Parade offers builders chance to showcase homes

Though this years Helena Building Industry Association Parade of Homes is showcasing five homes, down from nine last year, the builders are saying the market has recovered from the recession.

I think things are really doing well in Montana right now, Elaine Marcille, executive officer with the HBIA, said.

The homes in the parade range from houses for first-time buyers to dream homes, from values of $275,000 to $1 million,Marcillesaid.

There might only be five houses on the parade, but they are five really cool houses, she said.

This is the 22nd year Helena has hosted the Parade of Homes. The parade, which starts Friday and runs through Sunday, is an opportunity for community members to tour homes constructed by area builders and see their work.

Its a great opportunity for people to get to know a builder, Brian Beeson, president of the Helena Building Industry Association, said.

For Chris Purvis of Sierra Custom Homes, that opportunity to talk with community members translates into new customers every year.

Its a great time for people to get out and see whats new on the market and visit face to face with home builders, Purvis said.

He added that although hes heard national predictions of a potential bubble in the housing market, there is still a growing demand in Montana. Sierra, he said, is working on building 15 homes right now.

At this time were seeing a real growth spurt, Purvis said.

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Parade offers builders chance to showcase homes