Get the most out of your Parade experience
By Lanny McInnes
Date Posted: October 23, 2021
The 2021 Fall Parade of Homes is well underway! Over the past week, people have been out and visiting many of the great show homes on display across Manitoba.
Thank you to all of our visitors who are following our safety requirements. Your co-operation and understanding have made the first week of the Parade a success! During every Parade of Homes, the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association likes to provide our visitors with some tried and true tips on the how to make the most of your time while visiting our amazing Parade show homes:
Thank you for wearing a mask! — Visitors to our show homes have been tremendous in adhering to the pandemic safety measures our builder members have put in place during the Fall Parade. Masks or face coverings are required to be worn by anyone visiting a show home during the Parade. All visitors are required to answer pre-screening questions and to sanitize their hands upon entering a home. Access to show homes is limited to five people at any time to encourage proper social distancing takes place while you are visiting. While these requirements may make a visit take a bit longer or mean you may have to wait to enter a show home, the steps are being implemented to help ensure your visit is as safe as possible.
Wear comfortable slip-on shoes — Most of the new neighbourhoods showcased during the Fall Parade have multiple homes being shown, so you will probably park in one location and walk to all of the homes in that area. Upon entering each new home, you must also take off your street shoes in order to walk through and tour the home. Therefore, be sure to wear a comfortable walking shoe that easily slips on and off. It will make your visit that much more enjoyable.
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 locations are in close proximity to each other and it’s easy to get to a number of them in one tour. Bring along your Parade magazine or follow the listings on your smartphone.
Don’t forget the one-offs — While the Parade features a variety in neighbourhoods that have multiple show homes for viewing, make sure you visit those areas with a single or just a few listings. There are entire new neighbourhoods to discover and builders with unique designs. That hidden gem might just be your next new home.
Talk to the agents — The sales agents know their show homes. Ask them about anything — unique features, energy savings, specific materials and what makes a particular home special. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge and will make your visit interesting and informative.
Have fun — The Parade of Homes is a unique chance to see the latest and greatest in new homes in Manitoba. Follow the MHBA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see each of the homes featured in the Parade. Watch for #PARADEOFHOMESMB on social media for show home profiles, pictures and great contests!
Enjoy the 2021 Fall Parade of Homes!
Lanny McInnes is the President & CEO of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.