Opinion: 2007 Parade of Homes entices buyers, dreamers

It may be that I’m thrown off by the kids getting out of school at a later-than-usual date (June 7 for Springfield), but all of a sudden, June arrived, and it is time for the annual Parade of Homes, put on by the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield.

There’s no candy-throwing at this parade – the Parade of Homes is a collection of homes built by HBA members that will be open to the public during the event, which takes place on two weekends (June 15–17 and June 22–24).

This year’s parade features 25 entries, which pleases HBA Operations Manager Charlyce Ruth.

“Last year’s parade, I want to say was around 29,” Ruth said. “We’ve had them as low as 11 (homes), but anytime we can get into the mid- to upper 20s, we consider that a nice-size parade,” she said.

Ruth said in general, home builders pay .75 percent of the sale price of their Parade Home, with a $2,000 cap. Most of this year’s homes are in Springfield, but some are in outlying communities, and four are in the Branson area.

Ruth said she’s particularly pleased with participation from Branson home builders – there were three homes in Branson last year.

“So we’re going in the right direction, Ruth said.

The news is full of talk about gas prices right now – and yes, they’re pretty high – but if you ask me, the chance to take an up-close view of these homes will be well worth the drive. On the parade map you’ll notice that the homes are grouped in logical order, which should help make the drive easy. Also included are directions, which, if you’re like me – directionally challenged – will also simplify participation.

On one hand, the Parade of Homes gives me lots of ideas for improving my own home. On the other hand, it makes me think of what fun it would be to buy a brand-spanking-new house and make it into a home.

It’s not that I don’t love my own home, but I am guessing there’s a very big difference between moving into a home built in 1897 (which mine was) and moving into a home where no one else has ever lived. Don’t know if I’ll ever try it, but boy, is it fun to dream!

One of the parade entries isn’t a house – but it is the new home for the HBA. Located in Corporate Village, 638 W. Republic Road, HBA’s new offices are actually a green building demonstration project.

Another home, is a fund-raiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Foundation.

The home – built by Up-Tyte Construction Inc. of Springfield – will be raffled off to one lucky winner. A total of 6,500 tickets will be sold, and some will be available while the home is open for the parade. The drawing will be held July 1.

Whether you’re searching for a new home, just want to dream or feel like checking out HBA’s new digs, there’s plenty to see on the 2007 Parade of Homes.

2007 HBA Parade of Homes

1–6 p.m. daily June 15–17 and June 22–24

More info: www.springfieldhomebuilders.com

Admission is free.

Maria Hoover is features editor of Springfield Business Journal. She may be reached at mhoover@sbj.net.[[In-content Ad]]