Model Homes Go First in Builder's Sales Strategy

For-sale model homes by Smykal Associates come with a number of special touches, such as beamed 12-foot ceilings, fireplaces and decorative molding as shown here at River’s Edge Landing in Minooka, Ill.

At Smykal Associates, the 138-year-old builder based in Wheaton, Ill. is leading the charge among homebuilders in forgoing the old-school mentality of selling its model homes last and instead is making its model homes among the first homes available at its communities.
“Yesterday’s approach to selling and buying a home doesn’t work in today’s market,” said Peggy Taheri, vice president of sales and marketing for Smykal Associates. “For more than 130 years, this company has remained focused on giving buyers what they want and anticipating their needs, even in challenging times. So if a buyer falls in love with one of our models today, we don’t want them to have to wait months or years before they can start enjoying their home. We want them to move in on their time table, not ours.”
Right now, buyers can choose from 10 detached and attached single-family homes at four Smykal communities in the metro Chicago area: Ravine Woods and The Carriage Homes of Ravine Woods in Channahon, River’s Edge Landing in Minooka and Ashford Place in Joliet.
The models range from approximately 1,600 to 4,000 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to three baths, basements, master suites with walk-in closets and two- to three-car garages. Each model has been professionally decorated and outfitted with numerous upgrades and special architectural treatments to make it unique. Prices start as low as $225,900.
“There’s no denying we put our best foot forward with these models, showcasing our in-house architect’s attention to detail and craftsmanship with handsome built-in bookcases, oversized kitchen islands, personal retreats with coffee bars, intricate crown molding and one-of-a-kind ceiling and wall treatments,” said Taheri. “The owners of these models are going to be very lucky, especially when you consider the price.”
For example, at Ashford Place in Joliet, the Stanhope model includes striking features like arched entranceways, 12-foot ceilings in the living and dining room, beamed ceilings and a fireplace in the family room, a sunroom that extends into the backyard, granite countertops and 42-inch maple kitchen cabinets, oak railings, hardwood floors and coordinating oil rubbed bronze lighting fixtures and hardware throughout.
A four-bedroom, 2½-bath home with a three-car garage, the 3,200-square-foot Stanhope model also includes a brick exterior and professional landscaping. All for only $359,900.
“Typically, model homes were the most expensive homes in a community because they were the final homes sold – after years of appreciation,” said Taheri. “But now, buyers have the opportunity to buy our model homes before the community is complete and prices have increased.”
According to Taheri, the fact that all of Smykal’s models are available for sale, along with a number of field models, is also extremely beneficial to buyers who need to move quickly.
“In the past, it was common for buyers to purchase a new home before they sold their current home, because they were confident they’d be able to sell their old home before their new one was completed,” said Taheri. “But now buyers are waiting until they sell their old home before buying a new one. And once they do sell their existing home they’ll need to act fast to find a new place to live. Because our models are in peak condition, including the installation of all appliances, professional landscaping, coordinating wall colors and drapery treatments, they’re move-in ready. It couldn’t be easier.”
For buyers who want a first-floor master suite, Smykal Associates offers three model homes at The Carriage Homes of Ravine Woods. Fully loaded with upgrades and options, the attached single-family duplex homes range from two to three bedrooms and have a first-floor laundry room, great room, dining room, kitchen, full basement and attached two-car garage. Two ranch models and one two-story model are available. Those models start at a $225,900.
At Ravine Woods, all three single-family home models have gourmet kitchens, first-floor dens, numerous built-ins, second-floor bonus rooms and walk-in closets the size of your first apartment. The two-story models feature four bedrooms, 2½ baths, basements and three-car garages. Priced from $299,900, the models range from 2,800to 4,010 square feet.
Buyers can also choose from three two-story detached single-family models at River’s Edge Landing. Ranging from 2,300 to 3,000 square feet, these models showcase three to four bedrooms, 2½ to three baths, full lookout basements, decks, kitchen planning desks, lofts, first-floor dens and two-car garages. The models are priced from $279,900.
Two detached single-family models are available at Ashford Place. Priced from $279,900, the models come with three or four bedrooms, 2½ baths, basements and two- or three-car garages. One model has a loft while the other features a sunroom. Both models have fireplaces.