Parade of Homes Returns Courtesy of the North Coast Building Industry Association

Dreaming of a new home?

With interest rates remaining low, it may be a good time for you to build a new home, or purchase an existing home. After a three-hiatus, the North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) is planning for its 2011 Parade of Homes which runs Sundays through the month of July.

The first day the public can tour the homes is July 10. Admission is free.

Jean Sexton, NCBIA executive officer, said that most of the homes are in Lorain County, with a few from neighboring communities. There are four homes in Avon and five in Avon Lake on the tour.

Some of the featured builders include , Buckingham Homes, Dale Yost Construction, K. Hovnanian Homes, and .

Home styles range from ranches, two-story family homes, as well as some custom designs. All homes are fully decorated inside and landscaped outside.

Sexton said the NCBIA website features each builder, price points, size of home and location. Maps to each house are also available, allowing visitors to plan out their tour in advance.

Representatives will be on hand at each location to answer questions and offer a tour of the home. For those unfamiliar with a particular community, information about schools, shopping, and other community resources will be available at each home.

What's Hot in Homes?

While the homes on the tour vary in size and price, Sexton noted that the national housing trend shows buyers are looking for a smaller floor plan and getting away from the larger homes. Buyers also are looking for more energy efficient homes.

“Energy efficient homes go way beyond a low-flow toilet,” Sexton said. “Some builders have added tankless water heaters, which heat the water as you use it. There also are several materials, such as certain flooring products, which are more environmentally friendly.”

Trends come and go, but it’s still the kitchen and bathrooms that usually sell a home.

“People tend to look for those immediately in a home,” Sexton said. “They still want the granite counter tops in the kitchen and even the bathroom, and the updated fixtures. They also like for the home to have a family breakfast nook.”

Outdoor living spaces also are gaining in popularity.

“Our goal is to let the public know the builders are still out there building homes and have a lot to offer,” Sexton said. “You may just find the home of your dreams.”