What Are Model Homes and Spec Homes?

So you are looking at a model home in Port St. Lucie, great. You are ready to make your dream home a reality, but what’s the next step? You know where your finish line is (it’s home!) but there are multiple paths that could lead there. How do you choose the right one, overcome the obstacles, avoid the dead-ends, and arrive at your destination? Information. Knowing as much as possible about your options is essential. If you want a new build on the Treasure Coast, one of the questions on your mind may be whether to go with a spec home or a model home in Port St. Lucie. 

This is often a faster option than a fully custom house – but what’s the difference between the two? And what is the best choice for you, your family, your lifestyle, and your budget?

Thinking About a Spec Home or Model Home in Port St. Lucie?

Let’s start with some basic definitions:

Model Home: 

In this case, builders have a library of designs; they construct models of these homes to show prospective buyers. This allows them to see the level of craftsmanship, as well as the types of features and amenities that are included in the houses. Model homes are marketed towards people who have an interest in living in a particular subdivision, community, or locale such as Port St. Lucie. 

Spec Home: 

The keyword here is “spec” – short for speculation. Essentially, spec home builders in Port St. Lucie (and everywhere else, for that matter!) create these homes speculating, or making an educated guess, about what buyers will want. Often, they are in areas that are on the cusp of development. Without a specific buyer in mind, they use their own design and start the process. 

In some cases, a buyer will come into the picture in the early stages of construction; here, the builder can either continue with their design or customize it to meet the needs of the buyer. If this does not happen, the project is completed and the home is put on the market.

There are certainly some similarities between spec homes and model homes. But each has its own set of pros and cons. It comes down to weighing them and deciding which is right for your needs and goals.

Why Opt for a Model Home?

One of the biggest advantages of a model home in Port St. Lucie is its price point and speed. Because builders focus on a set number of designs, they gain exceptional efficiencies. They know the process inside and out, and homes can be built faster and less expensively – while not impacting quality, convenience, comfort, or style. 

Another check in the “plus” column is that model homes are vetted, optimized, and ready to go. They have already been approved, inspected, and given the thumbs up from builders and buyers alike. And because this isn’t their first time building such a home, the layout is fine-tuned, and all elements work to create a cohesive, and comfortable, living environment. 

Now, be aware that a model home isn’t custom; while you can customize certain features (such as upgrading to a premium countertop), what you see is what you get. For many consumers, though, this is a relief. They get a newly built home without the stress of making endless decisions. 

Are model homes “cookie cutter”? It’s like saying every family with two parents and two children are identical or all retirees are exactly the same. We know that’s not true! It’s not true of your future home either. While it’s true that the designs and layouts are typically uniform, landscaping and personalization make your home unique. 

What about your resale value? You don’t want to buy a model home to flip. You won’t see a return that way. However, in the longer run, your resale value will grow and will be comparable to that of a spec or custom home. This is even more true when your home features energy-efficient design, appliances, and building materials. 

Considering a Spec Home?

This may be the right choice for you. You have speed on your side and can move into a spec home much faster than you could a full custom home. Another benefit is that if you catch the builder early on in the process, you can make any customizations you wish (as long as they are feasible for the existing work, terrain, etc.). 

There are typically more options for upgrades with a spec house. If the home is already finished, the builder likely used high-end materials and upgrades as standard. Nice, but it’ll push the price point higher than a model home. It’s another factor to weigh!

Work with an Experienced Builder

This is your home we’re talking about; the decision is yours! Top model and spec home builders in Port St. Lucie are happy to answer your questions and give you the information you need to make the right call for you, your family, your budget, your timeline, and your vision. 

Synergy Homes specializes in high-performance, energy-efficient homes that deliver exceptional value, comfort, and style. Contact our team to learn more.