The 25th Annual Parade of Homes will allow visitors to tour 45 model homes throughout southeastern Michigan, a considerable increase from the 30 homes featured in 2010.
“The new homes featured in this program, as well as the number that are under construction and in the pre-construction stages, are all good indications that with the improved economy, interest in new homes has increased,” says Paul Aragona, president of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan in West Bloomfield, which sponsors the event with Bank of America Home Loans.
The month-long event, starting June 1, allows potential homebuyers to see the latest trends in energy efficiency and green building, architecture, interior design, amenities, and materials.
Ranging in base price from around $130,000 to $830,000, the homes were constructed by more then 20 different builders, all members of HBA, including Compo Custom Builders in Novi.
“We did a 2,650-foot ranch in Highland in a newer development called Woodland Ranch,” says David Compo, president of Compo Custom Builders and vice president of the association. “Ranches are becoming very popular — of the 20 homes we’re building a year, 18 are ranches. (Homebuyers) don’t necessarily need the two-story homes that you saw for years and years.”
Compo says the ranch differs from older offerings by featuring vaulted ceilings, high peaks, and rich elevations. Other amenities include heated floors, door-less showers, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and wide hallways.
As part of the showcase, a panel of architects and industry experts will judge the homes and award blue ribbons in several categories based on such factors as innovation, aesthetic appeal, and value for the price. The winners will be announced in early June.
On June 1, the Home Builders Association will launch an updated version of ParadeHBA.com, which will include clickable maps and details about each home.
While most of the residences are complete, five are currently under construction and eight are in pre-construction. What’s more, potential homebuyers will have the opportunity to work with a builder from the beginning of construction.
This event precedes the Ultimate Homearama 2014, which will take place Aug. 29 to Sep. 14 at The Pinnacle at Oaklands. The last Homearama tour of luxury homes was held in 2003.
