Many beloved in-person events had to find ways to adjust to stay-at-home orders through the pandemic. The virtual world blossomed as people found ways to offer some kind of normalcy through our computer screens. Among the extensive list of industries that had to rethink their work was real estate as in-person house tours became difficult. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans embraced these circumstances and found ways to continue engaging the city with the latest in homes through the Parade of Homes. The beloved annual event is approaching fast, so be sure to mark your calendars for July 17-18 and 24-25.
Parade of Homes is the largest official showcase of the latest in home design in the Greater New Orleans area. It allows one to stay home while touring new homes and seeing the latest innovations in building construction and industry trends, including adaptable and multi-purpose layouts, cozy vacation living, combined open air living spaces, lighting and plumbing finishes, and the latest 2021 trends. Not only that, but participants can receive expert advice from the area's trusted builders, designers, lenders, and real estate professionals all from the comfort of the couch.
This year, 19 homes are set to be showcased. Although events around the city are starting to return to old habits with the vaccine rolling around, the Parade of Homes is continuing to offer 3D virtual tours in addition to in-person visits from 1 to 5 p.m. With in-person events, safety will remain a priority and builders will be following all CDC and governmental guidelines, and have agreed to provide hand sanitizer and to frequently sanitize all high-touch surfaces throughout the day.
If you aren't ready to return to in-person tours just yet, Matterport's innovative 3D virtual tour technology allows people a little more flexibility or comfort. In order to participate in the virtual tours, attendees are encouraged to download the free "New Orleans Parade of Homes" mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. The app features a full list of Parade homes with locations, directions to each home, a range of prices to fit all budgets, builder contacts, sponsors, and vendors. In efforts to resemble reality, the app even allows visitors to do a 360° tour of each room of the home.
The parade falls at the perfect time of the year as building and renovating homes is very common for families throughout spring and summer. Exploring 19 different home designs, styles, and concepts is a great opportunity for some home inspiration or for New Orleans residents wanting a taste of each parish.
This year's Parade homes will be featured in neighborhoods across the greater metro area, including Lakeview, Bucktown, Colonial Club, Metairie, English Turn, Louisiana Trace, Parks of Plaquemines, Gabriel Estates, Shrewsbury, Algiers Point, and Sugar Ridge in Thibodaux. "This year's in-home and 3D virtual Parade offers a variety of homes in neighborhoods that reflect the diverse tastes and budgets of all potential homebuyers in our community," Mary Kelly of Ferguson Enterprises, and chair of the 2021 Parade of Homes, said. With so many options to choose from, hopefully there's something that aligns with everyone's desires.
Kelly and her team recognize that this year created a shift in focus for homebuyers. "After a year of missing the company of loved ones, working remotely and homeschooling children, home builders are creating plans with additional space for home offices, playrooms, and entertaining. We are excited and proud to once again showcase the work of our area's most innovative builders, subcontractors, and vendors who provide inspiration while building strong relationships in the communities in which they serve."
The HBAGNO is also a proud supporter of the St. Jude Dream Home. Unfortunately, the home will be closed to the public when the Parade begins, but proceeds from the annual raffle will continue to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. This year's tickets sold out faster than ever before. The St. Jude Dream Home is a 2,800 sq. ft., 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom house located at 6442 Pontchartrain Blvd. in Lakeview. Built by Hyman L. Bartolo Jr. Contractors, LLC, the home is valued at approximately $725,000.
For more information and a full list of homes and their locations, visit hbagno.org or "New Orleans Parade of Homes" on the free mobile app.