Model homes are great to tour because they will give you ideas of what you can do with your space. It gives you a chance to look at the current status of finishes, home size, layout options, and paint colors. You will also get to know if there are any upgrades you are entitled to or if you will be required to carry them out yourself. These are vital details when it comes to choosing your own home.
Model homes are an essential part of the home-buying process. They help you get a sense of what you can expect from your home builder, and they’re a great way to learn more about the community you’re interested in.
Why Tour Model Homes?
Model homes have several purposes:
- To showcase the builder’s work and style.
- To show off various features and upgrades available for purchase in that community.
- To give buyers an idea of what it might look like if they were to purchase that particular floor plan from that builder in that community.
You will be able to make a more informed decision based on your tour and know whether the home is the right fit for you.
What Should You Do When Touring a Model Home?
Model homes are a great way to help yourself visualize what life would be like in a new home. However, the real value of model homes is that they can help you narrow down the type of home you’re looking for. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your model home tours.
Research
Take some time before touring any model homes to research the areas you’re interested in living in. You can find this information online from local government or neighborhood association websites. This will help inform your decision process and help you narrow down what type of community you want to live in and provide you with questions to ask while touring model homes.
Limit the Number
It’s easy to get caught up in touring multiple homes; however, limiting how many you tour during one visit is best. Visiting multiple homes during one trip can be confusing and difficult to remember which features belong where and can negatively impact your decision process. Instead, tour only a few at a time and take notes on what you like and don’t like about each home. This will help you determine which model homes are truly worth visiting again.

Ask Questions
Model homes are often decorated with furniture, accessories, and paint colors that may not be within your budget. Ensure that you request a list of included features to be aware of the various options available to you. Also, make sure you understand what is included with your new home. This is also an excellent time to ask your sales agent any questions you may have about the model home, floor plans, or anything else related to it.
Avoid Distractions
While it is important to envision your own furnishings in the home, ensure that you don’t get carried away with the flashy furniture and decor as you’re touring a model home. While these things may be nice to look at, remember that you’re there to get a feel for the space and layout of the home. Staging gives the home an overall finished look, but you must take a moment to envision your belongings in the space, not what has been set up.
Take Pictures
Pictures are one of the best ways to capture everything you’ve seen while on your tour- take pictures of any features or rooms that stand out to you when touring a model home. This will give you something to reference later on when you’re trying to remember how big that master bedroom was or what those other rooms looked like.
Check Out the Community
You don’t have to stick to the inside of the model home when touring- it’s essential to look at the neighborhood and community around it. Consider driving around before or after your tour and checking out any nearby schools, shopping centers, parks, restaurants, etc., that might interest you about this particular community before deciding whether or not this is where you’d like to call home. Summer time especially is an excellent time to see and feel how your new neighborhood might be on a typical day. If possible, check out some local events in the area and see if this is a vibe that works for your lifestyle! It’s important not just to love your home, but to love the area around it too.
Bottom Line
Are you looking for a new home? If so, touring model homes can be one of the best ways to get a feel for what you want in your future home. It is a great way to see the quality of construction, learn about the home buying process, and find a floor plan that fits your needs.