The Tri-Cities’ popular Parade of Homes returns this year with more homes and welcomes back the Chefs on Parade event.

The pandemic forced Parade online with virtual home tours. HBA Tri-Cities tried to resurrect the Chefs on Parade with a food truck “to go” event in 2021, but it wasn’t the same.

This year’s Parade – which marks its 62nd year in the Tri-Cities – is the healthiest it’s been since 2019, featuring 11 homes from nine builders and the return of the traditional Chefs event.

Is this healthier roster of more homes a sign of recovery for the Tri-Cities housing market? We asked Jeff Losey, executive director of HBA Tri-Cities.

He said the Tri-Cities’ inherent need for housing has never gone away.

He pointed to the 800 or so homes on the market not being enough for the area’s needs, especially with new workers seeking jobs from Amazon to Darigold.

Losey said it’s difficult for builders to construct new single-family homes when land costs “south of $400,000,” a significant factor that drives up home prices.

“We have inventory problems,” Losey said.

That said, he’s optimistic, calling Parade of Homes a “good runway” toward the year ahead. This year’s Parade homes showcase a variety of price points and sizes – from 1,500 square feet up to 5,000 square feet. They are homes “more representative of the Tri-Cities market,” Losey said.

Plus, he noted that interest rates are lowering and expected to continue their downward march through the end of this year – a trend he expects to continue into 2025.

Losey hopes this means local housing construction can catch up to demand and provide the homes the area desperately needs.

Our ongoing housing shortage continues to pose a challenge. Parade serves as an inspiration for many would-be homeowners, but securing an actual home within our competitive market remains a hurdle for many.

Parade of Homes runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 14-15, and 1-7 p.m. Sept. 11. Chefs on Parade, a sold-out event in years past, runs 5-9 p.m. Sept. 12.