If you are considering buying a new home and you're looking at new construction, chances are you have driven through a new neighborhood and stopped by the model home or sales center to check out the floorplans and interior features that are available .  You were likely greeted by a very helpful, very friendly agent who told you all there is to know about the neighborhood and all the options of the various models, and you may have even fallen in love with a home on the spot.  The on-site agent who has been working with you asks if you are already working with an agent, and you may have thought to yourself, "Why do I need an agent?"  There are a lot of ways to answer that question - here are a few of them.

First, the on-site agent represents the builder, not you, and that agent should explain to you what that means and have you sign a Working With Real Estate Agents Brochure (if you're in NC, at least).  It is the job of that agent to sell that home for the highest price and to represent the interests of the builder, period.  It's the job of a buyer's agent to get to know you and what your goals are when buying a home, whether that means a short commute time, Pinterest-worthy design features, a yard big enough for a swing set and a dog, convenience to shopping/dining/parks, or whatever else is important to you and to help you keep those things in mind.

You may believe that if you don't use your own agent you will get a better deal because the builder won't have to pay a buyer's agent's commission, but you'd be wrong.  The amount of the buyer's agent's commission is virtually always built into the price of the homes, and if you don't have an agent of your own, that money is either paid to the on-site agent or retained as profit.  You won't be offered a discount because you don't have an agent. In fact, it will likely cost you more because you won't have the inside scoop on what different builders will "throw in" as far as upgrades and added features are concerned; a buyer's agent familiar with the practices of area builders will.

There are a lot of decisions to be made during the construction process, and a buyer's agent can help you make the smart ones - things like which upgrades are going to bring you the biggest return on your investment when it comes to resale value, or whether or not living next to high-voltage power lines or a busy street will make it harder to sell your home down the road.  The builder's agent isn't going to point those things out to you, because that isn't his or her job - again, they represent the builder.

You may think you don't need a home inspection when buying new construction, but you should get one, and a buyer's agent will make sure you know all the reasons why.  Builders are human, and mistakes can be made - sometimes they are little things like forgetting to hook up the hot water faucet, but wouldn't it be nice to know that before you are standing in the shower freezing?  Finding out about any issues that need to be corrected means they can be fixed before you move in, which is a lot less disruptive than having workmen coming and going while you're living in the home.  A home inspection also provides a lot of information about the maintenance of a house over the years, and for first-time homebuyers, that's priceless.  

On-site builder's representatives are fantastic people - I work with them and respect them, and some of them are way cooler than I will ever be!  But they work for the builder.  A buyer's agent works for you.

My husband recently started a band with his buddies named "The Midlife Vices."  They're a group of guys in their 40s, and they spend (almost) every waking moment these days rehearsing, texting each other new song ideas, searching Amazon for new and *essential* music gear, and basically living the dream.  As far as vices go, this one is pretty cool - the fact that they are all actually talented musicians certainly doesn't hurt!

The band and its name got me thinking about what my personal midlife vices are, so in no particular order, here is my current list - subject to change at any time, of course!

•  In terms of things traditionally considered vices, my newest kick is the Moscow Mule (a combo of vodka, ginger beer, and lime served in a copper mug) and its Italian cousin, the Mulo Romano (same as the Moscow, but with the addition of Blood Orange Juice).  
• Rise Donuts are, and will always be, high on my list.  The cinnamon twist is a perennial favorite, but I have yet to be disappointed in anything I've tried.  
• Fixer Upper is my favorite HGTV creation, and like most of America I love Chip, JoJo, and all things Magnolia.  I've toyed with the idea of making the pilgrimage to Waco just to stay in their gorgeous new vacation home and shop at the Silos, but alas it is already booked solid for all of 2016.  Another year, perhaps...
• I love shopping locally, and my newest addiction is Durham's own Vintage Home South.  Located on Ninth Street, this "purveyor of charming home decor" has helped me furnish and decorate my own home, and it's one of the best places around to find unique gifts or one-of-a-kind vintage and reclaimed pieces.  (If you're looking for a local Fixer Upper fix, Vintage Home South is carrying JoJo's new furniture line as well!)

​That's about as much confessing as I'm up for in one sitting.  Now, it's your turn - what are your vices, midlife or not?