Top Tips To Get The Most Out Of The Parade of Homes

BY REID BOLES, REALTOR

I'm now into my second decade as a realtor and I’ve worked in more than my share of Parade of Homes over the years! The Parade of Homes is a twice-yearly showcase of new homes (spring and fall) where each builder gets to show off the best of the best. There are many reasons to tour the parade-- some just go for fun, some go to get design ideas while others are there to get feel for which builder may fit their budget.    

Here are my best tips to get the most out of your Parade of Homes experience!  

1: Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off quickly.

You’ll be in and out of houses, and all will require you to remove your shoes—much easier when they slip on and off easily. There will also be lots of other people in and out of the houses, so avoiding bending down and trying to lace your shoes with a bunch of people waiting is a pro move.

2: Time it right depending on your goals.

Parade hours are Monday-Thursday 5-8M, and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5PM. If you are just looking to enjoy some new homes and scope out some design ideas, then head out anytime.

However, if you are more serious about a potential build, it's better to come by during the week when it is a bit slower. Salespeople will be more available when the house does not have 25 people in there all asking questions at the same time, and you can have a more serious face to face conversation with the agent. It's also an option to book a one-on-one consultation with the realtor outside of Parade Hours so your meeting isn’t interrupted. 

3: Don’t bring your kids.

I hope that doesn't sound harsh, but as the father of a 1- and a 5-year-old, I know how much my kids like to wreck things, and I also know how hard it is to focus on a conversation when I’m trying to wrangle them at the same time. If it's not possible to come without your kids, of course they are welcome. But parent-to-parent, you will probably get more out of the experience without them on board.  

4: Bring your camera!

It can be surprisingly hard to remember which house had the waterfall island or glass railings that you liked. Making notes and taking photos are totally welcomed.  

5: Ask questions!

It is very important to ask pertinent questions of the builders you meet.  Some things to ask about are building timelines, whether or not there will be any extra costs after the contract has closed (escalation clause), and whether there might be supply issues that could hold up your build. We represent Discovery Homes, and I can tell you that Discovery has no escalation clause, and also has a quick building time because they build each house as the permits are granted instead of waiting for a few of the same house to sell so they can build them all at the same time. 

The 2024 Fall Parade of Homes runs from September 21 - October 13, 2024

I’ll be rotating between our four show homes—15 Yaleton Street in Prairie Pointe, 180 Nuthatch Bay in Highland Pointe, 29 Bur Oak in River Spring Groves, and 28 Ash Cove in Forest Grove Estates, so feel free to drop by to see me there!