New Homes
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.
New Homes
Fall Parade of Homes at the starting line
No doubt many of you have witnessed a flurry of activity on South Waverley, South Lagimodiere, west off Plessis, the westerly extension of Leila, south of Kildare and throughout communities such as Steinbach and Headingley.
That activity marks the finishing touches being put on 100 new homes in readiness for the 2010 Fall Parade of Homes, running from Sept. 18 through October 9 and presented by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
Close to 40,000 people are expected to visit the Parade entries across 26 subdivisions. Although most are in Winnipeg, this year also features new homes in Steinbach, Oakbank, Lorette, Stonewall, LaSalle, Selkirk and Brandon. These new homes have been built by 35 builders, the best in their craft.
The MHBA Parade of Homes is the largest, best-attended, longest-running and most informative event of its kind in Canada. Every builder welcomes the public to visit their showhome and talk to a sales agent. They want questions and they want opinions.
Although you're certainly to acquire a taste of the new-home experience during the Parade, builders also want you to return after the event to meet in a quieter setting to discuss specific homes in more detail.
Our city has the third-oldest housing stock in Canada; when Manitoba new-home builders construct new homes, they build them to last. Manitoba new homes are also the most energy-efficient in Canada. Water conservation and energy efficiency are important considerations.
MHBA member builders and suppliers keep abreast of the latest trends and techniques to ensure that every detail is the best available.
Each of the 100 showhomes is unique. Be certain to ask about special features that make a house the right one for you. With such a wide selection, you will undoubtedly be surrounded with outstanding ideas and concepts that will make the Fall Parade an enlightening and enjoyable experience.
Plan now to visit as many of the new showhomes as possible. The dream home that you've been looking for is waiting for you at the 2010 Fall Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
