New Homes
New Homes
Parade is over; buyers are starting to get serious
Although the Fall Parade of Homes officially ended on Oct. 10, the various show homes remain extremely busy. The reason is that we are in the peak of buying season right now.
Manitobans visited dozens of new homes in a variety of neighbourhoods during the parade. One's scope tends to be very broad and people try to see as many homes as they can.
When visiting a subdivision, we tend to want to see all of the homes in that subdivision, since we are there anyway. Besides, it's fun to see the various new designs, styles and features, whether that's what we are looking for or not.
However, once the larger crowds have subsided, the shrewd Manitoba buyer gets serious. Generally, they have narrowed down the style, price and location to only a few by now. They are setting appointments for each house for an exclusive tour so they are able to discuss considerably more detail than during Parade.
The sales agent is now concentrating solely on the one client and is able to help with numerous areas of interest.
For example, every Manitoba consumer wants to haggle about options and prices. It's in our blood. What will it cost to change a floor? Can I change the kitchen countertops or cupboard doors? What are the pros and cons of a different vanity mirror?
Not to worry; the agents have heard them all and are prepared to answer.
Mortgage rates are incredibly low right now, but nobody knows for how long. The strength of the Canadian dollar and the efforts of the Bank of Canada to control it in relation to the American dollar will almost assuredly result in higher rates sometime next year.
Manitoba Home Builders' Association members have access to an inventory of lots that the consumer could not imagine. The opportunity to build the house you want where you want only happens when you deal with a professional home builder who has all of these contacts.
The show homes are open for viewing and selecting. The weather is still nice. It's a perfect time to revisit the list of show homes you saw during the fall Parade of Homes. If you misplaced your Parade magazine, it is available on line at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or www.winnipegfreepress.com.
Narrow it down to the ones that appear right for you and go see what might be your new home one more time.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
New Homes
Miss the parade? You can still visit show homes
The 2009 Fall Parade of Homes ended yesterday, but you still have plenty of opportunity to revisit the fantastic show homes that you saw during the three weeks of Parade.
Record crowds exceeding 37,000 people visited 100 new homes by 33 builders in 28 subdivisions in 11 cities and towns. It was a whirlwind tour for many and one couldnn'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 for you to have a private conversation with the sales representative regarding the purchase of a new home.
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 a number of questions that 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 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 Manitoba Home Builders' Association 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 important thing to remember is that almost all of the show homes that you saw during the Fall Parade of Homes are still available for viewing.
This column prepared by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Fall Parade of Homes heads for record turnout
If the trend of the first two weeks continue, the 2009 Fall Parade of Homes will surpass last year's record attendance numbers.
On the opening weekend, sales agents reported that more than 400 people visited their show home in one day. The nice weather throughout the rest of the week ensured attendance stayed strong. But even when the weather turned colder and windier this past week, interest did not diminish.
It certainly looks like this year's Parade will achieve an even greater turnout than at any time in the past.
Sales representatives showing the 100 new homes have been bombarded with questions in the first two weeks. Financial items are front and centre.
Interested buyers are particularly enamoured with the low mortgage rates that are currently available. Some show homes display samples of mortgage calculations; some promote banks and credit unions who are able to assist buyers and all have a calculator handy.
Although no definitive direction has been issued by the provincial government to indicate that a Harmonized Sales Tax will be implemented here, some savvy buyers are looking at investing in a new home now rather than possibly facing higher prices as is currently being experienced in Ontario and British Columbia.
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 arise. For instance, sales representatives have been asked the cost of changing flooring to something that was seen elsewhere. Kitchen countertops and cabinets also stimulate discussions for changes.
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 EnerGuide rating. A quick comparison showing considerable savings in a new home contributes to the economic viability of buying new.
Remember, the 2009 Fall Parade of Homes continues through Saturday, Oct. 10. Showhomes are open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
This column prepared by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.