Real estate development models

Help people picture the place

The Central Park model went into the sales center before the first house was built. Marcella Club brings a golf course together with roads, lot lines and future development areas, while the Big Sky model places golf and resort amenities within the mountain landscape. The right amount of detail depends on what a visitor needs to learn from the model.

Planning a development model

We start with the site plan and the conversations your team expects to have. Where will the model be displayed? Which buildings, phases and amenities should stand out? A physical model gives visitors the overview, while drawings and renderings explain individual homes and finishes.

One phase at a time

A development doesn't have to be shown all at once. For Daybreak, we modeled an upcoming phase in detail, down to its roads, paths and building lots, so the sales team could explain the overall layout and then turn to individual lots. When plans change, we can update a model: on Austin Mueller, we matched an existing model's finish and installed replacement buildings.

What it costs

We price every model by shop time, at about $5,000 per week, with a fixed-cost proposal before work begins. Models range from about $5,000 for a simple study model to $150,000 for large, complex multi-building developments. For development models, the main cost drivers are the number of unique buildings, terrain and landscaping. See what a custom scale model costs.

Common questions

What is a real estate development model?

A physical model of a planned development, with its buildings, streets, parks and amenities, so people can picture the place before it's built.

What do you need to start a development model?

A site plan is the best starting point. Tell us where the model will be displayed and which buildings, phases and amenities should stand out. You don't need every detail settled.

Can a model show just one phase of a larger plan?

Yes. A model can show one phase in detail so the sales team can explain the overall layout first, then turn to individual lots.

Can you update a model when plans change?

Yes. We can add, remove or replace buildings, lots and landscaping to keep a sales center model current.

How much does a real estate development model cost?

We price by shop time, at about $5,000 per week, with a fixed-cost proposal. Large, complex multi-building developments typically run $90,000–$150,000; smaller or simpler developments cost less.

Planning a sales center or a development presentation?

Tell us what the model needs to show, who will see it and when you need it. We'll help you plan the scale, details and budget.