It’s a firsthand opportunity to imagine how you would live in the home. You can experience how the spaces flow together, the overall layout, and various design options to help you decide if this house is the best place to call home.

So, what should you expect when you tour a model or show home? Before you jump in your car and head to the nearest new home community, check out our guide to model home tours to help you make the most of your visit.

Oak Floor Plan, Duplex Collection, Seton Community, Calgary, Alberta

What to Expect When Touring a Model Home

Let the sales team be your guide

Don’t be shy! Visit during sales office hours, or schedule a visit if you prefer a one-on-one experience, and let one of the knowledgeable sales counselors give you a tour. They are experts on the builder and can explain what elements are included and which are options.

They can also highlight some of the features you may not have thought about, such as energy-efficient design that will save you money in the long run or extra storage solutions to maximize each space.

As you tour each room, they can address your questions in real-time so you have an immediate answer rather than trying to remember everything at the end (and possibly forgetting something!).

Get ready for some serious design inspiration

Model homes are designed to show every possibility of home. They’ve been thoughtfully curated by expert interior designers with a wide variety of finishes and picture-perfect décor. A model home allows you to experience how a home feels firsthand.

Maybe you thought your dream kitchen was light and bright, but seeing a more natural, moody aesthetic speaks to you in a way you hadn’t considered. Or maybe you draw a blank with how to use the loft area, but the model home has the perfect kids’ retreat or cozy home office that inspires you.

As you explore, think about your current furniture and the space you would be moving into. Does it feel too small? Too big? Or just right? If you’re not sure, the sales counselor can show you alternate floor plans that better suit your needs.

Make your wish list

Be prepared with some of your deal breakers, wish list items, and must-haves. It’s easy to get caught up in all the pretty spaces, but knowing the basics, like how many bedrooms your family needs, as well as the nice-to-haves, like a kitchen big enough for holiday hosting, can keep you grounded and your eye focused when touring a model home.

As you walk through the model or show home, you can better ask yourself: Are there enough bedrooms? Is this enough storage space? Does the floor plan make sense for how our household lives?

This approach will help you stay focused on what you actually need to make the right decisions for your lifestyle.

Take notes and snap pics like a pro

A model home is designed to inspire and appeal to various home shoppers, so that means there may be some design details that won’t work for you and some that are absolute perfection. As you walk through the space, be prepared with a notebook (or your notes app!) and camera to take notes and capture photos.

A model home may also have features that you didn’t think about previously, but you love them now that you’ve seen them. If you’re swooning over the floor-to-ceiling fireplace and can envision your family snuggled up together in colder weather, add it to your wish list! If you’d rather have the optional bedroom instead of the open loft space, jot it down.

Pay attention to flow and function. How does the floor plan feel? Do the spaces flow how you want? Is there enough natural light? Imagine how you would go about your daily routines – does the home feel like it fits your lifestyle?

If there’s a floor plan, feature, or color palette you’d like to see that isn’t in the model or show home, let the sales counselor know! There may be a model home in another community you can visit or a home under construction that showcases your preferences.

Write down the features you like, as well as anything you’d want to do differently. By keeping a record of what you love, it’ll be easier to compare homes, and have a clear reference for decision-making later.

Ask all the questions

As you walk through a model home, you’re bound to have plenty of questions. Some, you’ll have to ask yourself, and others, you’ll want to ask the sales counselor. Curious about what comes standard and what’s an upgrade? Need to know what structural options are available and when you need to choose them? This is your chance to get all the information you need, so go ahead and ask away!

Be sure to ask about smart home technology and energy-efficient features. Look for things like smart thermostats, video doorbells, solar panels, tankless water heaters, and green building practices. These features can make your future home both smart and sustainable.

Don’t stop there! Share with the sales team what you’re looking for in a home, and don’t worry that you’re asking too many questions! The sales counselor can guide you through the design process, construction timelines, choosing a homesite, and so much more.

Plus, they can answer any questions you may have about the community, amenities, and the surrounding area as well! Take advantage of their expertise so you can leave feeling informed and in the know.

After you visit

Your new home is only part of the picture when you move; your new neighborhood matters, too! Take a drive in the surrounding area to get a better feel for the area’s amenities. Are the schools close by? How about shopping, dining, and entertainment options? Would you have easy access to major freeways or public transportation for your commute?

You’ll also want to take a minute to sort through and organize your thoughts after your visit. What was your overall impression of the home? What did you think about the builder? Does the community have a good vibe?

Go with your gut or take a more analytical approach by creating a spreadsheet to rate and rank the home, design elements, and neighborhood.

Have fun and dream big

Buying a new house is an exciting milestone, and touring a model or show home allows you to imagine and experience your possible future in real life. Picture your morning coffee spot, your holiday setup, and how the home can evolve with your family over time. Soak in the excitement and enjoy the journey. After all, this is a big step in turning your dream home into reality.

Heritage Floor Plan, Urban Courtyard Homes Collection, Easton Park Community, Austin, Texas

Benefits of Visiting a Model Home

Buying a home is a major investment, likely the biggest one you will make in your lifetime. Touring a model home allows you to see, touch, and experience your possible new home in person.

You can also examine the small details that photos or descriptions may not capture. Pay attention to the materials used by the builder, the precision of craftsmanship, and the overall fit and finish. Do things look smooth and straight, or are there misaligned edges?

Every space, including the minor rooms, should be finished neatly and with care. A low-traffic area, like a secondary bedroom closet, should be executed just as perfectly as a high-traffic area, like the kitchen or living room. A high-quality home builder will ensure every space receives the same attention and care.

What to Look for When Touring a Model Home

Touring a model home is an exciting experience—it’s your chance to step into a beautifully designed space and envision your future life there. And while it's easy to get swept up in the perfectly staged rooms and the allure of high-end finishes, it's important to keep a level head.

Yes, you should absolutely enjoy the experience and soak in the inspiration, but make sure to stay focused on the essential aspects of the home that will matter long after the décor is gone.

First and foremost, pay attention to the bones of the home. How is the overall construction? Do the materials and craftsmanship feel high-quality? Take note of the floor plan and flow—does the layout make sense for your daily routine and lifestyle? Are the rooms proportioned well? Will the space accommodate your furniture, family, and future plans? These core elements that will ultimately determine if the home is the right fit for you.

For a complete list of items you’ll want to notice during your model home visit, check out our blog, “What to Look for When Touring a House.” This guide will help you stay focused on what really matters so you can make the best decision when choosing your new home.

Row Collection, New Haven Community, Ontario, California

How to Tour a Brookfield Residential Model Home

Finding the best place to call home is an exciting journey that often begins with touring one of our stylish model homes or quick move-in homes, and we want to make it easy to explore at your convenience.

Visit during business hours to meet with our knowledgeable sales team, who can guide you every step of the way. Or, opt for a myTime tour, where you can tour model and quick move-in homes on your own, on your time.

Prefer a sneak peek before visiting in person? We’ve got you covered! Explore multiple homes across different communities in a single afternoon without leaving the couch with 360° Matterport tours for select homes and communities, featuring real-life imagery to give you a truly immersive, virtual home tour.

No matter how you choose to tour, Brookfield Residential makes the process seamless, convenient, and inspiring—helping you find the best place to call home.

Douglas Floor Plan, Courtyard Collection, New Seaton Community, Pickering, Ontario

At Brookfield Residential, we’re committed to serving our customers from day one in their new home journey and beyond. We’re proud to help our homebuyers feel comfortable, informed, and in good hands from the first time we connect to long after they’ve moved into their new home.

Our team is continuously committed to doing the right thing, cultivating an exceptional customer experience, and creating the best places to call home.

So, why wait? Start your journey to homeownership today with Brookfield Residential! Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!