This bungalow in Saamis, built by Brost Developments, is one of five stops on this year's CHBA Parade of Homes on now until Oct. 4. Virtual tours are available at the new community of Coulee Ridge as well as onsite tours of the newly developed lots north of South Boundary Road.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
New home buyers may have to rethink expectations and do a gut-check considering the effects of COVID-19, and the local residential construction community says it can relate.
Wednesday marked the opening of the 2020 Canadian Homebuilders Association Parade of Homes – the annual showcase of new offerings from local builders.
“Resilient is the best word to describe our bunch,” said Aaron Brost, head of Brost Developments and the president of the local homebuilders chapter.
“We all kept going, with precautions, not really knowing if we were going to have a Parade of Homes (open to the public) or not.”
Billed as, “Five great builders, five great homes and one great development,” the event offers five in-place houses to physically tour from five locals firms, plus a virtual experience touring home designs in the developing community of Coulee Ridge.
Mask-use is a requirement to attend the homes, and numbers will be limited.
“We’ll be directing traffic to some degree,” said Brost, who doesn’t expect much disruption.
The event runs through Oct. 4, with homes open from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, then 1-5 p.m. on weekends.
Participating builders are Lacey Homes, Belcore Homes, Brost Developments, Jasper Fine Homes and Wahl Construction. Maps are available on the chbamedicinehat.com website.
As much as the late winter and early spring was defined by uncertainty, real estate markets have held their own in terms of resale activity. As well, permit number show new home starts are on pace to eclipse levels in 2019, albeit a slow year in itself.
The market is still moving, but those looking for a new build, might be more particular and aware of budget matching their need.
Brost said the event will provide an array of building styles, prince ranges and finishes with economy and needs in mind.
Other designs will be featured at the Coulee Ridge site where a huge tent set up will provide information and even virtual tours of designs offered by a variety of local companies.
