Life doesn’t always wait for a build. Babies arrive, school years start, jobs relocate. If you need a new home quickly, a spec home can be the answer.
Why it matters: Buyers skip new construction because of timing concerns. Spec homes let you move fast – without giving up the perks of a brand-new house. Buyers who are relocating to a new city place a premium on moving quickly and find spec homes a viable option.
What’s a Spec Home?
Also called move-in ready, immediate occupancy, or designer homes
Built with popular layouts, finishes, and price points
Available now or much faster than a ground-up build
Why Buy One?
Speed: Move in within weeks, not months
Certainty: A set timeline and final price
Ease: Walk through before you buy, see the flow and finishes
Incentives: Builders may discount to close out a section or community
Financing: Close quickly and lock in interest rates
Design: Many are styled by professionals, reducing decision stress
Personalization Options
Pre-construction: Maximum choices (but longer wait)
Under construction: Floor plan fixed, some finish choices left
Turnkey complete: Limited personalization, but sometimes appliances or window treatments can be added
Finding a Spec Home
Use NewHomeSource.com, use “Quick Move-In” filter to help you find the ideal new home that meets your needs on a shorter timeframe.
Bottom line: Spec homes give buyers the speed of resale with the benefits of new construction – perfect for those who desire a fresh, new floor plan on a shorter timeline.
Michele Lerner
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor and author who has been writing about real estate, personal finance and business topics for more than two decades.