Despite a slow housing economy the 55th annual Parade of Homes was flooded with people interested in buying a new home. The new home tour was free to the public and featured more than 160 homes and 24 villages across the greater Birmingham area. The event, which was presented by the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB) and Alagasco, has been inspiring unique design and a high-level of craftsmanship since the 1960's.
"We were excited to feature so many homes and villages in this year's Parade of Homes," said Bart Fletcher, GBAHB Executive Vice President. "In order to qualify as a village a community must have at least three homes entered into the Parade. The public finds this component of the tour convenient as it gives the opportunity to see several homes in one place."
The participating builders in the event were overwhelmed by the public's response. Rusty Fowler of Fowler Custom Homes was astounded by the traffic at his home in The Preserve, which had more than 700 visitors to the community during the first weekend alone.
"Our traffic was great," said Rusty Fowler of Fowler Custom Homes."We considered last year a great success and the 2011 Parade has far surpassed the 2011 event."
In planning the event, the GBAHB worked diligently to make the Parade of Homes as user-friendly as possible. The Association produced a traditional publication through Birmingham Home & Garden Magazine, which featured all participating homes and villages. In addition, they used the internet as a resource in making the homes as easy to find. From the homes being listed on the Parade of Homes website to texting options for communities and QR codes on yard signs, information about the event could be found in every form of media.
"All of the technological efforts gave the consumer what they needed to plan out their Parade," said Fletcher. "From driving directions to detailed pictures of each home the public was able to find everything they needed right at their finger tips."
According to Brooks Harris, 2011 Parade of Homes Chairman and owner of Harris and Doyle Homes, the home tour seems to inspire people to make a move. “We sold our Parade entry last year and have been fortunate to work with several customers who found us during this event. It’s the time of year when people begin thinking about a new home are ready to get outside and look, which makes the event ideal for everyone involved.”
If you missed the Parade of Homes you can still find everything about the event and the homes at www.birminghambuilder.com.
"The Parade has something for everyone," Harris said.
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