Building

What You Need to Know When Visiting a Display Home

Jul 25, 2019
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Googling ‘display homes near me’? Sounds like you’re thinking of building.

Visiting display homes for the first time can be exciting. It’s the first glimpse of what your new home could look like, and it’s the first time you start to really imagine your future lifestyle.

It’s important to remember that display homes are examples of a certain type of house design, but they are just one of many possible end results when all the combinations are considered. Never be afraid to ask plenty of questions, and come prepared with as much information as you can about your wants and any land you own.

To make sure that you get the most out of your visit, here are some things to keep in mind when discussing with your sales consultant.

1. Know Your Budget, Inside and Out

Looking at display homes in Victoria without knowing your budget is like going shopping without knowing how much is on your card. You have no idea if you can go to the designer store, or should be looking at cheaper options! Once you have a firm amount in mind your consultant will be able to effectively present you with your options.

We recommend that step one is visiting a broker or lender to discuss what you could afford to borrow. It’s not just a matter of your bank balance being your total deposit amount—remember there are some other fees to consider too. You’ll also need to factor in things like other debts, other assets, your income, and how long you’ve been at your job to name a few. After a few quick discussions, you’ll have an accurate idea of the range that you’re working with.

2. Know Nice-To-Have vs Need-To-Have

If you have firm non-negotiables in mind, don’t be afraid to talk to your consultant about them so that they can help you design the home that you truly want. Perhaps you fall in love with the high ceilings, or can’t live without the Caesarstone bench tops that you find in your display home.

It’s also worth remembering that often, display homes show off some of the higher-end choices. It means that if your budget is on the smaller side, you shouldn’t get intimidated if you walk in and feel that it’s going to be too far out of your price range. You may be surprised at just how many elements can be changed around in display homes to suit your budget.

It is for this reason that your consultant will ask you questions before providing a customised quote. Rarely, if ever, would anyone buy a home 100% ‘as displayed’.

3. Know That Change Can Be an Option

Most buyers looking through display homes in Victoria understand that fittings, fixtures and finishes can all be changed in line with your budget and taste. But what many people don’t know is that there is actually flexibility when it comes to something as significant as the floorplan too.

It is possible to make small changes. If you’d like to make structural changes, the first thing to do is to talk to your consultant. They’ll assess the possibility and step you through the process from there, which involves formally writing up your request, passing it through draftsmen and builders internally, and then getting it costed by an estimator.

4. Know Your Block of Land

If you’ve already got a block of land, or have your eye on one in particular, it is best to discuss everything you know with your consultant before you continue too far with your display homes search. You might fall in love with a design, but it might not fit your block. Come prepared with all the details to give you the peace of mind that your home and land will be a good match. Alternatively, you can chat to your consultant about home and land packages too, and let them do the matching for you!


Looking for ‘display homes near me’? We can help at any of our JG King display homes. As one of the most trusted and respected Victorian builders, we would love to help you find your dream home. Display home opening times vary, and we can arrange for one of our friendly consultants to show you through your favourite properties.