Fad or Future? Uncovering the Truth About Buying a Model Home
Model houses are a type of spec homes, short for speculative homes. Custom homebuilders construct them to showcase what’s possible with their floor plans. These fully furnished properties allow potential homebuyers to envision their lives in their new homes and take advantage of the maximum upgrades.
The best custom homebuilders in the mid-Atlantic region sell model homes, but should you purchase one? Here are the reasons they’re becoming attractive to more homebuyers.
They Are Move-in-Ready
Like owner-occupied houses for sale, model homes are suitable and ready for habitation. However, unlike owner-occupied houses on the market, you can consider model homes as new builds. Although you still need insurance to protect against title defects, a model home is likely to have a clean deed.
Technically, model homes aren’t untouched since homebuilders use them for sales, but any wear and tear should be minimal.
They Already Have Premium Amenities
Model homes primarily exist to entice prospective buyers to choose their corresponding floor plans for customization or opt for their stripped-down versions. Purchasing one of them lets you live in a fully furnished property with high-end features.
These houses require little to no renovation and repairs. They reduce the need to finance potentially costly improvements. Model homes are also professionally decorated in styles that appeal to a broad range of buyers.
They Are Sitting on Prime Lots
Homebuilders construct model houses in strategic locations to put them and the broader community in a good light. Often, they occupy corner lots or other attractive spots in the neighborhood.
Land is equally important as the house, as far as long-term property appreciation is concerned. Choosing a model home can be an elegant way to live in one of the most desirable places in the community.
Leading Custom Homebuilders for Model Homes in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Here are the best custom homebuilders that serve Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania with large inventories of model and modifiable move-in-ready houses.
Keystone Custom Homes: Best Custom Homebuilder in Virginia
Keystone Custom Homes has built more than 10,000 homes in five states since 1992. It has model single-family homes, carriage houses, townhomes and townhouses across over 10 counties in the mid-Atlantic, ranging from under 2,000 to over 4,500 square feet.
In addition to its existing communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland, this custom homebuilder’s new neighborhood in Spotsylvania, VA, will be the site of its best lake access and lake view homes. Keystone Custom Homes’ KeyChoices platform lets you reimagine its interactive floor plans with thousands of customization options to suit your lifestyle and personal preferences. The MyKCH app lets you easily communicate with the team and receive construction updates.
|
Floor Plans |
Number of Model Homes for Sale |
Customizable Move-in-Ready Homes |
|---|---|---|
|
41 |
2 |
Available |
2. Evergreene Homes: Best in Delaware
Evergreene Homes has established itself as the best semicustom homebuilder in Delaware since 2007. Its floor plans are ideal for energy-conscious growing families that value reduced carbon footprints and long-term energy savings.
The team has dozens of move-in-ready homes under construction, which lend themselves to customization. The delivery date of these properties is still three months to over nine months away, giving you a window to personalize your chosen unit with Evergreene Homes.
|
Floor Plans |
Number of Model Homes for Sale |
Customizable Move-in-Ready Homes |
|---|---|---|
|
16 |
Unspecified |
Available |
3. Mid-Atlantic Builders: Best in Maryland
Mid-Atlantic Builders has a custom division that has built over 100 properties in Maryland since 2011. The team specializes in building luxury residences from the ground up in sought-after neighborhoods, allowing you to join a vibrant community from day one.
This builder has under 10 move-in-ready homes for sale and almost 20 more under construction. The interior elements lend themselves to personalization. Mid-Atlantic Builders has also partnered with the Residential Warranty Company to protect you financially. The warranty covers structural defects for 10 years, key mechanical systems for two years, and craft errors and material defects for one year.
|
Floor Plans |
Number of Model Homes for Sale |
Customizable Move-in-Ready Homes |
|---|---|---|
|
13 |
Unspecified |
Available |
Criteria for Choosing the Best Custom Homebuilders
The following factors were prioritized when finding and comparing the region’s leading custom homebuilders. You can use these same factors to guide your own search and ensure you partner with a reputable and reliable builder.
- Reputation and experience: Look for established builders with a deep portfolio and positive homeowner reviews. Accreditations, industry awards and community involvement are also strong indicators of a trustworthy company.
- Design flexibility: The best builders offer platforms or design teams that let you modify layouts, select finishes and add features that fit your lifestyle.
- Quality and warranty: A comprehensive warranty is a sign that the builder stands behind their work. Look for coverage for structural defects, key mechanical systems and materials.
- Prime locations: Look for builders who acquire lots in desirable, well-planned neighborhoods that are likely to appreciate.
- Transparent pricing and financing: You should receive a clear breakdown of the base price, upgrade costs and any potential fees. Many top builders also offer in-house financing or have partnerships with preferred lenders to simplify the loan process.
- Customer support and communication: A good builder will provide regular updates and have a dedicated team to answer your questions. Look for modern tools, like online portals or apps, that make it easy to track progress and stay in touch.
Is a Model Home for You?
There are many merits to model homes. Move-in-ready houses are more widely available and can be customized to a certain extent during construction. Check out the latest inventories of the best custom homebuilders to know your options.
