Monday, November 30, 2015

So close...yet so far away!

A brief synopsis of the last month:  we drive a hard bargain and really stuck to our "max all in number".  So, when we discussed purchasing a home with Ryan Homes, we were given a price sheet that included all of our options (both wish list and non-negotiables).  We were also given a lot premium list telling us how much it would cost to have one particular lot vs. another.  Needless to say, we were not content to pay "sticker price".  We made a verbal offer price (well under Ryan Homes' price) and specified what that offer should include (we were not 100% ready to commit in writing yet).  The sales rep sat and emailed management right then and said we should have an answer in a few days.  So, we went home and took some time to think about it.  We asked some follow up questions and waited.

Then we got the exciting email that our offer was actually being considered and basically verbally accepted.  But wait, when I pushed the rep to forward to me what she had submitted, it wasn't our offer at all.  Nor did it include the flooring options we had specified (the rep claimed that flooring is done off site so she couldn't include that).  So, I told her we weren't interested and that if it would be easier for her, we would be happy to communicate with management directly to insure that our interests were accurately represented.  Update: she apologized and I really do think she just got overly excited.  We have a great working relationship and things are going great!

BUYER BEWARE:  the sales rep works for Ryan Homes.  Their affiliation and loyalty is to Ryan Homes.  In our situation, Ryan Homes pays a buyer's agent (realtor representing the buyer) a commission percentage based off of the base home price.  We both strongly suggest using a Realtor who is familiar with new construction to help you negotiate and represent you!


Good news for us, I'm representing us as our Realtor!  We both agreed that walking away and having the ball in our court was the most comfortable position for us.  Naturally, I sent an email response to the fake offer clearly outlining why we were not continuing and what steps would have to be made in order for us to even consider building with Ryan Homes.  Would they even respond...we all had to wait and see!
     -Ashleigh

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