ALTHOUGH the 2010 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.
Record crowds exceeding 39,000 people visited 99 new homes by 34 builders in 26 subdivisions in nine cities and towns. 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. 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.
The crowds were generally huge for the past three weeks. 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.
The purchase of a new home is an important decision and now that you have visited the best new homes in Manitoba you undoubtedly have questions you would like to ask.
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 builder, call the builder and they can facilitate your meeting. If you recall the neighbourhood but not a specific house, you can see the entire Parade of Homes magazine on the Manitoba Home Builders' Association website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or the Free Press website at www.winnipegfreepress.com. The magazine has a listing of all of the homes.
The important thing to remember is that almost all of the wonderful show homes that you saw during the Fall Parade are still available for viewing.
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.
