Get the Most of Your Visit to a Model Home
If you’re considering building a home, you’re probably going to end up visiting a model home at some point. Here are my recommendations for getting the most out of your model home visit.
Visit a model you can actually build. In our community, the model home is not the type of home we’re building. We wanted to see the model of a Florence so our Ryan rep told us which communities had Florence models and we went to one of those. She called the Ryan rep at the other community to let her know we were coming and she greeted us by name when we got there, let us know to tell her if we had any questions and left us alone.
Don’t rush through. Take your time walking through the model. Take a couple of laps if you have to, and don’t let other model visitors make you feel like you should move on from a room more quickly than your ready.
Don’t make any assumptions. Never assume anything is standard in a model. Because it probably isn’t. They deck out models to sell the upgrades.
Don’t feel pushed into upgrades. The model in our community has more than $120,000 worth of upgraded features in it. The base price of a house may be very attractive, but know that the model you’ll see has every bell and whistle available in it, don’t feel like you have to sign on for them.
See more. If you aren’t sure what the house would be like without the structural upgrades (i.e. additional rooms, room expansions, raised ceilings, exterior extensions, etc.) ask to see a home in progress with as close to the features you think you’d want.
Don’t be turned off by decor. Professionals decorate the models with furniture and decorations that are supposed to be inviting and on-trend. They may not be to your taste, don’t let that turn you off!
Talk to the rep. Chances are there is a rep at the model, although they may be busy when you’re there. If they’re available ask them questions, point things out that you need clarification on. If the rep isn’t available, set an appointment or call with your questions.
Be aware that you aren’t buying the model. Unless you actually do buy the model. In a development like ours, the available lots won’t be the same as what the model has. The exterior colors and style will most likely be different (and you’ll be able to choose them if you build) and some things will change slightly. Models are used for several years, but builders change suppliers and styles of things like door handles, light fixtures and so on more frequently.
Have you ever visited a model home? Any tips?
