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September 24, 2024

Your Guide to Woodbury, MN

Located just a short drive from Saint Paul, Woodbury, MN, offers a blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. This vibrant city has grown into one of the most desirable places to live in the Twin Cities metro area, known for its excellent schools, lush parks, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're visiting for a day or considering making Woodbury your home, this guide will help you explore the best of what the city has to offer. Discover all the things that make Woodbury a standout destination below!

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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 13, 2024

Benefits to Buying a New Construction Home

Amid high interest rates and a fluctuating economy, new construction homes can be a strong contender in any home search. Whether you're currently on the hunt for a new home or still on the fence, consider these benefits—straight from Minnesota homeowners who decided to buy new construction.

Real Stories
March 13, 2024

The Future of Energy-Efficient, Smart Homes

Brought to you by Xcel Energy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new certification program for residential new construction: ENERGY STAR® NextGen Certified. This program is more than just a label; it is a vision for the future of housing in America and an opportunity for homebuilders and homebuyers to go beyond the status quo to embrace the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. It is a way to build the homes that we need for tomorrow, today.

Technology
March 12, 2024

2024 Spring Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2024 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 latest tour has been covered in the press.

Home Tours
March 11, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | March 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.

Events
March 11, 2024

Decorating Cozy Corners & Hidden Nooks

From bookshelves and writing desks to coffee carts and storage spaces, Twin Cities interior designers offer tips on decorating nooks throughout your home to make them feel more intentional.

Design
March 8, 2024

Celebrating Women in Homebuilding

Construction is widely recognized as one of the most male-dominated professions. But despite the underrepresentation of women in the trades, recent statistics indicate a growing trend of women entering the construction industry.

Housing News
March 1, 2024

Spring Tour Community Pop-Up Events

The Parade of Homes invites you to join us for special pop-up events throughout the Twin Cities that celebrate new construction and growing communities. There is something to keep everyone entertained — adults and kids alike! See you on the tour!

Home Tours
February 26, 2024

Inside Zoë François' Minneapolis Kitchen

Pastry chef, best-selling cookbook author, Instagram phenom, and TV star Zoë François lives and works in her Minneapolis kitchen. "Work from home" has a bit of a different meaning for Zoë. Her singular kitchen, which sits in the rear of her Kenwood house, is not only the heart of the home, but her office. In a sense.

Design
February 21, 2024

How to Design & Organize Your Dream Walk-In Closet

Ready to level up your closet game? We asked an expert at Scherer Custom Closets to share the best-kept secrets to crafting a well-organized, functional, and spacious closet. Angie Curd, a senior design consultant, gave us a few insights into designing the perfect walk-in closet.

Design
February 21, 2024

Spring 2024 | Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2024 spring tours, plus a few Parade of Homes pop-up events! These events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Events
February 19, 2024

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

Your perfect dream home is here! This year, 6 new construction homes and 1 remodeled home were chosen for the Spring 2024 Dream Homes. The epitome of class and refinement, these gorgeous homes are the best place to find inspiration and current trends. Admission to each home is $5 at the door, and every penny supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation in providing homes for veterans and other Minnesotans in need of homes.

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February 16, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | February 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.

Events
February 13, 2024

How to Finance Your Remodeling Project

Saving the necessary funds to kickstart a big remodel project can be daunting. But if you plan ahead, set some money aside, and understand your options, you'll be ready to remodel when the time is right!

Remodeling