Grab your husband, wife, friend or neighbor and get out and enjoy all the new homes on the Triad Parade of Homes tour! This is a great time of year in the Triad for many reasons, but in the new homes industry, this is the biggest event of the year.

I became involved with the Parade of Homes back in 2002 but I remember it as if it were yesterday. Roughly 10 years later (give or take a day or two) I realize that I have been involved in every aspect of the event and I have enjoyed every minute of it. What I like most about the Parade of Homes is that is allows you to tour new homes in laid-back environment. No stress. No fanfare. Just fun.

I’ve learned a thing or two over the years and I’m always happy to share my knowledge with others (the tips, tricks and secrets). Here are a few ways to make the Parade more effective and enjoyable:

• Everyone wants to see the big, expensive homes. That is just the way it is. We can’t help but be fascinated by all the cool things displayed in these homes. While the big homes are exciting and typically gorgeous, don’t underestimate the smaller ones. Many times these smaller homes demonstrate great use of spaces and in many ways are more practical. Remember that saying? Great things come in small packages.

• Plan your tour. You will be able to see more homes in a shorter period of time if you actually take a few minutes to map everything out.

• Share constructive feedback with the builder or builder representative. Builders really appreciate the feedback, as long as it is kept constructive.

• Paint colors and subcontractors: The most common questions are typically about paint colors, or particular subcontractors who did work in the home. Most builders who have done Parade homes in the past will actually have a display piece or a handout that will tell you what paint colors are in each room. In your Parade of Homes magazine you will find a list of all vendors who worked on the home on each individual builder page. I share this with you so that you can look for these items

I hope these few helpful tips make your Parade of Homes experience a more enjoyable one.

Parade homes will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23.  Admission is FREE.

Get out and enjoy!

By Jason Smith (BSI Triad Regional Manager) – Guest Blogger