THE 2010 Spring Parade of Homes has ended but you still have plenty of opportunity to revisit those fantastic showhomes that you saw during the two weeks of Parade.
The weather was perfect this year and Manitobans responded in kind as record crowds visited 95 new homes by 38 builders in 30 subdivisions in 11 cities and towns. It was a whirlwind tour for many and one couldn't be expected to visit every home, no matter how hard you tried.
Many people have the mistaken notion that showhomes are only open during the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes. In fact, they're 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 Spring Parade, the timing is perfect to follow up with another visit.
Although you undoubtedly received an excellent welcome and introduction to each new home, it was probably quite busy. It may have been difficult to have a private conversation with the sales representative regarding the amenities of that home. Now that you have visited the best new homes in Manitoba, you likely have a number of questions you'd 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. 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 name of the builder, they can facilitate your meeting. If you recall the neighbourhood but not the specific house which interested you, the entire Parade of Homes magazine is on the Manitoba Home Builders' Association website (www.homebuilders.mb.ca) or the Free Press website www.winnipegfreepress.com.
The important thing to remember is that almost all of the wonderful showhomes you saw during the Parade are still available for viewing.
Create your own personal Parade by visiting some of the homes that you weren't able to get to in the past two weeks, and revisit those that intrigued you but require more viewing time.
The 2010 Spring Parade of Homes 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.
