Although the Fall Parade of Homes officially ended on Oct. 10, the various show homes remain extremely busy. The reason is that we are in the peak of buying season right now.
Manitobans visited dozens of new homes in a variety of neighbourhoods during the parade. One's scope tends to be very broad and people try to see as many homes as they can.
When visiting a subdivision, we tend to want to see all of the homes in that subdivision, since we are there anyway. Besides, it's fun to see the various new designs, styles and features, whether that's what we are looking for or not.
However, once the larger crowds have subsided, the shrewd Manitoba buyer gets serious. Generally, they have narrowed down the style, price and location to only a few by now. They are setting appointments for each house for an exclusive tour so they are able to discuss considerably more detail than during Parade.
The sales agent is now concentrating solely on the one client and is able to help with numerous areas of interest.
For example, every Manitoba consumer wants to haggle about options and prices. It's in our blood. What will it cost to change a floor? Can I change the kitchen countertops or cupboard doors? What are the pros and cons of a different vanity mirror?
Not to worry; the agents have heard them all and are prepared to answer.
Mortgage rates are incredibly low right now, but nobody knows for how long. The strength of the Canadian dollar and the efforts of the Bank of Canada to control it in relation to the American dollar will almost assuredly result in higher rates sometime next year.
Manitoba Home Builders' Association members have access to an inventory of lots that the consumer could not imagine. The opportunity to build the house you want where you want only happens when you deal with a professional home builder who has all of these contacts.
The show homes are open for viewing and selecting. The weather is still nice. It's a perfect time to revisit the list of show homes you saw during the fall Parade of Homes. If you misplaced your Parade magazine, it is available on line at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or www.winnipegfreepress.com.
Narrow it down to the ones that appear right for you and go see what might be your new home one more time.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
