What Is a Model Home

A builders’ example homes are typically called “model” homes, but they are also called “show” homes, “showcase” homes, or “display” homes.

Spec home is short for “speculative venture” which means the home is intended to be sold but is built without a specific buyer commitment up front.  The home will be sold to any interested buyer as is or with minor modifications.  A model home, however, is a home built to demonstrate the builder’s work to interested buyers. The model home also serves as a home base for the builder’s representative within the community.

While it is sometimes possible to purchase a model home, this usually only happens when all the other homes in the community have been sold. After all, the model home is there to show potential buyers what their new home will look like, so it needs to be preserved until a community is full. In some situations, the building company reserves the model home for future showings and sales.

There’s a lot to look at and take in when you’re touring a beautiful model home but don’t forget to ask questions! Think about what questions you would like to ask before you go and make a list. Here are some questions you may want to ask the builder’s representative when you visit a model home:

• What measures do you take to promote energy efficiency in your homes?
• What warranties do you offer on your homes?
• What is the timeline for building my preferred home?
• How does financing work? Do you have a preferred lender?
• What appliances do you put in your home?
• Can I visit my home during construction?
• What are my landscaping options?
• What will the purchase and closing processes look like?
• How does the design center process work?
• What finishes are included in the home and how do upgrades work?

You will have additional questions based on your own personal needs. If you have pets, accessibility needs, etc., add questions about those things to your arsenal. There is no such thing as too many questions during a home tour.