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October 31, 2024

Minnesota Home & Design Events | November 2024

Calling all Parade of Homes fans! If you’re looking for something to do this month, check out these local home and design events near you.

More blog posts

Your Guide to Chaska, MN

Nestled along the banks of the Minnesota River and just a stone’s throw away from Minneapolis, Chaska is a vibrant city that perfectly blends small-town charm with modern amenities. Known for its beautiful parks and lively downtown, Chaska offers an appealing lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re considering moving to the area or just visiting, Chaska has a little something for everyone — from its dynamic local businesses to its scenic outdoor spaces. Keep reading to discover the best of what Chaska has to offer!

When Is the Right Time to Buy New?

As home values and interest rates remain elevated, you may be wondering, “When is the right time to buy a new house?” There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Market trends, economic forecasts, and individual circumstances will all play a role in someone’s decision to buy. There are, however, some signs you should look for and steps you can take that indicate you’re ready to make the leap — no matter if you’re looking for your first home or forever home.

How to Pick the Best Home for Your Pet

There are a lot of factors thatgo into the decision to move. Maybe you need an extra bedroom to accommodateyour growing family, or perhaps you want to be closer to work. But above all,the most important consideration when selecting a new home is how it enhancesthe lives of all family members, including your four-legged ones.

From floor plans andmaterials to landscaping and community amenities, here’s how to pick the besthome for your pet — both inside and out.

Life-Proof Surfaces

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, maintaining a pristine home can be a daunting and difficult task. From sticky hands and spilled drinks to muddy paw prints and accidents, the surfaces in your home face constant wear and tear. That’s where "life-proof"surfaces come to the rescue. Whether you're a parent, a pet owner, or someone who values durability and ease of maintenance, this guide is for you.

23 Advanced Certified Homes on the Fall Tour

Minnesota’s Green Path is lighting the way to energy-efficient homes of the future. Testing nearly 5,000 new construction homes per year, the Green Path certification program gives homeowners a clear understanding a home’s energy performance. With rigorous standards and independent, third-party raters, you can be confident in Green Path certifications.

What the Fed’s Rate Cut Means for Homebuyers

The Federal Reserve announced this week they would make cuts to interest rate levels for the first time since March 2020. It marks a major turning point for homebuyers, particularly, after nearly two years of high mortgage rates and a significant slowdown in housing market activity.

If you're in the market to buy a home or looking to refinance, this rate cut could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Defining Home Types on the Parade of Homes

Every year, home enthusiasts, prospective buyers, and curious neighbors look forward to the Parade of Homes. Taking place in the spring and fall, the Parade of Homes is a chance to explore some of the most beautiful, innovative, and thoughtfully designed homes across the Twin Cities area. Whether hunting for your dream home or gathering inspiration for your own, the Parade of Homes is a can't-miss event.

September 21, 2021

A Minimalist Home. Is It Right for You?

Brought to you by our 2021 Remodelers Showcase sponsor, Marvin.

Design
August 27, 2021

Why Buy New?

From picking the floor plan and finishes to choosing the neighborhood and homesite that speak to you, new construction homes open up a whole new set of possibilities and benefits for buyers. So, why buy new? We’re glad you asked!

Home Tips & Tricks
Technology
August 23, 2021

Dream Homes Featured on the Fall Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase

These seven stunning homes on the 2021 Fall Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase have been hand-selected by our Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this fall’s Dream Homes.

Four breathtaking new homes from Custom One Homes, Zawadski Homes, Inc., Pebble Creek Custom Homes, and Homes by Tradition, LLC will leave you in awe. And the final weekend of the tour, don’t miss the three incredible Remodeled Dream Homes from Fox Homes, LLC, Highmark Builders, Inc., and Sustainable 9 Design + Build.

Your $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these five homes will go to support the work of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation building and renovating transitional housing facilities for Minnesota’s homeless, veterans, and others in need. Learn more about the Foundation and purchase your tickets in advance here. >>

Home Tours
August 22, 2021

Guide to Building Your New Home

So, you’re ready to head out and discover your next home, and you want to make sure you're prepared? Well, you’re in the right place! Touring the entries on the Parade of Homes is a hassle-free, low-pressure way to follow the work of builders and see the latest in housing options available to you. Before you get started, take a look at these tips to help guide you on your home search.

Home Tips & Tricks
Home Tours
August 6, 2021

Fall 2021 | Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2021 fall tour! These free events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Home Tours
August 5, 2021

Xfinity Flex

Brought to you by our 2021 Parade of Homes category sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology
August 3, 2021

Worth the Wait

A remodel 18 years in the making turns an outdated two-story into a modern, open-concept home in Minnetonka.

Home Tours
Real Stories
April 14, 2021

21 Parade Homes Win Spring Reggie Awards

Since 1968, Housing First Minnesota has presented the Reggie Award℠, which recognizes excellence in design and construction of homes in the Parade of Homes. The Trillium Awards honor the associates and trade partners for their collaboration with these award-winning builders.

Home Tours
April 13, 2021

Mediterranean Meets Modern

When Dave Corkum and Julie Tauer bought their 1929 Mediterranean-style three-story in the Macalester-Groveland area of St. Paul in 2016, they acquired a home whose history preceded them. Affectionately referred to as the Donovan house in honor of the well-known owners who lived there for decades, Dave and Julie fell in love with the neighborhood and the 4,750-square-foot home’s early-20th-century charm.

Home Tours
Real Stories
April 6, 2021

Organization Overhaul

Whether you’re going through a remodel or just trying to clear the clutter, these seven organization tips from the pros will help you create a home that is more efficient and functional.

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March 11, 2021

A Room of Possibilities

Homeowners are getting creative with their “bonus” or “flex” rooms. Here’s how to make the most of your own multipurpose space.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
March 9, 2021

2021 Spring Parade of Homes Press Coverage

Catch up on all the places the 2021 Spring Parade of Homes Twin Cities has been covered in the news.

Home Tours
February 23, 2021

The Movement to Grow Homeownership Opportunities

Homeownership is all of it. Home is a headquarters. Home is healing. Home is love.

Housing News