Love a Parade

When the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando held its first Parade of Homes in 1953, the handful of un-airconditioned cinderblock entries, with their flat roofs, open carports and jalousie windows, represented what was selling in the Eisenhower era.

There was certainly nothing wrong with these homes, all of which are today still standing and still occupied on Hampton Street near downtown Orlando.

But those young families who took on $10,000 mortgages a half-century ago could hardly have imagined what would be in store at the parades that their children and grandchildren would attend.

Take the 2005 Parade of Homes, for example. The region's biggest new-housing event-on scattered sites since 1969-is slated May 15-29 throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. This year, home prices mark perhaps the widest range yet-from the mid-$100s for entry-level condominiums to more than $2 million for single-family showplaces.

And in addition to seeing fully decorated model homes with all the bells and whistles, you'll also be able to see how skilled remodelers have been able to transform older homes. There are even separate categories for new-home communities and, for the first time, downtown condominiums.

At nearly 100 entries, the 2005 Parade of Homes isn't the largest ever presented-the hurricanes from last summer threw off some schedules and caused a few builders to reluctantly bow out this year-but the variety of home styles and prices is the most impressive I've seen.

Most importantly, the 2005 Parade of Homes sends an unmistakable message that, despite record demand and talk of backlogs and waiting lists, there are still plenty of new homes available in the region's most desirable neighborhoods. And with mortgage interest rates remaining low-at least for now-you might be surprised at how much bang you can get for your housing buck.

Of course, plenty of people who tour the homes on display aren't in the market to buy. But they know that builders and interior designers use this high-profile event to show off the latest construction techniques, home products and design trends. In other words, it's a great opportunity to swipe ideas, which is why you'll see plenty of visitors taking notes and snapping digital photos.

If you live here, watch your mailbox the week of May 2-more than 100,000 Parade of Homes Guidebooks will be sent to selected homes in the three-county area. If you don't get a guidebook in the mail, there are more than 400 retail locations where free copies are available.

If you live outside the area, you really need to consider coming down and visiting in person. But if you just can't get away log on to our Web site, www.orlhomebuyer.com, and we'll send you a copy.

Remember, this is the one chance you'll have all year to see-up close and in person-everything the building industry has to offer. Don't let it slip by.