New Homes
New Homes
Chance to buy new dream home has just begun
Although the 2011 Fall Parade of Homes has formally ended, you still have plenty of opportunity to revisit those fantastic show homes that you saw during the three weeks of Parade.
Once again, tremendous crowds enjoyed the fabulous weather and came out in full support and interest in visiting the 100 new show homes. It was a whirlwind tour for many and one couldn't be expected to visit every home, no matter how hard they tried.
Many people have the mistaken notion that show homes are only open during the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes. Therefore, they try to get in as much viewing time as possible during the three weeks of each Parade.
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 Fall Parade, the timing is perfect to follow up with another visit.
Although you received an excellent welcome and introduction to each new home, it was undoubtedly busy and it may have been difficult to have a private conversation with the sales representative regarding the more intricate details of the new home.
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 and meeting. 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, call the builder and they can facilitate your meeting. If you recall the neighbourhood but not the specific house which interested you, you can see the entire Parade of Homes magazine on the MHBA website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or the Winnipeg Free Press website at 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 subdivision or the builder or the particular home that interested you, it's all in the Parade magazine.
The Parade 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.
New Homes
Fall Parade ends today, but showhomes remain
THE formal portion of the 2011 Fall Parade of Homes ends today at 6 p.m. but not to worry, most of the show homes that have been part of the Parade will remain open for viewing well after it ends.
The weather has been outstanding this year and terrific crowds came to see what these 100 new homes had to offer. No one was disappointed as this year's entrants were an amazing collection of design, style, quality, craftsmanship and choice.
The Fall and Spring Parades of Homes are two showcase events hosted by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association to demonstrate the best that the new-home building industry has to offer. Whether one is in the market for a new home, considering a change or just looking for ideas for their current home, nowhere else is there such a collection of concepts.
What many people fail to realize is that these show homes are open year-round for viewing. The hours may be slightly different than during the Parade, but the sales representatives are still available to help you with your search for the perfect home.
So, if you need to take another look at a couple of homes before making your decision, they are open and ready to welcome you.
If you recall visiting a neighbourhood or series of homes that especially interested you, but you have lost your Parade magazine, don't worry. All of the pertinent information is still available on the MHBA website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca and the entire Fall Parade magazine will remain posted there right up until next year's Spring Parade. You can also access the magazine via the Winnipeg Free Press website at www.winnipegfreepress.com.
As a special feature again this year, the MHBA and the Free Press teamed up to create a Parade blog. By going to either web site, you can read a review and comments about the Parade homes by different visitors.
Thank you to all of the many partners who worked together to create a fantastic Fall Parade of Homes. This event gets better every year with the best new homes in all of Canada being showcased at one time.
Remember, show homes stay open beyond the Parade dates, so there is plenty of opportunity to revisit what just might be your new home.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Parade to Parade of Homes impressive
If the trends of the first two weeks continue, the 2011 Fall Parade of Homes will surpass last year's attendance numbers.
On the opening weekend, sales agents were reporting that individuals were lined up outside the door in anticipation of visiting their home.
The nice weather throughout the rest of the week ensured that attendance stayed strong. It certainly looks like this year's Parade will be one of the largest ever.
Sales representatives showing the 100 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 enamored with the low mortgage rates that are currently available. Some show homes display samples of mortgage calculations; some promote banks and credit unions that are able to assist buyers and all have a calculator handy.
Given that most people visit a variety of new homes in the Parade, it is inevitable that comparison shopping and the addition of different features arises.
For instance, sales representatives have been asked the cost of changing flooring to something that was seen elsewhere. Kitchen countertop and cabinets also stimulate discussions for changes. Bathrooms are always popular design topics.
Manitobans are likely to be 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 built homes have been the most energy efficient in Canada for a number of years, they still continue to get better.
Many interested prospective buyers come fully equipped with their existing heating bills, water usage numbers, furnace efficiency rating and even some R values for their discussions. A quick comparison showing considerable savings in a new home contributes to the economic viability of buying new.
As was said in last week's column, if you don't know something, don't be afraid to ask. The staff on site are a wealth of information and, if they don't immediately know the answer, they can find out and get back to you.
Remember, the 2011 Fall Parade of Homes continues through Saturday, Oct. 8. Show homes are open Monday through Thursday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon-6 p.m.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Making Parade of Homes a comfy adventure
The 2011 Fall Parade of Homes has started with a bang. Crowds for the first week have been terrific. The weather has been a pleasant mix of warm and cool, so you could take your pick of prime new home visiting weather.
Last year, we printed a primer for attendees; just a couple of tips to maximize your enjoyment of the Parade of Homes. For the benefit of veteran and rookie attendees, the Manitoba Home Builders' Association offers the following tips:
Wear comfortable slip-on shoes
There are 100 fantastic new homes available to visit. Although you likely won't get to all of them, you will find yourself trying to get to as many as possible. Upon entering each new home, you must take off your shoes in order to tour. Given that some subdivisions have more than 10 homes open for viewing and you don't want to miss a thing, that's a lot of bending and lacing. 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 site, make sure you look for additional homes along the way to visit. Many subdivisions are close to each other and it's easy to get to a number of them in one tour.
Don't forget the one-offs
Although there is tremendous variety in those subdivisions that have multiple homes, make sure you 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're a wealth of knowledge and if they don't have the answer, they will find out and get back to you in short order.
Remember to follow along the visits of our bloggers as they comment on each home in the Fall Parade. Feel free to add your impressions of the homes that you visit. It's fun to compare notes and form your own impressions based on someone else's prior visit. Just go to www.homebuilders.mb.ca or www.winnipegfreepress.com, click on the icon and follow along.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
