Tricks to watch for in builder’s models

I’ll admit it … it’s fun to walk through builder’s models. They look so-o-o beautiful and we wish our own homes could look that perfect. Of course, there are no wee ones or 4-legged family members that live in those models, but it’s still fun to dream.

As you’re walking through the model … after you’re done ohh-in and ahh-ing, and before you decide that this might be the right home for you, you need to take off the rose-colored glasses. Remember, that model homes have been “staged” to look their best and to entice you to buy. You need to look beyond the staging to evaluate whether the home will “live” as you want to live. Here’s some of the tricks you might find:

• Watch for large mirrors. These are used to make small spaces seem larger, and you may not even notice their use on your initial walk-thru.

• Consider furniture size. Often smaller love seats are used rather than full-size sofas. Beds might be a double rather than the king size you own and/or want. Kids rooms might use a twin bed. A two-person cafe table might be used in the kitchen rather than a “family of 4″ style table. And if you plan to host holiday dinners, check the size of the dining room table and the number of chairs around it.
• Is there a TV – where YOU want a TV? Big screen TV’s are so popular now, but model homes will seldom contain one unless it’s in the lower level “media” room. If you plan to put that big TV in the first-floor Great Room with your favorite overstuffed lounger, and that room in the model has only a couple love seats flanking the fireplace, then you’re in trouble!
• Pretend to carry in the groceries. This is the reality of life! Can you get from the garage to the kitchen without walking over an area that might be carpeted? If not, is the layout such that tile or hardwood would look OK in this high-traffic area? Also, consider going to the backyard from the kitchen if you like to BBQ.
• Measure the garage! Then measure your cars or SUV’s. Average priced homes tend to have small garages, sized just big enough to put two cars. But once you live in the home, you’ll likely be adding a lawn mower, bikes, and of course, those big trash containers so many communities are using. Admittedly, it may be harder to judge the garage, since models use that area for their office, so try to view an example of the model that is near completion.
• Consider window placement along the side of the home. Like the garage, this can be a tougher task. That big window over the 1st floor MBR jacuzzi tub just may look directly into your future neighbor’s dining room once the homes are actually built. And since, you may not know the design of the home next door because it’s now an empty lot, you could be in for a disappointment – OR your neighbor’s could have some interesting dinner conversation!

These are just a few of the lifestyle items to consider when evaluating a new-build floor plan. Your Realtor® will advise you on others as well as which upgrades will bring you the best resale value when it comes time to sell.

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