Three times per year in Minnesota the Builders Association Of The Twin Cities throws a Parade of Homes where new construction homes are put on display.   The Parade Of Homes includes the Spring Preview , Easy Street , Fall Showcase and Remodelors Showcase.  Parade Of Homes visitors range from perspective buyers shopping for a new home builder, to those just curious about new luxury  homes.  The Parade Of Homes is great for many reasons.  It introduces perspective buyers to new home builders in Minnesota and allows buyers to see first hand the quality that a Parade Of Homes builder offers.  The Parade Of Homes also puts a jumpstart in the Minnesota economy as contractors of various trades are booked solid in the months and weeks leading up to The Parade Of Homes.  On the downside various communities have expressed their grief at the increased traffic that the Parade Of Homes draws to their neighborhoods.  When we built our first home we had to deal with Parade Of Homes traffic in the years after completion of our new house.  To those complainers I say Get Over It!  Without the Parade Of Homes we would not have chosen our builder and gotten started on the road to new home ownership.  Likely these same complainers are those who toured Parade of Homes displays in that very neighborhood.  Guidebooks for the Parade Of Homes can be picked up at any Holiday station store.   Even after building our house we visit the Parade Of Homes Model Homes to get decorating ideas and keep up on new technology in new home construction in Minnesota

 

Places to visit in the Twin Cities Minnesota

  • Ask if the builder will discount commission for selling your existing home.  Many times you can save thousands by allowing the new home builder to sell your old home.

  • If possible try to build on your builders development.  The builders sub contractors are already working in the area so you house stands a better chance of finishing on time.

Mortgage Loans

 

Parade Of Homes Minnesota

Parade Of Homes 2006

Spring Preview February 11 - March 19

Easy Street April 29 - May 21

Fall Showcase September 9 - October 8

Remodelors Showcase October 13 - 15

Minnesota Parade Of Homes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Parade Of Homes really makes choosing a floor plan easier because its hard to pick based on plans alone.  When you walk through new construction homes you can see which home fits your lifestyle in ways that looking at new home plans doesn't accomplish.  Here are some things we learned from our first new construction home.  They may or may not apply to your situation.

 

  • Don't skimp on electrical.  Electrical outlets are more difficult to add when walls are finished.  Evaluate each room separately in particular the garage where builders tend to put less outlets to reduce costs.

  • If you are building your first home and its with a large builder you may find an easier time going with less customization.  Using layouts and designs the builder has done repeatedly decreases the chances for mistakes.

  • VISIT YOUR BUILD SITE OFTEN!  It is likely you will find mistakes and you'll want to report them to your builder immediately.  Visiting your new home often ensures you catch these early.

  • Be picky on your final inspection.  We have tape lines that we curse everyday that should have been fixed before closing.