What Is a Model Home: Getting the Most From Your Visit to a New Home Community
What is a model home? A model home is a sample home completed by a builder within a new home community. These are new construction home communities, so there are usually no completed homes for a potential buyer to view or tour. However, the model home allows potential buyers to see a builder’s completed product and to assess their work. A model home tour allows the family to see an example of what their home might look like (depending on the home design selected) as well as certain features and finishes they may choose to have in their own home.
Why Should I Visit a Model Home?
If you have already found a community that you love (like Pecan Square by Hillwood!) the next step is to choose a builder. A great place to start is by visiting the model homes in the community. Here, you will be able to meet each new home builder and learn about each company’s history. It’s also a great time to ask questions. We’ll have more tips on which questions to ask later.
What Can You Learn on a Model Home Tour?
What will you learn when you visit a model home? Here are some examples of the important information you can obtain during a model home tour.
Evaluate Quality & Craftsmanship
When you visit the builder’s model home, consider its quality, the craftsmanship involved, and the attention to detail. The model home is their showplace so it should stand up to scrutiny.
Browse Home Designs & Floor Plans
When you visit each of the model homes at a new home community, you will have a chance to look at each builder’s portfolio of designs and layouts. The builder’s representative will be very well versed on floorplans and designs so if you don’t see what you are looking for, be sure to ask. After you tour the model home, ask if there are any completed spec homes that you can tour as well.
See Finish Packages & Upgrades
Some builder’s models include examples of the finish packages buyers can select for their home within the community. Many builders also have a separate design studio that is located nearby. Here you can see the color scheme options and look at the various combinations of flooring, countertops, and fixtures that are available to homebuyers. Some builders may offer certain upgrades at an additional cost. Ask about these upgrades and their additional costs during your model home visit.
Questions to Ask When Touring a Model Home
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Model Homes
What Are Model Homes Called?
A builders’ example homes are typically called “model” homes, but they are also called “show” homes, “showcase” homes, or “display” homes.
What Is the Difference Between a Spec Home and a Model Home?
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.
Can You Buy Model Homes?
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.
Visualize Your New Home at Pecan Square by Hillwood
If you’re ready to make life at Pecan Square by Hillwood in Northlake, TX a reality, come see our new home community for yourself! When you learn more about our new construction homes, amazing amenities, and engaging lifestyle program, you’ll understand why our community was named the People’s Choice Community of the Year and the Master-Planned Community of the Year for 2021 by the Dallas Builder’s Association. Visit us at The Greeting House today for more information!