Last weekend was the first weekend of the annual Parade of Homes in Orlando. As local Realtor, you might think I could get tired of touring (new) homes – well, I truly don’t. Ever. And since we are currently remodeling our own home (long story) this event couldn’t have come at a better time. I picked my favorite homes, based on their categories. My number 1 priority were “whole house remodels”, not just for the above mentioned reason but also because I think those homes are usually the ones that will impress me most (and boy, was I right again!). So based on my experience last weekend, and my overall experience, here are my top picks for this year’s Orlando Parade of Homes.
Samsara by Mission Homes LLC – Divinely inspired Design
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This was an easy choice! An old church turned into town homes, how could I not take this bait? What I didn’t know was that the home was actually not quite ready for visitors yet (apparently I don’t know how to read a simple guide – or, I was just way too excited to see this object and ignored the fine print), but the owner let us in anyway for a private sneak peek.
The home left me speechless so I will let my, decent at best, mobile phone pictures speak (where is my DSLR when I need it?).
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Seriously though, if you attend the Parade of Home 2017 and miss this town home, it’s like you haven’t actually gone. So do yourself a favor and check out this home. And please, take my word for it.
More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=213
Here are a couple of my favorites that I actually toured:
827 N. Eola Dr. by Clarkson Concepts
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This modern Lake Highland Park beauty was our very first stop. We actually decided to take a walk through Lake Eola Heights, then crossed Colonial Drive to get to Lake Highland Park. Last weekend was rather hot but we still enjoyed looking at all the beautiful homes along our 20 minute walk. Lake Eola Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods of Orlando so I didn’t mind the heat (I was very thankful for the trees, not only because I am obsessed with beautiful old oak trees but also because said trees provided the shade we needed!), but this weekend I can assure you the walk will be much more pleasant, in fact it might be the last walk you will be able to take for a while without breaking into a sweat after about 30 seconds.
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Oh, and this might also be a great time to give the Juice Bikes bike share program a try. So between 827 N. Eola and the Samsara, why not explore a bit of Downtown Orlando’s authentic and timeless neighborhoods? Just don’t spend too much time adoring all those adorable homes (we did, and that’s why we ended up having to drastically shorten our home touring load for the day).
Below are are a few photos taken at 827 N. Eola. Overall a great property, loved the very modern design and felt reassured in my own design choices (most of them came directly off my pinteresting boards).
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More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=182
Gaines Way by Austin Homes
The drive up to this home might just be worth it already. Winter Park living at its best. Unique homes (aka mansions) set within breathtaking nature. I loved the curb appeal of just about every home, including of course the one we toured at Gaines Way.
Overall a gorgeous home with a great layout. LOVED the glass enclosed wine “cellar”. It’s now on my “really want but really don’t need list”.
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More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=143
Design trend number 1 I spotted:
What is is about free standing bath tubs? Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally on board with it, have always loved them, probably because they remind me of historic homes (as some of you know that’s where my passion lies).
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827 N Eola Drive
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New construction home in College Park we toured the same day
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Gaines Way
The homes I saved for this weekend…
Following are home that I am planning on touring the second weekend of the Parade of Homes (in the order of personal priority which is mainly based on, I will admit it, distance from my own residence):
Pictures courtesy Orlando Parade of Homes 2017
Killarney – SHOWCASE by CalAtlantic Homes
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This year’s showcase home, so yes, it has to be on my list. And as a special bonus: located right in my area, my beloved Sanford. So even though I’ve toured Lake Markham Landings several times before, I can’t get enough of those beautiful model homes.
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More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=178
Lake Maitland Owl Preserve by E2 Homes
Deliciously modern, just the way I like it! I am so excited to be touring this one this weekend. Not too many pictures online (as soon as I’ve seen it I will share my pics here) but I’m leaving you with the exterior shot, courtesy of the Parade of Homes web site…
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More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=122
Palm Court by Phil Kean Design Group
Can you say LUXURY(8,245 sqft. of luxury that is)? Don’t miss this one!
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But just in case you do, here’s what you’d miss… The new American Home! (click the link below to watch the video!)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/rykV4PPmvwI
More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=203
Thurloe by Phil Kean Design Group
Another fabulous remodel!
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More info can be found here:
http://www.paradeofhomesorlando.com/view-entry.html?hid=204
Other trends still going strong (random observations, please don’t quote me on this):
- Subway tile
- Succulents and green plants in general (especially in kitchen area)
- Light colored countertops
- More use of gold fixtures
- IKEA. Spotted lots of decor that either was from IKEA or could have been bought at IKEA. Either way, makes me feel good because lots of our home decor was also made in Sweden Image may be NSFW.
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Overall we had a great time touring part 1 of our list. Even my boys were astonishingly well behaved that day. Remember, at most homes you will have to take your shoes off.
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See you at the Parade of Homes 2017 Part II Image may be NSFW.
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Yours truly!!
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The post Don’t miss these homes at the Orlando Parade of Homes 2017 appeared first on Orlando First Time Home Buyer Guide.