Hancock’s Biggest ‘Open House’ is Parade of Homes July 18

Talk of the Town - July 2020

Forty-five of the area’s hottest properties for sale are throwing open their doors and inviting you in for a tour.

- Story by Dena Temple
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We missed the St. Patrick’s Day parade this year; we sheltered in place instead of cheering at the Pirates Day parade. But one parade that can’t be stopped is the Hancock County Parade of Homes, which will be held on Saturday, July 18 county-wide (and beyond).
 
For those new to the Parade of Homes, the event is an area-wide real estate open house, where some of our area’s most knowledgeable agents showcase their best and brightest listings, throw open the doors and invite the public inside. Potential buyers can visit many different houses for sale, all in one day. Locals are also welcome to visit these homes for sale - especially those who have friends who are shopping for a full-time or vacation home in the area.

Tish Williams, executive director of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and an event organizer, said, “One of the most important things our Chamber can do is support the real estate industry. ​

Talk of the Town
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"When the real estate market is strong, the entire economy is strong.”

Click here to download a PDF file of the 2020 Parade of Homes brochure.

 
Regan Kane, a broker with John McDonald Realty and co-chair of the Chamber’s Relocation Committee, concurs. “This event has brought together 40 area businesses to showcase 69 homes over the past two years that have a combined real estate sales value of $27.9 million. These home sales will generate $334,441 in tax revenue to Hancock County, not to mention the sales tax revenue that supports local government services and create jobs.”
 
While the event is about showcasing local real estate, there is also a “scavenger hunt” aspect to it as well. To make the event even more entertaining, at each home, participants can register for a drawing to win a prize worth $3,500.
 
Janice Guido also co-chairs the Relocation Committee. She explained, “The more homes on the tour you visit, the more chances you have to win!” 
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The Grand Prize features gift certificates and services offered by local Chamber member businesses that would be great for any homeowner to win. The winner will be drawn on Thursday, July 23.
 
This event is near and dear to Janice Guido’s heart in particular. “I grew up visiting construction sites with my father, who was a home builder,” said Janice. “This event brings that all back for me.”

Stately home just steps to the beach features a dramatic two-story front porch, granite, shiplap, and luxury fixtures and appointments.

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Attendees can expect COVID-19 safety measures to be in place as recommended by the National Association of Realtors. Realtors will provide social distancing, hand sanitizers and face masks to ensure the safety of all visitors touring the homes.
 
So despite the pandemic, people will have the opportunity to safely tour some of the most sought-after real estate on the Coast – all in a single day.
 
For potential buyers who may be reluctant to attend the open houses, all of the homes can be toured virtually at hancockmsmyhome.com.

The home at 2 Chapel Hill Road in Bay St. Louis offers panoramic views of Mississippi Sound, the Bay of St. Louis and the Bay Bridge.

 
Tish Williams is excited to highlight the benefits of living in Hancock County, a subject that residents often share with the slightest encouragement. “This is an opportunity for us to regionally market Hancock County as a great place to visit and live. We have one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, which is another great selling point.

This historic home in the heart of Bay St. Louis features beautiful live oaks, antique hardwood floors and a peaceful garden room.

 
“Last year the event attracted 500 people from nine states,” she beamed. “We hope to double that attendance this year.”
 
Of the 45 homes featured in this year’s Parade of Homes, there is something for every taste and budget. Prices range from an affordable $189,900 for a cute three-bedroom cottage, to $1,198,000 for a fully furnished luxury beachfront home that overlooks the Bay Bridge.
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New construction in Waveland features 9 foot ceilings, storage shed, and a walk-in shower.

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​A full-color guide to the homes participating in the Parade of Homes will be available as an insert in the July issue of South Mississippi Living magazine, and after July 8 at the Depot Visitor Center. 
 
But Williams notes, “There is nothing like seeing these homes first-hand.”
 
If the tour has you considering making your home in Hancock County, everything you need to know about relocating here can be found on the Hancock Chamber’s relocation website, http://www.hancockmsmyhome.com.

 Regan Kane’s best sales pitch is his perspective as a native and an active member of the community: “The truth is, Hancock County – and the Gulf Coast in general – is one of the best-kept secrets in real estate.
 
“We have a terrific lifestyle here – affordable housing, low taxes, fantastic weather, friendly people, and of course, those beautiful beaches. I hope we can share this with lots of potential new residents through the Parade of Homes. It’s too wonderful not to share.”
 

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Parade of Homes Sponsors

A list of the generous sponsors that donated products or services for this year's Grand Prize.