A Parade of Homes sets the stage for home builders and designers alike to present the very best of what they have to offer. It’s a showcase of intricate architecture, quality construction, and extravagant designs made to remedy your need for a home that suits you. Of course, there’s also the walking, the talking, and a whirlwind of beautiful homes. Let’s face it; a Parade of Homes event can be a bit stressful, leaving you with unanswered questions and achy feet. Don’t let the parade get the best of you! Here are some tips and tricks to making sure you find the home of your dreams in Sarasota Florida.

1. Get a Map

Not just any map will do, when you are planning on touring all of the homes in a parade, the association hosting the event will always put together a map that lists the homes available for viewing. Pick up your map a couple of days before the event so you can plan accordingly.

2. Plan Your Route

Now that you have your map, plan the best route. If there is a specific community that you prefer, start there and work your way through, plotting each home on your desired course. Planning ahead will allow you to hit every home in the most efficient way possible, taking into account that the Parade of Home covers multiple neighborhoods with multiple homes in each one.  The Founders Club is ready with three move-in-ready homes available for your viewing pleasure, as well as two more currently under construction.

3. Be Prepared for Any Type of Weather

Southwest Florida is known for its beautiful weather. The sun is almost always shining and there is not a flicker of snow anywhere, except for the winter festivals where they have snow machines shooting out shaved ice for our children’s entertainment. It’s always a good idea to wear cool clothing when you are going to venture outside, especially when you are going to be doing any type of physical activity.

Another good idea is to have an umbrella at your disposal. A rain cloud can stroll in quickly and shower us with a sprinkle or a heavy rain, albeit for five minutes or two hours. Remember to have an umbrella handy for such occasions.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Making sure you see every model home in every community is going to take some time and great amounts of walking. Comfort is key when your feet are getting put to the task. Plan on wearing your most comfortable athletic shoes for the journey. Your feet will thank you.

5. Arrive Early

If you have a specific home or community in which you are especially interested, plan on arriving there first. Arriving early will ensure you get a parking space close to the homes and will allow you to avoid the larger crowds that tend to come during peak parade times (about one to two hours after the start of the parade).

6. Ask Lots of Questions

Each model home will have a sales executive or representative available to answer any and all questions you may have about the home. This is your time to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge available during these events. Ask about the developer/homebuilder, the community, the design, unique standard and luxury features of the home, green building techniques, and any other questions you may have about the community, the home, and the team behind it. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to speak to one of The Founders Club’s knowledgeable sales executives for all of the details on our highly-anticipated upcoming models.

7. Take Notes

As previously mentioned, there are a variety of homes showcased during a parade. Keeping a notepad and pen handy, or your smartphone for electronic notes, will allow you to take notes of the model homes that are of special interest to you. Remember to write down the name of the model, the builder, and the community in which it is found, as well as any highlights of the home. It is also helpful to write down the name of the Sales Executive with which you spoke so you can contact them after the tour with any follow-up questions.

8. Compare and Conquer

Once you return from your home viewing adventure, go through all of your notes and list the pros and cons of the homes you liked the best. Write down any follow-up questions you may have and call the Sales Executive to schedule a private tour of your favorite homes and decide which one is best for you.

When can I start?  Here is your quick guide to the Manatee-Sarasota HBA Parade of Homes:

Parade: Begins February 21, 2015 and ends on March 8, 2015.

Our Model Homes: Unfurnished Belita II Golf Cottage, Entertainment-Ready Delfina, and Popular Girona at The Founders Club

Note: Model homes will be available for viewing from 10am-5pm on Monday-Saturday and 12pm-5pm on Sundays.

Contact us to learn more about any of our available and upcoming London Bay Homes models or for any information on 2015 Manatee-Sarasota HBA Parade of Homes.