When you're buying your first home, it’s a decision that calls for more than just browsing online listings from your couch.
Visiting display homes is a pivotal part of the homebuying journey that lets you physically experience what could become your new home.
As a first-time buyer, this process can seem overwhelming, but armed with a few insights, you can make the most of your display home visits and move closer to securing a property that truly matches your needs.
Why visit a display home?
While online photos give a glimpse, they don’t replace the value of a walk-through.
Visiting display homes allows buyers to touch and feel the home, experiencing directly what the spaces are like to be in, explains Ben May, New Homes Consultant at the Homebuyers Centre Victoria.
“Buyers can gauge if the layout and size align with their household’s lifestyle and expectations,” Mr May added.
Hands-on experience is also invaluable in avoiding buyer's remorse, according to consumer research studies.
A visit to a display home is a crucial part of buying and building a new home.
“At Homebuyers Centre, we have an easy educative approach to assist first-home buyers,” Mr May explained.
“It’s an easy three-step journey that begins with finance, teaching you about things from low deposit options, schemes available, borrowing and budgets to stick to.
“Next, we look at land, where our new home consultants assess land conditions to make sure your purchase is viable for your aspirations.
“And finally comes choosing the right home, where we guide you through our wide range of designs to make sure your home is with everything you need.”
Here are our top tips for buyers looking to inspect display homes:
1. Choose a reputable builder
Before planning your display home visits, it’s essential to choose builders who have a strong reputation, explained Mr May.
“This choice will have a significant impact on the quality and longevity of the home you end up purchasing.
“A reputable builder is one with a proven track record of delivering quality homes on time and within budget.
“Check for reviews, testimonials, and any awards they may have received.
“Also, consider the warranties and guarantees they offer, as these can provide peace of mind and protection for your investment.”
Starting your visits with trusted builders means you’re more likely to view homes constructed with attention to detail and high-quality materials, ultimately supporting your journey to find a home you’ll cherish.
2. Preparation is key
Research ahead of the day is key to a productive visit.
Some buyers might find it helpful to write a list of must-haves vs nice-to-haves down beforehand.
Online resources can help identify key desirable features, such as open-plan kitchens, spacious bedrooms, or energy-efficient details.
This preparation will help you stay focused during the visit and ask relevant questions.
Searching online before your visit can help make sure you're visiting homes that suit your lifestyle.
Looking online first can save you the time and effort of visiting the wrong type of display home, Mr May adds.
For instance, budget buyers might want to skip visiting luxury builders to avoid feeling disappointed when comparing options.
This preparation also makes it easier to ask targeted questions and make comparisons between different display homes and builders.
“It’s very important to gain background information on builders and then cross reference that with New Home Consultants,” Mr May says.
3. Explore the possibilities
Experiencing a brand-new display home lets you visualise how a space feels, assess if the layout meets your needs, and see if modern design trends suit your taste.
By comparing different floor plans, exploring finishes, and examining construction quality firsthand, you gain a clearer understanding of what to expect from your future home.
Mr May notes that display homes often showcase the latest design features and trends, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with both lifestyle and budget.
Your budget might not allow for every luxury upgrade but knowing what’s available can help you match your needs, wants, and must-haves with what you can afford.
Plus, you’ll be ahead of the game by keeping future trends and innovations in mind.
After all, no one wants to move into a brand new home only to realise they could have made better choices with a little more info.
Visiting a display home means you can see how your new home might fit into the neighbourhood.
4. Document the experience
While touring display homes, take photos and notes to keep track of the features you liked best.
A practical tip from Mr May: start by photographing the display sign with the location and name, then capture the interior.
This will help you recall each home when reviewing your pictures later.
5. Ask questions
During display home visits, it’s important to ask questions about design options, customisation and potential extra costs. Key questions might include "What changes can be made to the layout?" and "Are there additional fees for custom features?".
May says the consultants at Homebuyers Centre Victoria are committed to answering any questions homebuyers may have and enhancing their experience with expert guidance.
Chloe purchased her home through Homebuyers Centre after visiting May at Orana, Clyde North.
“I walked in with little to no expectations of being able to buy a house.
“Being a younger person looking to build my first home it felt nerve-racking, but by the time I was ready to put down a deposit I felt very comfortable with all the information Ben presented to me.
“He explained everything in the most simple terms to make it easy to understand,” she says.
Asking questions is the perfect way to make sure you're getting the perfect home for you.
6. Your unique circumstances are key
Homebuyers Centre Victoria supports buyers at multiple stages, whether you are looking for land or are considering design options.
If you do have land, consult their New Home Consultants about selecting a home design suitable for your block.
Homebuyers Centre offers a range of floorplans with functional options and fixed upfront pricing, positioned as a comprehensive solution for first-home buyers.
With display homes across Victoria, Homebuyers Centre is the perfect opportunity to experience the quality, design and features that could be a part of your new home firsthand.
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