With the lack of resale inventory available, more and more of our clients are touring El Dorado Hills model homes to decide if purchasing a new home is a better option. We encourage it – just make sure you also read our guide to buying new construction before you go!
When you visit model homes, just as when you tour resale homes, it’s important that you have a plan. Buying a home from a builder versus a resale is analogous to buying a new car from a dealer versus a used car from a private seller. The builder has created an environment that is conducive to selling homes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, we just want you to understand the difference. The following article will help should you choose to tour model homes in El Dorado Hills.
Keep in mind, it’s OK to bring your real estate agent with you – in fact, we encourage it! We also suggest touring El Dorado Hills model homes if you are preparing to put your home on the market – it’s a great way to understand how professionals stage homes for sale!
Tips for Touring El Dorado Hills Model Homes
If a homeowner has done his job, a home for sale has been cleaned up, gussied up and put on display to entice potential buyers to make an offer to purchase. The home will shine like new! Never is this more evident than in the El Dorado Hills model homes seen in new the housing developments around town! Carefully staged by interior decorators, every element in these models — from the wall color to the appliances and every decorative accent — is chosen for its ability to appeal to a buyer’s emotions.
If you plan on spending a weekend touring model homes, it’s a good idea to go into the process prepared with as much information as possible. Let’s take a look at some of what you should think about when taking those tours.
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What to Bring with You
The most important “thing” to bring with you when you tour new home communities is your real estate agent.
This may seem counterintuitive when you get there and realize that the builder or developer has an on-site real estate agent. Wouldn’t it be more convenient to use that agent?
Are you looking for convenience or assurance?
Although the builder’s agent may be a very nice person and although it may be perfectly legal for her to work with you and the builder in what is known as a “dual agency” situation, you are taking unnecessary chances by teaming up with the agent.
The builder’s agent has a duty to look out for the best interests of the client and that client is the builder. Since it doesn’t cost you a penny to have your own representation, and you stand to gain so much by having someone in your corner, bring your own real estate agent.
At the very least, let it be know that you have an agent and have no intention of working with the builder’s.
Next, bring that wish list with you. Lists of any type help keep you focused on what’s truly important – what you really need and want – and avoid impulse shopping.
You’ll need a camera or your smartphone as well. Having photos of the various features will help you compare homes after you get home.
Bring along a tape measure so that you won’t have to guess at room sizes, the length of walls and the interior of closets. We use the MagicPlan app to help map out and measure floor plans.
If you’re shopping alone, bring along a friend or family member for a second opinion and to bounce ideas off of (or even better, bring your agent!!).
Get the lay of the land
Location is everything when it comes to real estate so get to know the community before looking at the homes. Consider not only its location within the city, but surrounding amenities that you require.
Then, take a walk or drive through the community to get a feel for what it will be like when completed and to get an idea of which lots are better suited for your needs.
Don’t fall for the staging
So often we see homebuyers lured into buying a new home simply because of the way it’s presented, you know, that “new car smell”! Try to look beyond the snazzy décor and yummy paint colors to the flow of the floor plan.
Remember: Staging is meant to target your emotions
Try to imagine the same home with your furnishings, appliances and accessories. In fact, if you’ve fallen head-over-heels for a home, ask to see the same model, unfurnished and see if you feel the same way!
After all, what will the home will look like when you purchase it?
If your heart is set on the home looking identical to the model, request a breakdown of the upgrades used in the model and the cost to replicate them. You might be surprised how much above “list price” the upgrades will cost.
Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions. If your agent isn’t accompanying you on the tour, ask the on-site agent.
Find out about home warranties that are included with the purchase, the cost of upgrades that interest you, the type of financing offered, community amenities, the building process and whatever other questions come to mind.
The new-home buying process differs considerably from buying an existing home. We’re happy to walk you through the process so feel free to reach out.
Most of all, have fun!
It’s a lot of fun touring model homes. Seeing all the latest and greatest amenities and designs can give you great ideas for your own home whether you are preparing it for sale or just looking to update it. If it’s been a while, you might even be surprised at how homes are changing!
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