We spoke with top luxury home realtors from Denver and Tampa to understand what makes a design build general contractor stand out. Here's what we learned about how to build successful partnerships with realtors and how these design and build services benefit both parties.
1. Be a Reliable and Positive Partner
Realtors value working with builders who are dependable, approachable, and solution oriented. In the luxury new build homes market, maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating professionalism is crucial. Realtors trust design build contractors who are available, responsive, and ready to go the extra mile—even when it's inconvenient.
Action Item: From the beginning, schedule a communication meeting with the realtor and their clients to set clear expectations on who to contact for what, when to contact them, and everyone's preferred method of communication.
2. Educate Each Other
Just as realtors educate homebuyers, design build contractors should take the time to educate realtors on their specific construction process, even just to build an initial relationship prior to any work. Not all design build firms operate the same way, so it’s important to clarify your unique process. This includes explaining the contract structure, setting expectations for roles and responsibilities, and ensuring everyone is informed. In return, listen to the realtor and any education they offer on previous experiences that went well.
Action Item: Develop an educational brochure or digital presentation outlining your process, using a design build process flow chart. Schedule an initial meeting with the realtor community to walk them through it and answer any questions.
3. Streamline Design and Construction
Realtors appreciate contractors who offer an integrated approach to design and build services. A smooth, one-stop solution saves time, reduces stress, and enhances the overall experience for clients. Show how your process helps streamline timelines, making the construction process more efficient for luxury new homes.
Action Item: Walk through the design build process flow chart in a Gantt chart for with the realtor and client, showing how the process provides more efficiencies.
4. Maintain Clean and Professional Job Sites
A clean job site speaks volumes about a contractor’s professionalism. Realtors appreciate it when homeowners make surprise visits to the job site and find it neat and organized. Keeping the job site clean reflects well on the luxury home design ideas and features of the house being developed.
Action Item: Set up a job site cleanliness checklist and invite the realtor to site walks an hour before the client to ensure the site is presentable and organized.
5. Foster Clear Communication and Equal Treatment
Effective communication is essential for smooth collaboration. Always include both decision-makers (e.g., couples) and their realtor in correspondence to ensure everyone is informed and involved. Builders should treat their clients and anyone representing their best interests with respect.
Action Item: Before design begins, include the realtor in design discussions for home building ideas they’ve seen in other luxury homes. They know the client best and they’ve seen likely seen the well-executed (and not well-executed) design and construction of similar homes for similar clients.
6. Deliver High-Quality Craftsmanship
Realtors in the luxury new homes market expect top-tier craftsmanship, from custom carpentry to high-end finishes. They know what excellent quality looks like and can offer valuable feedback. Lean on the realtor to assess high-end assemblies and give input on finishes that align with modern design build standards for exceptional homes.
Action Item: Offer to do mock-ups for unique custom home features or detailed assemblies and ask the realtor to provide feedback before presenting the design to the client.
7. Offer Collaborative Marketing Support for Luxury NewBuild Homes
Realtors often rely on builders for marketing materials to present the home in the best possible light. From professional photos to staging ideas, collaborate to ensure the marketing efforts align with luxury home features that attract the right buyers or really bolster the realtors portfolio.
Action Item: With client permission, provide realtors with construction photos of a clean and organized site, high-quality photos of completed work, and detailed floor plans for their marketing materials. Make this a best practice on each project.
8. Create Memorable Client Experiences
Realtors appreciate contractors who create memorable moments for their clients. Whether it's inviting clients to groundbreaking ceremonies, offering walkthroughs during key phases, or celebrating milestones, these special touches build excitement and loyalty.
Action Item: When reviewing the project schedule and milestones, schedule key moments for everyone to celebrate, such as ground breaking or completing major features. Put these events in everyone’s calendar to allow the realtor to help plan and make the event special.
9. Exhibit Professionalism at Every Level
Professionalism should be upheld by every client-facing team member on-site. The demeanor of your project managers and superintendents directly impacts how the realtor and client perceive the project. Clear communication and client-facing team member training ensure the experience is positive and builds trust.
Action Item: Introduce realtors to your team before the project begins and set up an on-site dress code. Provide training on how to properly interact with clients during site walks.
10. Budget Transparency and Effective Management
Budget discussions should happen early, with complete transparency. Realtors need to know that you can manage balancing the client’s requested home features list with the project’s financial limitations.
Action Item: Provide a detailed, itemized budget early and set up a tracking system where the realtor and client can view budget updates. Communicate any changes promptly to avoid surprises.
11. Nurture a Long-Term Relationship with Realtors
Realtors in the luxury market put a lot of time and experience into building their brand. By fostering strong relationships with them, you can enhance your design build process. Realtors bring unique expertise that can improve the success of your projects and elevate the service you provide to clients.
Action Item: Stay in touch with realtors after a project’s completion by sending updates, inviting them to events, and expressing appreciation for successful collaborations. Nurturing this relationship is key to a long-term partnership.
Partner with a Trusted Design Build Firm
At GILK, we are committed to being the trusted Design build general contractor that realtors rely on. From educating partners to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, we ensure every collaboration leads to success. Contact us today to learn how we can work together to create extraordinary luxury new homes and experiences.
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