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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.

March 27, 2019

Style Refresh

Rob and Tamara found the “up north” feeling they were looking for on their wooded lot in Bloomington. Remodeling their home made it fit their family's lifestyle perfectly.

Home Tours
Real Stories
March 18, 2019

Benefits of Living in a Community

Humans have long gravitated toward communal living. From our earliest beginnings, we’ve been social creatures, gaining strength and security by sharing resources. In those days, most people stayed their whole lives within about 50 miles of where they were born; relying upon family and neighbors for help was a given.

Real Stories
March 15, 2019

Roadmap to Building Your Best Home

Home Tips & Tricks
March 14, 2019

2019 Spring Parade of Homes In the News

The 2019 Spring Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here are all the places the spring tour has been covered in the press.

Home Tours
March 6, 2019

Building New To Fit His Lifestyle

New homes built in Minnesota today have better components, better materials, and they’re constructed in a way that is, quite simply, better. They’re more durable, safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. Plus, you pick the floor plan and neighborhood that fit your lifestyle. We asked one recent homebuyer to share why he decided to build new.

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February 28, 2019

Calendar of Events: Spring 2019 Parade of Homes

Select builders and remodelers on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase are hosting special events that introduce you to new neighborhoods, teach you about the latest building and design trends, and much more! Add these special events to your tour, and join us to learn how to find your dream home or transform your house.

Home Tours
February 14, 2019

This Abundance | Parade of Homes Feature

Amanda Whiting, a minister and blogger, and her husband, Josh, a pilot, always knew they wanted to build new, but imagined it would happen closer to retirement.

Real Stories
February 6, 2019

Four Dream Homes Set To Impress on the Parade of Homes

These four incredible residences have been hand-selected by our BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation as the 2019 Spring Parade of Homes Dream Homes. These stunning homes from City Homes, Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Stonewood, and Sustainable 9 Design + Build will leave you in awe. Plus, a $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these four homes will go to the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation to support their mission of building and remodeling transitional housing facilities for Minnesota's homeless, veterans, and others in need.

Home Tours
January 29, 2019

Now Trending in Lighting

Lighting is like the jewelry on your home, and similar to how the latest necklace trends inform how we dress our décolletage, what’s in vogue for chandeliers and pendants determines how we decorate our spaces. “It’s what lights up your home,” says Kyndra Roth, a lighting specialist at St. Paul–based Creative Lighting. “You might have beautiful finishes, but if they’re not appropriately illuminated, you’ve wasted your money. Lighting is what creates the most ambiance in a space.” Here, she dishes on what we can expect to see in Minnesota homes—from fixture finishes and materials to new shapes and designs.

Design
January 22, 2019

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal

Your home is your castle, your haven, your retreat. But if you’ve been less than impressed when you arrive home after a hard day, maybe it’s time to take a fresh look … from the curb. Go ahead. Step outside and give your home’s façade a critical once over. Does it say ‘welcome?’ If not, here are four great ideas to enhance your curb appeal and make coming home the best part of your day.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
January 11, 2019

6 Tips for an Organized Home

If you view each new year as a clean slate, the early weeks of the year are the perfect time to add “home organization” to your list of resolutions—not only for the perk of having a clean house, but also for the benefit of your family and mental health. “To us, the organization of your home kind of reflects your mindset,” says Taylor Kaupa, the marketing coordinator for Bria Hammel Interiors. “An organized, decluttered home allows you to clear your mind and focus on the things you love most at home, like spending time with your loved ones.” Here, she shares six tips that will get you in the habit of keeping a tidy home.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
January 1, 2019

2019 Home Design Trends

New year, fresh design. If updating your home is on your list of resolutions—whether it’s one room or the whole house—look to these expert-identified trends to bring your spaces into 2019 in style.

Design
December 26, 2018

7 Tips for Creating a Welcoming Entryway

As the first space guests see when they walk through your front door, an entryway is arguably the most important room in your house. “It really sets the tone for the entire home,” says Carrie Ingalls of Ambiance Home Staging. Whether you’re throwing a party, hosting out-of-town guests, or conducting a showing, make a good first impression with these seven tips for creating a welcoming foyer.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks