Parade of Homes^_SM

Fall 2025 Timeline

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

Mid-May
Entry Registration Opens

6/23/25
Ad Reservation Deadline

7/8/25
Dream Home Entry Deadline

7/8/25
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

7/9/25
No new entries accepted - ENTRIES CLOSED!
Late fees may be enforced for any missing entry information!

An invoice will be sent for the total balance due after the entry submission deadline and all additions and cancelations are finalized. 

7/15/25
Ad Materials Due (without numbers)

7/18/25
Final Home Numbers Distributed

7/22/25
Ad Materials Due (with numbers)

8/11/25
Fall Tour Goes Live on ParadeofHomes.org

8/25/25
Guidebooks are delivered to Holiday Stationstores

PARADE OF HOMES ENTRY DETAILS

See Parade of Homes Additional Forms →

Fall Entry Deadline: July 8, 2025

2025 Entry Cost: $4,600 per new home entry; Now includes color and premium online home upgrades for all entries! Multi-entry discount for five or more entries will be applied after the deadline to add or cancel entries; A refund will be sent if needed. An invoice will be sent for the total balance due after the entry submission deadline and all additions and cancelations are finalized (see timeline).

A 3% fee will be assessed if payment is made by credit card. To avoid the fee, please pay the invoice with a check payable to Housing First Minnesota or by setting up ACH payments.

Tour Dates: We have adjusted the dates of the Parade of Homes tour to remove Thursdays and begin the tour on a Friday going forward. All Housing First Minneasota home tours will run Fridays-Sundays, from noon to 6pm.

How to Enter: To enter a home, click here and login to your account. Any login credentials that were saved for the old website should continue to work, but if you need assistance please let us know. Contact Casey@HousingFirstMN.org if you are not sure of your login email, need your password reset, or if you are a new member and need a user and login set up for your company.

Once you have logged into the entry website you will land on your Dashboard page. You can view and click on the active events along the left side of the screen. To begin the entry process click onto your 'Company Information' page and fill in the necessary info (where you will also agree to the participation agreement terms for the event). Next, click to add a new entry for the upcoming tour. And finally, access your 'Tour Entries' page to edit or proof your entries for accurate content. For questions on how to enter the Parade of Homes, or how to navigate the website, 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. Some information will be displayed in print, some online only, and some details will be included in both places. Entry information includes 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 (or 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 styles, 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.

New Entry Layout: After extensive research, the Parade of Homes guidebook home listings have been given a refreshed look! The printed listings will now be horizontal strips, with one exterior image, they will include no descriptions or directions (driving visitors to our website and app with the most up-to-date specifics that you may not know by the early print deadline), a quick look at the specs of the home, and pricing options for the home and neighborhood.

Ready To Build Entries: If you have floor plans that are ready to build on an open lot, the Ready-To-Build entry is a perfect choice. Enter your Ready-To-Build home in the tour to give consumers a full look at the inventory options available for future builds. Using our Parade of Homes directional signs, drive consumer traffic to an on- or off-site sales center that will be open and staffed during all regular tour days and hours.

Coming Soon Neighborhood Entries: If you have a neighborhood that is coming soon (one without any homes but that will have an on-site or off-site sales center), the Coming Soon entry is for you! Enter your upcoming neighborhood/development in the tour to introduce the area and amenities to consumers looking to build.

Entry Description (online only): Your entry description is your opportunity to describe the features of your home and neighborhood (but not who should live there). Include information about your model, 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. Your copy may be edited as per Housing First Minnesota editorial style.

Description length is now unlimited for all Parade of Homes entry types as it will be included online only. Your entry description will no longer be included in the printed guidebook.

Photos/Illustrations: When submitting camera-ready illustration or photo 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.

With the Coming Soon Neighborhood entries, the image must be of lots, a monument, plat map, row of homes, etc. Horizontal photos only. No logos. No photo collages.

Directions (online only): Directions should be clear and should avoid and consider any known road construction. The written directions should include at least one major artery roadway, and all streets leading up to the entry. Directions character length is now unlimited for all Parade of Homes entries as it will be included online only. Your entry directions will no longer be included in the printed guidebook. 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: The Parade of Homes single-family and ready-to-build entries will require an exact Parade Home price for the specific model that will be entered. There will be an additional, optional price field on the entry for your 'starting at' price. This starting at price is the lowest price a consumer could purchase or duplicate this specific Parade Home (on a similar priced lot). The lowest you could offer this model without any upgrades or bells and whistles included for example. Finally, the optional 'other homes from' price field will remain available on the entries to display the lowest priced model you offer within this development.

Final price will be due along with the online proof approvals. You may enter them online or email to Casey@HousingFirstMN.org. The final price listed 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 additional 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 include 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 half-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 $7.00 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 July 8, 2025.     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 Homes must be entered in the tour and pay the standard 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.
  
• Dream Homes must be fully furnished.
  
• Dream Homes will receive additional public relations and editorial support when possible.
  
• Selection of the 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).
  
• One Dream Home entry per builder.
  
• 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” entry will appear in the correct geographic location within the guidebook.
  
• Dream Homes will also receive a half-page editorial feature with home photo or illustration (provided by the builder) in the guidebook. If selected, the home description will be pulled directly from your entry form submission details.
  
• Price of home must be at least $1,200,000 to qualify (the reproducible/sales price of the model must be listed accurately in the guidebook, as reflected in the event participation agreement).
  
• Price of admission will be $7.
  
• Builder MUST provide one ticket taker each day of the tour, a table, and a chair inside the home near the front entry. The Housing First Minnesota Foundation will provide training to builder's preferred ticket taker to collect entry fees, materials, and signage.
  
• Any special events held at the home during regular Parade of Homes hours must be open to the public and charge regular Dream Home admission.
  
• Participating Builders will be required to sign an additional participation agreement and may face penalties for violations of the agreement.

Calendar of Events: Holding a special event at your Parade Home during the tour is a great way to keep prospects interested and in your model. Events can include educational seminars, product demonstrations, charitable events, grand opening parties, and the like. Starting fall 2023, the calendar of events will appear online only. Submissions will be pulled on a weekly basis. Please note, no serving of liquor, wine, or beer is to be included in these events. If your event description includes any mentions of serving alcohol, it will not be included. Please complete the online Calendar of Events 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  Sarah@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 Casey@HousingFirstMN.org.

Mobile Website & App: All Parade of Homes models are included on our mobile website and our app. These allow for basic searches via smart phone, and include any additional photos uploaded with company profile listings. The app allows the consumer to map their route to your home, and to create a tour planner.

Premium Online Entry: NOW INCLUDED! 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; 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
Additional sign will be provided for entries with off-site sales centers to be placed at the lot

Not Included: Signage frames/stakes. To purchase frames/stakes or if you have any questions with your Parade of Homes signage, please contact Ron Tyler from KR Signs at 651-775-8333 or rtyler@krsignexperts.com.

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. Call the city for rules and regulations.

Signs may be put up the day before the tour starts (September 4, 2025) and must be removed by 5pm the following day after the tour ends (September 29, 2025).

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 more than $600,000 of marketing spend for traditional mass media, including targeted digital, along with distribution of our guidebooks, directional signs and social media efforts. We reach a huge percentage of Twin Cities residents through this wide variety of media. As the viewing/listening habits of consumers are changing, so are we. We continue to ensure a powerful presence on traditional media (newspaper, billboards and radio), and are also 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.

 

What if I won't have a model home ready to tour? Can I still enter the event?

If you have floor plans that are ready to build on an open lot, the new Ready-To-Build entry is a perfect choice. Enter your Ready-To-Build home in the tour to give consumers a full look at the inventory options available for future builds. Using our Parade of Homes directional signs, drive consumer traffic to an on- or off-site sales center that will be open and staffed during all regular tour days and hours.

 

Will I receive signage for a Ready-to-Build entry? Where would I put the signage?

Yes, you will receive a specific yard sign that states this is a Ready-to-Build sales center, and eight directional arrow signs like a regular entry would receive. Using those Parade of Homes directional signs, drive consumer traffic to an on- or off-site sales center that will be open and staffed during all regular tour days and hours. If you have an off-site sales center, you will also receive a sign for your company to place at the lot location with the address of the off-site sales center included. If you have an off-site sales center that is located at the same address as another model entry on the tour, you will have signage for both entries pointing to the same model, and two yard signs at the home.

 

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 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.

 

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  Membership@HousingFirstMN.org for membership information.

 

What must be included in my published price?

We have heard from several members regarding model home pricing and a desire to return to a more consistent pricing structure. As a result, we have adjusted the Parade Home entry pricing structure. Rather than a price range for each home, we have returned to requiring the exact Parade Home price for every home on the tour and an optional “starting at” price homes that have a lower starting price with fewer upgrades.

Your Parade Home price must be “as shown,” and you must be willing to sell that home for the price listed to a consumer who signs a contract during the Parade of Homes tour. Price 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, freestanding appliances, or freestanding 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.

 

What safety precautions will be in place?

The safety and well-being of our attendees, builders, and partners is our top priority. To provide a safe and enjoyable event, we will be following all CDC, federal, and state recommendations regarding COVID-19. Please note that these recommendations may change as we approach the home tour.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Builders: Housing First Minnesota Builder members in good standing. Builder members must submit proof of their current Contractor License, and non-members must submit Housing First Minnesota membership application by  July 1, 2025.

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 (Fridays-Sundays, noon to 6pm).

Insurance & Builder License: You must provide Housing First Minnesota with a Certificate of Insurance using form Acord 25 with combined single limits of at least $1,000,000.00 for each occurrence of bodily injury or property damage and general aggregate limits of not less than $2,000,000.00. Housing First Minnesota shall be named as an additional insured on Builder’s CGL policy. And we ask that you 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, KR 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. KR Signs: 651-775-8333.

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 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. 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.
2. Request a return of funds based on the refund schedule 

Parade of Homes refund schedule based on date of cancellation:

• If the in-person event is cancelled prior to the first day of the event, we will pivot to a virtual tour - 50% refund will be given
• If the in-person event is cancelled prior to first day of the second week, we will pivot to a virtual tour - 40% refund will be given
• If the in-person event is cancelled prior to first day of the third week, we will pivot to a virtual tour - 30% refund will be given
• If the in-person event is cancelled prior to first day of the fourth week, we will pivot to a virtual tour - 20% refund will be given
• If the in-person event is cancelled prior to first day of the fifth week, we will pivot to a virtual tour – 10% 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.
  
  
  
  
  

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