The holidays are a time for family, joy, and celebration—but for many, it’s also a time to plan for the future. If finding your dream home is on your wishlist, we understand the process can feel overwhelming, especially with so much going on this time of year. That’s where the Home for the Holidays Parade of Homes comes in.
On December 7th and 8th, tour over 25 move-in-ready homes from accredited builders, including Jenkins Homes, in subdivisions like Spring Haven and Robindale.
The Northshore Homebuilders Association designed this event to make your home-buying journey simple, stress-free, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re dreaming of a family haven, a fresh start, or your first cozy space to call your own, this event has something for everyone.
- Tour multiple high-quality homes in one day.
- Get all the details you need—pricing, features, and builder info—upfront.
- Feel confident knowing every home is built by trusted professionals.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, we’ve tailored specific questions to address common concerns and pain points. Discover which personality type resonates most with you and learn what to ask during your home tours to make confident decisions. Read on!
For The Family Planner
You’re all about comfort, space, and making memories with your loved ones. But let’s face it: the thought of juggling showings, comparing builders, and making decisions during the holidays can feel like too much. You’re also apprehensive about getting caught up in the holiday magic, and want to make sure you keep your guard up, and your prices down.
If you’re the family planner, here are some questions to ask builders to help you with your decision:
- How much space does this home offer for growing families, and what are the options for flexible use of rooms (e.g., playrooms or home offices)? At Jenkins Homes, we’re all about maximizing space and creating multifunctional layouts! Ask us about some of the custom features we’ve designed with families in mind.some text
- “Can we make changes to the floor plan?”
- “What design options are available for finishes?”some text
- Do you have a show room with available finishes?
- “What’s the process for requesting upgrades?”some text
- What is the fee for a change order?
- Are there plans for future development nearby?some text
- While the builder ultimately can’t control what happens to nearby adjacent land, asking them for insider knowledge is a great start.
- If you have any concerns, check the city council’s website and local papers for any news about proposed development nearby. To find out who the owner of a nearby tract of land is, check the tax assessor’s site.
- Do you know much about the culture of the neighborhood? Is it family-friendly, and are there any events for the homeowners? some text
- If you’re seriously considering a neighborhood, switch up your routine a bit: take an evening walk, visit the nearby restaurants, and take the kids to the neighborhood’s park.
- Pro Tip: Many neighborhoods often have their own Facebook homeowner groups. Message the admin about joining to get a feel for the community.
The Stability Seeker
You’re in your 30s and ready to settle into a home that sets the foundation for your next chapter. The holidays can be a tough time to focus on big decisions, but you don’t want to miss out on the perfect opportunity. You’ve worked hard to get here—let us make it easy for you to find a home that matches your vision for stability and success.
Here are some questions to help you plan for the future when deciding on your new home:
- Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of, such as HOA special assessments?some text
- Ask what the HOA fees cover, and consult the HOA management company to see if there are any special assessments coming due.
- What’s the estimated timeline for move-in readiness? Are there any delays I should anticipate?some text
- Closings on new construction can often be delayed by weather in South Louisiana, and there’s nothing to be done about that. But ask specifically if the builder anticipates delays due to labor or material shortages.
- What kind of warranties or guarantees does the builder provide for peace of mind after purchase? Louisiana has legislation in place to protect new home buyers, but some builders offer additional warranties. some text
- Was the slab treated for termites during construction, and is there a transferable termite contract in place?
- Does the builder perform post-closing visits? How often, and what can I expect?
- Pro Tip: Many appliances also come with a warranty. You’ll want to follow the instructions in the manuals to register your appliances for additional warranties.
The First-Time Buyer
You’re excited to take the plunge into homeownership, but with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel cautious about making the wrong choice. The Parade of Homes was designed to take the guesswork out of your search. This is your moment to find a space that’s uniquely yours. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
You’re no rube! Get down to brass tacks with this list of questions:
- What makes this home a good choice for first-time buyers like me?
- Are there any special financing options available?
- What features in this home provide value for the price, and how does it compare to similar options in the area?some text
- Do you have data on resale value?
Builders often work with subcontractors for specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installation. A builder with strong relationships with skilled professionals is more likely to deliver consistent, high-quality results. Ask:
- “Do you work with the same subcontractors regularly?”
- “Are the subcontractors licensed and insured?”
- “Are there any components in this home (like tile work, electrical or plumbing) where more than one crew was involved?” some text
- It may be useful to know if a crew was fired mid-job. Did the second crew pick up where the initial one left off, or did they start the job over?
We’re looking forward to meeting you at the Parade of Homes! In the meantime, check out this article from the National Association of Homebuilders on their recommendations for evaluating a builder.
