Virtual ‘Parade of Homes’ coming for Coulee Ridge

By Medicine Hat News on January 29, 2020.

The developer behind a new community in southwest Medicine Hat will offer not only a virtual tour of the community, but of home designs before they are built.

A virtual “Parade of Homes” is promised by Enclave Developments for its Coulee Ridge development, which overlooks the Seven Persons west of Southridge Drive.

The announcement was made as part of promotional-style speech for the city by Mayor Ted Clugston at the State of the City Address, in which he argued that rougher economic times are proving investors are “bullish” on Medicine Hat and adapting.

“It’s innovation,” said Clugston. “They’re showcasing their new technology to help our local builders and themselves, frankly.”

Registrants will be able to don goggles and take a virtual reality tour of several designs at the upcoming Sunshine Home and Garden trade show, March 6-8.

As well, the 2021 Kinsmen Home Lotto will be available for a tour this March, six months before the groundbreaking and construction by Bravada Homes.

The announcement also comes as the local homebuilding sector sunk to a new low in 2019.

The move could balance the buyer’s need to see inventory while builders are wary about sinking capital into showhomes or building on spec in an uncertain housing market.

Enclave spokesman Don Sandford said the new format marketing keeps carrying costs low for builders while offering new appeal for buyers.

“You have to do innovative things in difficult times … we’re trying to provide them the product that they’ve been looking for,” said Sandford.

The development is being marketed as a unique combination of view and pond lots, heavy on amenities and generally suburban, though not exclusive.

“It’s lower cost for the builders, and secondly, we’re giving the opportunity for people who want to buy homes the opportunity to personalize them,” said Sandford.

“It’s based on how consumers want to buy them.”

He said that potential buyers will be able to customize some features and finishes in home designs from local builders.

As well, Enclave will provide viewings of flat-style units that it is planning to build at its site on Primrose and College drives, known as Connaught Commons.

Sandford said about half the lots in the initial 44-lot Coulee Ridge phase had been pre-sold, and utility servicing work this spring will mean lots could be available to builders in June.

In total there are 44 expression of interests in either initial phase or a second, which will feature a recreation-sized lake, he said.