Q&A with Jason Schuff

By Richard Mize

Published: October 10, 2007

Q: The Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association's Parade of Homes is just a dozen days away. How close are most of the homes to being finished? What's left for most builders to do?

A: Being such an anticipated event as the Parade of Homes, everyone involved knows how crucial it is to have homes finished and ready to show to the public. Most of our builders are ready today for the parade to begin, although 12 days can make a huge difference to complete, cleanup and touch up homes for those that may need it.

Q: The association reluctantly decided to postpone the parade because it just wouldn't stop raining last spring and early summer, and builders just couldn't get started. Do you think the delay will help or hurt turnout, and why?

A: We only moved the Parade of Homes from the middle of September to the end of October, approximately six weeks. The Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association was very reluctant about moving the Parade of Homes due to weather, but after weeks of deliberation and questionnaires going out to all participating builders, the Parade of Homes Committee, with our senior officers, decided that everyone needed the time to complete their homes.

Remember, the Parade of Homes is a metrowide event that is free to the general public and the point is to have finished products with the latest innovations and trends for all to visit. We are very positive and excited about the Parade of Homes and with all the calls we are already receiving questioning the dates and times, I feel great about the traffic we will all see. Overall, I believe we will have better traffic this year than years past. Many people may enjoy the fall weather to walk between homes instead of the dreaded heat we so generally feel.

Q: What kind of mood do you think home buyers are in right now? How do you think that will affect turnout at the parade?

A: Lately, I believe that future home buyers in Oklahoma have been real leery of purchasing a new home from what they hear in the national media about foreclosures and negative hype. What they need to realize is the value of the homes they are interested in. Look at the markets that are creating this national housing "downfall” as the media likes to term it: Florida, California and Arizona are a few.

Oklahoma seems to be in its own niche when it comes to housing. Look at the per-square-foot prices of homes, land and even the great interest rates available as compared to these other housing markets. Many builders have more customs currently going than this time last year. With the quality of construction this state has to offer, we are seeing more and more people from the coasts relocating to our great state and loving the economic values.

As for the turnout to this year's parade, I anticipate one of our greatest years of parade traffic ever. With OU-Texas and the state fair both behind us, and great fall weather ahead, I encourage everyone to get outside and view these beautiful homes. This is the best opportunity all year for those interested in a new home to view over 170 homes that will be open daily for nine straight days from 1 to 7 p.m.

Q: Is being chairman of the parade what you thought it'd be? Is it harder or easier than you thought it would be to chair such an event and keep up your business obligations, as well?

A: Being the chairman for the 2007 Parade of Homes is an honor and a privilege. With the help of our wonderful staff at the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association and the Parade of Homes Committee, there is a lot of excitement and pride in the planning for the Parade of Homes. It takes time out of all of our busy daily schedules, but there are so many involved it makes the planning process much more efficient.

I would like to thank our feature home builders: Darin Faires with Mashburn Faires Homes LLC and Jonathan Little with Capstone Homes LLC, and the time they have contributed to this grand event. Be sure to put both of these wonderful homes on your personal tour of the homes.

Q: Do you have anything to add?

A: I would like to personally invite everyone out to the 2007 Parade of Homes. All homes will be open daily from 1 to 7p.m. from Oct. 20-28, and remember it is free. Pick up your 2007 Parade of Homes plan book at any local Lowe's Home Improvement Store.

Real Estate Editor Richard Mize

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