The fall’s newest showhomes in Edmonton

It has been a long hot summer and it’s not over yet, but builders are getting ready for what looks to be a robust fall market as new home sales in Edmonton continue to surge.

All the new communities in Edmonton and region have exciting showhome parades to go through, and Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide is here to “guide” new homebuyers on their picks and here are a few of our favourite new and upcoming showhome parades.

The importance of the showhome

Showhomes are an indispensable tool in the homebuilder’s toolkit. They allow the customers to get a feel for what can be the biggest purchase of their life, at the same time it lets the homebuilder showcase their skills and expertise.
“In many cases, the showhome is a great way to show our customers new models, specifications, upgrades and more,” says Excel Homes Marketing Manager, Kristina Plank. “It is also a way of showing customers our brand and who we are as a builder.”

Showhomes can inspire buyers, says Jennifer Smith, Marketing Manager at Cantiro. “Buyers can get inspired by the design choices, interior styles, and overall aesthetics of the space, helping them envision their dream home,” she says.
“Furthermore, purchasing a home is a significant financial investment. Showhomes provide buyers with the reassurance that their decision is well-informed. They can physically experience the space before committing to a purchase, reducing the uncertainty associated with buying a property.”

The emotional impact of a showhome cannot be discounted either, says Landen Sparrow, Marketing Specialist at Morrison Homes. “A showhome allows the buyers to walk through a preview of their new home – picture themselves living in the spaces. A showhome puts thoughts and ideas into something visual and allows customers to take a test drive of their new home.”

Cantiro Homes

Taabish Zaver, Cantiro’s Interior Design Manager, says making the showhome stand out to buyers is an important strategy for Cantiro. “When buyers are visiting multiple properties, a showhome serves as a benchmark for comparison. They can evaluate other homes based on the standard set by the showhome, making it easier to identify the best option,” she says.

This is why Cantiro’s homes all have the “wow” factor to make them memorable to the visitors. “Our purpose is to create the environments for amazing lives to happen. When selecting our showhome model and interior design we aim to create a space where buyers can see themselves living in the home with their own personal touches and imagine where amazing memories will take place.”

Their Cantiro Life Collection Homes offers a perfect example with professionally curated Interior Styles as well as upgrade options for personalizing the home. “Buyers have their choice of six beautiful, cohesive designer looks, filled with elevated finishes and high-end brands. Each Cantiro showhome displays one of our Interior Style packageswith some showcasing upgrade options available, showing buyers how these options will impact the overall look and feel of their home.” You can explore all six Interior Styles at cantiro.ca/interiorstyles.

Cantiro offers buyers the flexibility to self-tour showhomes at a time that is most convenient to them by visiting the cantiro.ca/self-tour website. But Smith says touring the showhome during showhome hours allows the buyer to meet the team behind their future home, helping them make informed decisions about the long-term value and quality of the home.

Cantiro has 12 showhomes in the Edmonton area currently, and more are coming in 2024, including three in Cantiro’s newest communities of Riverstead at Keswick in southwest Edmonton, and five and in Alces in the southeast.
“We have a new three-storey single family showhome opening in Rosenthal. The Family Sky View 18 will be opening this September at 8047 227 Street NW. This 1,981 square-foot home features our newest design-forward Interior Style, Shade, which integrates a balancing act of light and dark, complemented by warm woods,” Smith says.
Another showhome people need to visit is the Entertain Play 24 located at 3409 Kulay Green SW in ONE at Keswick.

“This home was designed for the host that is all about fun – whether it’s gathering around the piano, shooting a round of pool, karaoke nights with your friends, or hosting a watch party.” Smith points out that ONE at Keswick is now selling its final phase.

Find out more about Cantiro’s showhomes at cantiro.ca.

Excel Homes

The celebration of Excel Homes’ 35th anniversary this year has been very successful, Plank says, and has really helped expand their share in the Edmonton new home market, not just in terms of sales but in name recognition as well.
They are growing their showhome line up and are adding two more this month to the five they currently have in The Orchards, Vita Crystallina, Edgemont, Keswick Landing and Citadel.

“We have two new duplex show homes in The Orchards. (Sales centre: 2371 Chokecherry Close SW), starting from the mid $400,000s that will open on September 9, 2023,” Plank says.

The First one is The Emerson, a 1,462 square-foot two-storey attached home with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. “The Emerson is a functional and fashionable duplex home with an attached double-car garage. At the heart of your new home, you’ll find your kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry and additional storage. This area is the ideal space for bringing families and friends together to share a meal and make new memories. The second-floor features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two walk-in closets, as well as your laundry room and two linen closets.”

Next is The Bentley, a 1,555 square-foot two-storey attached home that allows buyers to experience all that duplex living has to offer with this spacious and modern floor plan. “The Bentley is made for families, so we have included an attached double-car garage for functionality and convenience,” Plank says.

“It has an inclusive layout ideal for growing families and those who enjoy entertaining. View all the action of your home while preparing for dinner or relaxing on the sofa. Travel upstairs to find your second-floor laundry room, complete with a side-by-side washer and dryer. Your primary bedroom and ensuite await, with an attached walk-in closet and private layout, creating a relaxing getaway.”

Plank states that Excel Homes has updated its standard specs for tis 35th anniversary. “While we do like to show off some of our new and impressive upgrades in show homes, we also try and showcase upgrades that are affordable and attainable, and our new updated specs certainly fits the bill.”

Morrison Homes

Morrison Homes has a slate of award-winning models available in Edmonton and their showhomes express in detail why they have been such a success.

“Showhomes allow Morrison Homes to showcase our award-winning models while providing a welcoming environment for customers to discuss their new home needs with a new home expert,” Sparrow says. he showhome allows us to demonstrate our expert craftsmanship and multitude of design and finishing options. We hope to not only equip the customer with everything they need to move forward with their new home journey but also to build the trust that Morrison Homes will make building their dream home a rewarding experience.”

Morrison Homes has 11 showhomes in seven Edmonton area communities, including in Elan in Beaumont (2 showhomes), Riverside (2), Cy Becker, Rosenthal, Tonewood (2), and Glenridding

“We have two more showhomes that just opened in Marquis West!” Sparrow says. This is one of the newest communities in Edmonton’s NE corner, and offers enormous accessibility with Anthony Henday Drive nearby, as well as proximity to Edmonton’s scenic ravines and all the recreational opportunities they offer.

New is The Harrison II (on 17211 2 street NW). “It is our newest front attached garage showhome, this floorplan boasts lots of natural light and the kitchen design cannot be missed. Featuring a spice kitchen, walk through pantry, and spacious island, this kitchen will have you planning your dream dinner party.”

She adds that the second floor has a spacious bonus room, laundry room, and the ensuite with a stand-alone tub to relax after a long day.

Also new is The Nixon, a rear detached showhome (at 17216 2 Street NW) that includes a bonus playroom at the front that your kids won’t want to leave! “Visitors will remember the stunning main floor bathroom shower tiled floor to ceiling, and the upstairs loft, great for office space,” she adds.

“While it can be tempting to showcase absolutely everything Morrison Homes can offer in a new home, we are very careful to consider flow and how a home feels overall. All customers should feel at home when they walk through one of our showhomes and feel that there’s something there that speaks to them personally and be able to picture themselves living there.”

Find out more at morrisonhomes.ca.