Although the 2011 Fall Parade of Homes has formally ended, you still have plenty of opportunity to revisit those fantastic show homes that you saw during the three weeks of Parade.
Once again, tremendous crowds enjoyed the fabulous weather and came out in full support and interest in visiting the 100 new show homes. It was a whirlwind tour for many and one couldn't be expected to visit every home, no matter how hard they tried.
Many people have the mistaken notion that show homes are only open during the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes. Therefore, they try to get in as much viewing time as possible during the three weeks of each Parade.
In fact, they are open year round and, although the hours may not be the same as during Parade, they are able to accommodate all interested clients.
So, now that your interest in a new home has been piqued by the Fall Parade, the timing is perfect to follow up with another visit.
Although you received an excellent welcome and introduction to each new home, it was undoubtedly busy and it may have been difficult to have a private conversation with the sales representative regarding the more intricate details of the new home.
If you took an information piece from the home, it will have the contact number for the sales representative. Call and set up a private viewing and meeting. This will give you an opportunity to view in more detail and have a one-on-one conversation without interruption.
If you don't have the direct number but recall the name of the builder, call the builder and they can facilitate your meeting. If you recall the neighbourhood but not the specific house which interested you, you can see the entire Parade of Homes magazine on the MHBA website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or the Winnipeg Free Press website at www.winnipegfreepress.com.
The magazine has a listing of all of the homes, where they are located, a brief description of each and the base and selling prices. Whether it was the subdivision or the builder or the particular home that interested you, it's all in the Parade magazine.
The Parade may be over but the opportunity to purchase your new dream home has just begun.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
