Tips to Make the Most out of Your Visit to a Display Home

Buying a home is one of life’s most significant milestones, and a well-informed decision sets the foundation for a lifetime of happiness for aspiring first home buyers. A display home visit is an essential step in the home buying process, offering you a tangible glimpse into your future. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your display home and property purchase experience. 

Property Research: Preparing for Your Display Home Visit

Before stepping into any display home, arm yourself with knowledge and preparation. Ensure you’ve already secured a pre-approved loan and make sure you have access to your savings account statements before you discuss options with anyone. Scouring the location for amenities and accessibility, looking at the available models and having clear objectives are vital steps. A clear objective for your visit ensures you’re looking for the right features in a home, aligning with your long-term vision overall.

Delving into the Builder’s Background

Your first step should be to delve deep into the builder’s reputation and history. Look for their past projects, customer reviews, and any industry awards or recognitions they’ve received. This research can provide peace of mind about the quality and reliability of the homes they build. For instance, if you’re considering Satterley’s Catalina estate, researching Satterley’s long standing history in creating vibrant communities would be insightful.

Scouting the Location: More Than Just a Pin on the Map

The location of your future home extends beyond its physical address. Explore the neighbourhood and its surroundings. Is it close to essential amenities like schools, hospitals, and shopping centres? How about access to public transportation and major highways? The convenience of these amenities plays a significant role in everyday life and can also impact the future resale value of the home.

Exploring Available Models: Finding Your Perfect Match

Understanding the different models available in the display village is key. Each model home often showcases various design layouts, architectural styles, and space utilisations. Take the time to review the floor plans online before your visit. You could even speak to a real estate agent about their own recommendations for your needs and to help you find a potentially perfect match. 

Setting Clear Objectives: Aligning Visits with Vision

Having clear objectives for your visit can significantly streamline the process. Are you looking for a family home with ample outdoor space, or is a modern, low-maintenance abode more your style? Knowing what you’re looking for, from the number of bedrooms to specific design features, will help you focus your attention during the visit. This clarity ensures that every home you explore is evaluated against a defined set of criteria, aligning with your long-term vision for your home.

Timing Is Everything

The importance of timing cannot be overstated. Visiting display villages during different seasons and times can offer varied perspectives on natural lighting, thermal comfort, and the home’s feel. For example, a summer visit might reveal the effectiveness of cooling systems, while a winter tour could highlight how well spaces retain heat.

Asking Questions

A display home visit is your chance to ask pointed questions. From inquiring about the standard features versus display upgrades to understanding the terms of warranties and after-sales support, each question brings you closer to a wise decision. 

Here are just a few you might want to ask:

• “Are there any unique structural or design elements in this display home that aren’t standard?”

• “Can you provide information on the builder’s accreditations and certifications?”
• “What kind of warranties and after-sales support do you offer?”
• “How do you handle maintenance requests post-purchase?”

• “What are the estimated timelines for construction and payment schedules?”
• “Are there any additional costs, such as HomeOwners Association (HOA) fees, that I should be aware of?”
• “Can you explain the process and requirements for customisations or upgrades?”

The Value of Notes and Photos

Remembering every detail can be challenging, so take notes and photos. Documenting different aspects of the home helps compare your options later and serves as a visual aid when discussing potential changes with designers or contractors.

• Capturing the Details: Snap pictures of room layouts, design elements, and even the small details like fixture finishes.
• Note-Taking: Note specific features, room sizes, and even your initial emotional reactions, as these insights are crucial when making your final decision.
• Comparing and Contrasting: Using your notes and photos, create a visual comparison of the homes you’ve visited. 
• Communicating with Designers and Contractors: Your notes and photos become a communication tool when discussing potential changes with designers or contractors.

Envisioning Your Life in a Display Home

While walking through beautifully curated rooms, imagine your daily routine. Does the home support your current and future lifestyle? Consider the flow between spaces, storage solutions, and how each area can adapt to your needs.

Real Talk: Budgets and Bottom Lines

Discussing the budget early on with your builder is imperative, especially for a first home buyer. Understand the breakdown of the purchase price, including any government fees, property taxes, or lenders mortgage insurance that might apply. Remember to also take your mortgage repayments into account as well. This conversation will help determine the true cost of ownership and whether the dream home fits within your financial landscape.

• Breaking Down the Purchase Price: This includes base price, potential upgrades or customisations, and any additional costs for unique features or materials.
• Navigating Additional Costs: Be aware of additional expenses that may not be immediately obvious. This includes government fees, property taxes, and lenders mortgage insurance, which can significantly affect your overall budget.
• Financing and Mortgage Considerations: Understanding the terms of your mortgage, including interest rates and repayment schedules, is essential for long-term financial planning.
• Preparing for Unexpected Expenses: Always factor in a contingency budget for unexpected costs during the home-building process. This can include delays in construction, changes in material costs, or unforeseen legal fees.

From Display Visit to Decision

After your visit, reflect on what you’ve learned. Weigh the functionality, aesthetics, and value for money against your list of non-negotiables and desires. If you’re considering a display home in communities such as Botanical, Bluestone, or Eden Beach, their unique offerings and environments should resonate with your vision of home.

Things to Consider for the Prospective Homebuyer

We’ve prepared a quick set of points for you to consider in your journey:

• Finding the Right Builder: Research a builder’s reputation online for customer feedback and visit their previous projects for a quality check.
• Expectations During Home Visits: Inspect construction, design, and neighbourhood amenities; inquire about materials, customisations, and local facilities.
• Bringing a Home Inspector on Display Home Tours: Highly recommended for unbiased assessment of construction quality and identifying potential maintenance needs.
• Home Inspector’s Role: Evaluates structural integrity, construction materials, and key systems (like electrical or plumbing), checking for wear or issues.
• Impact of Home Inspector’s Assessment: Provides an objective view on home condition, aiding in informed purchase decisions and future maintenance planning.

Sealing the Deal

Once you’ve gathered insights and are armed with information, consulting with real estate agents or a mortgage broker to discuss your options is highly recommended. They can guide you through securing pre-approval loans or what to do in the event of a private sale, home loan options and more. This can all help make sure you’re ready to make an offer when you find your ideal property. 

Enjoying Your Home-Buying Journey with Confidence

With Satterley, discovering your ideal home is more than a dream—it’s a journey we accompany you on, from the first home buyer’s curiosity to the final handshake of ownership. Explore our display villages and take the first steps towards your dream home. For personalised advice and assistance, reach out to our team. We’re here to make your home-buying experience as seamless and successful as possible.