BIACC and the Modesto Bee Parade of Homes 2007
Excerpt from June 2007 Central California Builder magazine
By Karen Moody

The BIACC recently teamed with The Modesto Bee to bring back the Parade of Homes. The event was designed to attract potential buyers to new developments and to tour model homes. Those who participated in the event agreed that it was a success and definitely worth the time. It was also a great way to celebrate National Home Ownership Month.

The event took place from Saturday, May 12 through Sunday, May 20 and featured homes were open daily from 11 am until 6 pm. Fourteen builders participated and the featured home were located in Modesto, Turlock, Ripon, Oakdale, Newman, Winton, and Merced.

One part of the event that was a real hit with many participants was the "People's Choice Award." At each home there was an opportunity for visitors to cast a vote for their favorite home. The award went to Fitzpatrick homes for Milestone, a luxury development in Turlock.

Christy Quaresma, of Fitzpatrick Homes, said they were happy with the turnout and said "We were quite pleased that during the "Parade of Homes" the number of visitors to Milestone increased by about 30%. Once people come to Milestone, we find that our homes sell themselves, but participating in this type of promotion which attracts fresh faces is key to our success."

When asked about the award she said she thinks people found the development to be luxurious and they like the luxury feel. She said, "The elevations are elegant. Milestone has an upscale, deluxe feel to it." She said that the homes have "Large lots, spacious and award-winning floor plans, as well as luxury amenities have earned Milestone a reputation as one of the most deluxe new communities in the Turlock and Modesto area. Homes range from 2,323 to 3,807 square feet. The Luxury Living program at Milestone includes standard features such as exterior stone and brick accents, upgraded cabinets, two-tone paint, and tile flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms."

Christy felt that the response was positive and indicated what buyers are interested in. "The traffic and interest, and winning the People's Choice reinforces that we are doing the right things." They will continue to develop in the area and their new development, Summerfield, which opens June 23rd, offers "the same luxurious feel as its neighbor Milestone."

Carrie Newbery of William Lyon Homes also commented on increased foot traffic and the quality of the traffic. "It was good traffic. Visitors were interested in looking at the homes, not just attending the event." The three Modesto neighborhoods that they showcased were Meadows, Groves and Trails.

Sources at The Modesto Bee received positive feedback from participants. Annette Fellows said that "Customers thought it was great. They liked the contest and they would like to see it every year."

Lillian Armbrust, Classified Real Estate Manager at the paper noted that "According to the builders we have talked to it was very successful and did bring in customers."

Margaret Wilbur, sales manager for McRoy Wilbur Communities was also pleased with the results. Their featured development, Cornerstone, on North Ripon Road, is a ways out she felt that traffic was terrific as a result of the event. "We had over 200 visitors the first week and 160 the second week." She noted that many people had the insert from The Modesto Bee with them, indicating that it did create interest. "The featured home got a lot of attention."

The Parade of Homes was a joint venture that that was deemed a success by participants and attendees.

Click here for more information on Milestone

For More Information
Dennis Fitzpatrick
(209) 543-1608 ext. 301