'Parade Of Homes' Offers Unique Look Into Twin Cities Real Estate
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Twin Cities Spring Parade of Homes is in its 67th year. There are 431 new homes on this year's tour, that's the most in seven years.
We start with a drive to Woodbury and take you inside a 2,549 square foot home priced at $444,400. The #133 on the Parade of Homes.
"The upstairs is really designed to provide a second living space, a place for the kids to come hang out and watch TV or even perhaps for mom to read a book," John Rask, of Hans Hagen Homes, said.
The laundry room is on the same floor as the bedrooms and is connected to the master bedroom.
The location of the laundry room has often changed throughout the years, as buyers decide they want more convenience.
"In the newer builds it seems to be upstairs," WCCO's Ali Lucia said.
"It's gone from the basement, to the second floor and now to the third level. And having access off the master bathroom makes it convenient," Rask said.
There are 41 homes priced at over $1 million on the tour.
"The kitchen has definitely become the center point of the home," Jeremiah Rygh, of Custom One Homes, said.
The $1.09 million home WCCO joined him in has intricate detailing throughout, including 10-foot ceilings with beams, a large walk-in pantry, granite counters and in-ground pool. There is 4,122 square feet above ground and the basement is unfinished.
"The white enamel cabinets and woodwork is definitely big trend right now. Also the gray pallet," Interior Designer Amy Leferink, of Interior Impressions, said.
"We decided to go with a cooler pallet in this home, but the greys are warmer greys so they're not a real cold, steely grey. They really blend well with warm furnishings, like rustic woods and browns." Leferink said.
Leferink said greys are big this year in new homes, including in this Wooddale Flats condo in St. Louis Park.
"I call it a condo-home. It's a hybrid between a condominium and a townhouse," David Carlson, of Gatehouse Properties Ltd., said.
Carlson has four decades of experience in the Twin Cities market. He is seeing condo demand not just for millennials but empty nesters.
The lone condo on the tour features 9-foot ceilings plus an end unit feel. The condo features an open floor plan and bathrooms finished in grand style.
"This is the built in table, that's kind of unique," Carlson said. "It's cut into the island and we can get six people to sit around that table. And that gains about three to four feet into the sitting area."
So, whether you're in the mood to buy or browse there really is something for everyone at every price point.
The lowest priced home on the tour is in Isanti. It's a 2-bed, 2-bath going for right around $142,000. The most expensive is a lake front property in Orono priced at $2.5 million.
New Homes are open from Feb. 28 through March 29. They are open for viewing 12-6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The Remodelers Showcase homes are open March 27 from 1-7 p.m. and March 28-29 12-6 p.m.
Entry is free except for three Dream Homes and one Dream Remodeled Home. Those both ask for a $5 charitable donation.