{"id":103611,"date":"2025-07-16T13:00:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T20:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=103611"},"modified":"2025-07-16T13:00:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T20:00:31","slug":"spec-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/spec-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Spec House 101: What to Know Before Buying"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-new-construction-vs-existing-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new construction home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? A spec house might just be the one for you. Buying a home can be one of the biggest decisions you\u2019ll make, so we\u2019re explaining all there is to know about a spec home to help your search. So, whether you\u2019re buying your very <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/buy\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30756\/GA\/Atlanta\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atlanta, GA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or looking for a new build in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/17150\/UT\/Salt-Lake-City\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salt Lake City, UT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this article has you covered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A spec house is a great move-in-ready option for those looking for a modern new construction home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While spec homes have modern features, you typically don\u2019t get to pick finishes like with a custom build.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When buying a spec house, strategize your timing or negotiate on perks instead of price to get the best deal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a spec house?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A spec house, short for speculative house, is a new home constructed by home builders and made to appeal to a variety of home buyers. Since there\u2019s no particular home buyer in mind, these homes are built \u201con speculation\u201d meaning that they\u2019ll typically feature more trendy aspects people may want in a home such as an open layout, a kitchen island, and walk-in closets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I buy a spec house?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While we can\u2019t make that decision for you, consider your house wants, needs, and budgets when weighing the pros and cons. Redfin Real Estate breaks it down for you in two lists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of a spec home<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Move-in ready: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spec homes are typically already built or close to being finished, so you\u2019ll be able to move in right away.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pre-designed: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for indecisive folks, the finishes, layouts, and other touches of a spec home are already picked out for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Modern design: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spec homes have modern layouts with trendy features like open floor plans, en-suite bathrooms, and walk-in closets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lower maintenance and repairs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With you being the first to live in the house, you won\u2019t have to deal with or worry about any hidden wear-and-tear, maintenance, and repair issues for a while.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relatively affordable: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it depends on the local market and each situation, spec homes typically cost less than fully custom homes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drawbacks of a spec home<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited or no customization: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You typically won\u2019t have a say in the cabinets, flooring, and other finishes, limiting personal style.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fixed floorplan: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also typically won\u2019t have a say in the floorplan which could not fit your personal lifestyle and preferences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inability to choose location: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You won\u2019t be able to choose the specific lot or neighborhood since the spec house has already been (or is close to being) built.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paying for unused features: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since a spec home is built for a wide variety of homebuyers, you may end up paying for features you may not necessarily want or need.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Less room for negotiation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you can negotiate, there is typically limited\u00a0 negotiation when buying a spec house, especially if demand is high.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-103619 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"a man and woman look tour the white modern bathroom of a spec home with a realtor\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/pexels-a-darmel-7641897-1-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I buy a spec house?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of purchasing a spec home is relatively the same as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-a-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying any home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See how much you can afford using a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/how-much-house-can-i-afford\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home affordability calculator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to buy with a mortgage, decide which type is best for you and get <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/mortgage-pre-approval\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pre-approved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-real-estate-agent\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and begin working with them to find the right home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tour various spec homes to narrow down your decision.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss your offer with your agent, consider <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/contingencies-in-real-estate\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contingencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and make an offer. While you can negotiate with spec homes, the builders typically have already set a price floor.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though the house is brand new, it\u2019s still a good idea to get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/steps-to-closing-on-a-house\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close on the home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and begin <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/things-to-do-after-buying-a-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">moving in<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is a spec home different from a model or custom home?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spec homes are built without a specific buyer in mind and are perfect for those looking for a new construction home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A model home is made to display the best upgrades, features, and layout options a new development has to offer, which are best for those looking for a well-upgraded home. These homes are only available for purchase after the builder finishes selling the other homes in the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A custom home is also a new build that is completely customizable, unlike spec and model homes. These are ideal for buyers who are looking for a personalized space and do not need to move in quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-103613 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1-840x630.png\" alt=\"a venn diagram of the differences and similarities between a spec home, model home, and custom home\" width=\"840\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1-840x630.png 840w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1-200x150.png 200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1-400x300.png 400w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spec-model-and-custom-homes-1.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spec house FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a question about spec houses, chances are, someone else is asking too. Take a look at the commonly asked questions about these types of homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a right time to buy a spec house?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no right or wrong time to buy a spec house, but consider buying at the end of the builder\u2019s fiscal quarter, during a slower market season, or when construction is near completion for a better deal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does a spec house cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of a spec home varies greatly depending on location and market conditions, but a typical mid-range price brackets from $400,000 to $700,000.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-negotiate-new-home-price-with-builder\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negotiate on a spec house<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can negotiate on price, but builders usually have a price floor set. You\u2019ll likely have better luck negotiating other perks like closing cost assistance, home warranties, or upgrades and features if the home isn\u2019t finished.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a new construction home? Learn all about spec homes and figure out if it\u2019s for you in this Redfin article.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":808,"featured_media":103617,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34618,34529,34362],"coauthors":[36288],"class_list":["post-103611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-definition","tag-buying-faq","tag-house-styles"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Spec House 101 | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for a new construction home? Learn all about spec homes and figure out if it\u2019s for you in this Redfin article.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/spec-house\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Spec House 101: What to Know Before Buying\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking for a new construction home? 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