Visiting a show home is exciting – and the perfect way to see whether the home you’ve decided to buy off plan is really the one for you. Is it big enough, do you love the layout and are there enough rooms to make it ideal for your way of living?
A tour around a show home can answer any, and all, of these questions. And, if you do your homework before you go, you can get the most out of that viewing to make sure your ‘dream home’ is just that.
Do your research before you visit the development
When you’ve chosen an area you’d like to live, and found a development you think would be ideal, make sure it’s by a respected developer like Redrow. Once you’ve done that, go on to the development website where you can learn more about the types of properties available there, take a look at the site plan, and find out more about local amenities. The more you learn about the development BEFORE you visit, the more you will be able to take in once you’re there.
Make a list of questions
It’s easy to get swept away by the thrill of looking around what might potentially be your new home, so make sure that you make a list of everything you want to ask on your phone or in a notebook. That way you won’t come away with any queries unanswered and you will be able to make a decision based on all the information you need to consider when buying a new home. Ask the sales team about local schools, how reliable the public transport is, and what previous or current homeowners have liked about each property.
View layouts and look at 3D virtual tours
Many customers choose to buy off plan for all the benefits that that can offer, and it can help to view layouts and take 3D tours of a particular property style to help decide if it’s the one for you depending on what is available at your chosen development.
List your priorities
You may want a corner plot for extra space or privacy, or a south-facing garden if you like longer sunshine hours, so decide on your priorities and what you’d be willing to compromise on. That way, when you view the property, you’ll have a firmer idea of what you’re looking for.
Be mindful that your chosen development may have show homes in a different style to the house
you want to buy. While they’ll give you a great impression of the quality and high specification, if you want to experience your own new home’s layouts you may have to travelto a different development or view an
online 3D tour. If there isn’t a show home nearby for your chosen house type, it’s worth asking if you can view a completed plot or nearly completed plot; your developer may be able to accommodate your request.
Once inside a show home take it room by room
If you buy a new home, you’ll be living in it for a long time, so don’t rush through a showhome. Go through the property with an open mind, and imagine yourself living in every room. Sit on the sofa or at the dining table and picture yourself or your family in the space; imagine how your furniture would look there and whether you would change or adapt the use of any rooms – would you use that third bedroom as a study, a gym or a playroom?
Don’t be afraid to be nosey
While it feels like a real home, nobody actually lives there so feel free to open cupboards anddrawers, view the storage space, check out the appliances – find out what is fitted asstandard and what’s an upgrade – and have a closer look at the energy efficient boilers.
Take notes
You’re bound to have more questions as you go around a show home so make a note ofanything as you look around. This is your chance to find out everything you need to know and local sales teams are the ones with inside knowledge on the house type and on the area. Ask for a tour of the site, if possible, so you can get a better idea of the street layout and open spaces.
Take photos or videos
You may think you’ve taken in everything as you look around and will remember the layout once you’ve left. But sometimes it can be helpful to have a visual prompt when you are trying to recall what a room looked like. Take photos and videos inside the show home. That way you can look back on your viewing once you get home, and go over it again, until you’re sure.
Take a moment to stop and take stock
You can take as long as you want to view the show home. How does it make you feel? Could you imagine yourself living there? You may be the type of person who knows instantly that it’s ‘the one’ or, if you’re still unsure, take time away and arrange a second viewing which mightmake things clearer.