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The Spring Festival of Homes represents builders' best

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

For the past few months, many Triad builders have been working nonstop to complete their entries for the 2008 Spring Festival of Homes. Undeterred by nasty weather or negative reports about the housing market, these contractors have been playing "beat the clock" for weeks, and their efforts are now being rewarded as hundreds of potential buyers check out their projects during the season's most comprehensive open-house event.

Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem, the Spring Festival of Homes is a marketing event for builders, but it is also an unparalleled opportunity for buyers. Each home entered in the Spring Festival offers an impressive list of amenities, and people looking for the latest bells and whistles in their next home are certain to find a property to their liking.

"Homes in the Spring Festival range in price from $92,000 to more than $900,000," said Zack Rothrock, chairman of the 2008 Spring Festival. "The available spec houses offer a good representation of the builders' work, and the variety of homes offers something for everyone."

Many of the Spring Festival homes include sought-after amenities like double master suites, open kitchens adjoined by keeping rooms, and outdoor living areas. Hardwood floors, granite countertops and custom cabinetry are also popular features in almost every price range.

"There is a lot of high-end luxury for the everyday consumer at the Spring Festival," Rothrock said. "In every price range, the amenities are more affordable."

One of the must-see properties is the 2008 HBA Association Home in Barrington Oaks. Built by Harvey Schneider of Glory Builders, the two-story traditional has an upper- and main-level master suite, extensive architectural details, and a family-friendly floor plan.

"This house lives larger than it is," Schneider said. "And there are always folks out there looking for two master suites when their parents come to live with them."

The Association Home lists for $415,900 and has almost 3,000 square feet of heated living space as well as 250 square feet of unfinished space in the basement. Barrington Oaks is a Clemmons neighborhood that offers easy access to shopping, recreation and restaurants, and is an ideal community for homebuyers seeking comfort and convenience.

"The Spring Festival is a fantastic opportunity for homebuyers to get out and see the work done by HBA builders," Schneider said.

"People can get a better sense of new neighborhoods, and now is a great time for people to buy a home because the rates are so good."

The Spring Festival of Homes continues today from 1 to 5 p.m. To visit the HBA Association Home in Barrington Oaks, take I-40 West to the Clemmons exit; turn left and continue to the intersection with Highway 158; turn left on 158 to a right turn on Hampton; continue to Barrington Oaks on the left and follow the signs to the HBA Association Home. For more information on the Spring Festival, call the Home Builders Association at 336-768-5942 or go to www.hbaws.org.