PARADE OF HOMES ENTRY DETAILS
See Parade of Homes Additional Forms →
Spring Entry Deadline: January 6, 2020
Spring 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, 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: We're excited to introduce a new look to the home listings in the Parade of Homes guidebook. The updated strips 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 the 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 Clare@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.
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. Submit 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 November 29, 2019 (you do not have to enter Parade event unless selected).
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.
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 Emily@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!
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 by clicking here and filling out the submission form. Any questions, please contact Laura@HousingFirstMN.org.
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 PDFs such as floor plans) up to 15 photos per entry upgrade; Video or Virtual Tour link; and additional website links, (e.g. a link to a neighborhood website).
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 (March 6, 2020) and must be removed by 5pm the following day after the tour ends (April 6, 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.
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