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2008 Parade of Homes Spring Preview

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Parade of Homes:

February 9 - March 16, 2008

By the time February arrives, winter has worn out its welcome for many of even the heartiest Minnesotans. What better way to cope with cabin fever than to get out and see the fabulous new homes on the Parade of Homes Spring Preview?

The Spring Preview, February 9–March 16, presented by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), is a timely opportunity to tour an expansive selection of the region’s newest home construction.

There’s much to see this year, including the selection of single-family homes and condominiums on the following pages. Among these exceptional domiciles, you’ll be able to tour some of the first-ever Minnesota GreenStar certified new homes (page 104). In addition, you are invited to walk through the perfect livability of several Women-Centric homes to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (page 108).

If you have questions about the current housing market, BATC provides answers on page 86. Don’t forget to visit MidwestHomeMag.com for web-exclusive tips on selling your current home, and for links to “virtual tours” of the neighborhoods around our featured condominiums.

Photo courtesy of Mike McCaw

Before you journey out, consult the Parade’s online “Tour Planner.” This resource lets you view homes in advance of a visit. Search using keywords; save and print out your favorites. Also, check out the Parade’s two Dream Homes. A $5 donation gets you inside for a tour, with proceeds benefiting the Builder Outreach Fund, the Parade’s charitable arm.

Be sure to register for the two Parade giveaways: a two-year lease on a Chevy Malibu Hybrid and a trip to Portland, Ore. Register at each Parade home or online at www.paradeofhomes.org.

>> Table of Contents

Introduction 84

American Dream 86

BATC answers questions about the housing market

MarketWise 88

Builders and real estate agents share their market perspectives

Featured Homes 90

The Organized Kitchen 102

Green Building Mini-Tour 104

Tour the newest GreenStar certified homes in Minnesota

Perfect Livability 108

Experience Woman-Centric homes

Featured Condominiums 110