New Homes
New Homes
Now is the time to pursue your dreams
ALTHOUGH the 2010 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.
Record crowds exceeding 39,000 people visited 99 new homes by 34 builders in 26 subdivisions in nine cities and towns. 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. 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.
The crowds were generally huge for the past three weeks. 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.
The purchase of a new home is an important decision and now that you have visited the best new homes in Manitoba you undoubtedly have questions you would 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 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 builder, call the builder and they can facilitate your meeting. If you recall the neighbourhood but not a specific house, you can see the entire Parade of Homes magazine on the Manitoba Home Builders' Association website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or the Free Press website at www.winnipegfreepress.com. The magazine has a listing of all of the homes.
The important thing to remember is that almost all of the wonderful show homes that you saw during the Fall Parade are still available for viewing.
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
Record crowds see Fall Parade of Homes
The formal 2010 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.
The weather was most co-operative this year and crowds came out in record numbers to see what the 99 new homes had to offer. No one was disappointed as builders presented 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 home that especially interested you, but you have lost your Parade magazine, all of the pertinent information is still available at www.homebuilders.mb.ca and the Fall Parade magazine will remain posted there until next year's Spring Parade. You can also access the magazine at winnipegfreepress.com.
Speaking of Parades, October is recognized as Renovation Month by the Canadian Home Builders' Association. In Manitoba, we have our own RenoMark Renovation Parade happening and this year we have gone virtual in our presentation of it. There have been eight videos created that will take the viewer through different renovations. Each highlights the work done and includes an interview with the renovator.
To view the RenoMark Renovation Parade videos, go to the MHBA website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca and click on the Virtual Renovations Parade tab on the lower left-hand side of the main page. Learn about some fantastic renovations from the best in the business from the comfort of your own computer.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Tips for taking in Parade of Homes
The 2010 Fall Parade of Homes has started with a bang. Crowds for the first week have been terrific. The cooler weather might have curtailed some lake visits, but seeing this year's selection of new homes was definitely in vogue.
Here are a couple of tips to maximize your enjoyment of the Parade of Homes.
Wear Comfortable Slip-on Shoes
There are 99 fantastic new homes available to visit. More than half of the subdivisions have multiple homes being shown, so you'll probably park and walk to the ones you want to see in that neighbourhood.
As well, you must take off your street shoes in order to tour. That's a lot of bending and lacing, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes that slip on and off.
Map a Strategy
If you have a particular destination neighbourhood, make sure you look for other showhomes along the way. Many subdivisions are close to each other.
Don't Forget the One-Offs
Try to visit those 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.
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.
Remember to follow along the visits of our 10 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.
