The unusually balmy weather of the past two weeks has been bringing interested visitors by the thousands to the Spring Parade of Homes. On the second weekend, sales agents were reporting lineups outside the door in anticipation of visiting homes. The absolutely fantastic weather throughout the rest of the week ensured attendance stayed strong. It certainly looks like this year’s Parade will be one of the largest ever.
Sales representatives showing the 120 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 interested in the low mortgage rates available. Some show homes display samples of mortgage calculations, while some promote banks and credit unions able to assist buyers. 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 tops and cabinets also stimulate discussions for changes. Bathrooms are always popular design topics.
Manitobans are more energy conscious than any other province. This is particularly true of those considering moving from their 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 still continue to get better.
Two popular innovations for this year’s Parade are the passport and voting. The weekday passport encourages you to visit 10 different show homes from Monday through Friday for an opportunity to win a luxury seven-night river cruise through France.
Spring Parade attendees can determine the prize winners in every category this year. Upon visiting each show home, simply text the number on display and you can rate each home in five different categories on a one to five scale. Your ranking will determine who takes home gold.
As was said in this column 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 2016 Spring Parade of Homes continues through Saturday, March 26. Show homes are open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association
