“It’s an easy equation: lower rates, an improved housing market and a tight inventory all equal hungry homebuyers,” said Hallie Gentry, Home Builders Association of Metro Portland’s Director of Shows. “This year, the HBA is engaging attendees both onsite and online as they have the opportunity to visit fantastic new construction homes created by the area’s finest homebuilders. For homebuyers and real estate agents, The 2013 Ultimate Open House is a no-brainer.”

Idea Homes
From the hills of John’s Landing in southwest Portland to the prestigious Dolph Park neighborhood in northeast, two Ultimate Open House idea homes on the Tour will inspire its visitors, combining vintage appeal with the latest in cutting-edge, energy efficient products.

The Cleary Custom, built by Renaissance Homes, sits on land once thought of as unbuildable. The more than 2,800 square foot home boasts panoramic views of Portland, the Willamette River and the mountains. It is LEED Certified, wrapped with Polar Blanket insulation making this Vintage Collection home charming and cozy.

The Tillamook Vintage, is a lovingly restored home in this coveted close-in neighborhood. Originally built in 1916, the home had fallen into disrepair. Portland Development Group bought the house last year, and moved it five feet east onto a new foundation, allowing PDG to preserve all the stunning period woodwork. Today, the home boasts modern indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus energy efficient technology and appliances, while capturing the charm of the early 20th century.

Both idea homes and a majority of the homes on the Ultimate Open House Tour are energy performance score (EPS) rated. Shoppers can review Energy Trust’s Smart Homebuyer Checklist to compare the energy use, carbon impact and estimated utility costs of a newly built home before they buy.

Benefits Abound
New this year, the first five people to purchase one of the participating natural gas homes will get a free gourmet Gas Grill by Napoleon®—a $1,200 dollar value—courtesy of NW Natural. Ultimate Open House attendees are also encouraged to interact with the show via Facebook by liking their page as they visit the homes on the tour.  Attendees can easily find their way from house to house with an iPhone or Android smartphone app created by the HBA and NW Natural.

“The Ultimate Open House is a valuable resource for people looking to buy a house,” said Dave Williams, NW Natural vice president of utility services. “Show attendees will be able to see the latest natural gas features for the home, while supporting local builders and the HBA’s continued work in our community. We’re glad to be part of it once again.”

Portland Housing Trend
According to Realtor.com, while Portland is in an economic rebound mode, housing inventory is down close to 26 percent from last November and prices have risen close to five-and-a-half percent in the past 12 months. The Ultimate Open House New Home Tour makes it easy for homeowners to map out and walk through more than twenty new, beautifully built homes over the course of two spring weekends.

“It’s an easy equation: lower rates, an improved housing market and a tight inventory all equal hungry homebuyers,” said Hallie Gentry, Home Builders Association of Metro Portland’s Director of Shows. “We recommend those builders interested in showcasing their homes to buyers will take advantage of this opportunity to show and sell their work.”

The early bird deadline for local builders to include their new construction projects in this year’s

Ultimate Open House—and save $400 on their application fee, is February 15 with the final deadline, March 8. All HBA Metro Portland members are encouraged to sign up soon by visiting UltimateOpenHouse.net or calling the HBA at 503-684-1880.

Other incentives include:

• Mobile Phone Application: iPhone and Android smart phones can access the UOH tour and your home from a smart phone.
• Guidebook: A half page home listing in the show guidebook with photo, address of home, directions, price, and builder contact information.
• Website: A website listing on the show website ultimateopenhouse.net with up to eight photos/renderings/plat map/floor plans, address of home, directions, price, link to builder’s website and contact information.
• Advertising Campaign: Television, radio, newspaper and outdoor advertising.
• Marketing and Public Relations: Special stories, calendar listings, news features and extensive public relations using the HBA’s strong media relationships.
• Signage: Each entry receives a house sign and six directional signs to raise awareness and drive foot traffic.

“This is a no-brainer for homebuilders like us to get in front of our target audience: homebuyers who are in the market,” said Randy Sebastian, Renaissance Homes. “We’ve participated in years past and it’s been such a positive experience we are signing up again this year. We recommend other home builders do the same.”

The Ultimate Open House is an annual event. This is the seventh consecutive year of the tour.

About the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland

Since 1942, the HBA has been an indispensable resource for consumers searching for affordable home options. The HBA proudly represents the housing industry to the government, media and the public. The HBA produces and manages many outstanding programs and tours in the Portland area, including: The premier NW Natural Street of Dreams, the Tour of Remodeled Homes, the Fall and Spring Portland Home and Garden Shows and Home Aid Portland. For more information, please visit hbapdx.org.  # # # #