New Home Shopping What’s the Purpose of a Model Home?

K. Hovnanian Homes - Liberty Hill Farm

So, you’re considering buying a “new” home.  Though you’re buying a “home” you’re also buying into a “neighborhood”.  Doing your research is key.  The internet is a great place to start by showing you available options.  However, don’t just take what the internet has to say you have to go out and drive the neighborhoods, walk through the model homes, study the available floor plans, talk to area residents as well as real estate professionals before you sign on the dotted line.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and overlook crucial factors.  You may engage the help of a Realtor® to aid in your search & the negotiation process, as well as a Mortgage Lender to help you determine how much you’re qualified to spend.  Once you have the basics figured out (like your budget and a general idea of area in which you’re looking) it’s time to make a list of neighborhoods you’d like to visit. It’s good to consider all your options, so be sure to include neighborhoods that might not seem exactly like what you’re looking for, you might be surprised at what you find.  It’s also helps you figure out the things that you don’t like as much in a community as the things that you do.

While visiting new home communities, you’ll find that most builders have a model home or possibly a row of model homes for you to tour.  Simply put, a model home is a “sample home” that displays a builder’s craftsmanship and creativity. The sole purpose of the models is to demonstrate how a builder’s houses will look, feel, flow and function, while using the latest homebuilding techniques, products, and features. Builders have access to an extensive list of options, features, and upgrades, which are frequently included in their models so buyers may see the many possibilities.

 

Why is a Model Home Helpful?

Before you buy a car, you test-drive it.  A model home offers new home shoppers a similar experience and is important to the buying process because it allows you to physically see, demonstrate and “test-drive” the home before committing to purchasing it. Touring model homes is extremely educational and can also be a lot of fun. Because these models showcase a builder’s workmanship and originality, you can see how homes are constructed, why particular features are included and how a floor plan can be tailored to fit your needs. A model is also an ideal way for a builder to present or introduce the company’s newest features and product options, as well as the most recently developed building techniques.

 

How Can You Make the Most of Your Model Visit?

Be sure to have a notepad with you when you arrive at a model home.  This way you can note the features commonly seen in most models, as well as what is unique. Note what do you like and don’t like.  Write down the features you absolutely need in a home. How is the curb appeal? Be sure to walk completely around the house, both inside and out, including closets, utility areas, and the backyard.

Ask the builder’s agent to take you on a guided tour. As you go from room to room, study each individual space, and never hesitate to ask questions, especially about the builder’s résumé. Have the agent point out the features unique to the home and be sure you understand which are standard and which are upgrades/options—especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Ask about energy efficiency and each of the features that contribute to it. It would also be helpful to ask is what options and upgrade combinations other buyers have chosen and/or what works well together. Be sure to let the agent know if you have any special needs that must be met, because model options don’t always demonstrate all that a builder can do to accommodate home buyer’s needs.

Here’s a great list of available new home neighborhoods in the Charleston tri-county area. 
  

Other relevant New Home Shopping Articles

 

• Questions to Ask When Touring a Model Home
• Get the Most Bang for Your Buck in New Home Upgrades
• Before you buy: Top questions to ask before purchasing a new construction home
• How Long Does It Take to Buy a New Home? Here’s a Timeline
• Never bought a new home, here's what you can expect
• Some Lesser Known Perks of Buying a New Home 
• Choosing a community: Figuring out what’s important to you
• Five Compromises to Consider When Shopping for a New Home
• Five Things to Do When Shopping for Your New Home

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Thank you for reading and sharing our articles from The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide. Our business is to know Charleston, SC's new home construction, home builders, neighborhoods, and homes so we may assist you as you take your new construction home journey. Please take the time to explore our site. The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide is considered the best and most reliable ‘local’ resource to new home construction, builders, neighborhoods, and homes throughout the Lowcountry since 2004.

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