PARADE OF HOMES COVERAGE

Maps, home features and more

Since 1991, the Home Builders Association of Central NM has been operating its“Parade of Homes."

This fall's Parade of Homes features and describes 34 homes, though only 33 are available for viewing, according to Vice President of Operations, Lana McClure. The Parade of Homes also includes some special highlights, as it always does — a signature builder and a signature community.

“This year’s featured builder is Sun Mountain Construction of Corrales, and the signature community is Mesa del Sol near the Pavilions, which attracts movie industry groups”, McClure says.

McClure notes that this year’s Parade is especially broad and diverse.

“We have homes from $250,950 to $3.1 million. We have seven million-dollar-plus homes. We have local production builders featured, and customs, but also one ACC-area home that was essentially a rebuild — only one original wall was left over as it was remodeled,” she said.

Not only does this Parade feature homes of diverse pricing and types, but it also highlights a wide array of locations.

“We’re reaching everywhere. We showcase far northern Rio Rancho, one house in the East Mountains and even Mesa del Sol. This is great because everyone has a specific place in mind; this is necessary for clients”, McClure states. She reminds that there is even diversity in style. “We don’t just have the Southwest and contemporary Southwest styles. We have two farmhouses this year — one is even an urban farmhouse — plus Tuscan style and even one very large and very expensive ‘European villa’, we’re calling it”.

Though there are many diverse styles shown, McClure notes an important trend as of late in homebuilding.

“It seems that in general, builders have tried to be more conscientious of views, space, set-up and location because of a rise in outdoor-indoor living. We have seen an increase over the last few years of strategic placement on lots for spectacular views. Everyone wants to walk out on the patio of their house and see the Sandias or across the city,” McClure said.

As John Garcia, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Central NM puts it, “Houses here are a real complement to the aesthetic of the environment. And there’s a lot more emphasis recently on all spaces being incorporated into the living experience, and builders showcase that.”

Another important trend that McClure highlights is the rise in certified green (eco-friendly) houses and builders. These homes and builders must “meet a certain standard to be labeled certified green”.

The Parade is also conveniently and fortunately timed alongside the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

“We’re super excited about this year’s — the 35th Parade — because the Balloon Fiesta built itself right around it. There will be so many visitors here for the world-class event during that one coinciding weekend, and we can show off these builders and their homes to people from around the world”, Garcia says. “Visitors can go to the Balloon Fiesta in the morning, and then when they’re thinking ‘What now?’ they can go visit some homes in the afternoon”.

Needless to say, McClure, Garcia and the rest of their company are all particularly excited about this year.

“We have one of the best Homebuilders Association Parades in the country”, Garcia continues. “And I think the homes this time are just spectacular.”

The viewings for the 33 available homes are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 11-13 and October 18-20.