Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/161409
"People still do come, but there is a misconception that show homes aren't open year-round." The Parade is the best opportunity to view the greatest variety of show homes, as many are sold during the event and will no longer be open to the public. But if you want one-on-one service from sales agents, it may be a good idea to catch them when they aren't busy answering questions from hundreds of other Parade visitors. "You're more likely to get the full attention of the sales agents after the Parade. After the Parade is the time for followup and to close the deal or ask about possible alterations," Moore says. Come Back Cont'd from page 4 'There's plenty of excitement surrounding the MHBA Parade of Homes. In fact, there's so much buzz that many people don't realize show homes are open all year.' 6 Parade of Homes Fall 2013 "We are by far the biggest Parade of Homes in Canada — the closest to us has only 30 or 40 homes on display," he says, adding many cities hold online parades, which aren't nearly as exciting. There's plenty of excitement surrounding the MHBA Parade of Homes. In fact, there's so much buzz that many people don't realize show homes are open all year. "We do such a good job promoting the Parade of Homes that people think that's the only time show homes are open. We spend the rest of the year saying, 'Hey, we're still open for business!' It's our own fault — we're victims of our own success," Moore says. Arlt Homes vice-president Jason Arlt recommends holding your own parade whenever it's convenient. "You can get the experience of going from show home to show home at other times of the year," Arlt says. "Builders work all year just like everyone else, and you have a good chance of getting a good turnaround and good response from builders if you go at a quieter time." Arlt Homes has two show homes in the Fall Parade, at 162 Lake Bend Rd. in Bridgwater Lakes and at 51 Borealis Bay in Sage Creek. The company planned to enter a third show home, but it's already been sold. Show homes are open during set hours for casual viewing year-round, and you can always arrange private tours by appointment. See www.homebuilders.mb.ca.