The comfortable weather the past two weeks has been bringing interested visitors by the thousands to the Fall Parade of Homes. Sales agents are reporting people were lined up outside the door in anticipation of visiting their home. The absolutely fantastic weather projected for the rest of this week ensures attendance will stay strong. It certainly looks like this year's Parade will be one of the largest ever.
Sales representatives showing the 130 new homes have been bombarded with a flurry of questions in the first two weeks. Financial items are front and centre. Interested buyers are particularly enamored with the low mortgage rates available now and for the foreseeable future. Some show homes display samples of mortgage calculations, some promote banks and credit unions able to assist buyers and all have a calculator handy.
Given most people visit a variety of new homes in the Parade, it is inevitable comparison shopping and the addition of different features arise. For instance, sales representatives have been asked the cost of changing flooring to something seen elsewhere. Kitchen counter top and cabinets also stimulate discussions for changes. Bathrooms are always popular design topics. Feel free to ask about changes to the display model. After all, you want to make sure your new home fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Manitobans are more energy conscious than any other province. This is particularly true of those considering moving from an older home to a brand new home. Technology improves every year and although Manitoba new homes have been the most energy efficient in Canada for a number of years, they continue to get better. Many interested buyers come fully equipped with existing heating bills, water usage numbers, furnace efficiency rating and even R values for discussion. A quick comparison showing considerable savings in a new home contributes to the economic viability of buying new.
As was said last week -- if you don't know, don't be afraid to ask. The show home representatives have a wealth of information, if they don't immediately know the answer, they can find out and get back to you.
Remember, the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes continues through Sunday, Oct. 4. Show homes are open Mon. through Thurs. from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Parade magazines are available at Steinbach Credit Union or online at www.homebuilders.mb.ca. Find your next home at the Fall Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is president of the
Manitoba Home Builders' Association
