Along with the exhilaration of warm weather and summer being not far behind, April and May also bring us the always inspiring Spring Parade of Homes, a marketing event of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem that is, as always, a Triad family favorite.
Co-sponsors Smith Phillips Building Supply and Allegacy Federal Credit Union can’t wait to welcome visitors on two weekends—April 28th–29th and May 5th–6th—as they provide the perfect meeting ground for homeowners, prospective builders, and other industry professionals, who can make any dream remodel or new home a reality. Free to the public, the event will be open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of both weekends. As a bonus resulting from the partnership between the HBAWS and the Greensboro Builders Association, the tour of homes will include Forsyth, Stokes, Davidson, Davie, and Guilford counties.
As a locally owned company, co-sponsor Smith Phillips Building Supply loves the chance to give back to the community and offer homeowners new options.
“Some of our builders will be showing sold homes as a way to showcase their work,” explains Rob Powell, Vice President of Sales. “These homes incorporate the latest design styles and products, including low-maintenance decking and railing, flat panel shaker-style cabinets, and interior doors in the latest designs.”
On the financial side of the home-buying process, Vicky Slate, of co-sponsor Allegacy Federal Credit Union, stresses the importance of prospective home owners getting credit approved by a mortgage lender. “Many mortgage lenders, including Allegacy, can assess your situation and give you a better understanding of what you may qualify for before you start looking at homes,” she recommends. “Talk to your lender. If you have limited funds, there are several programs that require as little as 3% down, and also programs with down payment assistance.”
Vicky also advises that if you’ve been credit approved and still haven’t been successful at finding that perfect home, talk to a licensed HBAWS builder who will work with you and your construction-permanent lender to build your dream home.
A huge part of the fun of these weekends is the chance to see the newest construction and décor trends. June DeLugas of June DeLugas Interiors is the Parade of Homes’ trend expert, and her keen insight gives us lots to look forward to! “More and more we are seeing trends towards farmhouse styles,” says June. “We have two homes already underway this year that we are helping with, and one is actually integrating old remnants from their family farm.”
June explains how interesting it is to see the differences in what people really feel is farmhouse style. “We have worked on several farmhouses over the past two years. One was a true period home, where the clients used old Pennsylvania-style stone and tile, while another was an 1850s renovated farmhouse that we helped remodel completely, with a new kitchen, master bath, light fixtures, and paint,” she tells, adding that past color trends are evolving.
“What the design world tells you and what people do are two different things,” she says. “Gray is moving towards taupe, and all shades of blue—including teal—are outweighing other colors.” It’s true that ultraviolet is the Pantone color of the year, but Caliente red is the color of the year for Benjamin Moore, and Oceanside teal for Sherwin Williams.
Rob Powell adds that more new homes are being designed with siding in wood or fiber cement, as opposed to brick, and the variation is refreshing. “We’re seeing nickel-gap boards installed as a wainscot or accent wall, new wood made to look like old barn wood, sliding barn doors, and aluminum clad windows in various colors.”
Leigh Ann Raines, president of Chic By Design, is also working on featured homes in the Parade. A North Carolina native, Leigh Ann recently moved back home from Los Angeles, where she built her design business around her passion for color. “From a design standpoint, I’m seeing increased interest locally for more modern elements, even in modern farmhouses,” observes Leigh Ann.
Mark your family’s calendar for April 28th–29th and May 5th–6th, and watch for the Parade of Homes tabloid in the Winston-Salem Journal on both featured weekends. Visit springparadeofhomesws.com for updated information on the Spring Parade of Homes, and for links to the website of each participating builder. Or, for more information, contact Beverly Hayes, Director of Communications and Member Services for the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem at 336-768-5942, or visit hbaws.net. HBAWS is located at 220 Charlois Blvd. in Winston-Salem.
