So, you’re ready to head out and discover your next home, and you want to make sure you're prepared? Well, you’re in the right place! Touring the entries on the Parade of Homes is a hassle-free, low-pressure way to follow the work of builders and see the latest in housing options available to you. Before you get started, take a look at these tips to help guide you on your home search.
Start your search by heading out to tour. With hundreds of new homes open, you can easily visit floor plans at different price points and in different neighborhoods. Keep track of the builders and home styles that feel right for you. You can explore up-and-coming neighborhoods and plans that are ready to build to stay informed on future build opportunities as well.
Know what you can afford. Connect with a mortgage banker about loan options and rates, as well as how much you’ll need for your down payment.
Once you’ve solidified your budget, go out for round two of touring! You can narrow your search to homes in your price range and focus on what must-have features you’ll want to be included in your home.
What kind of neighborhood appeals to you? Now that you’ve toured, you’ll have a better handle on the type of community and neighborhood you prefer.
Make appointments with your top builder choices and get a rundown of timelines and procedures. Ask for references and reach out to them before signing a contract. You may want to put a lot on hold, generally with a small fee.
If you’re building a custom home, you’ll likely spend time with a designer or architect planning a layout that will fit your lifestyle. Other builders may have a portfolio of floor plans that you can select from or adjust to your liking. Either way, consider how you live in your current house and what you’re looking for in your new home.
You’re ready to commit! Your final contract will have all the specifics about your home. Review it carefully. In some cases, you’ll be able to see the final cost right on the contract, in others there may still be some leeway in products and finishes, so your contract will have allowances that will be adjusted after you’ve made your selections.
Depending on the type of new home you’re building, you’ll land somewhere between selecting from a few options and colors to choosing virtually every element of your new home. And if selecting finishes isn’t your forte, you’ll get plenty of professional help from your builders and showrooms to personalize your space. Keep in mind changes down the road can cost extra, so making your decisions on upgrades early in the process can save you in the long run.
With all your selections in hand, it’s time for construction to begin! Stay in communication with your builder to receive progress updates, and check in before showing up on site. There can be safety and liability issues on an active construction site, and your builder wants you to stay safe.
With construction completed, it’s time to close on your new home! You and your mortgage banker will meet with the builder’s representatives to finalize all the paperwork. Be prepared to make sure you have all the documents you need and can cover any closing costs.
Then, it’s finally time for the most exciting part of the journey, move-in day! Welcome home!
Lead Photo
Builder: Robert Thomas Homes
Photographer: Spacecrafting
Every time you purchase a ticket to tour a Dream Home on the Parade of Homes, you’re helping fund the work of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. This fall, five Dream Homes were hand-selected for their design, craftsmanship, and inspirational interiors.
These Dream Homes do more than showcase what’s possible in home design — they help make housing possible for our neighbors who need it most. Your $7 admission supports the Foundation’s work toward building safe housing for Minnesotans in need. Each visitor through the door helps a fellow Minnesotan finally have a place to call home.
When it comes to remodeling your home, who you choose to work with matters just as much as what you plan to change. A great remodeler will guide you through a complex process with expertise, transparency, and professionalism. And in a world of DIY shows and social media inspiration, it can be tempting to cut corners or rush the hiring process. But a remodel is a major investment in your home — and your peace of mind depends on getting it right from the start.
So, what does hiring a professional remodeler actually look like?
Choosing the right paint color for your home can be overwhelming. With endless shades and finishes available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to regret later. Here, Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield's Design Resource Showroom manager, shares some of the most common paint color mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.
