New Homes
New Homes
New home represents a fresh lifestyle start
When we say in this column that a new home is a good investment, it's often only taken in one way: 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.
Our local market in recent years has proven that to be true, but also limited in scope. Real-estate reports indicate that in eight of the last 10 years, values in the resale-home market have increased by double digits-- in other words, house prices have increased by 10 per cent a year or more. Add to this that Winnipeg has fewer than half the listings per capita than either Calgary or Saskatoon and, again, one could not be faulted for buying a new home for the express 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 our own personal well-being. A new home is more than just money -- it's where we want to live, where we want to develop life-long friendships with our neighbours, where we want our children to go to school, where we want to shop and where we want to raise our families.
A new home can be a new beginning. Many people grow up in one particular neighbourhood and then, when it comes time to buy their own new home, they look in that old, familiar neighbourhood because it brings a sense of comfort. However, although that neighbourhood was a tremendous place for them and their peers 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. Schools are just one factor. Living within a reasonable distance of where you like to shop is a consideration. Some people are influenced by the proximity of green space, both for visual aesthetics and for exercise. Others look for community clubs and recreational and social contacts.
A new home allows you to shape your future and the future of your family. Whether yours is the first house built on the street or the last piece of the puzzle, you're part of a new and thriving neighbourhood that is going to grow and establish its own identity.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
It's your last weekend for Spring Parade of Homes
The formal portion of the 2014 Spring Parade of Homes ends tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. and, with the weather being so unpredictable this year, you may have not had ample time to see what these 122 new homes had to offer.
Not to worry, though: Almost all of the show homes that have been part of the Parade will remain open for viewing well after the official Parade ends.
Both the Spring and Fall Parades of Homes are showcase events hosted by the Manitoba Home Builders Association to demonstrate the best that the new-home building industry has to offer. Whether you're in the market for a new home, considering a change or just looking for ideas for your current home, nowhere else is there such a collection of concepts.
What many people often forget is that these show homes are open year-round for viewing. So, if you need to take another look at a couple of homes before making your decision, they're 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. Just go to the Manitoba Home Builders Association web site at www.homebuilders.mb.ca and the entire Spring Parade magazine will remain posted there right up until the Fall Parade.
You can also access the Parade magazine via the Winnipeg Free Press web site at www.winnipegfreepress.com.
As a special feature this year, the Manitoba Home Builders Association and the Winnipeg Free Press teamed up to create a Parade blog, Facebook page and a home ranking site. This years' awards will be determined by Parade visitors. Simply click on the QR code in each home and rank it from one to five stars in each of four categories. You be the judge. So, try to visit the various show homes today and tomorrow between noon and 6 p.m. But if you're unable to get there during the official Parade, it's easy to make your own arrangements to see them later.
And Manitoba's next exciting home-improvement event is just around the corner. The 40th annual Home Expressions Home and Garden Show takes place from April 4-66 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. This year's show also features the Hockey Fan Cave. Look for more details at www.homeexpressions.ca.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Warmer weather boosts Spring Parade of Homes attendance
The extremely welcome warm weather of the past week has been bringing interested visitors by the thousands to the Spring Parade of Homes.
New home sales agents are reporting people were lined up in anticipation of visiting show homes.
It's been a long, cold, miserable winter and it's been fabulous to finally be able to get out and discover the possibilities represented by the new homes on display during the parade.
Sales representatives showing the parade's 122 new homes have also been bombarded with a flurry of questions in the first two weeks of the event, with financial items front and centre. Visitors seem particularly enamoured with low mortgage rates and predictions they will continue, assuring now is an ideal time to buy a new home.
Some show homes display samples of mortgage calculations, while others promote banks and credit unions that are able to assist buyers.
Given most people visit a variety of new homes in the parade, it's inevitable comparison shopping and questions about the availability of different features arise. For instance, sales representatives have been asked about the cost of changing flooring to something that was seen elsewhere. Kitchen countertops and cabinets also stimulate discussions for changes, bathroom design is always a popular topic.
Given the cold weather of the past four months, energy efficiency is of interest and importance to visitors. Manitoba new homes are the most energy-efficient in Canada. Since 1990, their energy efficiency has increased by 21.6 per cent while greenhouse gas emissions have declined by 40 per cent.
A new feature at this year's Parade that has proven to be very popular is the online ranking of new homes. Everyparade attendee can rank each home they visit in four different categories on a five-star scale. Simply click on the QR code on display in the home and you get to decide the winners of this year's parade.
If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask. The show-home staff offer a wealth of information and, if they don't immediately know the answer, they can find out and get back to you.
Remember, the 2014 Spring Parade of Homes continues through Sunday, March 23. Show homes are open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Making the most of the Spring Parade of Homes
The first week of the Spring Parade of Homes is in the books and it looks like we're in for another great event. The weather hasn't been doing us any favours but, if the first week was any indication, crowds will continue to grow as the Parade progresses. Each year, we print a primer for Parade attendees; just a couple of tips to maximize your enjoyment. For the benefit of Parade veteran and rookie attendees, the Manitoba Home Builders Association offers the following tips for a successful Parade:
Wear comy slip-on shoes
There are 122 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. Many of the neighbourhoods have multiple homes being shown and so you will probably park in one location and walk to all of the homes. The developers have been doing their best to clear snow in order to maximize good parking. Upon entering each new home, you must take off your street shoes in order to tour. Therefore, be sure to a comfortable walking shoe that easily slips on and off. It will make your visit that much more enjoyable.
Bring your SmartPhone
Remember, this year you get to decide who gets the hardware for favourite home in each category. Inside each show home, there is a QR code chart. Simply click on the QR code and rank that home from one to five stars in each of the four criteria. You can also go to www.paradeofhomes-select.ca if you're taking notes instead. At the conclusion of the Parade, compare your rankings with who won the awards.
Map a strategy
If you have a particular destination site, make sure you look for additional homes along the way to visit. Many of the subdivisions are in close proximity 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 to visit those areas with a single listing. There are entire new neighbourhoods to discover and builders with unique designs.
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. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge and, if they don't have the answer, they will find out and get back to you in short order.
Have Fun
The Parade of Homes is an enjoyable three weeks where you can see the latest and greatest in new homes. It's all about what interests you. Enjoy the 2014 Spring Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
