Orange County Register

Every now and then a model home comes on the market, like this 3-bedroom, 2,780-square-foot house at 1941 Lake Street, which went into escrow recently. 

“Award-winning architecture in this former model home of The Huntington Classics,” the listing read.

It’s the second time the house, built in 1990, has been on the market, says Realtor Jody Clegg with First Team in Huntington Beach. The current owners have lived there for about eight years, she says. 

Some of you may be wondering, should you buy a model?

There can be benefits. Some say these homes are very well put together,  perhaps better than others.

The Lake Street house was built on an elevated lot with more upgrades than other homes, Clegg says. And while she couldn’t discuss what the buyer agreed to pay while the house is in escrow, she says, ”We had multiple offers. So the seller did get what they wanted.”

Phil Gatton, an agent who also works at First Team in Surf City, says, “Typically, the builders (of models) will have the highest quality construction in things you can’t see.”

In the case of a new model, it’ll likely be closest to the parking lot and furthest along in the building process, he says, so “These are the ones the bigwigs are going to walk through. Think about it, if you’re wearing a suit and nice Gucci shoes, you don’t want to be walking through a construction site.”

Because of that, he says, “The guys swinging the hammers have a tendency to be a lot more particular.”

Buyers of new model homes should make sure the home warranties will be effective from the date of purchase, rather than the date of construction, says Steve McLinden, a real estate adviser writing for bankrate.com.

McLinden says models are sometimes built quickly to get sales going in a development, so buyers should get them inspected for any defects.

And the American Homeowners Association advises, ”Make a list of things that need correction or repair. Find out if the model is selling ‘as is,’ or if the builder is willing to address those items. Everything is negotiable.”

In case you’re curious about the Lake Street house, features include three fireplaces, an outdoor spa and a balcony with a view of the mountains. It was listed for $899,000. CLICK on photos below to enlarge:

Read more:

• $5.2 million home goes on market in H.B. harbor
• Surf City “painted lady” on sale for $1.48 mill
• Elevators going in to “bowling alley” style homes
• 7 more Bolsa Chica homes sold
• Check out these ‘09 home prices on eve of Surf City’s 100th
• What to do if you get a low house appraisal
• Some H.B. foreclosures selling at “steep” discounts

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