 2015 10:30 pm We found this. Being a young couple with a 6 & 1.5 year old looking at display homes worth $300+k we found not a lot of people were interested in speaking with us or answering our questions. The amount of people who snorted when we said we were building in a different estate baffled me. We found a builder which we hadn't heard of and went to check it out, the sales guy was amazing, he directed us to a local display village primarily because of the inclusions list we wanted was on display at another home and when I asked if I could deal with him instead of the rep there he handed me his email address and said to forward any questions and he will answer or seek answers to any queries. We went with that builder and hopefully got him a nice commission. Go with your gut, you have to deal with these people for a long time and if you're not comfortable it won't be a very smooth process for you. Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 8Feb 13, 2015 9:19 am Just thought I would add our latest experiences. We agreed on a plan with another company (one of their own) and paid a nominal sum to have a draft made and quoted. The quote arrived and it was for a completely different house design. Missing 1 bedroom and no media room and also 12 sqm bigger than we are allowed to build. I emailed them to report the mistake and whilst at work received a voice message from the sales agent. Basically saying, 'don't worry about it, this house is cheaper and we think better suited to your needs'. To say I am flabbergasted is an understatement, fuming would be more like it. Not even going to bother to contact them but all their brouchers (and the plan they handed to us which they were meant to quote on) have gone to the recycling. Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 9Feb 13, 2015 9:57 am Sorry to hear about all the bad experience you made. What are are you building in?? We were also looking for a very very long time, talking to many sales people and doing research about the builders we were interested in. I'm sure you find the right one, just take you time. It will be much easier for you to get through the whole process if you find someone who can understand your needs from the beginning. Good Luck! Live Love Lough Building thread: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=74918 Building blog: http://uniquebyeva.com.au/ourhome/ Our food forest blog: http://www.foodforestcookery.com Re: 'I'll Choose My Own Agent Thank You' 10Feb 13, 2015 10:10 am Where are you building? If it is in Victoria I can give you the details of our builder - they have their own floor plans to offer, but are very much custom builders, so would be willing to look at your design. The salesperson came to us, at a time convenient to us, and was very happy to quote on our plan (a variation of one of theirs, which was originally a custom build). The price is about the same as the volume builders when you consider all of the upgrades you have to do with the volume builders, and our builder offers more inclusions. Having said all that we haven't actually started building yet, but I have been very happy to date with the service we have received. My blog: tashandpaul.wordpress.com 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 4284 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 5843 Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20355 |