This year’s Parade of Homes is back in Dublin OH. Local builders are showcasing 13 new, custom-built homes on tiny lots in the center of a new development in Jerome Village at the Northwestern end of Dublin.

The Parade is a circus for interior decorators who like to exhibit their creativity and avant gardeness. It is a popular trade show for any vendor that relates to the real estate construction industry. It is also an opportunity for one lucky automobile company (KIA) to park a car in each drive-way of a Parade Home. And, it gives buyers a chance to “window-shop” the latest in home design and technology.

How Expensive are Parade Homes?

The price level of this year’s Parade Homes is lower than in previous years. Half of the homes are smaller than 4,000 sqft and priced below $600,000.  The largest and most expensive model featured in this year’s Parade was built by Coppertree Homes and is offered at a list price of $854,700.

Due to fancy upgrades most homes are more expensive than similar homes in this neighborhood. The average per sqft price in Jerome Village is around $160.

We were told that many of the homes are still available. If you like one of them, please give me a call. I can help you negotiate a better price!

Why Attend?

The primary reason why I love to go to the Parade of Homes every year is to see new home construction trends.

Every year there are changes in design, in technology, in the layout of the homes, and in the features that architects and builders deem important. Here’s the collection of my personal photos of Parade of Homes.

Let’s have a look at what I discovered during this year’s Parade.

New Home Trends of 2013

I noticed a number of interesting trends in the homes featured in this year’s Parade:

  • Bathrooms Bathtubs are a thing of the past. Even expensive models don’t have a tub in the master bathroom. Instead they feature large, beautifully tiled shower areas with ceiling mounted rain shower heads and locker room style, doorless access.

Modern bathroom design without tubs

The Latest

  • Extra High Ceilings Many of the new homes are built with extra high, 10 ft ceilings (even in the finished basements). This makes a home look much larger, but it also impacts the exterior appearance of the house. You will notice that some homes appear narrow and high, which is amplified by the narrow lots they sit on.
  • Integrated Family Room/Kitchen Area Traditional living rooms don’t exist in modern homes. Every single model came with a large island kitchen that’s totally open to the family room area. This open space features a fireplace, large windows and access to the patio or deck.
  • Sun Room/Breakfast Room Many of the homes come with a large breakfast room as an extension of the kitchen. This space could even replace a formal dining room in some homes. In many models this breakfast room looks like an addition to the house extending into the backyard.
  • Guest Rooms Essentially, all homes came with 4 bedrooms. Besides the owner’s suite, there is a guest bedroom with attached bath, and there are 2 kids bedrooms with “Jack and Jill” connected bathrooms. Larger homes offer a separate guest living space in the basement.
  • Entertainment Areas Many of the homes feature extensive entertainment areas in the finished basement. Some call them “man caves”, others are wine tasting rooms or wine cellars. A few homes come with a fully equipped exercise room, and all have home theaters with huge screens for watching movies and playing video games.

Man caves and wine tasting rooms

  • Interior Design The interiors of most homes are designed in a simple, rustic or industrial style. Some designs follow specific themes throughout the house. And you see more recycled materials than in years past.

Rustic design using recycled materials

Which Homes do I Like?

Most of the Parade Homes won awards for specific features. I don’t want to describe the details here. I’d prefer you attend the Parade and judge by yourself.

Here is a list of all Parade Homes including pictures and floor plans.

I really liked the interior of the Truberry Home (No. 8) with its art gallery foyer and immaculate styling, including an open air covered porch with fireplace attached to the kitchen. I would love to relax there every day.

Art gallery foyer of the Truberry Home

I also liked the spectacular landscaping of the Romanelli & Hughes Custom Home (No. 11). It features a covered patio in the back that’s set up as a dining area with a waterfall next to the house.

IMG_0527

To get a preview of these homes check out the Parade of Homes on Pinterest.

Call me at (614) 975-9650, if you are interested in one of the Parade homes or if you want a similar residence custom built. When you bring a Realtor to a builder, you have a trusted advisor that will help you negotiate the best deal.