Buying a new home is an exciting milestone, and for many new construction shoppers, touring model homes is a key step in the decision-making process. Model homes give you a chance to visualize your future home, explore different layouts, and experience design options firsthand. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the dreamlike staging and multitude of features.
This blog will provide you with practical tips to make your model home tours enjoyable and productive. Whether you’re deciding on your dream layout or evaluating the community around it, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to ensure your tours help you find the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Preparing for Your Tour
The success of your model home tour starts even before you walk through the front door. Careful preparation can save you time and ensure the experience is tailored to your priorities.
Research Builders and Floor Plans
Before you start touring, look up builders in your area, paying attention to reviews, reputation, and available floor plans. Most builders showcase layouts on their websites, and some even provide virtual tours, which can be a great way to narrow down your choices.
Define Your Budget and Must-Haves
Establishing a realistic budget will help you focus on homes within your price range. Apart from cost, create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. What features are most important to you? Is it an open-concept kitchen? A dedicated office? Plenty of storage? Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, as well as deal-breakers. This will keep you focused during the tour. Consider community features, too. Are good schools, parks, or proximity to shopping on your priority list? Jot those down!
Consider the Future
Does your chosen home need to accommodate expansion, multigenerational living, or entertaining guests? Think about your lifestyle now and how it may evolve in the next 5-10 years. A great home today should still work for you tomorrow.
What to Focus on During the Tour
When viewing a model home, it’s important to look beyond the decor to better understand the home’s structure and usability. After all, you’re not buying the styled furniture or pristine lighting fixtures; you’re investing in the home.
Pay Attention to the Layout
Walk through each room and envision your daily life unfolding within the space. Does the kitchen layout support your cooking style? Is there enough closet space in the bedrooms? Consider each room’s functionality and how it aligns with your needs.
Inspect Quality and Materials
Examine the fine details. Check the countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and windows for quality. Don’t hesitate to touch surfaces and open cabinets to assess craftsmanship. Identifying the standard features versus the upgrades is crucial since many model homes include premium finishes that may not come with the base price.
Note Both Strengths and Red Flags
A model home tour isn’t just about identifying what you love; it’s also your chance to spot potential drawbacks. For example, notice if the flow between rooms feels natural, whether there’s sufficient natural light, or if some parts of the home seem poorly planned.
Look Past the Decorations and Staging
Builders often stage model homes with high-end furniture and custom decor, but these may not represent the standard features of the home. Imagine how your own belongings would fit in the space. Request to see an undecorated version of the floor plan if possible; this can provide a more realistic sense of what’s included.
Questions You Should Ask
Navigating a model home tour isn’t just about observation; gathering information is also an essential part. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask the builder’s representative or sales agent.
- What features come standard with the home, and what are considered upgrades?
- What are the most popular upgrades, and how much do they cost?
- Are there customizations available for this floor plan?
- What warranties are included with the home?
- What financing options are available? Does the builder offer incentives for using their preferred lender?
- Is the neighborhood part of a homeowners’ association (HOA)? If so, what are the fees, and what do they cover?
- What is the expected timeline for construction and move-in?
Getting these answers during your tour will clarify expectations and help you compare options between builders and communities.
Documenting Your Experience
Model home tours can start to blur together when you’re visiting multiple locations. To avoid losing track of key details, keep a record of your impressions.
Photos and Videos
Capture clear images or short videos of the spaces, features, and layouts that catch your attention. Focus on practical elements like closet sizes, kitchen layouts, and bathrooms rather than decorative staging.
Take Notes
Bring along a notebook or use your phone to jot down detailed notes. Highlight both strong points and any concerns or drawbacks you notice. This will help you evaluate and make comparisons later.
Collect Materials
Collect any brochures, upgrade lists, or community guides offered by the builder. These documents often summarize valuable details, such as pricing breakdowns and community amenities.
Post-Tour Considerations
After the tour, take time to think beyond the walls of the model home. A house isn’t just a building; it’s part of a larger community.
Evaluate the Community
Spend time exploring the surrounding area. Are there grocery stores, parks, schools, or medical facilities nearby? What’s the commute like to your office or other daily destinations? The convenience and quality of the neighborhood will have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Drive or walk around to get a sense of the neighborhood vibe.
Compare Your Notes and Photos
Sit down with your checklist and review your notes and photos. Compare what you loved, disliked, and felt neutral about. This analysis will help you pinpoint which home and community stand out as top contenders.
Revisit Top Picks
If you’re debating between a few options, revisit your top contenders. Things you missed during the first visit might stand out the second time. Reconfirm details with the sales agent and reassess amenities, layouts, and community vibes.
Make the Most of Your Model Home Tour
Touring model homes isn’t just about admiring beautifully staged interiors. It’s a strategic way to evaluate floor plans, construction quality, and community perks in pursuit of your dream home. Remember to prepare beforehand, ask insightful questions, and document your observations.
By following these steps, you’ll make the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable as you find the perfect home.
Ready to start looking at homes? Our model homes at 28FIFTY in midtown Palo Alto are now open and we invite you to take a tour! 28FIFTY is a new community of 48 sustainable townhomes featuring solar panels and a central park for relaxation. Conveniently located near top employers, major highways, and parks, it offers easy access to Downtown Palo Alto’s shops and dining.
Visit us online at SummerHillHomes.com to view our new home communities, available homes, virtual tours, and more.