Looking for a Community Guide? Chat with a Sales Associate!

When shopping for a new home and deciding between different neighborhoods—or even cities—it can be helpful to have a community guide as a resource! Someone who works and/or lives in the area can provide specific insight into what life is really like in that community, shedding light on topics ranging from local school ratings to nearby options for outdoor recreation.

Unsure of who would make a good community guide? Start with our neighborhood sales associates! Between their personal experiences, daily conversations with potential homebuyers, and in-depth research into the area, these individuals are uniquely poised to answer some of your biggest questions. In this article, we share how our sales associates can help you and the types of questions you should be asking them.

Why is it important to chat with a sales associate?

As you schedule tours of the communities you’re interested in, you’re probably planning to walk through the model homes, check out the amenities, and see available listings. But, if you’re only focusing on what you can see, you may miss out on learning some vital information. This is where a community guide, such as one of our sales associates, comes in.

These professionals are not only knowledgeable about our homes and company, but also about the community itself and the area around it. Walking through a beautiful model home can tell you a lot about construction quality, layout and bedroom count, but it can’t tell you much about the town’s best restaurants or what rush hour traffic looks like. A sales associate, on the other hand, can give you those details and much more. They may even be in touch with current residents who can provide additional perspective on life in the community.

Asking the right questions

If you want to get the most value out of your conversation with a sales associate, come prepared with a list of questions. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a tour and forget to ask about things that matter to your long-term satisfaction. Having your burning questions written down ensures you don’t leave important topics unaddressed, and can help guide your conversation more efficiently.

If you’re unsure what to ask your community guide, use the following ideas as starting points:

Questions about the area

A key part of choosing a home is choosing a location that fits your lifestyle. Because they work there, sales associates likely spend a lot of time in the area—many of them may even live nearby. Take advantage of their local expertise by asking about daily life in that city or town, with questions such as:

• What is traffic like during rush hour?
• Who are some of the major employers nearby?
• What do you like to do for fun here? Are there any notable entertainment or recreation options?
• Where is your favorite spot for lunch or coffee?
• Where do you shop for groceries and other essentials?
• Where is the closest hospital, urgent care, or pharmacy?
• How do locals feel about the schools/do you have children that go to the local schools?
• Are there any noise or environmental concerns I should be aware of (nearby airports, manufacturing plants, etc.)?
• Are there any future developments planned nearby?

Questions about the community

Zooming in a bit, you’ll also want to learn more about the specific neighborhood itself—what kind of resources it offers, who your neighbors would be, what makes the community unique. You may glean some of that information from walking around on your tour, but nothing quite beats hearing the personal insights of someone who spends most of their days there. Consider asking:

• What do you enjoy most about working in this community?
• Which amenities are available? What hours are they open?
• Are there any future amenities planned?
• What types of buyers typically move here? Young families, retirees, single professionals, multi-generational households, etc.?
• How would you describe this neighborhood in three words?
• Are there any community events or other ways to connect with neighbors?
• Is there an HOA and, if so, what are the fees and notable policies?
• Are there any restrictions to be aware of (parking rules, rental limitations, noise ordinances, etc.)?
• Do you know of any current residents I can speak with for a homeowner’s perspective?

Questions about the homes

If there is anyone who can provide you with details about the homes you’re considering, it’s a Richmond American sales associate. Beyond being area experts, they’re also incredibly knowledgeable about our homes and can answer your questions regarding floor plans, listings, model homes, and more. This kind of information can offer additional context as you are touring the homes in the community. Examples of what you might ask include:

• Which floor plans are currently available here?
• How many plans do you offer with three/four/five bedrooms?
• How many square feet does your smallest/largest home have?
• What do curated Richmond American homes come with?
• Are fixtures and finishes included in the base home price?
• Do you have any listings that can close quickly?
• What kind of warranties do you provide?
• What, if any, energy efficient features are included?
• What does the timeline look like for purchasing a home?

Question about the builder

A good homebuilder can offer more than just quality construction. Many also provide resources that make the buying process easier, from financing guidance to dedicated customer service. Sales associates are able to answer a wide range of questions about how Richmond American Homes supports its buyers—before, during, and after closing. Start the conversation with these questions:

• What sets Richmond American apart from other area homebuilders?
• How long have you been building in this area?
• Do you have an affiliate lender, insurance company, or title company?
• If you have an affiliate lender, are there any special offers available?
• What are some of the vendors Richmond American uses for homebuilding technology and materials?
• Where can I find additional tools and resources?

After your visit

Even after your initial tour is complete, the conversation doesn’t have to end. If new questions arise or you want to explore further, don’t hesitate to follow up. Our sales associates would be happy to provide supplemental resources or even coordinate a second visit if you need one. As mentioned earlier, they may also be able to connect you with others in the community, including current homeowners who are willing to share their experiences.

Bonus tip: If your community guide shares their favorite spots in the area, make some time to check them out after your tour! Pop into the coffee shop they mentioned, grab a bite at their go-to lunch restaurant, or drive by the park they said they love. These side trips could help provide a more specific idea of what your life could look like there—and may even introduce you to a future favorite!

Final thoughts

When it comes to finding the right home in the right neighborhood, information is everything—and no one is better equipped to be your community guide than our local sales associates. From insider tips on the best coffee shops in town to in-depth knowledge of floor plans, warranties, and community life, these individuals can be your go-to resource for making a confident, informed decision about where to live.

Think of them not just as salespeople, but as local experts who can help you visualize what life could really look like in your new home. As you begin touring different neighborhoods, don’t miss the opportunity to start a conversation with these sales associates. Come prepared with your questions, get the details that matter to you, and take one step closer to finding a home—and a community—you’ll love.