Every fall, the Parade of Homes opens doors across the Triangle Region and beyond, showcasing the best in home design, craftsmanship, and innovation. It’s the largest open house event of the year, an opportunity for builders to share their finest work, and for visitors to experience the latest trends in architecture, interiors, and outdoor living.
Hosted locally by the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties, and the Tri-County Home Builders Association (representing Franklin, Granville, and Vance Counties), this regional celebration of design excellence highlights the incredible talent shaping how North Carolinians live today.
Why the Parade Matters
For the homebuilding industry, the Parade of Homes is more than a showcase—it’s a benchmark. Builders, designers, and craftspeople use this platform to demonstrate innovation, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Homes are entered into categories and evaluated by industry experts, with awards recognizing exceptional design, functionality, and craftsmanship.
To a builder, earning a Parade of Homes award is a meaningful achievement. Being recognized as a Bronze, Silver, or Gold winner is a mark of distinction that validates their creativity and skill in a highly competitive field.
How Homes Are Judged
Each home entered in the Parade is evaluated by a panel of industry professionals from outside the local area to ensure fairness. Entries are grouped by price range, and judges assess every detail based on several key criteria:
-
Overall Design – The architecture, layout, and flow of the home.
-
Quality of Workmanship – Craftsmanship, materials, and finishing details.
-
Curb Appeal – Exterior design, landscaping, and first impressions.
-
Functionality – How well the layout supports modern living.
-
Interior Design and Finishes – Cohesion, scale, and aesthetic excellence.
-
Innovation and Creativity – Distinctive features, sustainability, fresh approaches to floor plan design and material use, integration of technology or energy efficiency, or new ideas that elevate the home’s design and livability.
Why It Matters to Homeowners and Buyers
For visitors, the Parade is an open invitation to explore what’s new, what’s next, and what’s possible. These homes are often like a living Pinterest board, filled with design inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical solutions you can bring into your own home.
Whether you’re dreaming of building new, considering a renovation, or simply love great design, the Parade of Homes offers a firsthand look at how today’s builders and designers are redefining comfort, beauty, and livability.
Explore More
Want to dive deeper into this year’s design highlights? Explore our related blogs for a closer look at:
-
Design Trends to Watch During the 2025 Parade of Homes – The styles and features shaping this year’s homes.
-
Inspired by the Parade: How to Elevate Your Own Home – Practical ways to bring Parade-worthy ideas to life in your current space.
See Our Homes on Parade
This year, The Real Estate Studio was proud to represent three remarkable homes featured across two Parade events, each recognized with an award for excellence in design and craftsmanship:
Tri-County Parade of Homes
1105 Brookrun Drive, Oxford - Silver Award
2 Bed • 2.5 Bath • 1,033 Sq. Ft. | $250,000 | Move-in Ready
This inviting two-bedroom townhome offers low-maintenance living in a vibrant, resort-style community. Designed for comfort and convenience, it features a bright open plan with waterproof vinyl plank flooring, a stylish kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and a raised breakfast bar. Upstairs, two spacious primary suites each include walk-in closets and private en-suite baths.
Beyond the front door, residents enjoy access to an impressive 6,600-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness and yoga studios, pet spa, and lighted walking trails with future pickleball courts, playgrounds, and more on the way. A perfect blend of value, lifestyle, and modern design.
Triangle Parade of Homes
1500 Favorwood Drive, Raleigh - Silver Winner
5 Bed • 5.5 Bath • 5,619 Sq. Ft. | $2,750,000 | Move-in Ready
Set in one of Raleigh’s most coveted communities, this luxury estate home offers both drama and refinement.
The architecture is defined by soaring arched openings, wide-plank hardwoods, and meticulous millwork throughout.
The chef’s kitchen impresses with a 10-foot island, Thermador appliances, custom cabinetry, and a hidden scullery with a second dishwasher, wine fridge, and ample prep space.
The family room centers around a stone fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling glass wine display, opening to a covered rear porch with a fireplace, heater, and electronic screens, which are perfect for year-round entertaining.
With a finished basement, elevator pre-wire, and pool-ready lot, this home combines luxury, functionality, and timeless craftsmanship.
7809 Haymarket Lane, Raleigh - Bronze Winner
4 Bed • 3.5 Bath • 3,288 Sq. Ft. | $1,750,000 | Move-in Ready
Modern architecture meets refined comfort in this North Raleigh residence, designed with sleek lines, natural materials, and sophisticated finishes throughout.
Inside, 10-foot ceilings and wide-plank hardwoods create a sense of openness, while the gourmet kitchen features Monogram appliances, quartz countertops, and a hidden scullery for extra prep and storage.
The main-floor primary suite offers a spa-like retreat with a floating quartz-wrapped vanity, gold fixtures, and a wet-room bath with freestanding tub and designer tile.
The family room showcases a linear fireplace surrounded by natural stone and custom built-ins, leading to a covered porch with fireplace, phantom screen, and heater. Every detail is crafted to balance form and function.
Each home reflects the collaboration, creativity, and care that define our approach to new home representation, and we’re honored to see that work recognized among the region’s best.
