Builders group parades area homes

EAST COUNTY — It’s that time of year again, when hobbyist interior decorators and prospective homebuyers grab their maps and car keys and head out for a drive around town.

Starting Feb. 21, the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association will host its annual Parade of Homes. This year’s tour features 93 model homes and highlights five developments, including Lakewood Ranch, in the Sarasota-Manatee area.

Model homes featured in the tour will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 21 through March 8.

“There are increased numbers of models in it this year,” said Alan Anderson, executive vice president of the BIA. “It keeps growing as the economy and the housing market continue to get better. We’re getting back to the days of when we had hundreds of models. We’ll be at 93 models this year; we’re up about 11 from last year.”

Anderson attributes the increase in the number of models to growing builder confidence, as the economy continues to improve.

Although many people use the Parade of Homes to see the latest in home design and decor, others use it to familiarize themselves with builders.

“(The parade is) not always the main catalyst to sell a home, but some of the builders will tell you the people they end up selling houses to, they first saw that customer at the Parade of Homes,” Anderson said.

The parade’s website, paradeofhomesinfo.com, will go live Feb. 21; there, guests can find information about homes featured in the tour, including virtual tours for some models.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

De-tour fundraiser
In conjunction with the tour, the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association will promote the Manatee Technical College foundation’s annual “Tour of Kitchens.” It will be hosted at six of the BIA’s builders’ models from 2 to 7 p.m. March 15, in The Concession. The event raises funds for scholarships. Cost is $55 per person. Make reservations at mtifoundation.org.

Top performers
Nearly all builders showcased in the Parade of Homes have their models judged. Judging takes place Feb. 21, and awards will be presented March 5, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Award categories include: Best Architectural Detail, Best Curb Appeal, Best Floor Plan, Best Kitchen and Best Master Suite.

Subcontractors also are up for awards in categories such as pools, landscape and green practices.

By the numbers
93 - Model homes

22 - Models in Lakewood Ranch

16 - Days

5 - Featured developments

Parade of Homes
When: Feb. 21 through March 8

What: Tour models from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Details: This year’s tour features five developments and 93 home models by area homebuilders. Tour-goers can view a complete listing of models, as well as model information, at paradeofhomesinfo.com beginning Feb. 21.

Hosted by: Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association