Architects are very versatile professionals. They know a lot about real estate, not just regarding financing, but also the current state of the property that you may be interested in. When it comes to picking a house, the information overload may be overwhelming especially if you are a first-time house buyer.
According to professional architect Brian Setencich, there are many benefits to finding a real estate agent with an architecture background. Here are some:
- They know about the property inside and out – they can give you solid advice about the condition of the property and its actual value in the market. Some real estate agents may only be concerned about closing a sale, but architects do understand the process that takes into building a property.
- They can find you good options – since architects have more idea about the value of a property based on its make, they may be able to provide suggestions on the different kinds of property that fits your budget.
- They can refer you to other services needed – if you are buying a foreclosed property or a 2nd-hand home, they can suggest quality suppliers for repairs.
Now that you understand the benefit in this kind of setup, what are the ways that an architect can help you in the purchase of a real estate investment?
4 Ways Your Architect Can Also Be Your Real Estate Agent
An architect can give you an updated blueprint for your property
One advantage of having a real estate agent with a background in architecture is their ability to create blueprints. Perhaps you are planning to make renovations within your desired property, but you are having a hard time visualizing it. You can ask your architect/real estate agent to create a new blueprint for you. Some architects are also knowledgeable about 3-d rendering tools that can create realistic models as if your unit is already completely furnished.
An architect can spot real property missteps and construction risks
Compared to a regular real estate agent, architects can quickly spot construction faults. These can include leaks, cracks, faulty electrical or water lines, and other problems that may be hard to see during the initial purchase. This can be a source of headaches when not done right away. An architect/real estate agent will be able to do a thorough inspection of your unit as needed. As previously mentioned, they can also provide you with suppliers who can fix the problems in your property according to their professional judgment.
An architect can help you negotiate the value of your property depending on several inspections
Since architects understand the construction process and are more knowledgeable about the make on properties, they can help you negotiate the price towards the seller. Upon inspection, they can spot certain quality faults that could help you lower the price of the unit. They can also help you increase the value of your property based on certain additions you can place before selling. Some sellers may be susceptible to increasing their prices based on the ability of the real estate agent. By having a professional by your side during the negotiation process, you can easily get a lower rate.
An architect can guide you with the construction of your property from start to finish
If you are buying a new property, Brian Setencich suggests that it may be best to find a real estate agent who has an architecture background. This way, they can answer questions you may have during the construction process. They can be responsible in making sure that everything goes according to plan, and would be able to coordinate the suppliers needed to concretize blueprint based on the instruction. Some real estate agents would only be concerned with your needs during the process of getting the downpayment but would be uninvolved once construction begins. It is better to find someone who understands your needs as a client.
As a potential investor, you are better off hitting two birds with one stone–you can save money, time and effort hiring a real estate agent who has a professional background.
