Before the model home · 1
Bring your agent the first time
Most builders only work with a buyer's agent who's registered on your first visit. Walk in alone and you may lose the option of having your own representation on that home.
Selling to build · The Flatlands, Indiana
Selling your home to build new? Time the sale to the build.
Most families need to sell before they close on new. Timing the sale to the build date is where buyers lose the most money. I sell your current home, act as your buyer's agent for the new one, and line up the dates so you move once.
Before you walk into a model home
Five things to know first
Builders' sales offices are friendly, and they work for the builder.
Before the model home · 2
The friendly rep is the builder's
The on-site salesperson's job is to sell the builder's homes at the builder's price. They aren't there to negotiate for you.
Before the model home · 3
The base price is a starting point
Lot premiums, elevation changes and upgrades add up fast. Ask for a written price with the lot and options you actually want.
Before the model home · 4
Check the school line yourself
Don't rely on the address or the brochure. Confirm the district for the exact lot before you put down a deposit.
Before the model home · 5
Have a plan for your current house
Most families need to sell before they close on new. Timing the sale to the build date is where buyers lose the most money.
One broker, both sides of the move
Your sale, your build, one set of dates
- I list and sell your current home for 2%, listing side, timed to the builder's schedule. You decide what, if anything, to offer a buyer's agent. Commissions are negotiable.
- If your next home is in The Flatlands or Northwest Indiana, I'm your buyer's agent for it. Before you sign with a builder, I check the new lot's school district, water and sewer or septic, and what's on record for the parcel.
- Moving farther away in Indiana? I'll introduce you to an agent where you're going. If you buy through that agent, their brokerage pays Flatland Real Estate LLC a referral fee out of its commission, and the fee is disclosed to you.
Looking for a lot or a new home? Start with a town: Lowell · Cedar Lake · DeMotte · Wheatfield · all towns. Selling land or a farm to a builder? Flatland Real Estate handles land.
Before you fall for a lot
Tell me about your home and the build. I'll line up the dates.
School districts in The Flatlands follow townships, not mailing addresses or town names. Send a lot number, subdivision or street and I'll reply the same day with the district, water and sewer, and what's for sale near it.
Douglas Willems · Broker · Flatland Real Estate LLC · licensed Indiana real estate brokerage
Search homes and land for sale in The Flatlands, live from the MLS
Updated as listings change. Opens in a new tab.
Searches open the Northwest Indiana REALTORS® Association MLS through its Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program. Listings held by other brokerages show the listing broker's name. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Search provided by Flatland Real Estate LLC, Douglas Willems, Broker, (219) 440-2828.