Parade of Home from the Buyers' Perspective
While much of this advice was written with the Parade of Homes in mind, it's also good advice for Parade of Homes Easy Street expo.
Buyers Real Estate Group has compiled the following articles to help you understand the Minnesota Parade of Homes from the homebuyers’ perspective. Our real estate agents work exclusively with home buyers so we always put your best interest first. Please contact us if we can help you buy a home.
Parade Of Homes-Why Buyers Need Their Own Agent
It’s fun to look at all the models offered by builders during Spring Preview of Homes, Easy Street, Fall Parade of Homes and the like. The builder’s representative sitting in the model is knowledgeable about the project and can advise you on your options. But, they’re there to make sure they get the best deal possible for the builder, not for you, the buyer. They may tell you, “There is no negotiation in new construction; the price is what it is.” This is a prime example of where a buyer agent can help the buyer navigate these tricky waters.
Be Wary of Parade Specials
I worked with a buyer who owned a number of investment properties and owner occupied homes. He considered himself quite the savvy negotiator and felt that he would show me a thing or two. With me, he wanted to buy a new construction townhome. Occasionally, builders will offer what they call “Parade Specials” which can range from an automatically discounted price of a few thousand dollars to free appliances or buyer’s choice of free upgrades. My buyer wanted to purchase the “Parade Special” which was, if the buyer reproduced the model, they would only be charged at the price the builder paid when the model was built, not the new price which was more expensive.
As we sat down to write up the purchase agreement, it became clear that the only lot available to build the replica of the model already had several other upgrades ordered for that location by the builder. The buyer didn’t care about these upgrades, but the builder was adamant they remain in this house location and wanted the buyer to add the cost for them on to the purchase price, resulting in a higher purchase price by several thousand dollars. Before I had a chance to silence him, my buyer piped up saying, “Well, I’ll pay for some of the upgrades, but I’m not going to pay the whole thing.” At this point, I kicked him under the table, turned to the builder’s representative and said, “Please let the builder know that if these upgrades stay with the lot, the builder will have to absorb all of the costs for the upgrades.” This was presented and accepted, resulting in a savings of several thousand dollars for my buyer. 
A Buyer Agent Will Save you Money
Without the knowledge of building and negotiating provided by an Exclusive Buyer Agent from Buyers Real Estate Group, buyers will never know how much money they are leaving on the table, no matter how savvy they are.
Susan Hofflander
Parade of Homes - Just Days Away
The Parade of Homes starts on Saturday – and the snow they’ve been predicting for today hasn’t come yet. So we might be in luck for a clean and easy event opening.
If you want a sneak preview of what you can expect, you can visit the Parade of Homes online. You can check out the homes in advance, search for specific builders or products and plan your tour.
You can also look into the Parade Sponsors – they do a great job but it’s good to remind yourself that for them this is akin to a trade show. They are there to sell their wares – which may or may not fit the needs of home buyers and people interested in building a home. An exclusive buyer agent is interested in your best interests and we’re happy to help you get the most of the Parade of Homes.
Parade of Homes - There's even more out there!
I don't mean to be a naysayer but do y'all know that builders pay to participate in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Builders Association? What does that mean? Well, it means that not every new construction home out there in hinterland or even the immediate metro is listed in the Parade of Homes! :) The consumer does not see everything in new construction by relying on the Parade of Homes alone.
 Don't get me wrong, as a REALTOR®, I'm more than happy to accompany a buyer to view homes listed in the Parade of Homes catalog but, just know that YOU (the buyer) are not seeing everything by sticking to the book. And, as a REALTOR®, I want more than anything for you to make the best informed decision you can with the most information available. Please allow an Exclusive Buyer's REALTOR® show you all the homes you are qualified to see in the areas you are interested and with criteria that match your dreams. There's a lot to look at in all directions of our metro areas including the Parade of Homes.
Buyer's Real Estate Group is all about the educated consumer. We're knowledgeable and brimming with customer service. We work for you!
Written By Cindy Bhimani
Parade of Homes is Starting Soon
Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, the semi-annual Parade of Homes showcases Association members and their most recent work.
It is a fun event for anyone looking for a home, looking for remodeling or decorating ideas, or anyone with a general interest in real estate, building or home redecoration. If you are seriously interested buying or building a home, however, you might want to careful about whom you talk to and what you agree to at the Parade of Homes.
Throughout February, Buyers Real Estate Group exclusive buyer agents are going to chime in online with some of their tips for home buyers visiting the Parade of Homes.
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