The Denver, Colorado housing market remains strong, and a home purchase, custom build, or remodel, could be one of the best investments in your comfort and future. Here are several reasons why the best time to buy, build, or remodel your Denver home is now.

The sound you hear, starting next week, will be doors opening in more than 60 homes along the Front Range.

That’s because the 2016 Denver Parade of Homes opens its doors on Aug. 11.

More than 100,000 people are expected to tour the homes in 44 neighborhoods in 17 Colorado cities.

The new, never-lived-in homes can be found from Loveland to Castle Rock and Arvada to Aurora.

The parade homes will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Thursday through Sunday through Labor Day.

“We welcome all to enjoy one of Denver’s most anticipated summer celebrations,” said Karna Pryor, 2016 chairwoman of the Parade of Homes.

This year’s parade showcases new, designed model homes, custom homes, affordably priced homes and luxury “Dream Homes” built by 19 new home builders composed of custom and national home builders.

“This is a great way to explore new neighborhoods and see the latest in architectural and design trends, as well as learn about the best in new home construction practices and energy savings—and the tour is free,” said Pryor, marketing manager for Tri Pointe Homes.

Luxury Dream Homes

One of the most popular stops in the parade is luxury Dream Homes. These homes are priced from $767,200 to $1.48 million.

These homes are fully furnished, decorated and landscaped and include such custom features as stunning open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, private suites, spa-inspired master baths, sweeping staircases and large walk-in closets.

The four Dream Homes are:

• In Aurora, by TRI Pointe Homes;
• In Castle Rock, Mountain Property Builders;
• Thornton, elacora;
• And in Denver, Jackson Design Build.

The Jackson Design Build Home at 1606 S. Cook St., with 4,592-square finished square feet, priced at just under $1.48 million, is not only the most expensive home in the parade, but has a buyer waiting in the wings to purchase it, said consultant S. Robert August.

August, principal of North Star Synergies, expects at least 5,000 people will tour the home in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood.

“This is a stunning, contemporary home,” said August, who has helped to market the home. The 3-story home, with a basement, features universal designs to allow “aging in place,” said August, who has been involved in many of the 30 prior parades that have preceded this year’s event.

For example, it includes an elevator shaft, if the owners need it in the future.“The elevator is about the only feature not already installed in the home, and it can be added later,” August said. It costs about $40,000 to install an elevator during construction and about $60,000 to add one later.

In the past, some bigger homes have been featured in suburban parades, he said.“The thing about this home is that is truly been designed for today’s market and what today’s buyers want in a high-end, urban home,” August said. “It will have a wine cellar and very high-end finishes. And it will be very energy-efficient.”

He said more than 20 events will be hosted in the home during the parade.

Spotlight

In addition, what have been deemed as “outstanding” homes can be found in two “Spotlight Communities.” Spotlight Communities feature more than one home in close walking or driving proximity. Spotlight Communities are in Erie Highlands in Erie with homes by Oakwood Homes and The Lakes at Centerra in Loveland with homes by TRI Pointe Homes and Wonderland Homes.

First timers

First time builders in the Parade of Homes include elacora, Epic Homes, Cal Atlantic and Jackson Design Build. New communities in this year’s parade are Inspiration and Whispering Pines, both in Aurora.

Online tour planning and special events

Parade visitors can plan their tours on the Parade [of Homes] website. They can also see photos and details of the homes and print out PDF location maps.In addition, visitors can pick up a free official Parade of Homes magazine at each home, or at participating King Soopers stores and AFW stores.

Also, many of the Parade builders will be hosting special home design events and fun activities and food for the entire family.

Click on the “Events” tab on the Parade of Homes website for details, dates and times.

Sponsors of the 2016 Parade of Homes include: AFW (American Furniture Warehouse); Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Denver Post Media; Chase; Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery; Appliance Center and REcolorado.

The Parade of Homes is produced by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver.