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www.FredParent.NET 15 Sponsored Material Join us September 14 for the live conversation on Winners receive a large plaque, the iconic blue ribbon and of course the recognition of being Best in Class! The most prestigious award is the Pinnacle Builder Award. It's awarded to the builder who was most engaged with the association when building their home. One of the things FABA tries to do is help build the association and support the industry. The rising tide raises all ships. The Pinnacle Builder Award can go to any builder, regardless of their entry. Q: If I see a model I like, it should be pretty easy to get the builder's information, call them and ask, "I really like your entry, can I get it built?" Right? Yes! One of the best reasons for people to attend this event is because the builders are on site. They'll be all hands on deck these two weekends. It's a great time! It's good to just get out there and see what's being done, so you can get a better idea of what you like, and see who's building it. Many smaller builders don't have six models available, but they build a phenomenal house. So this is also a chance to meet these smaller builders, who might be the perfect fit for what you are looking for. Q: If I go to the event and fall in love with a $1.2 million home, it wouldn't be crazy to approach the builder and ask if they build a home in my price range, right? The same goes with location? Correct. Most builders can build all price points and styles. Some builders work in a tight location circle. Parade of Homes partici- pants are building all over Fredericksburg. Some may go little beyond into Northern Virginia. A lot of builders will offer semi- custom homes which is where they have preset floor plans and you choose through available options and prices. Some are pure custom builders, where each home is one of a kind, with a unique price. Many build both. The possibilities are endless! The main thing is to talk to the builders. Q: What message do you want to send our readers about Parade of Homes or about building a new house? If you're building a home, you're going to be in a relationship with the builder for months. You need to know that you can work together. Some builders are more hands on and some are more hands off. Get to know them a little and make sure your person- alities are compatible. There really is no better time for prospective new home buyers than these two weekends, because of the concentration of build- ers and styles available. If you just see one model home on your way home from work, you don't really get a good sense of what that builder can do. Just get out there and see the homes, and remember to talk to the builders! The bottom line? Parade of Homes is an unparalleled opportunity to meet area builders and see what they can do! This is the time of year to pick a builder. If you plan on building, you should plan on coming to this event. Do you have questions for Parade of Homes? We'll be chatting with them live on Facebook September 14 at 11am. Come join the conversation as we explore a Parade of Homes house! facebook.com/FredericksburgParent a sk t h e e x p e rt Twenty-two homes will be showcased and everything from tiny homes to million-dollar estates will be available to tour." " Q: Are the houses an example of what the build- ers normally do, or is Parade of Homes seen as an opportunity to be creative? All of the above! The entries you'll tour range from tradi- tional model homes to $1.5-million custom homes. We do get some very unique homes entered, which is really fun! Some builders go all out to showcase their range. Others will enter a house from their catalog, to showcase a home and features they excel at building. You get the best of both worlds.