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Tips For Viewing a Builder's Model Homes

By Bill Gassett | November 20, 2023

Finding your dream home is an exciting and significant step in life. One option is to go for the gusto and purchase the house everyone loves touring in the latest and greatest neighborhood.

Buying a builder's model provides a glimpse into the possibilities of your future living space. It offers a tangible experience that goes beyond mere floor plans and pictures.

To make the most of your model home tour, it's essential to approach it with a thoughtful and discerning mindset. We will explore what to do and what to avoid during your visit to a model home.

Whether you want to purchase the model or get ideas for a custom home-building project, you'll want to spend your time wisely.

Planning for building a new house should never be quick.

What to Do

When touring a model home, you can take several proactive steps to ensure that you gather the necessary information and make informed decisions.

These include coming prepared with knowledge about the builder and available options, taking your time to thoroughly explore each room, engaging with the on-site representative, evaluating the neighborhood, and documenting the experience through photographs.

Come Prepared

Before embarking on your tour, coming prepared is crucial. This involves homework on the builder's offerings, floor plans, and available options.

Familiarizing yourself with these details will empower you to ask informed questions and make the most of your visit.

Start by researching the builder's reputation, understanding their design philosophy, and exploring their floor plans.

Knowing the available options and upgrades will give you a better understanding of the possibilities within your budget.

Take Your Time

A model house viewing is not a sprint; it's a carefully paced exploration of your potential future living space.

As you step into each room, take the time to absorb the ambiance and atmosphere. Pay meticulous attention to finishes, fixtures, and design choices.

Allow yourself to envision how each room aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Take note of the flow between spaces and how the layout caters to your daily routines.

By immersing yourself in the experience, you'll better understand whether this home resonates with your vision.

You may consider virtual staging if the home decor does not appeal to you. That way, you'll have a clearer picture of what the house will look like with your taste included.

Ask Questions

Engaging with the on-site sales representative can be valuable during your model home visit. Be bold and ask questions that will provide insights into the home-buying process. Inquire about customization options, upgrades, and ongoing promotions or incentives.

The more information you gather during your visit, the better equipped you'll be to make an informed decision.

Ask about the materials used, the warranty on the home, and any future developments planned for the community. This dialogue is an opportunity to bridge the gap between your expectations and the reality of the house.

Evaluate the Neighborhood

A home is more than just its physical structure; it is an integral part of a larger community. As you tour the model, extend your exploration of the neighborhood. Stroll to assess nearby amenities, parks, schools, and other essential services.

Consider the area's overall vibe and whether it aligns with your lifestyle. Also, check the proximity to shopping centers and public transportation. Will the suburbs meet your lifestyle expectations?

Understanding the community dynamics will help you to more comprehensively evaluate the property's suitability for you and your family.

Capture the Experience

In the age of technology, bringing a camera or using your smartphone to capture the model home experience is a wise decision.

Photographs allow you to revisit specific features and details, aiding in comparing various options later. This is especially helpful if you plan to involve family members or friends in the decision-making process who couldn't join you on the tour.

Capture the overall layout and finer details that caught your eye; these images will serve as a valuable reference in decision-making.

What Not to Do

Equally important are the actions to avoid during your model home tour. Rushing through the visit, overlooking potential flaws, disregarding functionality, making impulsive decisions, and neglecting to consider future resale value are pitfalls that can impact long-term satisfaction with your home purchase.

By being mindful of these potential missteps, you can navigate the model home tour with a critical eye and make choices that align with both your immediate needs and future goals.

Don't Rush Through

The excitement of touring a model home may tempt you to rush through the process, but resisting this urge is crucial. Take the time to thoroughly inspect each room, open closets, and scrutinize every corner.

Rushing through the tour could cause you to overlook important details that could influence your decision later. Patience will ensure you comprehensively understand the home's features and potential drawbacks.

Buying new construction is a process with many steps. Rushing through can easily cause unwanted mistakes.

Avoid Overlooking Flaws

Model homes are meticulously staged to showcase their best features, but they may need to be more flawless.

Pay close attention to details, looking for imperfections like scratches, dents, or uneven surfaces. Identifying potential issues during your tour enables you to address them with the builder and prevents unpleasant surprises when you move in.

If the flaws are more than minor, you may want to reconsider if the builder is right for your custom home plans. Picking an excellent builder is essential for long-term happiness.

Don't Disregard Functionality

While aesthetic appeal is undoubtedly essential, remember functionality. Consider how the home's layout and design align with your daily routines and activities.

Assess the practicality of the space and whether it meets your needs beyond its visual appeal. This approach ensures the home is beautiful, functional, and comfortable.

Refrain from Making Impulsive Decisions

The allure of a beautifully decorated model home can be strong, but making impulsive decisions without careful consideration is a pitfall to avoid.

Consider your options, consider your budget, and consult with your family or a trusted advisor. Reflect on your priorities and long-term goals before committing to a purchase. This thoughtful approach reduces the risk of regrets and ensures that your decision aligns with your aspirations.

For example, you may decide a bigger home is necessary for your family.

Don't Ignore Future Resale Value

While your immediate focus might be finding a home that suits your current needs, it's essential to consider its future resale value.

Opt for features and upgrades that are likely to appeal to a broad range of potential buyers down the road. A home with timeless and versatile design elements is an investment that can be appreciated, providing you with greater flexibility in the future.

In Conclusion

Touring a model home is a crucial step in the home-purchasing process, and by following these do's and don'ts, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision.

Approach the experience with an open mind, take your time to explore every aspect, and gather the information needed to turn your dream home into a reality.

Remember, the perfect home is not just a place to live; it reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

Bill Gassett is an authority in the real estate industry with 38 years of experience. Bill is well respected for his informative articles for buyers, sellers, and fellow real estate agents to make sound decisions. His work has been featured on RIS Media, the National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Newsbreak, Credit Sesame, Realty Biz News, and his own authoritative resource, Maximum Real Estate Exposure. He has been on of the top RE/MAX agents in New England over the last two decades.
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