Nevada Builder Trade In Program Helps Homeowners Buy Brand New Homes

Sounds of construction and signs leading to new-home neighborhoods often pique the interest of passers-by. What kind and size of homes are being built, how much are they, and can I afford to buy one?

Current homeowners may wonder if they, too, can purchase a brand-new home in that neighborhood and if they would have to sell their current home before a builder would begin constructing one to their specifications.

Through the Nevada Builder Trade In Program, current homeowners may list their current home for sale and, at the same time, build a new home on contingency in a neighborhood constructed by one of the program’s homebuilder partners.

The program is offered nationally by the Keller Williams Realty international real estate franchise and is operated in Nevada by siblings Robin and Robert Smith of the Smith Team at Keller Williams Realty Las Vegas.

“This is the program’s fourth year in Southern Nevada, and it has been growing steadily as our housing market improves. In 2016, we had 154 successful sales, with homeowners selling their homes and buying brand new homes with builder partners, and we plan to grow the program in 2017,” Robin Smith explained, mentioning that current local homebuilder partners include Beazer Homes, CalAtlantic Homes, Century Communities, Pulte Homes and Woodside Homes.

The Nevada Builder Trade In Program works with current homeowners who would like to purchase a home from a participating builder’s neighborhood.

Some are referred by homebuilders, while others are self-referred. The Smith Team offers at no cost:

■ A comparative market analysis of how much a current homeowner’s residence may sell for and an estimate of their current home’s equity;

■ Advice on home improvements that potentially will increase the sales price and referrals to contractors that can complete the recommended work; and

■ Guidance to help current homeowners assess their ability to purchase the new home if their current home sells at the projected market value.

If the homeowner financially qualifies, decides to sell his or her current residence and purchases a brand-new home in a builder-partner neighborhood through the Nevada Builder Trade In Program, the Smith Team will list, market and sell the client’s current home at a reduced commission while offering the buyer’s agent the standard 3 percent commission.

Additionally, the Smith Team will help arrange moving services or help locate a temporary rental, if needed, between the sale of the current home and the completion of the new home.

“We typically sell the homes in 30 to 60 days because of our experience working in the Las Vegas real estate market. I’ve worked in the market for 28 years as a Realtor and for a major builder, and my brother, Robert, and I also grew up here,” Smith said.

“We know the market inside and out, and we tell you what needs to be done in order to sell your home in today’s market for top dollar. We do not price homes unrealistically too high so they don’t sell, or too low so that you leave money on the table. We price and sell your home at fair market value, and with our reduced commission, you keep more money from the sale, which is thousands of dollars,” she said.

“This is why the Nevada Builder Trade In Program has been successful in helping homeowners buy brand new homes, and our results are why Las Vegas’ major builders choose to work with us and why we expect to grow the program to more neighborhoods this year.”

For additional information about the Nevada Builder Trade In Program and participating neighborhoods, visit lvbuildertradein.com or call 702-460-5080.

The Smith Team also represents buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Visit smithteamlasvegas.com for details.