Customer Service and New Home Builders
Times have changed since the old caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) days of real estate, but there are still situations out there that buyers must be aware of. One of the most difficult to navigate can be working with new home builders. We discuss it often, but it’s always worth reiterating – the sales reps work for the builder, not you. While they are always friendly and can be super helpful, the simple fact is that they are paid by the builder and have sales goals, benchmarks, and quotas to answer to – this is why you should always hire a REALTOR® when building or buying a new home. Hiring an agent will help alleviate the frustrations and headaches that may come with building a new home. Customer service can be amazing, but it can also be the thing that most makes you want to scream…
Credit Card Company
Press #1 if calling about your credit card.
Press #2 if you want to waste the next 25 minutes hearing about our new promotions.
Press #3 if you want English, Spanish, or Romanian.
Press #4 if you actually want to talk to someone in the U.S.
Press #5 if calling from a rotary phone…
or to start over.
New Home Builder
Welcome, we pride ourselves in no high pressure…
Did you bring your checkbook?
You don’t have a REALTOR®…do you? (Don’t worry, you don’t need one.)
Homes can be built in 3 to 18 months. (Your guess is as good as mine.)
We are a semi-custom builder, which means you can make many changes, but we will probably only do 5% of them.
Credit Card Company
Press #4 if you are still on the line.
Press #7 if you are using half of your
monthly prepaid minutes while you wait.
Press #9 if you are hearing impaired.
Press #3 if you need a bathroom break.
Press #5 if you need a Xanax.
New Home Builder
If you sign a contract today, we will give you $50,000 in upgrades. (We only paid $5,000 for them.)
I know the model home has a lot of nice items, but at your contract price you get vinyl, formica, a 4′ basket weave fence, and we’ll throw in some more vinyl.
Credit Card Company
Are you still there? Wow, what great endurance! What is your Social Security #, you’ve been on line so long we forgot who you are, but thank you for being so patient.
Press #13 for a special offer if your a Platinum Club member.
New Home Builder
We have a great lot for you. with a large oak tree for only $25,000. Imagine your kids’ treehouse out there. (If the HOA allows one, if construction doesn’t kill it, and if it isn’t in the foundation’s path.)
But not too worry, our mortgage company will get you a loan at a half point higher than others and our title company is a bit average, but you get a gift basket at closing and keys to your new home. (If the construction guys can find them.)
Credit Card Company
We’re sorry, call back tomorrow, our business hours are 8AM to 6PM local Philippine time. We’ll be happy to frustrate you seven days a week. Have a wonderful day!
New Home Builder
Just give me a $5,000 non-refundable deposit, $20,000 deposit for your upgrades, and an additional $10,000 because our name is on the home we are building for you! Everything will be fine!
Sound funny, maybe a little too familiar? Sure, we’re being a little sarcastic, but you get the picture. While we can’t help you navigate your way through the hold menu of your credit card company, we can help you navigate your way through your new home builders’ process. Use a REALTOR® that works for you and who will lead you through the new home process, not the sales rep who works for the builder. A real estate professional will be with you through the entire process; from contract to loan process to upgrade and color selections through the entire construction process, walk-throughs, and closing (and beyond!).
image courtesy of barsen
