New Homes
New Homes
Parade showhomes open year-round
The 2013 Spring Parade of Homes ends tomorrow, March 24, and you didn't get to all the homes you wanted to see. Let's face it; the weather didn't cooperate as much this year and the snow was piled high.
Don't worry, you still have plenty of opportunity to visit those fantastic show homes that you missed during the three weeks of Parade. After all, there were 124 new homes on display and it's tough to get to all of them. There simply isn't enough time to do each beautiful new home justice.
If you were like most people, you concentrated on a few subdivisions and visited all of the new homes in that area. However, there were undoubtedly many homes you wanted to see but just couldn't get to in such a short time.
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 Spring Parade, the timing is perfect to follow up with another visit.
New home sales agents are still in the show homes and ready to share all of the pertinent information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing a new home.
You can still view the official Parade magazine on the Manitoba Home Builders' Association website (www.homebuilders.mb.ca) or the Winnipeg Free Press website (www.winnipegfreepress.com).
The magazine has a listing of all of the homes, where they are located, a brief description of each and the base and selling prices. Whether it was the neighbourhood or the builder or the particular home that interested you, it's all in the Parade magazine.
The important thing to remember is that almost all of the wonderful show homes that you saw during the Spring Parade of Homes are still available for viewing. Create your own personal Parade by visiting some of the homes that you weren't able to get to and revisit those that intrigued you but required more viewing time.
The 2013 Spring Parade of Homes may be ending but the opportunity to purchase your new dream home has just begun.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Home Expressions Show poised to shine
It's all there this weekend. The Home Expressions Show is on now at the Winnipeg Convention Centre with 78,000 square feet of all you need to know and have for your home.
Today, the show is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. The exhibitors at the show are offering everything from fencing to flooring, from appliances to alarm systems, from baths to beds, from windows to walkways, from closets to cabinets, tools, pools and gardens galore.
The main stage is full of fascinating people providing lots of valuable information. HGTV�s Samantha Pynn and Colin Hunter will be presenting today at 1 p.m. Don't miss their entertaining style and shared secrets from their series, Summer Home.
There will be a variety of other guests throughout the day, too.
Everything for the yard and garden will be discussed, including annuals and perennials, seeds and vegetables for small spaces, backyard birds, native plants, exotic plants and landscaping. It promises to be very informative and exciting.
In addition to all of this, be sure to enter the Grand Prize draw valued at over $10,000, plus two additional prize draws. Proceeds go to Variety, the Children's Charity.
Why drive all over town looking for items for your home and garden when it's all under one roof? Save yourself valuable time and money, plus learn more than you could in any number of locations by talking to the experts all gathered at the Convention Centre this weekend.
It's definitely the place to be to prepare yourself for Spring.
Speaking of Spring, the 2013 Spring Parade of Homes is still on now through March 24. There are 124 fabulous new homes to see. Be sure to catch the latest in design and decorating as these new homes look spectacular.
Catch all of the information in the Parade magazine available at Steinbach Credit Union or at www.winnipegfreepress.com or www.homebuilders.mb.ca. There has never been a better time to buy a new home.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Tips to help you enjoy Spring Parade of Homes
The first week of the Spring Parade of Homes is in the books and it looks like we're in for another great event. The weather has been consistent and, if the first week was any indication, crowds will continue to grow as the Parade progresses.
Each year, we print a primer for Parade attendees tips to maximize your enjoyment. For the benefit of veteran and rookie attendees, the
Manitoba Home Builders' Association offers the following tips for a successful Parade:
Wear comfortable slip-on shoes: There are 124 fantastic new homes to visit. Although you likely won't get to all of them, you will find yourself trying to get to as many as possible. Many neighbourhoods have multiple homes being shown and you will probably park in one location and walk to others. Upon entering each new home, you must take off your street shoes to tour. Given that some neighbourhoods have over 10 homes open for viewing and you don't want to miss a thing, that's a lot of bending and lacing.
Therefore, be sure to wear a comfortable walking shoe that easily slips on and off. It will make your visit that much more enjoyable.
Map a strategy: If you have a particular destination, make sure you look for additional homes along the way to visit. Many subdivisions are in close proximity to each other and it's easy to get to a number in one tour.
Don't forget the one-offs: Although there is tremendous variety in those subdivisions that have multiple homes, make sure to visit areas with a single listing. There are entire new neighbourhoods to discover and builders with unique designs. That hidden gem might just be your next new home.
Talk to the agents: The sales agents know their show homes. Ask them about anything: unique features, energy savings, specific materials and what makes this particular home special. They are a wealth of knowledge and, if they don't have the answer, they will find out and get back to you in short order.
Have fun: The Parade of Homes is an enjoyable three weeks where you can see the latest and greatest in new homes. You can go as fast or slow as you want, taking in the big picture or concentrating on a minute detail. It's all about what interests you.
Enjoy the 2013 Spring Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Spring Parade has something for everyone
The 2013 Spring Parade of Homes officially opens at noon today and runs through Sunday, March 24. The Manitoba Home
Builders' Association is proud to present 124 new homes on display for everyone to enjoy.
Show home hours are Monday through Thursday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon-6 p.m. Show homes are closed on Fridays except by prior appointment.
Sales staff are in each home, ready to explain its unique and special features. Feel free to ask lots of questions about the various builders and suppliers. After all, MHBA new-home builders pride themselves on building the best new homes in Canada.
Each visitor is sure to come away with new ideas and concepts to incorporate into their new home.
This year, 37 builders are featuring the finest new homes in 30 unique neighbourhoods. Both single-family-detached homes and condominiums are on display.
In addition to Winnipeg, there will be show homes in eight other cities and towns, thereby expanding and serving a larger audience. Quality, choice and affordability are all key components for each new home.
The Spring Parade of Homes has something for everyone. If you are looking for that first new home, this is your opportunity to see the widest variety at one time. If you're considering selling your existing home for more space, less space, more yard, less yard, newer amenities and a different design, everything that you could possibly be looking for is featured at the Spring Parade of Homes.
If you're thinking of making some changes in your existing home, nowhere else will you see so many new and dynamic building styles and techniques as the Spring Parade. If you just want to see the best of the best and envision your dream home, this is the place to do it. Your new home dream starts with the Spring Parade of Homes.
If you missed the Parade magazine in your Winnipeg Free Press home delivery, it is available online at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or www.winnipegfreepress.com. You can also pick up a copy at any Steinbach Credit Union.
Another special feature of the Spring Parade of Homes will be the interactive discussion occurring on Facebook and Twitter. We invite Parade attendees to submit their comments and questions.
Come early and come often to the Spring Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.