Parade of Homes^_SM

Fall 2020 Timeline

*Timeline subject to change. For more information, contact Casey Scozzari at Casey@HousingFirstMN.org or 651-697-1954. 

6/1/20
Entry Registration Opens

6/9/20
Dream Home Entry Deadline

7/8/20
Final Day to Add an Entry!
Final Day to Cancel Entry ($200 administration fee will be retained)
Final Day to Move an Entry
Final Day to Banner a Home as "Not Available for Showing"
Final Day to Change Price
Final Proofs Due
Entry Payment Balance Due
Final Day to Provide Calendar Event Information

7/9/20
No new entries - ENTRIES CLOSED!
Late fees will be enforced for any missing entry information!

7/10/20
Ad Reservation Deadline

7/15/20
Final Home Numbers Assigned

7/16/20
Display Ad Materials Due

8/7/20
Fall Tour Goes Live on ParadeofHomes.org

8/28/20
Guidebooks are delivered to Holiday Stationstores

PARADE OF HOMES ENTRY DETAILS

See Parade of Homes Additional Forms →

Fall Entry Deadline: July 8, 2020

2020 Entry Cost: $3,782 per new home entry (Multi-entry discount for five or more entries); First half is due up front with your entry, final half payment will be due along with your online proof approval.

How to Enter: To enter a home, login to your account at HousingFirstMN.org (new website name, but it is the same login as HousingFirstMN.org). Contact 651-697-1954 if you need a login and password. From your 'Manage Profile' page, click the button to 'Enter a New or Remodeled Home'. For step-by-step instructions on how to enter the Parade of Homes, take a look at our video tutorials or contact Casey@HousingFirstMN.org or 651-697-1954.

Every participant in the Parade of Homes receives a 1/4-page builder strip in the published magazine and a full page online at ParadeofHomes.org with information you provide — including the builders name (as it appears on your MN Contractors license), a written description, photo or illustration, floor plans, written directions, city, price, neighborhood price range (others from), your website address, and icons for association maintained, wheelchair visitable, and other lifestyle options. Online search criteria include number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, price range, square footage range, home style, developments, school districts, company names, and cities. Please complete ALL information to ensure you receive the full impact of your participation in the Parade of Homes.

Layout Options: The Parade of Homes guidebook home listings have been modernized with a strong visual focus, a quick look at the specs of the home, and pricing options for the home and neighborhood. Builders can choose from two layout options, one including additional photos instead of a map. The description length will change depending on which layout option you choose.

Coming Soon Listings: If you have a development that is coming soon (one without any homes but that will have a nonpermanent sales center), the Coming Soon entry is for you! Enter your upcoming development in the tour to introduce the area and amenities to consumers looking to build.

Description: Your home’s description can be up to approximately 600 total characters in length with Option A (one photo and small map) and with the Coming Soon listing, or approximately 330 total characters in length with Option B (three photos and no small map). You can describe the features of your home and neighborhood (but not who should live there). Include information about your company, lifestyle benefits, etc. Please do not include names of any other firms (architects, interior designers, etc.) unless they are members of Housing First Minnesota. And we recommend that you do not include names of real estate agent(s) who represent you due to the long lead-time and shelf-life of the publication. Your copy may be edited as per Housing First Minnesota editorial style and character limit.

Illustration/Photo: Housing First Minnesota will draw a front exterior illustration from your front blueprint elevation if the model is not photo-ready, or you do not have a final illustration to provide at the time of the deadline. Remember to include your name and the entry address clearly on the submitted blueprints, marking any revisions clearly, and indicating which unit if it is a multi-family project. A $100 fee will be invoiced for additional drawings after the first one is completed (if you change elevations or move to another home). If you'd like to obtain a digital file or high-resolution copy of your illustration for use in brochures, contact Housing First Minnesota at 651-697-1954.

When submitting digital graphics, please provide minimum resolution of 300 dpi for halftones/CAD, and 1200 dpi for lineart. Please submit in TIF, JPG or EPS formats. You can upload photos directly to your entry online or email to Casey@HousingFirstMN.org. Only horizontal photos will be accepted. No logos or photo collages will be allowed. Housing First Minnesota retains the right to refuse any illustrations/photos it deems inappropriate.

All photos and illustrations will be converted to black and white if the color upgrade is not purchased for $300 per entry.

With the layout Option B (three photos and no small map), you must include at least one exterior photo and the other two photos can be interiors, exteriors, or floor plans. If the $300 color upgrade is not purchased, all three photos will be converted to black and white.

Directions and Magazine Map: Directions should be clear and can have up to approximately 140 total characters. If Option A is selected (one photo and small map), a small map will appear in the magazine only, and should be drawn to include at least one major artery roadway, and all streets leading up to the entry, which should be noted with an “X” or dot on the map. Enter online or e-mail to Casey@HousingFirstMN.org

Interactive Google Map: When you enter online you must place your “pin” directly on the map provided, otherwise you must email a map page (Hudson/Kings/MapQuest) to Casey@HousingFirstMN.org clearly marked with an "X" where the model is located. Please proof the pinned location carefully! New developments or streets may not be included on Google Maps yet, so the interactive map may not guess the entry location correctly. Be sure to move the pin to the correct location by the entry proof deadline. Homes will be numbered and overall/region maps will be designed based on your interactive Google Map pinned location.

Price Changes: Final prices will be due along with the online proof approvals. You may enter them online or email to Casey@HousingFirstMN.org. The final price must include all components of your entry's structure and homesite except furniture, window treatments, interior design fees, free-standing appliances and free-standing audio/video equipment. Your final price must include the price of the lot, all built-ins, including built-in appliances, landscaping and lawn sprinkling systems, architectural fees, paid specials, financing and commissions. Wallpaper and specialty painting can be excluded in the price if you display in the home or post in your pricing/feature brochures that the wallpaper and/or specialty painting is not included in the price.

Exception: If you sell your home and the buyer adds upgrades after the final price deadline, Housing First Minnesota will accommodate the resulting price discrepancy by providing you with a counter-card to display in your home (it’s important for us to assure the public that the prices they read in the publication are representative of what they see). As soon as changes are finalized you should forward a letter to Housing First Minnesota outlining the upgrades and prices with a copy of the pertinent sections of the purchase agreement.

Free Opportunities: Participating builders have several free options that can enhance the value of participation in the Parade of Homes. 

Virtual Tour or Video Link: All home entries are able to i nclude a link to a virtual tour or a video for free. Virtual tour links can include 3D virtual tours, videos, or photo slideshows. The virtual tour or video will be embedded on your entry on the ParadeofHomes.org website. 

Floor Plans:  Include up to 5 floor plan images to give homebuyers a holistic look inside your Parade Home.

Editorial Feature: Builders, Remodelers, Designers: Get a home published in the Parade of Homes or Remodelers Showcase magazine! We are looking for beautiful, inspirational homes built and remodeled by Housing First Minnesota members.

We will be selecting one or more homes to feature in each issue. You may enter as many submissions as you like. Find the Editorial Submission form here >>

Editorial Feature Requirements:

• Builder/Remodeler must be a Housing First Minnesota member and have had a home within the Parade of Homes or Remodelers Showcase within the past two years.
• The home must have been built/remodeled within the past two years.
• Homes must be available to be photographed or have professional photography available for publication.
• If selected, homes may not be published by or submitted to another magazine within one year of publication date.

Dream Homes: The Housing First Minnesota Foundation, our charitable arm, selects one to four homes during each event as their fundraising Dream Homes. These million-dollar-plus homes receive increased publicity, a full-page description in the magazine and are included in special searches online. Selected homes must have a trained host present throughout the tour for collection of the $5.00 entry fee which is used by the Housing First Minnesota Foundation to continue their charitable work. We ask that the builder provide the host and the Housing First Minnesota Foundation will provide them with the training they need. Dream Homes must also provide a location for fee collection. Minimum price is $1,200,000, and selection is made entirely at the discretion of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation committee, chosen to maximize fund-raising prospects. Please complete the Dream Home form to be considered. Submit entry form by June 9, 2020  (you do not have to enter Parade event unless selected). Find the Dream Home submission form here >>

Dream Home Requirements:

• Home has never been in any Parade of Homes or other tour event.
• Selected Dream Home entry will pay the regular Parade of Homes entry fee.
• Home must be complete and ready to open the first day of the Parade of Homes and remain open during the entire event.
  
• Home must be fully furnished.
  
• The Dream Home will receive additional public relations and editorial support.
  
• Selection of Dream Homes will be at the sole discretion of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation committee (price/location/size/style/parking opportunities, etc., will be considered).
  
• Potential for significant traffic and revenue is important and will be factored in. The Dream Homes are one of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s biggest fundraisers.
  
• Dream Home will be numbered, and the specially designed “builder strip” will appear in the correct geographic location within the guidebook.
  
• Dream Home will receive a one-page editorial description with photo or illustration in the magazine.
  
• Price of home must be at least $1,200,000 / $250 per sq. ft.
  
• Price of admission will be $5. The Housing First Minnesota Foundation will provide training to builder's preferred host for collection of entry fees and all material and signage.
  
• Builder must also provide a table and chair near front entry for host, and provide space near front entry for collection.
  
• Participating Builders will be required to sign an additional participation agreement and may face penalties for violations of the agreement.

Events Calendar: Holding a special event at your Parade Home during the tour is a great way to keep prospects interested and in your model. Housing First Minnesota will promote all events in the magazine and online. Events can include educational seminars, product demonstrations, charitable events, grand opening parties, wine and cheese events, and the like. Please complete the online Events Calendar form with your intent. Find the Events Calendar form here >>

Social Media: Housing First Minnesota posts to the Parade of Homes social media regularly before, during and after the tour. You can submit photos at anytime. Any questions, please contact  Laura@HousingFirstMN.org. Find the Photos for Social Media submission form here >>

Builder Page at ParadeofHomes.org: As a participant in the Parade of Homes event, you receive a searchable builder page that allows visitors to find details about your company and the work that you do. Your builder page is cross-referenced with your current Parade Homes and will remain accessible online for the current tour event. Please take a moment to check that your builder page online at ParadeofHomes.org is accurate before each Parade event. If you require changes, you can login and make the changes online at any time, or email changes to Heather@HousingFirstMN.org.

Your Parade of Homes entry starts you off with a "Basic Plus" company listing for FREE which allows you to add a primary photo, a company logo, a company description of 200 words, a gallery of up to 5 images of your favorite projects and you can list home price ranges, home styles, regions and neighborhoods that you build in. Please remember to edit your builder page after you enter the Parade of Homes! There are additional opportunities to pay for a further upgrade and add even more company details like customer testimonials, social media links and a video!

Mobile Website: All Parade of Homes models are included on our mobile website free of charge. These allow for basic searches via smart phone, and include any additional photos uploaded with enhanced company profile listings.

Paid Upgrades: With these low-priced options, you can make sure your entry stands out from the crowd.

Color Photo/Illustration: $300 per entry. Upgrade your entry photo or illustration to be shown in full color in the magazine and online.

Premium Online Entry: $200 per entry. Add any or all of the following to enhance your online entry: Photo Gallery (you can include a variety of photos and tag them for the corresponding photo gallery - ie: kitchen; interior; bedroom; etc.) up to 15 photos per entry upgrade; an extended entry description that will show as a second paragraph on your entry; and additional website links, (e.g. a link to a neighborhood website or social media links).

Signage:
One 24"x30" metal yard sign per entry
Eight 22"x14" directional arrows per entry

Builders are responsible for installation of all signs, and may purchase additional directionals. Remember, you are also responsible for stakes and posts for all signage. You must follow MNDOT requirements as well as any county and city sign placement guidelines, and remove all directional signs by deadline. Illegally placed signs, and signs left up after the event hurt all of us as these agencies have threatened to disallow any signs if violations continue. Your $45 sign escrow will be returned only after signs are delivered to the Housing First Minnesota. Call the city for rules and regulations.

Signs may be put up the day before the tour starts (September 11, 2020) and must be removed by 5pm the following day after the tour ends (October 5, 2020).

Parking Guidelines: Pay attention to parking! If your entry is in an established neighborhood, please plan for parking needs. If streets are narrow, you should consider a shuttle from a nearby parking lot (get permission from the lot owner), or no parking signs along one side of the street. In any case, if parking could conceivably be an issue, please contact your city’s police, public safety or other representative to develop a plan.

Please note, with rare exceptions, some cities do not allow Parade Homes or have specific requirements or permits. Please check with your city.

Penalties: As a participant in the Parade of Homes, you sign a participation agreement intended to ensure a consistent and positive experience for our visitors. Primarily, that means every home on the tour is open, staffed, and priced accurately throughout the entire Parade of Homes. We have a number of options for homes that are inadvertently delayed in construction, or, happily, sold. To avoid receiving penalties, please read the participation agreement carefully, abide by the rules, and if something unexpected occurs, contact Casey@HousingFirstMN.org as soon as the problem arises. The Parade of Homes brand is highly respected and trusted, please help us ensure that it remains a valuable asset to future members of Housing First Minnesota by maintaining the integrity of our events.

Promotion: The Parade of Homes is promoted each event with about half-million-dollars in mass media promotion. We reach a huge percentage of Twin Cities residents through a wide variety of media. As the viewing/listening habits of consumers are changing, so are we. We continue to ensure a real presence on traditional media (newspaper, billboards and radio), yet are devoting more resources to online and social media.

Questions? Contact Casey Scozzari at 651-697-1954 or Casey@HousingFirstMN.org.

FAQ

Can I have my entry listed under a different name than the company name on my Builder License?

All participating builders will be listed exactly as their company is shown on their Contractor License. If you market under a different name, you must add that name to your Contractor License as a DBA. Please contact Charlie Durenburger at the MN Department of Labor and Industry. Any new DBAs must be approved by DoLI by the entry proof deadline to be included in the Guidebook.

 

Can I name my architect, realtor or other trade partner in my entry?

Because the Parade of Homes is a Housing First Minnesota member benefit, all company names listed within any home entry in the Guidebook or online MUST be members of Housing First Minnesota. Please ask your trade partners to contact Heather Griffis, Housing First Minnesota Membership Engagement Manager, Heather@HousingFirstMN.org (651-697-7573) for membership information.

 

Can I enter a tear down with a pre-existing foundation?

Tear downs are allowed if there were no standing framed walls. Older buildings refurbished into condos/lofts may be entered as long as everything but load-bearing elements are new.

 

What must be included in my published price?

Your home price must be “as shown,” and you must be willing to sell that home OR reproduce it at the SAME PRICE on a like-priced lot for any consumer who signs a contract during the Parade of Homes tour. Prices must include the price of the lot, all built-ins, landscaping, architectural fees, paid specials, financing and commissions. You may exclude costs for furniture, window treatments, interior design fees, free-standing appliances or free-standing A/V equipment ONLY.

 

How do I get the Green Path icon included on my entry?

To receive a Green Path icon, your home must be energy-tested by a certified RESNET rater, including during construction inspections and final blower door test. Every participating home will receive a Green Path Home Performance Report (HPR). When entering your home online, please select the Green Path Energy Tested under Marketing Options to receive the icon.

 

How do I get my $45 sign escrow back?

Pick up all your directional signs by 5pm the Monday after the tour is over. You can bring them to the Housing First Minnesota office or cut out the numbers and mail them in to the office by October 21, 2020. Housing First Minnesota will send you a check at the end of the month. If you had any signs stolen, please include a note to that effect. Signage is an important part of helping visitors find your home, so illegally placed signs or signs left up after the tour is over hurt all of us. These agencies have threatened to disallow any signs if violations occur.

 

Why do I need to send in a close-up map and what format should it be in?

For people using the magazine, the small map in your entry strip is an important tool for them to find you. These should include at least one major thoroughfare, plus all access roads to reach your home, which you should mark clearly. Hand drawn maps can be scanned and uploaded, or mailed/faxed to Housing First Minnesota. File formats can be png, jpg, gif, tif or PDF. Please take the time to drive the route and record all street names and turns accurately.

 

What should I include in my text writeup?

Use descriptive language to point out the key selling features of the home, the neighborhood and/or your company. You can include lifestyle benefits but not who should live there. As a member event, please do not include company names of non-Housing First Minnesota members (architects, designers). We also suggest you do not include names of real estate agent(s) who represent you due to the long lead time and shelf life of the publication.

 

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Our foremost priority is the health and well-being of all industry members, their customers, and employees. We encourage all of our builders to take safety precautions in all showing appointments. Refer to the CDC for safety and cleaning recommendations. Our safety guidance for sales centers and work sites can be found here.

Safety Plans for Model Homes
As a consumer-facing business, you must follow the guidelines set out in Gov. Walz’s Executive Order 20-56, which require that you have a safety plan in place to ensure the safety of your team and guests. All consumer-facing businesses of all sizes throughout Minnesota will be doing the same. You may create your own, or you may modify this template provided by the state here.

All participating builders with models open will be required to sign off that they have completed a safety plan as mandated in the governor’s order. 

We offer the following practical tips that you may wish to include in your safety plan:

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Builders: Housing First Minnesota Builder members in good standing. Builder members must submit proof of three completed homes sold under their current Contractor License and non-members must submit Housing First Minnesota membership application by  July 8, 2020, including proof of three homes.

Eligible Homes:  New, never been lived in homes. Buyers of sold homes may not move in until after the tour closes. Entering builder must be entity which will convey title to buyer.

Open Hours: All entries must be open and staffed all days and hours of the tour (Thursdays-Sundays, noon to 6pm).

Insurance & Builder License: You must carry and provide proof of liability insurance on the entry ($1,000,000), with Housing First Minnesota listed as an additional insured, and include a copy of your current MN Contractor License.

Pricing: Published home price must be accurate and identical to any prices shown on sales literature and shared with sales agents. Parade Home must be sold or reproducible exactly as shown (on a like-priced lot) at the published price for PAs taken during the tour. Parade model may be sold for lower than the published price (e.g. Parade of Homes discount). See participation agreement for specifics on what must be included in the final price.

Participation Agreement: All participating builders must read and sign the participation agreement. The rules have been established to ensure a positive home buyer experience. Penalties will be imposed for violations. 

Completion: Parade Homes must be completed by 12:00 noon on opening day of the tour. If Housing First Minnesota receives a complaint about an unfinished home, Builder must produce a Certificate of Occupancy to remain open. If you are uncertain that you can complete your home by the tour start date, you should banner “not available for showing” by banner deadline. Incomplete homes that are not bannered will be in violation. If you have unforeseen construction delays after banner deadline, contact Housing First Minnesota IMMEDIATELY for further instructions to avoid a more severe penalty.  PLEASE NOTE: NO construction can be done during Parade of Homes hours.

Early Sale: If you sell your home prior to the tour and your buyer either has changes that revise your price or wants to move in before the tour, please notify Housing First Minnesota immediately for further instructions to avoid a penalty.

Signage: Remember, you are responsible for stakes and posts for all signage. You may order additional directional signs to be delivered with your sign package by notifying our sign partner, Turn-Key Signs, at least three weeks prior to the tour start date. Additional and replacement signs may also be purchased from our sign partner during the tour. Turn-Key Signs: 651-276-0356.

REFUND POLICY

In response to COVID-19, Housing First Minnesota has taken necessary steps to prioritize safety for Parade of Homes attendees, participating builders, and their employees. While we believe our tours can be conducted with these safety precautions in place, COVID-19 may result in challenges and outcomes that are beyond our control, such as government action that prevents touring. In the event that any portion of the Fall Parade of Homes is canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, participating builders and advertisers will be provided with these financial options in response to these changes:

1. Use any provided refund (see below) as a credit for a future event in 2021
2. Convert your refund to a charitable donation to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. By making a gift, your continued support will make a lasting impact on homeless Veterans and families struggling with addiction.
3. Request a return of funds based on the refund schedule 

Parade of Homes refund schedule based on date of cancellation:

• If the event is cancelled prior to September 12, 2020 - 100% refund will be given
• If the event is cancelled prior to September 17, 2020 - 75% refund will be given
• If the event is cancelled prior to September 24, 2020 - 50% refund will be given
• If the event is cancelled prior to October 1, 2020 - 25% refund will be given

How will the Parade of Homes event operation decisions be made?
The Housing First MN Executive Board of Directors will take the lead on Parade of Homes operational decisions, using advice and counsel from committees and staff. In the event of a COVID-19 disruption, the Executive Board of Directors will consider the following factors:

• Executive Orders from Governor Tim Walz regarding operations and procedures of customer-facing businesses and other guidance from local, state and federal governments.
• Peer review with related industry groups in Minnesota, such as the Minnesota REALTORS, the NorthstarMLS, and Minnesota Retailers Association.
• Review with other peer builders associations such as Dallas, Portland, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Seattle.
• Health and safety data provided by the CDC, MDH, and OSHA.

How will Parade of Homes event decisions be communicated?

• Participating members, advertisers and sponsors: email from Housing First Minnesota with financial options form.
• General public: Holiday Stationstore signage, website, and social media platforms.

Advertising and sponsorship refund schedule based on date of cancellation:
Guidebooks will be distributed after August 28th and will remain on the “news stand” in Holiday through October 4th, but with signage added that the tour has been cancelled.

• If the event is cancelled prior to September 12, 2020 - 50% refund will be given
• If the event is cancelled prior to September 17, 2020 - 40% refund will be given
• If the event is cancelled prior to September 24, 2020 - 30% refund will be given
• If the event is cancelled prior to October 1, 2020 - 20% refund will be given
  
  
  
  
  

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