Annual showcase returns

EAST COUNTY — For more than 20 years, homebuilders in Manatee and Sarasota counties have rallied to showcase their best projects.

The Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association’s Parade of Homes returns 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, from Feb. 22 to March 9.

The event features model homes in communities throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties, from Parrish to North Port, with multiple listings in Lakewood Ranch and East County.

Builders and contractors open their model homes for tours in the parade as a way of showcasing their work, particularly to potential clients who are looking to buy or renovate a home.

The uptick in the real estate market in recent years has generated more traffic for the parade, and it has attracted more models for the annual event.

Executive Vice President for Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association Alan Anderson credits the resurging real estate market with the fact that this year’s tour features 14 more homes than last year. The 2014 parade will feature 81 homes.

“More homes on the parade has got a lot to do with builder confidence,” Anderson said. “The market is coming back, and builders are more willing to spend the marketing dollars to enter this year.”

Select homes in Rosedale, Winding River and Windward communities will be featured, among other developments in the East County.

Anderson hopes the event will better inform prospective homebuyers about what types of homes are available and will raise awareness of home construction happening in their communities.

“We want to let the public know what’s available,” Anderson said. “We hear positive comments from our builders and people who attend the event on a regular basis; they look forward to it.”

IF YOU GO
What: Parade of Homes

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays from Feb. 22 through March 9

Where: Select neighborhoods throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties

Cost: Free

Info: (800) 307-2624 or visit: hbamanatee-sarasota.org

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].