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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS
Thousands tour this year’s Parade of Homes
T
housands of people toured 139 model homes during the 2016 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, which ended last Sunday. “The weather was perfect and the turnout was fabulous, with many people visiting Tampa Bay’s newest communities for the very first time,” said Jennifer Doerfel, executive vice president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association, the organization behind the event. The two-week celebration showcased beautifully decorated models by 37 national and regional builders. In Pasco and north Hillsborough, visitors had an opportunity to tour 57 Parade homes in communities from Connerton in Land O’ Lakes, Asturia in Odessa, Union Station in Wesley Chapel and Cordoba Estates in Lutz. “Although this year’s Parade of Homes is now over, model homes are still open for people to visit,” said Joan Staut, marketing coordinator for Connerton. “ Whether you’re beginning to plan for your next home, or just looking for decorating ideas, builders invite you to visit their models to see the latest in floor plans and interior designs.” Model home hours can be found on builder websites. “The Parade of Homes has a long tradition of bringing awareness of new home construction in the Tampa Bay market,” said Andrea Hawk, chair of the Parade of Homes committee. “We saw a significant increase in new home sales during
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2015, and sales for 2016 are even more positive.” The best feature of every model home received a blue ribbon, which remains in view after the Parade. Industry professionals from across the country judged each home’s site plan, curb appeal, design, materials, outdoor living spaces, architectural detailing, and workmanship. The TBBA, which has more than 750 members, is a professional organization serving construction-related businesses in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Members include builders, developers, suppliers, subcontractors, lending institutions, marketing, architectural, and engi-
MODEL HOMES STILL OPEN DIGITAL GUIDEBOOK — TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com • Most models are open beyond official Parade dates neering firms. The TBBA promotes professionalism and continuing education within the tri-county building and development industry, and encourages industry participation in the community at large. For information, call (813) 5718222, or visit TBBA.com.
Volunteers and sponsors are the lifeblood of the Tampa Bay Builders Association. I want to personally thank our members who have committed countless hours toward our very successful 2016 Parade of Homes. The Parade would not have been possible without our volunteers, and the support from the businesses they represent. The generosity of our sponsors allowed us to expand our reach, and create a bigger and more dynamic Parade of Home experience, with 139 decorated model homes in neighborhoods spanning four counties throughout Tampa Bay. It’s because of the support from new home builders and sponsors, the 2016 Parade of Homes offered something for everyone. Thank you for making 2016 one of the best Parades yet!
Andrea Hawk Realtor, Allen Collins Realty 2016 Parade of Homes Event Chair
2016 PARADE OF HOMES BOARD MEMBERS Jennifer Doerfel, TBBA Executive Vice President, (813) 571-8222 ext. 303, Jennifer@tbba.net Andrea Hawk, Allen Collins Realty, Event Chair | Jane Koy, Hillsborough Title, Judging Committee Co-Chair | Robert Paredes, Envoy Mortgage, Sponsorship Committee Chair Johanna Seldes, Interior Design Consulting, Judging Committee Co-Chair | Terri Williamson, Laker/Lutz News, Entries Committee Chair | Terry Zelen, Zelen Communications, Marketing Committee Chair
Congratulations Tampa a Bay Buildeers Association On AnOther Succe eSSful PA ArAde Of hOmeS! We were proud to have 57 Parade homees located in Pasco and north Hillsborough counties. Thank you for touring these beautiful homes h and exploring our many planned com mmunities.
Special thanks to Te erri Williamson, our long-time advertising account a manager, and a memb ber of the 2016 Parade of Homes comm mittee.
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