Use an agent by all means but don't limit
yourself. Why not? Whilst there are many agents who are scrupulously
honest and those agents take a standard commission from the builder. They
will care for the interests of the customer, some if they are able will
look to the quality of the build as the home progresses, as in the case of
Jepun Bali who (we, Bali Puri Gelis highly recommend Jepun Bali) monitor the
build and only recommend quality properties or properties that are fit for
purpose as a family home.
There are others who just insist on a huge
percentage, above what's normal, based on the value of the property and have no
interest in the quality. Once sold they are gone into the distance, presumably
onto another sale.
An agent called me yesterday and was clear; he has a buyer that buyer wants
a home in our location. However, he was equally clear unless we agreed
his (the agents) terms then he will not put our home forward. The agents
terms were clear; he doesn't care about the quality, he didn't care if it's
still standing after an earthquake. He just cared for a huge commission,
he was clear; he didn't care what was agreed with his buyer.
I would like to be clear; we build quality homes. Homes that will look
as good tomorrow even next year, as they do today. They will not have
damp as long as regular standard maintenance is undertaken. We will work with
an agent and we will not renege on an agent agreement, whether verbal or
in writing. But for the sake of the buyer and of us we will not accept terms
that harm the bottom line for the buyer. We build quality and we provide
maintenance after the sale.
