{"id":104425,"date":"2025-08-05T15:17:04","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T22:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=104425"},"modified":"2025-08-29T09:05:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T16:05:21","slug":"buying-a-model-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-model-home\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Model Home and Should You Buy One? Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"rkt-Body-16 rsc-copy\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding a home that balances your wish list with your budget isn\u2019t always easy. Along the way, you might come across a model home \u2013 a fully finished house built by a developer to showcase what homes in the neighborhood will look like. Builders use these homes as sales tools, often filling them with upgrades and staged furniture to help buyers picture themselves living there. Whether you\u2019re looking to buy your first <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/14240\/AZ\/Phoenix\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house in Phoenix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or move to a new community in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/13655\/FL\/Orlando\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house in Orlando<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, keep reading to learn about the\u00a0 unique pros and cons that come with buying a model home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-104511\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"buying a model home show house\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-scaled.jpg 2133w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-267x150.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-1120x630.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2222205289-1-533x300.jpg 533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a model home?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A model home is a show property, similar to a showroom. It displays a builder\u2019s work to prospective buyers desiring to live in a particular subdivision or development. This type of house can come in a number of popular styles and is specifically designed to appeal to a buyer\u2019s interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Model homes often contain many popular wish list items, like larger and more open floor plans, granite countertops, high-quality appliances, and luxurious flooring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary purpose of a model home is to sell similar properties in a builder\u2019s development, but sometimes they\u2019re also made available for buyers to purchase once the builder no longer needs them for tours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key features of a model home<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Premium upgrades:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Includes high-end appliances, flooring, countertops, and fixtures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Professional staging:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Furnished with designer furniture, d\u00e9cor, and accessories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prime location:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Often placed near the entrance or in a visible spot within the development.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What makes model homes different<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually located in a visible or central spot in the subdivision.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packed with popular features that may not be standard in other homes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available for purchase after the builder has finished using them for tours.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why builders create model homes<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sales tool:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Builders use model homes to demonstrate floor plans, finishes, and overall construction quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Showcase upgrades:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They often include premium features such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, or high-end appliances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Furnished and staged:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Decor, furniture, and accessories create a move-in-ready look that helps buyers picture themselves in the space.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prime location:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Model homes are usually placed in visible or central spots within the subdivision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you buy a model home?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can buy a model home, but usually only after most of the community has sold since builders keep them as showcase properties. When they do go on the market, they can be appealing options with upgraded features, high-end finishes, and professional staging\u2014sometimes even including furniture and d\u00e9cor, depending on negotiations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Considerations for buyers:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wear and tear:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even though they haven\u2019t been lived in, frequent tours may cause scuffs or minor damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What\u2019s included:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Buyers may be able to negotiate for furniture, d\u00e9cor, or upgrades to be part of the sale.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Warranty timing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The builder\u2019s warranty often starts when the home is completed, not when you move in, so ask about an extension.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inspection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A professional home inspection is still important to identify any issues, even in a brand-new property.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for buyers considering a model home<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ask what\u2019s included:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Confirm whether furniture, d\u00e9cor, appliances, and fixtures are part of the sale.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get a home inspection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even though the home is new, wear from tours or rushed construction can reveal issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Compare pricing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Look at similar homes in the community to make sure you\u2019re getting a fair deal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Review warranties:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check when the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/is-a-home-warranty-required\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> builder\u2019s warranty<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> started and ask if it can be extended to cover your ownership period.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does buying a model home differ from buying traditional housing?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a model home is similar to a traditional purchase, but there are some differences to note:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pricing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Model homes are often cheaper than new construction since they may be a few years old and show minor wear from tours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Furniture included:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Builders may sell the home with furniture and d\u00e9cor, saving buyers on moving or furnishing costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Financing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some builders partner with or own lending companies. While convenient, always compare loan terms with outside lenders to avoid higher costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How buying a model home works<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Check pricing and compare sales<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Builders usually wait to sell model homes until most of the community is complete, and they\u2019re often priced lower than brand-new builds. Still, compare the asking price with similar homes in the neighborhood to make sure you\u2019re getting a fair deal. Since many model homes aren\u2019t listed on the MLS, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/15_questions_to_ask_when_hiring_a_real_estate_agent\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ask your real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to pull a comparative market analysis (CMA).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Inspect the property carefully<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though model homes are newer, they may show wear from tours or have systems (like HVAC or plumbing) that are a few years old. Always <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">order a professional home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to check for construction shortcuts, damage, or pest issues. Use any findings in your negotiations or walk away if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Ask what\u2019s included in the sale<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers often have the chance to negotiate extras such as furniture, d\u00e9cor, appliances, or fixtures. Also, check whether the property was ever used as a sales office or showroom and confirm that any modifications will be restored to residential use before closing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Review financing and warranties<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some builders partner with lenders or have in-house financing, but it\u2019s smart to compare terms with outside lenders to ensure you get the best deal. Since the builder\u2019s warranty may have started when construction finished \u2013 not when you move in \u2013 ask if it can be extended or adjusted to cover you fully.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you buy a model home? The pros and cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a model home comes with trade-offs. Here are the main pros and cons to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Move-in ready:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No waiting for construction to finish.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High-end finishes included:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Upgrades like appliances, flooring, and fixtures are already built in.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Furniture optional:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some sales include furniture and d\u00e9cor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Discounted pricing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Often more affordable than new builds, with room to negotiate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wear and tear:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Heavy foot traffic from tours can cause minor damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited customization:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Less flexibility to choose finishes or layouts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Location trade-offs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Often placed near the entrance or high-traffic areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Not everything included:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Furniture or fixtures may be excluded from the sale.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs about buying a model home<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still serious about buying a model home? Make sure you\u2019ve asked all the important questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about buying model homes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. What\u2019s another name for a model house?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re also called show homes or display homes. You might also hear \u201cspec home\u201d or \u201cdemonstration home,\u201d though those terms can sometimes refer to slightly different situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. How much does it cost to buy a model home?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costs vary widely depending on location, size, and features, but they\u2019re often negotiable because of prior use as a showcase property. Builders may be willing to discount them to close out a community.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Are model homes cheaper than new construction homes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, model homes are usually priced lower than brand-new builds of the same floor plan because they may be a few years old, have been toured frequently, and could show light wear. The built-in upgrades, however, can add value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. When do model homes go on sale?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most builders list their model homes toward the end of a community\u2019s development, once most of the other homes have sold. This timing ensures the builder can keep using them for marketing until sales are nearly complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn what a model home is, its pros and cons, and tips for buying one so you can decide if it\u2019s the right move-in ready option for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":585,"featured_media":104511,"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":[34529,34642],"coauthors":[34682],"class_list":["post-104425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-faq","tag-mortgage"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is a Model Home and Should You Buy One? | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what a model home is, its pros and cons, and tips for buying one so you can decide if it\u2019s the right move-in ready option for you.\" \/>\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\/buying-a-model-home\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is a Model Home and Should You Buy One? 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