Despite less-than-springlike weather conditions, the Spring Parade of Homes has been a hit with prospective homebuyers.
Take this past weekend (March 19 and 20), for example. It didn't seem to matter that weather conditions were Jekyll-Hyde in nature. While Saturday was positively pleasant, Sunday was damp and gloomy with a steady downpour of rain.
The poor weather didn't matter; seems that nothing (short of a blizzard, that is) could temper the enthusiasm of folks intent on taking in the latest, greatest designs of Manitoba homebuilders.
"Traffic has been very steady through the whole Parade, especially on weekends," said Menno Friesen, sales representative for Randall Homes. "It's been a bit slower during the week, but the weather hasn't made a big difference on weekends -- people have been out in good numbers."
He added the people coming out haven't been just tire-kickers, either.
"We've actually sold a fair number of homes during the Parade," he said. "That means people are pretty serious -- they're not just lookers. There were times when we never made sales during the Parade. Now, homes are selling. That's a great sign for the builders. The development here (Bridgwater Forest) has really taken off. We're more than pleased about how things have been going."
Parade patrons also seemed to be pleased with what they were seeing, as well.
"It's too bad it's not a nice sunny day, but the reality is we live in Manitoba," said Al Pinder, who along with wife Patty was touring the collection of show homes along Bridgeland Drive South in Bridgwater Forest. "We couldn't pass up the opportunity to come out and see all these great homes -- having all the show homes located in a short space along the street makes it easy."
Even though it was early in their tour, Pinder said it they'd already come across some noteworthy concepts.
"We've been looking for some design ideas and I think we've found some. I think we might go with some of the colour combinations we've seen. It's inspiring to get out to see what the builders are doing, and all their great ideas," he said.
Bob Weir and wife Deb echoed the Pinders' sentiments.
"We're doing a big renovation, so we're looking for ideas on layout," said Deb, the apparent mastermind behind the renos. "So far we've gotten some good ideas from the way builders have the laundry rooms and great rooms laid out, and I've seen some wonderful window treatments that I might want to use. Of course, the master suites and ensuites are beautiful, so they've given us some design ideas, too. They not only look great, but are so functional."
On the verge of becoming empty-nesters, Ted and Pat said they were at the Parade to scope out a new abode, preferably a smaller, user-friendly bungalow.
"Right now, we're just on the edge of looking," said Ted. "We're getting a good idea of how the newer homes look and work -- we're currently living in a 100-year-old home, and there's a world of difference. The layouts in the new homes are really nice -- they're so functional. And the master suites are unbelievable. They're all a good size, and the ensuites are all so nice."
Pat said she had yet to see a poor floor plan.
"All the layouts are so unique and the space has been used so well," she said. "All the builders have done a wonderful job with their homes."
Artista Homes sales representative Phil Amero reported that traffic through his show home at 60 Brookstone Place in South Pointe had been steady to spectacularly busy over the past couple of weeks.
"Tons of people have come out for a look even though the weather hasn't been great. There's been lots of positive feedback, so we're really happy with how things have gone," he said.
lewys@mts.net
