Parade Brings Traffic Back to New Communities

Despite competition from Alabama and Auburn A-Day games and tours of an infamous owner’s Decorator’s Showhouse, the 2010 Parade of Homes drew crowds in communities all across the Birmingham area during its first weekend. Beautiful weather and an impending expiration date for federal tax credits played a role in helping spark interest in the local housing market.

“We had about ten times the number of visitors than we would on a normal weekend in Brooke’s Crossing in Trussville,” said Judy Beaton, with ReMax First Choice. “The best part was that most of the individuals were true homebuyers looking to buy in our community.” For builders like Chip Street of Camerlane, Llc, who builds in the neighborhood, that qualification is significant. “It’s great to have people out looking at new home designs,” says Street, “but our goal is to attract people with a real interest in buying a home.”

Throughout 17 villages and more than 100 homes on tour, there was a buzz of activity. “I think this is what recovery looks like,” said Bud Canter, Parade Chairman for the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, the trade association that produces the Parade. “People are clearly ready to get out and look at new houses. That’s the first step toward buying one.” Several contracts were written during the weekend, and a number of builders report strong prospects.

Builder Rusty Fowler of Fowler Custom Homes felt encouraged with the Parade’s results. “Our house at The Preserve was never empty during the first two days of the Parade,” said Fowler. “It is nice to see excitement back in the housing market. I even had a couple of people make return trips to the house. The Parade of Homes has been a huge success.”

Typically, the peak selling season for new homes is between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Some of that demand is cresting early, fueled by government tax credits that provide up to $8000 to first-time home buyers and up to $6500 to existing homeowners who have lived in their home five years. In order to qualify, purchasers must have a home under contract by April 30, and close by June 30. “There may never be a better time to buy a new home,” said Bobby Smith, current president of the association.

Parade homes are open April 16th – April 25th, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A full listing of homes in the Parade as well as directions is online at http://www.birminghambuilder.com/. Parade maps are also available at any BBVA-Compass bank location.