The Hernando Builders’ Association Parade of Homes
The Hernando Builders Association is set to host their annual Hernando Parade of Homes between February 21 and March 9 of this year. Earlier this month, the Sun caught up with Parade of Homes Chairwoman and Probuilt US vice president Halie Eaton to get the scoop on the upcoming housing exhibition.
What is the Parade of Homes? According to Eaton, it is “a self-guided tour throughout Hernando County” to view all of the submitted builds. Citizens are encouraged to view the various companies’ models physically or virtually.
Some of these homes will only be able to be viewed online and others will only be available for in-person tours. Highly detailed digital-only viewings may be required in some locations because the homes are not yet complete.
This year’s iteration of the home show will see more houses on display (28) than Eaton has ever seen during her five years as chairwoman of the Parade. Built by 15 different builders, these homes are comprised of 12 virtual models and 16 brick-and-mortar sites.
Prospective homeowners will have the opportunity to experience the unique charms of each builder’s style. Some homes are energy efficient, while others feature the latest and greatest in-home technology.
Other houses will show off sleek designs and “innovative home products,” Eaton said. Crucially, these properties are valued across all manner of price ranges for those with big and small budgets alike.
“This is a great way for consumers who are considering building a home to go out and take the time to do the tour, see what all your options are, get all the pricing that you can, and make the best-educated decisions for yourself to be able to have a brand-new home,” added Eaton.
This year, the group is doing something a little different with “people’s choice” awards. Participants will have the opportunity to vote on several categories, such as “Best Kitchen,” “Best Architecture,” and “Best Primary Suite,” among others.
“It is going to be fun to see what the ‘people’ think as they tour all the amazing homes we have to showcase, and it will give the builders some bragging rights, too!” Eaton stated.
Though it is still too soon to say how the recent rise in impact fees is going to affect the housing market, Eaton offered some positives of why one might look to build in today’s economy:
“For one, you can build exactly what you want, your dream home!” Eaton said. “Another reason is that a new home is more energy efficient – cheaper utility bills and the homeowners’ insurance rates are cheaper, too. Both win-wins! You also won’t have to worry about the cost of remodeling a resale since it is brand new. Newer homes are easier to maintain and have warranties.”
While most of the Parade’s homes are focused in Spring Hill, there are “a couple” spread out in Brooksville and other areas, Eaton added. Potential homebuyers looking for locations or voting information can find a map and more on www.hernandoparadeofhomes.com.
The parade is supported by numerous local businesses, including presenting sponsors Sunrise Propane and Tibbetts Lumber Co as well as gold sponsors Builders FirstSource, Cemex, Hitek, Vitale Homes, Rinnai, Hernando Sun, PulteGroup and Trinity Pools.
