New Homes
New Homes
A new home can also be a new beginning
WHEN we say in this column that a new home is a good investment, it often only gets taken one way. Unfortunately, some people see the word investment and only think of it in terms of money. We invest in stocks, bonds or precious metals to make money, so naturally, many people think that an investment in a new home has a goal of making money.
Recent years in our local market has proven that to be true, but also limited in scope. Real estate reports indicate that in eight of the last nine years, values in the resale home market have increased by double digits.
Couple that with the fact that Winnipeg has less than half the listings per capita than Calgary or Saskatoon and again one could not be faulted for buying a new home for the expressed purpose of seeing it appreciate in value before selling it in a local market that has tremendous demand.
However, most of us are also investors in lifestyle and well-being. A new home is more than just money. It's where we want to live, where we want to develop friendships with neighbours; where we want our children to go to school; where we want to shop and want to raise our family.
A new home can be a new beginning. Many people grow up in one neighbourhood and then, when it comes time to buy their own new home, look in that familiar neighbourhood because it brings a sense of comfort.
However, what they often fail to take into account is that although that neighbourhood was a tremendous place for them to be raised, it might not offer the same amenities a generation later.
The excitement of a new beginning in a new home allows you the opportunity to choose your future. Living within a reasonable distance of where you like to shop is a consideration. Some people are influenced by the proximity of green space. Others look for community clubs and recreational and social contacts.
A new home permits you to shape your future and the future of your family. Whether you are the first house built on the street or the last, you are part of a new and thriving neighbourhood that is going to grow together to establish its own identity.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
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.
