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July 30, 2025

How to Hire a Professional Remodeler (and Why It Matters)

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?

More blog posts

March 13, 2023

Tour & Toast to Women in Construction

To celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day, the Parade of Homes hosted a champagne toast at two magnificent Dream Homes on the Spring Parade of Homes. The goal was to bring together women in the housing industry to honor their impact, celebrate their accomplishments, and highlight the opportunities available to women in construction.

February 27, 2023

Falen on Making Her Home Her Own

For many homebuyers, there is a specific feature or look to a home that inspires them to buy, but making the home fit your personal style can be a process. For KDWB radio star and influencer Falen, making her home feel like her own has become a passion project.

February 27, 2023

Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home

The Dream Homes on the Parade of Homes support the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s work towards building safe housing for Minnesotans in need of shelter with a vision of ending homelessness. Your admission helps build futures through housing.

February 20, 2023

Jason DeRusha's Home Bar Must-Haves and Twin Cities Favorites

If there’s anything the past two years have taught us, it's that sometimes entertaining in the comfort of your home can be just as fun as going out. But imitating the well-crafted cocktails or mocktails from your favorite local spot is sometimes easier said than done. We went to one of the Twin Cities' experts on eating and drinking out for advice on how to bring the experience home—Jason DeRusha.

February 16, 2023

Your Guide to 2023 Mortgage Options

Changes in mortgage rates have many homebuyers wondering what they can afford and whether now is a good time to buy. Despite higher interest rates, there are many bright spots in the housing market right now. This is especially true for homebuyers looking to buy a new home. It’s important for homebuyers to understand the many available financing options to utilize in today’s housing market.

February 14, 2023

Six Dream Homes Featured on the Spring Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase

The selections are in and you won’t want to miss the Spring 2023 Dream Homes! These are the homes that are ready to WOW you. The ones you’re pinning on Pinterest and ogling over in magazines. And they’re the perfect place to grab inspiration for your home. This year, there are five new homes and one remodeled home that were hand-selected as Dream Homes. Admission is $5 and supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s work as it builds and renovates transitional housing facilities for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness, veterans, and others in need.

Purchase your tickets online!

February 7, 2023

8 Home Features With Increased Demand Post-COVID

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped consumer behaviors. When it comes to shopping—online orders skyrocketed for retail, food service shifted to take-out and delivery orders, and instead of going on vacations or social events with large crowds, people pivoted to at-home activities. Homebuyers and homeowners reflected a similar shift. With people spending so much time at home, there was a renewed focus on transforming homes into a cozy, relaxing, functional space. So, what are buyers and homeowners looking for in 2023? Here are 8 home features that have skyrocketed in demand post-pandemic.

December 21, 2022

5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

It’s finally here…wintertime in Minnesota. You know what that means—dropping temperatures, icy roads, and lots of snow. Making sure you and your home are prepared to handle winter weather is crucial. There are a few key areas we recommend checking up on as soon as possible.

September 29, 2025

2025 Fall Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2025 Fall Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here’s a roundup of all the press coverage highlighting this year’s Fall Parade of Homes.

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September 23, 2025

New Homeowner Checklist: Fall Maintenance Reminders for Your New Build

Congratulations! You’re the first owner of a brand-new home. Everything is fresh, modern, and built just for you. No weird smells, dated finishes, or mystery repairs hiding behind the walls. But while new construction gives you a major head start on maintenance, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking care of your investment. Fall in Minnesota can be unpredictable, and winter isn’t far behind. Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the changing season, especially if this is your first time owning a home. Think of this checklist as your introduction to proactive homeownership, doing a few smart things now will keep your new home in top shape and help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Here’s what to know as you head into your first fall.

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September 23, 2025

From House to Home: How to Feel Connected in Your New Community

Buying a new home is about more than square footage and finishes, it’s about planting roots in a place where you feel welcomed, connected, and truly at home. As you tour neighborhoods during the Fall Parade of Homes, you might be imagining morning walks on the trails, stopping by the coffee shop downtown, or that first invite to a backyard bonfire. But how do you actually make that vision come to life once you’ve moved in? Whether you’re new to the Midwest or simply relocating across town, feeling at home in your community takes intention. But the good news? You don’t have to wait years to feel connected. Here are some smart, simple ways to get to know your new neighborhood.

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September 15, 2025

From Inspiration to Reality: Using a HELOC To Fund Your Favorite Features From the Parade of Homes

This is a sponsored message by Magnifi Financial

When you wander through the Parade of Homes, it is easy to feel like you've stepped into a home-design fairytale. One minute, you're admiring a dreamy chef’s kitchen with a dazzling island, and the next you're captivated by a wall of windows that floods a living room with sunshine. These environments do more than showcase beautiful design. They spark ideas and stir your imagination. But once the tour ends and you’re back home, those “I wish I could have that” moments can feel out of reach. That's where a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, can help. Think of it as a flexible financing tool that's tied to your home’s value. It's ready to support the projects you care about most, without the stress of high-interest credit cards.

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September 4, 2025

5 Smart Questions to Ask a Builder

Every fall, thousands of Minnesotans step into some of the most beautiful new homes in the state during the Parade of Homes. Whether you’re just gathering ideas or seriously considering building, these open houses are an incredible opportunity to learn — not just about design trends and floor plans, but about the builders themselves.

If you’re touring with intent, you’ll want more than just photos of tile patterns and cabinet colors. A builder’s philosophy, communication style, and approach to quality are just as important as the aesthetics. So how do you go beyond “ooh” and “aah” while walking through these show stopping homes? Here are five smart, conversation starting questions that will help you dig deeper and walk away feeling more informed and confident in your builder search.

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September 2, 2025

51 Advanced Certified Homes on the Fall Parade of Homes

Minnesota’s Green Path is lighting the way to energy-efficient homes of the future. Testing nearly 5,000 new construction homes per year, the Green Path certification program gives homeowners a clear understanding a home’s energy performance. With rigorous standards and independent, third-party raters, you can be confident in Green Path certifications.

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August 18, 2025

Fall 2025 | Calendar of Events

Don’t miss out! Mark your calendars and check out these upcoming special events during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase.

Events
August 12, 2025

Tour for a Cause: Introducing the 2025 Fall Dream Homes

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.

Home Tours
July 30, 2025

How to Hire a Professional Remodeler (and Why It Matters)

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?

Remodeling
Home Tips & Tricks
June 30, 2025

Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway: Meet the Thompsons

How the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway Helped Make Their Dream of Homeownership Come True

Real Stories
May 23, 2025

Your Guide to Blaine, MN

Welcome to Blaine, Minnesota. Located just a short drive north of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this beautiful community blends small-town charm with big-city convenience. Once a rural farming community, Blaine has grown into a vibrant suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, lush parks, and easy access to the Twin Cities.

When you're considering a move, Blaine offers the ideal balance of peaceful living and modern amenities. Keep reading to discover the best of what Blaine has to offer.

Community Guide
May 5, 2025

The Future of Smart Homes: Emerging Wellness Tech to Watch

The next wave of smart home technology is set to revolutionize wellness-focused living. Kristin Reinitz of Admit One Home Systems and Aurora One Lighting share some innovations homeowners should keep an eye on.

Technology
Housing News
April 28, 2025

Reggie Awards Given to 12 Spring Parade Homes

Introducing the 2025 Spring Reggie & Trillium Award Winners!

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