MANY people suffer from the misconception that new show homes are only open twice a year, during the Spring and Fall Parades of Homes. Although the two events receive the greatest publicity and feature 100 new homes at one time, the various new home builders of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association proudly feature and staff their show homes throughout the year.
We are at the midway point between the 2010 Spring Parade of Homes which ran March 6-21 and the 2010 Fall Parade of Homes Sept. 18-Oct. 9. So, for those who require a new home fix between Parades, now is an ideal time.
This spring featured terrific weather for March and September is always nice. However, you're guaranteed of short sleeves and slip-ons in July and August, making your tour that much more pleasurable.
So, how do you know what is open and where to look?
The Parade of Homes magazine produced by the Winnipeg Free Press is a staple for all Parade goers. If you haven't kept your magazine from last March, not to worry. You can still access it on the MHBA website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca. Although not all the homes featured are still show homes, it will bring you back to the builders and subdivisions you frequented in March. From there, you have a variety of options.
You can download the map on page 41 and visit the neighbourhoods that interest you, stopping in at the various show homes. On pages 42-67, all of the Spring Parade show homes are listed. Make note of those you are interested in, go to the MHBA website and connect to the link that will take you directly to the builder's site. Many will have their show homes listed along with the times they are open.
Even simpler, turn a couple of pages in today's paper and you will see a number of ads for show homes listed by MHBA builders.
No matter how you access them, the important thing to know is that the show homes are open for your viewing and visiting pleasure. Take your time, visit the locations that catch your fancy, talk to the sales representative and enjoy the introduction to your next new home.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
