Tabitha Warren

“Wow… This Is My Home!” How Interactive Kiosks Are Turning Model Homes Into Sales Machines

July 28, 2025
By Tabitha Warren

_{Happy couple using sales kiosk to use interactive site map with helpful sales agent. Image created with the help of ChatGPT, CanvaPro, and Outhouse Rendering}

Picture this: a couple walks into a model home, unsure of where to begin. They’re greeted by a warm smile and an interactive kiosk glowing with floor plans, community maps, virtual renderings, and dream-home inspiration. Within minutes, they’re immersed. They’ve found the lot they love, the model that fits, and a vision of their future. No waiting. No confusion. Just clarity and connection.

Welcome to the modern model home, where interactive kiosks are transforming the sales experience from flat and fragmented to fully alive.

Real Builders. Real Success. Real Sales.

Van Metre Homes (Northern Virginia)

Van Metre Homes introduced wall-mounted kiosks to showcase community layouts and floor plans. The displays blend right into their model home aesthetic. They look more like high-end TVs than technology hubs. Behind the scenes, IT teams can manage content remotely, eliminating the need for in-person updates.

The result? Each kiosk draws 25–50 visitor interactions per week and generates an average of three qualified leads per day (Actionfigure: Van Metre Case Study).

Outcome: Less paperwork. More leads. A smoother sales experience.

*_{Prospective customer using portable kiosk to explore and Interactive Floor Plan (IFP)}*

CPS/SalesTouch Kiosks: From Browsers to Believers

Across the U.S. and Canada, CPS (now part of SalesTouch) helps homebuilders level up their customer experience. With tools like:

Interactive markup: Let buyers sketch on floor plans, drop in virtual furniture, and dream big.
Lot-Fit tools: Match models to available lots and help buyers visualize the perfect fit.
Localized presentations: Like KB Home in San Jose, some builders use kiosks to highlight nearby attractions that matter to modern buyers.

Outcome: Buyers go from passive browsers to active planners. Engagement deepens. Sales teams gain insight.

5 Reasons Kiosks Make Sales Centers Smarter

Benefits from Kiosk Deployments

Benefit	Why It Matters
Lead Generation	Forms capture buyer info fast—Van Metre sees ~3 leads per day.
Remote Content Control	Updates can happen across properties without lifting a finger onsite.
Buyer Empowerment	Tools like lot-fit and floor plan mark-up give buyers control and clarity.
Stronger Community Story	Highlight local attractions and perks that make a buyer feel at home.
Operational Efficiency	Less paper. Less chasing. More selling.

Best Practices for Building a Kiosk Experience That Sells

*_{A freestanding kiosk in a cozy, well-lit model home corner.}*

Want to build kiosks buyers actually use? Here’s what the pros are doing:

Make them look good: Design kiosks that blend in beautifully with model home decor.
Go interactive: Give buyers tools to draw, explore, and engage.
Keep it fresh: Use a CMS to manage content remotely and keep it relevant.
Capture leads smartly: Let buyers submit preferences and inquiries right from the screen.
Tell the neighborhood story: Use visuals and maps to sell the whole lifestyle, not just the house.

More Than a Screen: It’s Their First Step Home

At Outhouse.net, we don’t just build kiosks. We craft interactive experiences that help buyers fall in love with their future home. From touchscreen site maps to immersive renderings and beyond, we help builders put their best foot forward in the sales center, online, and everywhere in between.

So when buyers walk through your door, they don’t just see a model. They see their home.

Want to see how your sales center could evolve? Visit:

Interactive Kiosks

_{Branded Kiosk Display with Outhouse.net Logo}

Outhouse.net Interactive Kiosks: Smart, Seamless, Stunning

At Outhouse.net, we believe the model home experience should be as beautiful and intuitive as the homes themselves. Our interactive kiosks are designed to do more than just display information: they invite buyers into a fully immersive, self-guided journey.

Here’s what sets Outhouse kiosks apart:

Tailored Content: Showcase site maps, floor plans, renderings, and even photo-realistic virtual tours.
Remote Updates: Change content instantly across multiple locations—no IT visit required.
Lead Capture: Integrated forms turn engagement into real sales conversations.
Beautifully Designed: From wall-mounted screens to sleek freestanding displays, they look like part of the model home.

Whether during a sales tour or after hours, our kiosks ensure buyers always have access to the inspiration and information they need.

Outcome: More engagement. More qualified leads. A seamless experience that sells.

Sources

Van Metre Homes Kiosk Case Study – https://actionfigure.ai/blog/case-study-van-metre/
SalesTouch Interactive Kiosk Solutions – https://www.salestouch.com/
Meridian Kiosks in Real Estate – https://www.meridiankiosks.com/industries/real-estate/

Great Home Builder Social Media Accounts and Posts

June 16, 2025
By Tabitha Warren

In reply to a recent blog, a reader wrote into us and asked us for a few examples of great home builder social media. First, we were flattered to be asked this question, and we are happy to give our opinion. If you’d like expert advice, you might want to check out this post by Carol Morgan and this podcast featuring Carol Morgan. I think many of us are always trying to keep current. We read the blogs of several amazing Home Builder Marketers, such as Denim Marketing, Bokka Group, and Meredith Communications, to stay current ourselves. What we’ve learned at Outhouse is that there are quite a few things that make home builder social media great and inspiring at different levels.

The bottom line is a strong social media presence is a crucial tool for brand building, lead generation, and fostering connections with potential homeowners. After years of scouting social media, there are some home builders and related personalities who are truly knocking it out of the park with their engaging and high-performing accounts.

Whether you’re a home builder looking for inspiration or a prospective homeowner wanting to see what’s out there, these examples showcase the power of a well-crafted social media strategy in the home building industry.

Home Building Companies with a Powerful Platform Presence

Larger home building companies are also leveraging social media to showcase their homes, communities, and connect with potential buyers. Here are a few examples of companies that consistently demonstrate a strong platform presence:

Abrazo Homes (@abrazohomes): Known for their dynamic social media presence across various platforms like Facebook, Abrazo Homes consistently shares engaging content that resonates with their audience. Their commitment to storytelling is clearly a key to their success. In fact, you can hear directly from their “Chief Story Teller,” Shane Austin, in this insightful episode of the Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast.**
Toll Brothers (@tollbrothers): Known for their luxurious homes, Toll Brothers excels on Instagram with stunning, high-quality visuals of their properties and sophisticated design elements. Their Pinterest presence is also noteworthy, offering a wealth of aspirational home inspiration. You can find their well-organized Facebook page here.
Lennar (@lennar): As one of the nation’s largest home builders, Lennar maintains a significant following across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. They effectively use these channels to showcase their diverse range of home models, highlight community features, and share updates with their audience.
David Weekley Homes (@davidweekleyhomes): Historically recognized for their strong Instagram presence, David Weekley Homes consistently shares beautiful, high-quality photographs of their thoughtfully designed homes. Their visual content often emphasizes architectural details and inviting living spaces.
Meritage Homes (@meritagehomes): Meritage Homes stands out for its engaging and varied content on Facebook. They effectively blend community updates, customer stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their building processes, creating a well-rounded online presence.
KB Home (@kbhome): KB Home frequently utilizes Facebook to share important updates, company news, and valuable customer success stories. They also provide helpful home buying tips and resources, positioning themselves as a knowledgeable partner in the homeownership journey.

Individual Builders and Influencers Setting the Standard

Image of Matt Risinger's, RR Buildings', and Perkings Builder Brother's YouTube accounts

Sometimes, the most compelling stories come directly from the individuals shaping the industry. These builders and influencers have cultivated strong followings by sharing their expertise, passion, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of construction and renovation:

Matt Risinger (@risingerbuild): If you’re interested in the science behind high-performance building, look no further than Matt Risinger. His Instagram account and incredibly popular YouTube channel, “The Build Show,” are treasure troves of information on building science principles, meticulous craftsmanship, and the latest construction technologies. Expect in-depth explanations, on-site demonstrations, and a focus on quality and durability.
Kyle Stympenhorst / RR Buildings (@rrb_buildings): Specializing in post-frame construction, Kyle’s presence across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook offers a deep dive into this specific building method. His content is often practical, providing valuable tips and insights for those interested in or involved in post-frame projects.
Perkins Builder Brothers (@perkinsbuilderbrothers): Get a genuine behind-the-scenes look at home building and renovation projects with the Perkins Builder Brothers. Their engaging “Builder Brothers” series on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook provides a relatable and often entertaining perspective on the challenges and triumphs of construction.

What Makes Their Social Media Shine?

These high-performing accounts share several key characteristics that contribute to their success:

Stunning Visuals: They understand the importance of high-quality photography and videography to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of their homes.
Consistent Engagement: Regular posting keeps their audience interested and coming back for more.
Diverse Content: They go beyond just showcasing homes, offering project updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, client testimonials, and informative tips.
Active Interaction: They actively respond to comments, answer questions, and foster a sense of community among their followers.
Platform Optimization: They tailor their content to suit the strengths of each platform. These builders use visuals on Instagram and Pinterest, community on Facebook, and in-depth videos on YouTube.
Strategic Use of Hashtags: They utilize relevant keywords to increase the discoverability of their content.
Compelling Storytelling: They connect with potential buyers on an emotional level by sharing the journey of building a home and highlighting the benefits of homeownership.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

The world of social media is constantly changing and evolving. To find the most current top performers, it’s always a good idea to explore these platforms yourself and see which accounts are generating the most engagement on their recent posts. Keep an eye on those with high levels of likes, comments, and shares. These metrics are often indicators of a strong and active audience.

By studying these successful examples, home builders can gain valuable insights into creating their own compelling social media strategies and connecting with their target audience in meaningful ways.

**Shane Austin has since moved on from a brilliant career at Abrazo Homes, but his thoughts and wisdom still ring very true.

Got questions about home builder digital assets? Call us today for a chat!

Build It & Post It

May 1, 2025
By Tabitha Warren

TikTok is Now Essential Marketing for Homebuilders

If you think TikTok is just for teenagers, think again. It’s rapidly evolving into a powerful search and discovery engine, and yes, that includes finding new homes. Consider this foundational statistic highlighted by Atlas RTX: “84% of home buyers use the internet as their primary research tool…” In today’s digital landscape, TikTok represents a significant and growing slice of that online activity, particularly for demographics crucial to the future of homebuilding. For builders aiming to connect with modern buyers, establishing a presence on TikTok isn’t just a novelty; it’s becoming a strategic marketing imperative.

Showcasing Properties in a New, Dynamic Light

Static photos and full-length virtual tours have their place, but TikTok’s short-form video format demands a different approach – one that can be incredibly effective for showcasing homes. Builders are using engaging, fast-paced videos to:

Offer Quick Walkthroughs: Highlighting key areas and features in under 60 seconds.
Spotlight Unique Selling Points: Zeroing in on a stunning kitchen island, a spa-like bathroom, or energy-efficient windows.
Use Trending Sounds & Styles: Making property tours feel current, relatable, and shareable.
Tell Visual Stories: Capturing the feeling of living in the space, not just the dimensions.

This dynamic format grabs attention quickly and allows builders to convey personality and key features in a way traditional marketing often struggles to match.

Reaching the Next Generation (and Current Buyers Too)

While TikTok initially gained fame with Gen Z, its user base has significantly broadened. Millennials, now the largest cohort of home buyers, are active on the platform, as are increasing numbers of Gen X. Builders can use TikTok to:

Build Brand Awareness Early: Connect with potential buyers long before they are actively searching.
Target Specific Demographics: Utilize TikTok’s algorithm and ad tools to reach relevant audiences in specific locations or with particular interests (e.g., first-time buyers, eco-conscious consumers).
Humanize the Brand: Show the faces behind the company, share construction progress, and create a more relatable image.

Leveraging Trends and Influencers

Smart builders on TikTok don’t just post, they participate. This means:

Highlighting Trendy Features: If home offices are trending, showcase your best office spaces. If outdoor living is hot, feature your patios and decks.
Engaging with Comments: Answer questions and interact with potential leads directly on the platform.
Considering Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with local home decor or lifestyle influencers can expose a builder’s projects to a large, engaged, and relevant audience, generating buzz and credibility.

Behind the Scene images courtesy of Canva Pro

Building Community and Trust Beyond the Sale

TikTok offers builders a unique channel to build relationships, not just generate leads. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the construction process, introducing the build team, offering quick home maintenance tips, or answering frequently asked questions in a casual video format can foster trust and community around the brand. This authenticity resonates with modern consumers.

Log In or Lose Out

The way people discover, and research homes is evolving rapidly. TikTok is no longer a fringe platform but a major player in the online attention economy. Homebuilders who embrace it, mastering its unique style and leveraging its reach, are positioning themselves to connect effectively with today’s buyers. Those who ignore it risk becoming invisible on a channel where their future customers are increasingly spending their time. In the current market, being active and strategic on TikTok isn’t just marketing; it’s essential business development.

Need help with digital assets for your website to use in your home builder marketing?

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TikTok’s Blueprint

April 15, 2025
By Tabitha Warren

Viral Trends Forcing a Rethink in New Home Design

A split screen of classic, slow to produce, blue prints vs TikTok's constantly evolving word of trends — _{A split screen of classic, slow to produce, blue prints vs TikTok’s constantly evolving word of trends}

Remember when home design trends evolved over years, maybe decades? Then, BAM, in comes the hit platform TikTok, where a 60-second video can launch a design craze overnight. From hidden pantry doors going viral to the sudden ubiquity of “cloffices,” the social media giant isn’t just for dance challenges anymore. It’s becoming a powerful, if sometimes unpredictable, force shaping buyer expectations and, consequently, influencing the very blueprints of new construction homes. For builders and designers, understanding this rapid shift is key to staying relevant.

_{Split screen of TikTok trend video & a dated kitchen created in Canva Pro}

Open Concepts & Flexible Spaces a Layout Revolution?

The desire for open-concept living isn’t new, but TikTok has amplified it, showcasing seamless flows between kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms perfect for entertaining and family life. Videos often highlight the airiness and connectivity these layouts provide. Beyond just openness, there’s a growing demand for flexible spaces. A room might need to serve as a home office during the week, a homework station in the afternoon, and a yoga spot on weekends. Builders are responding by designing floor plans with bonus rooms, lofts, or dens explicitly marketed for their adaptability, moving away from rigidly defined room purposes.

Home office & Yoga Gyme hybrid space generated by Adobe Firefly — _{Home office/Yoga Gym hybrid space generated by Adobe Firefly}

The Rise of Hyper-Specific Room Requests

TikTok thrives on showcasing unique and aspirational home features, often turning niche ideas into mainstream demands. Dedicated home offices became essential during the pandemic, but TikTok introduced us to the “cloffice,” a cleverly converted closet space, appealing to those needing a compact workspace. Elaborate, hyper-organized pantries (sometimes with secondary “prep kitchens” or coffee bars hidden within) are another viral hit. Mudrooms with custom built-ins for coats, shoes, and even pet supplies are frequently highlighted. While not every buyer needs these specific features, their visibility on TikTok means builders are increasingly fielding requests and considering incorporating them as standard options or upgrades.

From Modern Farmhouse to Maximalist Flair Aesthetics and Finishes are Key

Visual trends spread like wildfire on platforms like TikTok, influencing homeowner preferences at an accelerating pace. While the enduring appeal of Modern Farmhouse persists, we’re also witnessing significant interest in aesthetics like Maximalism, with its bold embrace of colors, patterns, and textures; Biophilic Design, emphasizing natural light, indoor plants, and earthy materials; and the allure of moody, dramatic interiors. Specific finishes, as noted by industry observers such as Coldwell Banker, are also gaining viral traction, with “Bold Wallpapers” emerging as a popular choice for creating striking accent walls or transforming entire rooms, often inspired by online showcases.

Builder Kitchen, plain colors, easy for a lot of people to like — _{Sego Homes Rendering, follows classic concepts of design, but also on trend: healthy, green, available smart technology.}

However, builders often navigate different landscapes. While customization remains a powerful tool for showcasing possibilities in model homes and catering to pre-sale buyers, the need for broad market appeal in spec homes often necessitates a more neutral foundation. Color palettes leaning towards versatile browns and grays, along with universally accepted tile and fixture choices, provide a safe harbor, ensuring a wider range of potential buyers can envision themselves in the space should a deal fall through. This doesn’t negate the influence of trending aesthetics but rather highlights the strategic balance builders must strike between capturing current design enthusiasm and ensuring long-term marketability.

Smart Homes are Non-Negotiable

Smart home technology is frequently featured in TikTok home tours and gadget reviews. Integrated lighting controlled by phone, smart thermostats learning preferences, keyless entry systems, and whole-home audio are becoming baseline expectations for many tech-savvy buyers. Green Builder Media writes about tech mega trends and the evolution of technology in building regularly. The advances and demand are astounding. Builders at all levels are increasingly integrating robust Wi-Fi infrastructure and offering smart home packages as standard or easily accessible upgrades, recognizing that a “connected home” is now a major selling point fueled by online visibility.

Balancing Trends and Timelessness

TikTok’s influence on home design is undeniable, pushing builders to innovate and adapt faster than ever. The challenge lies in balancing fleeting viral trends with timeless design principles that ensure a home’s broad appeal and long-term value. While incorporating a trendy feature might attract buyers today, core elements like a functional layout and quality construction remain paramount. The blueprint for new homes is indeed being sketched by social media, but savvy builders will use the eraser wisely, blending the best of the ‘now’ with designs built to last.

At Outhouse.net, our highly customizable interactive floorplans can help builders showcase their flexible options. We can help builders give homebuyers the home of their TikTok fantasies. Contacts us now to find out how.

Multigenerational Living: A New Era in Home Design

December 3, 2024
By Tabitha Warren

The landscape of American households is undergoing a significant transformation, with multigenerational living on the rise. This trend, highlighted by industry voices like Sara Gutterman of Green Builder Media, has sparked a demand for innovative housing solutions that cater to the needs of families across different generations. Lennar Homes, a leading homebuilder recognized for its commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking practices, has risen to the occasion with its NextGen® – The Home Within A Home® concept. This innovative approach revolutionizing how families live together is at the forefront of this movement. .

Lennar's NextGen Home Exterior Elevation with first level floor plan — _{Lennar’s NextGen home courtesy of Builderonline.com}

NextGen: Redefining Multigenerational Living

Lennar’s NextGen homes offer a unique solution to the challenges of multigenerational living. These homes feature a private suite with its own entrance, kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. This design allows families to live together while maintaining privacy and independence. Lennar emphasizes the importance of flexibility in housing design, stating, “NextGen homes offer the perfect blend of togetherness and autonomy, allowing families to live in harmony while respecting individual needs.”

The Rise of Multigenerational Households

The trend towards multigenerational living, echoed by publications like Green Builder Media, is driven by a variety of factors, including economic pressures, cultural shifts, and the desire for closer family ties. Sara Gutterman notes, “Multigenerational living is not just a trend; it’s a reflection of the changing dynamics of American families. Forward thinking builders provide solutions that supports these evolving needs.”

The Benefits of Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational living offers a range of benefits for families. It can provide financial support, shared responsibilities, and emotional closeness. Sara Gutterman believes that “Multigenerational living can foster a sense of community and belonging, creating a supportive environment for all family members.” Here more about generational homes and marketing on Sara’s interview on the Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast.

Green Builder Media’s Next Generation Influencer Group: Amplifying the Conversation

Green Builder Media’s commitment to understanding and shaping the future of housing extends beyond construction. Through initiatives like the Next Generation Influencer Group, the company actively engages with thought leaders and influencers like Sara Gutterman, fostering conversations about emerging trends and innovative solutions in the housing industry. You can learn more about it at their webpage: Influencing the Future.

A young man and two young women collaborating in front of a computer screen. — _{Happy business people working on computer by wavebreakmedia courtesy of CanvaPro}

The Future of Generational Housing

As the demand for multigenerational housing continues to grow, companies like Lennar Homes and Green Builder Media are committed to leading the way with innovative solutions. Sara Gutterman envisions a future where “homes are designed to adapt to the changing needs of families, fostering connection and support across generations.”

Conclusion

Lennar Homes’ NextGen concept and Green Builder Media are a few of the companies redefining multigenerational living. These companies provide innovations like flexible and supportive environment for families of all sizes, fostering connection and independence. As the landscape of American households continues to evolve, builders could learn from these smart companies and be poised to meet the needs of families with innovative and adaptable housing solutions.

_{*Floor plan image courtesy of www.lennar.com/nextgen/.}