2017 Fall Parade of Homes is heading your way

Please note that Home No. 8 built by Peebles Homes will not be open to the public on either Saturday.

October is a great time to purchase a new home, and the 2017 FPOH will showcase many of the best new home options for buyers today. The Fall Parade is a great way to get a feel for the types of new homes available in the Dayton region, and all the homes are available for purchase. Plus, the event is free to the public.

From Tipp City to Franklin and Clayton to Beavercreek, plus all points in between, there are many styles of homes to view – multi-level, ranch, cottage and empty nester – and all are available for purchase. Prices range from $214,900 to $989,900. If you do decide to buy, you’ll be able to move in right after signing your contract.

To help you gain the most from the Fall Parade, here are some tips to maximize the value of your participation:

• Know your budget: Start by determining your budget, and be realistic. While you can glean many great ideas from the parade homes, it makes sense to focus on those within your price range. Use a mortgage calculator found on the website of many lending institutions to determine how much house you can afford. Better yet, consult with a member of the Dayton Mortgage Bankers Association. Members of the DMBA can advise you on down payment requirements and mortgage financing options.

• Think about your future: Whatever your age, give some thought to what you expect your circumstances and lifestyle to be in the next five to 10 years. If you are in your 50s and plan to make your next home purchase your last, will trudging up a long flight of stairs seven or eight times a day make sense once you get into your 60s and 70s? If not, perhaps you should consider a single-story lifestyle home.

• Energy efficiency matters: There is no doubt that new homes are more energy- and resource-efficient, and even more comfortable, than an older existing home. Many have Home Energy Ratings System scores which allow you to compare the energy usage of homes you are considering. Improvements in construction materials, installation methods and more-efficient heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing equipment have increased the value of new homes and make it more difficult for an older home to compete.

• Ask questions: Parade home builders or their representatives will be on hand during parade hours (with this exception: Home No. 8 built by Peebles Homes will not be open to the public on either Saturday). Don't be afraid to approach them with any and all of your questions. If you are curious about costs, other locations they are building in, the cost of upgrades, financing options or more, they will be more than happy to help you make the most out of this year's 2017 FPOH.

Information on the FPOH is included in this Real Estate Plus section of the Dayton Daily News, as well as a Fall Parade home locator map to help plan your tour. If you would like additional information about the homes, visit www.HBADayton.com or www.DaytonDailyNews.com.

Home Builders Association of Dayton’s 2017 Parade of Homes sponsored by Cox Media Group Ohio

Dates: Oct. 14-15, Oct. 21-22. Note: Home No. 8 by Peebles Homes is not open on Saturdays.

Hours: 1 to 5 p.m.

Locations: Throughout the Dayton region; look for the orange and white Parade of Homes signs to guide you to the homes.

Cost: Free

Helpful tools: Use the 2017 Parade of Homes locator map found in the Oct. 8 Real Estate Plus section of the Dayton Daily News to plan your tour, or visit www.HBADayton.com or www.DaytonDailyNews.com

Home Builders Association of Dayton’s 2017 Parade of Homes sponsored by Cox Media Group Ohio