OBX Real Estate

This year marks the 16th year of the Outer Banks Parade of Homes. The yearly event is put on by OBAR and OBHBA, the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS and Outer Banks Home Builder's Association. The event showcases some of the most innovative building designs and furnishings along the Outer Banks. 32 homes are represented in this year's showcase. They will be stretched along the Outer Banks from Corolla to southern Hatteras. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Parade of Homes. This information is from the OBHBA website.

Question: Where do we get tickets? Answer: Tickets are available in every home, where they will also be punched as you arrive. Or you may purchase them at the WalMart as you enter the beach from the north. One $10 ticket is the admission price for one person for all 32 homes, and they are good for all four days so you may tour at your own pace, starting in any area you choose.

Question: When are the homes open? Answer: They are open each day, October 9-12 from 10 a.m.—6 p.m.

Question: What does the category letter mean? Answer: The category is determined based on the actual raw cost of the home itself, exclusive of overhead, profit, the lot and any other amenities like landscaping or a pool. Simply stated, it is the amount that it cost for the pile of building materials that was delivered to the site plus the amount of money that was paid to our skilled tradespeople to turn the materials into the finished product you are touring.

Question: How can we find the homes when they are all spread out? Answer: The homes have been numbered from north to south beginning in Corolla. With the comprehensive map pages located in the center of this book and the brightly colored directional signs installed along the Parade route, you should easily be able to find each home. Additionally, all Parade homes are identified by large blue, white and black Parade of Homes flags - only homes flying the official Parade of Homes flag and identified by a coordinating numbered sign are part of the Outer Banks Home Builders Association’s annual Parade.

Question: How do we vote for the People’s Choice Award? Answer: In each home a plastic tub is easily accessible at the area where the builder has chosen for punching and selling tickets. When you finish the tour, you simply circle the number of the home that you liked best in each category and leave the ticket in that container. The house numbers are listed next to each category on the back of the ticket. You may vote for only one home per category. And don’t forget to fill in your contact information, as your ticket also enters you for the long weekend “Getaway Giveaway,” allowing some lucky winner accommodations and golf during an off-season trip back to the beautiful Outer Banks!