Inventory Homes: What You Should Know Before Buying

Did you know that nearly half of all new homes sold last year were inventory homes? According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, that’s the highest percentage since 2009. With numbers like that, it’s clear that more and more homebuyers are turning to inventory homes…but what exactly are they? How do you know if buying one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.

What is an Inventory Home? (Quick Facts)

• An inventory home is a newly constructed home that is already complete or nearly complete before it is sold.
• Inventory homes are also known as spec homes, quick move-in homes, designer homes or new construction homes, but at HHHunt, we call them move-in ready homes.
• Unlike a custom or a to-be-built home, an inventory home is built before a specific buyer is chosen. Builders design these homes with popular layouts and finishes that appeal to a wide range of buyers in the local market.
• Inventory homes offer the same quality and features as to-be-built homes.

TL;DR: Inventory homes (often called spec or move-in ready) are newly built houses completed before a buyer is chosen, designed by builders with modern layouts and finishes that appeal to many buyers, while still offering the same quality as a custom or a to-be-built home.

Should I Buy an Inventory Home?

Call it what you will —inventory home, ready-to-occupy or turnkey house —the answer to who these homes are best for might surprise you. They suit a wide range of lifestyles and needs. Buyers who are relocating, whether it’s for a job or a fresh start, often choose inventory homes because they’re ready when you are. They’re also a great fit for anyone going through a major life change, like getting married or needing more space as your household grows. Investors also see the appeal, since inventory homes are designed to sell quickly and can offer a faster turnaround on their investment. And of course, some of us are just a little impatient. If you don’t want to wait months for a to-be-built home, an inventory home, or a completed home, lets you move in sooner and start enjoying your new space right away.

What Are the Benefits of Buying an Inventory Home?

1. You can move in faster. Inventory homes are often already complete or near completion, which means you don’t have to wait through months of construction. At HHHunt Homes, buyers can close and move in within 30 to 60 days, perfect for anyone relocating or ready for a quick lifestyle change.
2. The process is less stressful: Choosing every single detail of a home can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. With an inventory home, the design decisions are made by trusted professionals who select layouts and finishes that today’s buyers love. Plus, you can often tour the completed home (or a model of the same plan) so you know exactly what you’re getting.
3. The price is clear from the start. Since the features and finishes are already selected, the listed price is typically the price you’ll pay. This makes financing easier and eliminates the guesswork that sometimes comes with building a to-be-built home.

TL;DR: Inventory homes save time, reduce decision fatigue, and give you a clear, upfront price so that you can buy with confidence.

What Are the Drawbacks of Buying an Inventory Home?

1. There’s limited room for personalization. Since inventory homes are designed and built before a buyer is chosen, you won’t get to pick every finish. This can be tough for buyers who enjoy choosing every detail. That said, HHHunt Homes’ professional design and sales teams carefully select modern layouts and stylish finishes, so the homes look beautiful and feel move-in ready from the moment you arrive.
2. The timing may not match your schedule. Inventory homes are ready to sell quickly, so if your moving timeline doesn’t line up, you risk missing out. At HHHunt Homes, we make sure our available homes are listed as soon as possible with accurate timelines so you can plan ahead with confidence.
3. Quality can vary depending on the builder. Not all inventory homes are created equal, so it’s important to choose a trusted builder. As a provider of quality products and services, HHHunt has decades of experience building high-quality homes, so buyers can feel confident that every move-in ready home meets our standards for craftsmanship and durability.

TL;DR: Inventory homes come with a few trade-offs, but with a trusted builder like HHHunt, you still get style, quality and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Inventory homes continue to grow in popularity because they offer homebuyers a faster, more straightforward way to move into a brand-new home without sacrificing quality or style. Whether you’re relocating, planning for a significant life change or simply eager to skip the wait of construction, move-in ready homes can be a smart choice.

Want to learn more about what inventory homes are all about? Check out this blog.. Ready to see what move-in ready homes are available right now? View HHHunt’s inventory homes here.