Couple getting the key to their new home from a realtor.

Seven Important Questions to Ask When Touring a Model Home

Couple getting the key to their new home from a realtor.

If you are in the market for a new residential property, you might consider touring a model home from the top builder in your area.

When you are ready to begin shopping, you’ll want to find a reputable company and contact their main office. The next step is to request an appointment to see the builder’s work firsthand and ask them some questions. It is essential to make a list of concerns ahead of time so that you can go into the meeting prepared. The premier new home builder in the St. Louis area, Rolwes Company, has compiled some of the top questions many future homeowners have and why having the answers is a crucial part of purchasing a home.

  1. Which features are standard and which ones are upgrades?
  2. Which features can be personalized?
  3. What is the builder’s timeline?
  4. Which floor plan is the most popular?
  5. Who are your preferred lenders?
  6. What are the nearby amenities?
  7. What aspects of landscaping are included in the purchase price?

Which features are standard and which ones are upgrades?

As you walk through the model home, be sure to take note of the finishing elements such as fixtures, finishing trim, kitchen appliances and countertops. You will want to discuss these in detail with the company representative so that you can find out what the selling price includes versus what upgrading to your personal preferences may cost.

Which features can be personalized?

The model home you tour will have specific features such as room dimensions, wall placement, fixtures, paint color scheme and exterior finishing details that may or may not fit your personal preferences. Be sure to ask whether the builder is willing to personalize certain features that are important to you such as style elements or physical dimensions.

What is the builder’s timeline?

Depending on when you are ready to buy and move in, you will want to determine if the builder can meet your schedule. If you are shopping for new construction homes in St. Louis, Rolwes Company has a multi-generational reputation for excellence and integrity. Your company representative can give you a realistic timeline and the professional assurance that the deadline will be met.

As you inspect the model home, take note of how the layout suits you and find out if the builder offers several different floor plans. A reputable builder such as Rolwes will have numerous models designed for different family sizes and lifestyles. Ask your representative which floor plan is the most popular and then compare all the options with your budget and your needs.

Who are your preferred lenders?

Financing is a sizable part of buying a home and many builders have a short list of local lending institutions they work with. You can find out from your company representative which banks they routinely recommend, and begin with these companies as you look for the right mortgage. Oftentimes, preferred lenders are more accommodating to borrowers due to the long-standing relationship between themselves and the builder. 

What are the nearby amenities?

When shopping for a new home, touring a model home is a great way to gather important information about the benefits of living in a certain area of the city. Ask the company representative about shopping centers, schools, bank branches, recreation, dining and other local attractions. Also, you can find out about the best ways to access important travel routes, public transportation and the quickest shortcut to the grocery store.

What aspects of landscaping are included in the purchase price?

Your new home’s exterior is just as important as the rest of the property. It is important to ensure that you will be moving into a house with some elements of landscaping included in the build such as lawn, garden beds, walkways, trees and shrubs. If you have favorite types of flora and garden motifs, you can even ask if the front, back and side yard layouts can be personalized to suit your personal tastes.

A big part of buying a home is having an in-depth discussion with the builder’s company representative. Contact usto meet with a residential property professional at Rolwes Co. who is ready to answer all of your questions.

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