It looks like a perfect weekend to attend the 34th annual Parade of Homes(sm) going on now in the Twin Cities metro area. NIH Homes is proud to once again take part in the Parade of Homes(sm) with 5 custom homes in the Parade this year. Whether this is your first year touring many of the 406 homes on the tour or it’s your 34th time, there’s always something new to discover on this Twin Cities home tour.

If you’ve been thinking about building a custom home in the Twin Cities or are thinking about a remodeling project, the Parade of Homes is a great way to get ideas for any home building or remodeling project. It’s also a great way to meet with builders to find out more about the process.

Parade of Homes

When: Now through October 1st, 2017

Noon to 6pm Thursdays through Sundays

Cost: The Parade of Homes is free to tour. You can tour all the homes and remodeled homes at no cost. The Artisan Dream Homes however, require a $5 donation per home to tour.

All proceeds help the Foundation build and remodel homes for area families in need.

History of the Parade of Homes: The Parade of Homes began in 1949. With hundreds of new homes across the region, visitors can choose to visit them by location, price range and style. As a whole, the Parade of Homes truly does showcase the entire range of what new homes have to offer. Homes are all open specified hours over four or five weeks, and each home is priced accurately so you can see real costs associated with buying a new home.

Guidebooks: Free, printed Guidebooks are available at local Holiday Stationstores. The Guidebooks include information about all of the homes on tour, plus interesting articles and an extensive style section showing off the latest décor items. The Guidebook is available at ParadeofHomes.org in e-magazine format, too. And of course, ParadeofHomes.org is your online resource with everything in the Guidebook plus many more filters and resources to make touring fun and easy; and to bring you valuable information year round.

Builders: Every Parade Home is constructed by a builder member of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, a trade organization providing marketing, advocacy and industry connections to member businesses. Members have access to resources and education that helps them stay on top of their game. They share best practices, learn about new products, services and techniques, and connect with trade partners, helping to assure homebuyers in the Twin Cities of a healthy, vibrant housing market.

Artisan Dream Homes: This year there are 5 Artisan Dream Homes on the Parade of Homes Fall Tour. Artisan Dream Homes ask for a $5 donation at the door. Donations help the BATC Foundation to build and remodel homes for area families in need.

Online Resource: The Parade of Homes online Trip Planner is easy to use. Start at your desktop at ParadeofHomes.org. Register your email and begin searching for homes to tour. Mark homes you like as “Favorites,” then when you’re ready to plan a tour, use the Trip Planner drop-down menu under the Tour search. You can choose some or all of the homes you “favorited,” and ask the system to map the most convenient tour. Then you can log on using your smart phone to access your trip route as you tour.