Quick Answer
A model home lets you walk through a builder's floor plan in person before committing, but it is usually decked out with options and finishes beyond the base price. Compare what you see against the builder's included features list, and use a builder allowance sheet to separate what is standard from what costs extra.
- Purpose
- Showcase a floor plan and community
- Typically for sale
- No, usually reserved during active sales
- Finishes shown
- Often upgraded beyond the base price
- Best used for
- Layout and flow, not final pricing
What a Model Home Is For
Builders furnish and decorate a model home to help buyers picture themselves in the floor plan, and to demonstrate available layouts, room sizes, and popular options in a given community. It is a sales tool as much as a preview.
Because the model is designed to impress, it typically includes premium flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and staging furniture that go well beyond the community's standard, included finishes.
How to Tour a Model Home Wisely
Ask your sales representative for a features sheet that spells out exactly what is standard versus what is an upgrade in the model you are touring. This is the single best way to avoid sticker shock later at the design center when pricing out upgrades and options.
Pay attention to room sizes and traffic flow rather than paint colors or furniture, since staging can make spaces feel larger or cozier than they will once you move in.
Questions About Your Situation?
We'll walk you through it in plain English — no pressure, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Model home
Can I buy the actual model home?
Sometimes, once the builder is ready to release it, often near the end of a community's build-out. These sales usually include furniture or upgrade allowances as part of the deal.
Why does the model home look nicer than what I am quoted?
Model homes are typically loaded with upgrades to show the floor plan at its best. Ask for an itemized list of what is standard versus optional before comparing prices.
Should I bring my own agent to a model home visit?
Yes. The builder's on-site representative works for the builder, so having your own agent represent your interests is a smart step before you sign anything.