10 reasons why you should buy a custom built home

With spring just around the corner, you may be starting to wake up from winter hibernation and dreaming of owning a brand new custom built home. A low-pressure way to make those dreams a reality is by visiting the annual Spring Parade of Homes.

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA) is once again proud to present its annual exhibition of new homes starting on March 2 and running until March 24. The Parade of Homes is the signature showcase event for the province’s residential construction industry, providing Manitobans interested in building their dream home a truly unique experience. With over 130 new homes on display by 30 different builders, the MHBA showcase remains the largest and best Parade of Homes in Canada!

The Parade show homes are located in 24 of Manitoba’s newest neighbourhoods and are represented by Manitoba’s best home builders. With so many options available — each with its own layout, materials, finishes and styles — it means home buyers are offered a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the widest variety of home building options in an actual home setting. Do you want to know what it feels like to stand at a double-wide island or stretch your arms out in a spa-like bathroom with a soaker tub and walk-in shower? You can do that during this event!

As you visit the show homes, we encourage you to talk to the representative showing the home about unique features and what makes that particular home special. Visiting show homes and talking to sales agents about different options and features will help you to find that perfect fit for you and your family. These show homes represent the best in home design and construction available anywhere in Canada.

This event offers you the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in new home and interior design, the hottest new home technology, and cutting edge building materials and home systems. You might even meet the perfect REALTOR® to help you with your homebuying journey!

Why you should build a new home

If you’re considering buying a brand new home or having one custom built to your specifications, there are many great reasons why now is the right time.

1. Great rates

Despite recent interest rate increases and additional changes, mortgages remain very reasonable in Manitoba, and carrying a mortgage continues to be easier today than ever before. In fact, it would have cost you more to carry a $200,000 mortgage in 1981 than it does to carry a $500,000 mortgage today!

2. Manitoba homes have value

Home values in Manitoba continue to increase annually, demonstrating healthy returns on investment in each newly built home. We have some of the most affordable homes in Canada, and that includes brand new builds.

3. Investing in your family’s future

Not only is your new home a financial investment, it is a lifestyle investment, too. By building a new home in a new neighbourhood, you are choosing new schools and community clubs for your children, new shopping centres, green spaces to explore and opportunities to meet new people while creating a sense of community.

4. Less risk

With Manitoba’s economic stability, you are better able to financially plan your family’s future. Your investment in a newly built home is secure.

5. Energy efficiency

The industry Technical Research Committee consistently rates Manitoba new homes among the most energy efficient in Canada. Manitoba’s building practices ensure lower monthly energy bills and less impact on the environment.

6. Low greenhouse gas emissions

Homes built today have 31.3% less emissions, requiring less than half the energy of older homes to heat and cool despite larger-sized rooms. Building a new home allows you to install the very best energy-efficient systems during construction.

7. Healthy home

Today’s homes are built to standards that ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for new home buyers and their families. Tougher safety standards and more efficient building products mean better air flow and quality.

8. Your home, your way

One of the key benefits to building a new home is that you can choose exactly what you want and not concern yourself with moving into someone else’s idea of what looks good. With a newly built home, you can have everything just the way you like it.

9. Less upkeep

Newly built homes do not require the upkeep of older homes. Many are built with low- or no-maintenance materials. Less maintenance means fewer chores and more time to enjoy your new home!

10. Lifestyle

Newly built homes are designed for the way we live today, with open plans and large family rooms, easy flow for entertainment, attached garages, functional basements and plenty of space to grow.

The Spring Parade of Homes runs from March 2-24 and is a free event open to all. Show home hours are Monday to Thursday, 5-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 pm. If you aren’t able to go and see a featured show home during official Parade hours, the show homes are available to visit anytime by booking an appointment with the builder or a REALTOR®.

Visit the Manitoba Home Builder’s Association website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca for more information about this year’s Spring Parade of Homes, along with details about each unique show home.

Dreaming about a new home in your future? Talk to a professional REALTOR® for their expert advice.