Photo by Terry Wilmot/Visual Impact Studios.
I Love a Parade
Granted, no one actually marches during the Parade of Homes. But the Northeast Florida Builders Association's most high-profile annual event is mighty inspiring regardless. This year, the region's builders displayed new homes ranging in price from the low $100s to $1 million.
Having just bought a home-and being in the midst of a never-ending remodeling project-I wasn't in the market this year. But I always visit as many parade entries as possible to see the hottest trends, the smartest appliances and the latest high-tech goodies. It's a three-dimensional housing industry tutorial.
The emotional component, however, is even more compelling. Home ownership remains the American dream and the foundation on which a stable society is built. When you see hundreds of families trooping through beautifully decorated model homes, taking notes and asking questions, you're can't help but feel a surge of optimism about where our region-and our country-is heading.
In this issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer, we'll show you photographs of Parade of Homes winners. I think you'll be amazed at the variety represented among the top finishers-in both price range and architectural style.
Also, we asked several top local architects to tell us about exceptionally interesting homes that they've designed. And we have an update on the exciting options now available in flooring, including such unusual materials as bamboo and cork.
Of particular interest to me was our story on remodeling. If only I had read it before embarking on my current project, I could have avoided some pitfalls. If you're thinking about buying an existing home and refurbishing it to suit your tastes, you'll want to keep this issue handy.
As usual, we've got our comprehensive development directory and our public school section with up-to-date FCAT scores. This issue, we've even added a selected private school directory.
In short, everything you need to know about buying a home in Northeast Florida is between these covers. Perhaps that's why Jacksonville Homebuyer won this year's Laurel Award as "Best Consumer Magazine." See if you agree-and let me know what you think.