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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.

August 19, 2020

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

There’s no shortage of incredible residences on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase, but these six stunning homes have been hand-selected by our Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this fall’s Dream Homes and Remodeled Dream Homes.

Four incredible new homes from Sustainable 9 Design + Build, Swanson Homes, Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, and Highmark Builders will leave you in awe. And the final weekend of the tour, don’t miss the two stunning Remodeled Dream Homes from Awad & Koontz Architects Builders and Sustainable 9 Design + Build. Your $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these six 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.

Home Tours
August 18, 2020

Committed to Keeping You Connected

Brought to you by our 2020 Parade of Homes category sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology
August 5, 2020

Fall 2020 Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2020 fall tour! These free events will introduce you to the people behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more. Join us to learn how to find your dream home or remodel your current house.

Home Tours
May 28, 2020

22 Outstanding 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
May 14, 2020

Virtual Event Calendar

Don’t miss these virtual special events put on by select builders during the 2020 spring tour! These free events will introduce you to the builders behind the homes on the tour, the latest in home design, and much more. Check back often for updated events!

Home Tours
May 7, 2020

A Taste of Nantucket

Eric and Katharine Nelson have loved living in the Highlands neighborhood of Edina ever since they first moved to the area in 2015. So when they had the opportunity to sell their home, they didn’t have to go far to find the perfect location for their new build—down the block, to be exact.

Home Tours
Real Stories
April 20, 2020

A Rustic Retreat

Taking inspiration from their cabin up north, Candy and Stephen bring a cozy atmosphere to their new home in Stillwater’s Miller Farms development.

Home Tours
Real Stories
April 17, 2020

Home Gyms That Will Inspire You to Work Up a Sweat

Whether you’re a yogi, a weight-lifting enthusiast, or just want a space for the kids to shoot some hoops, a home gym or athletic court might be just what you need. If you don’t have a room for a larger dedicated gym space right now, there are many ways to create your own yoga corner or fitness nook in your home. And if you are thinking about adding a home gym to your next home, you’re in luck. Parade of Homes builders are pros at making sure your home fits your lifestyle just right. Here are home fitness room ideas to help you work up a sweat.

Home Tips & Tricks
April 9, 2020

7 Ways to Create Curb Appeal

You’ve likely spent months pouring over every detail of your new construction home, but between cabinet choices, tile selections, and hardware hangups, have you thought about its curb appeal—a.k.a. the aesthetic your home presents to the outside world?

“The opportunity to make your home really unique is out front,” says Mallory Busacker, a real estate agent and director of marketing for BohLand Homes. “When someone asks you about a house in the neighborhood, the first thing you say—even if you’ve been in the house numerous times—is, ‘It’s the one with the gabled roof.’ It’s not only their first impression; it’s what they remember the home by.”

Here, builders, architects, realtors, and landscapers share their top tips for creating that “wow” factor from the outside in.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
March 10, 2020

2020 Spring Parade of Homes Press Coverage

Catch up on all the places the 2020 Spring Parade of Homes Twin Cities has been covered in the news.

Home Tours
February 17, 2020

Seven Dream Homes Featured on the Spring Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase

There’s no shortage of incredible residences on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase, but these seven amazing homes have been selected by our Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this spring's Dream Homes and Remodeled Dream Homes. These four incredible new homes from Pebble Creek Custom Homes, Landmark Building Contractors, Gordon James Construction, and Swanson Homes will leave you in awe. And the final weekend of the tour you won't want to miss the three stunning Remodeled Dream Homes from JKath Design Build + Reinvent, Sustainable 9 Design + Build, and Showcase Renovations. Plus, a $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these seven homes will go to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation to support their work building and renovating transitional housing facilities for Minnesota’s homeless, veterans, and others in need.

Home Tours
February 14, 2020

Spring 2020 Calendar of Events

Don't miss these Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2020 spring tour! These free events will introduce you to the people behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more. Join us to learn how to find your dream home or remodel your current house.

Home Tours
February 5, 2020

3 Ways You Get More With Xfinity

Brought to you by our 2020 Parade of Homes category sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology