Question everything!

The typical questions my buyer would have, builder warranties, incentives to use in-house lending, final walk-through repairs, PUD/HOA fees, Mello Roos Tax fees and Our builders here require a referral over of our buyers in exchange for a referral fee, not a commission. So, I ask about those terms too.

Build Time, End Loan or Construction Loan , Custom or Track  , What's standard and what's an upgrade ?

I want to see details of the 'registration' agreement. A local builder states the agreement has a 60 day lifespan while a build will take 180+ days. 

Then I will rely on my friend Marconi to shed some light on this builder.

I concur with Kat Palmiotti and Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, ePRO, CRS, RCS-D 

Is this a builder you're familiar with, Praful? If so, you know what needs to be asked for each buyer. If it's a builder unfamiliar to you, you will want to question everything!

In Charlotte we have new builders/developments popping up all over the place. So, staying on top of them before you have a buyer for them is going to save you a lot of questions in front of the buyers. It also helps you establish good rapport with your builders/developers.

Actually what is really needed is an inspector to feedback questions to ask

Everything. You need to know the product and understand the practices of the builder.

How often are you called to make repairs to foundation per the warranty? What is the reason?

I would want to see the plans, the specs, get the time frame to finish and a copy of what is warrantied and for how long. 

Allowing outside inspectors access during the building process.

Ask if the home buter can use whatever lender they choose. Ask homeowners that have had this builder if they had a good experience and if all work was completed when they went to closing. 

Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTACONDOS.COM nailed this one!

There are lot of questions. I work with new home builders regularly. The #1 question you need to ask is how the pricing works with all the additions and premiums, and nail the exact pricing for the prospect property right off the bat - write all down and date it. And watch for the weekend promotions, special day discounts and specials like a hawk!!!

I know my local builders well, so really don't need to worry about questions. If I'm not comfortable with a builder's product and service, I just don't take my clients there. Most often I want to know how quickly they'll be built out in a community.

A lot!

What will new property taxes be (and then double check w/town), what's included in list price, what upgrades are available, what will HOA fees be (if any), what will the rules be re: landscaping/property/development, does builder have other homes that have been built already and can be viewed, who will maintain the streets, what are the timeframes for building, are there additional fees for premium lots, etc etc etc.

As a buyer's agent, I would want to know everything!

I start by reviewing the builder's contract.  It's a roller coaster from there. The questions can take hours to get through. 

Do you do cooperate with realtors? 

There's a great list here - I can't think of anything to add.

Will you allow interim professioinal inspections, especially pre-drywall?

There are many.

It would depend - what I see during the walk thru. Just being on one of these recently the builders rep just 'spewed' stuff the buyer was totally not interested in.

Parked. reading and learning.

Great question:

Start with testimonials on recent projects

Confirm builders spec sheet and promises in writing

Ask if any law suits are pending and confirm attorney information.

Good question, I will be reading the answers.

I usually asked what incentives do they have for the buyer at this time.

Are there any lot premiums (if your buyer wants to build).

You want the price list and the standard feature list. 

If I am not familiar with a new builder, I would check the BBB and see if there are any negative comments.  Then at the site, question everything! 

I agree with Anthony...each house is different

You need to know about the warranties and warranty procedures. If you don't know about the builder's reputation ask for references.

Is there mello roos, what is the hoa fee, what amenities are within the community, what incentives are available.  Oh yeah, two more, are you cooperating with Realtors and what is the compensation?

I agree with Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTACONDOS.COM 

Get in writing: time frame to close, cost for changes, what is standard what is an upgrade, builder years in business, warranty, name every specific detail, late charges?, what are HOA rules and fees and when will amenities be finished, what if not completed? Plus more

A lot of questions, seems to be the answer and knowing the builder before you take a client. I recenlty was showing a client two different sites and asked the representative what distinguished them from the other site. Sort of what is your USP? Found that useful.

       Will you accept the standard form contract from Florida Realtors, or do you insist on using your own contract? 

      If the builder says they use their own contract:  Can I have a copy to take to my attorney?  

First of all...I do read the entire contract.

Then I ask a laundry list of questions that most builder reps can't answer...because they have never read it and only know the canned version of what they are told to say.

Eve

ask for whatever they have for information.... I assume the listing is in mls.... if not, make sure they will pay you a commission and have that in writing.... 

Thank you, everyone, for all the great answers.