Benefits of Selling a Quick Move-in Spec Home

Not every buyer has the time or desire to build a new home from the ground up. For the client that’s in a hurry, a quick move-in spec home might be the perfect solution. Professionally designed inside and out, our quick move-in options are finished—or nearly finished—and ready to close in as little as 30 days. These homes offer a number of benefits for buyers that purchase them and, as a result, can also be advantageous to the real estate agents who sell them.

Let’s explore these advantages for both you and your buyers.

Benefits of a spec home for clients & agents

1. Clients can see what they’re buying. Not everyone can envision what a home will look like solely based on glancing at floor plans or walking through similar models. For the buyer who says, “I know what I like when I see it,” a finished spec could afford them the opportunity to tour the exact home they’re interested in. They can walk the plan, measure rooms for their furniture, and even begin plotting how they might decorate their brand-new living spaces.
   The agent advantage: A finished home will likely be an easier sell for you. The “I know what I like when I see it” buyers might be more hesitant to make a commitment if they can’t see the home in person—an already finished spec home can help eliminate that challenge!
2. Pricing may be simplified. The freedom that comes with personalizing a to-be-built home also brings with it some variability in pricing. Base prices often don’t include upgrades, lot premiums, or fixture and finish costs, and these extras can add up quickly. Choosing a completed spec home allows a buyer to know right off the bat what the total price tag of the home will be, additional costs and all. No unfortunate surprises here!
   The agent advantage: There’s less guesswork on your end as well. Clear pricing makes it easier for you to help your clients stay within their budget, without having to scramble for estimates. You can immediately present them with the cost of the home, potentially saving you both from touring homes that are out of reach.
3. Interest rates are more predictable. Closing sooner means buyers can typically lock in a rate without the need for an extended rate lock. Additionally, they may be able to take advantage of limited-time special offers available in their area.
   The agent advantage: As you probably know, fluctuating and high interest rates are often a big reason why many potential homebuyers put off making a purchase. If you clients are able to quickly secure financing that works with their budget (and can feel confident knowing their rate won’t change), there’s likely a lower chance of the sale falling through.
4. Moving Day is in sight. A shorter timeline may be appealing to a variety of buyers, especially those relocating from out of town or out of state. There’s also greater certainty about the closing date. While it’s possible something will come up to postpone a signing—due to buyer, seller, or lender issues—you generally won’t be subject to events like weather or permitting delays.
   The agent advantage:The sooner your buyer can move in, the sooner your commission check can land in your pocket! Plus, when you sign up for a Richmond American account, your clients are able to tour communities and listings with or without you, at no risk to your commission.
5. It’s a brand-new, professionally curated home. Gone are the days when resale was the only option for buying a home quickly. When your clients purchase a spec home with Richmond American, they’ll enjoy a never-been-lived-in space with a versatile, modern layout. Are they worried about what the interior design might look like? Each of our quick move-in listings features fixtures and finishes that have been thoughtfully curated by our in-house design team, meaning that everything from the flooring to the lighting is selected with style and functionality in mind.
   The agent advantage: You’ll have a satisfied client on your hands! We know you’re in the business of helping people find their dream homes, and we want to help you help as many buyers as possible. Plus, happy buyers can mean repeat buyers—and referrals!

Additional resources for you and your buyers

• Our New Home Specialists are here to be your personal assistants! These local experts can take your client’s wish list and narrow down community, floor plan, and listing options, as well as schedule spec home tours. Their help can save you valuable time and energy that can be reserved for showing your clients the homes that truly fit their needs.
• We’ve also created a quick move-in guide you can share with your buyers. This complimentary resource walks house hunters through the steps to purchasing a spec home, and provides tips and tools for successfully navigating the process. Sending them this guide would be an excellent way to both demonstrate value to your clients and effectively prepare them for the homebuying journey.
• Looking to dive deeper into a specific topic or round up shareable content for your client base? Our Agent HQ™ is your headquarters for all things real estate! It’s filled to the brim with helpful articles on everything from finding sweet deals for clients to refreshing your marketing materials.
• As you know, finding the home is only part of the journey. Buyers also need to secure financing and purchase homeowners insurance for their new abode, both of which may seem like intimidating tasks. To help streamline and simplify the process, consider pointing your clients toward our affiliated mortgage and insurance companies. These teams are made up of experienced professionals who share an in-depth knowledge of Richmond American homes. They can offer your buyers competitive pricing, personalized and dedicated service, and options tailored to their specific needs.

The bottom line

In today’s fast-paced real estate market, flexibility and speed matter more than ever. By introducing your clients to a spec home, you’re offering a high-quality, low-stress alternative to resale homes or building from the ground up.

Quick move-in options allow your buyers to “see it, love it, buy it,” which can potentially streamline (and speed up!) your sales process without sacrificing quality or satisfaction. Your client will walk away with a thoughtfully designed, brand-new home that fits into their budget and is ready to go. Meanwhile, you’ll end up with a smooth sale, a happy buyer, and a quicker commission check.

Ready to start selling? Find quick move-in options near you by searching on our website or using the regional drop-down menu here.