Celebrating 75 Years of the Salt Lake Parade of Homes

David Weekley Homes

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Elevation Homes

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Celebrating 75 Years of the Salt Lake Parade of Homes

Salt Lake Realtor® Magazine asked Jaren Davis, executive officer of the Salt Lake Home Builders Association, where Salt Lake’s housing market is headed and what challenges builders face in today’s market.

Renderings: Salt Lake Home Builders Association Photos: Kent Shelton

Q: This is the 75th anniversary of the Parade of Homes. What is the history of the Parade? What is new this year? A: The Salt Lake Home Builders Association was established in 1942. Members began thinking of ways they could get the public to see the new techniques they were using to construct homes. From those dreams came the nation’s first Parade of Homes™, which was held in 1946. Over the years, many other ideas have been implemented, giving our community a rich tradition of seventy-five years enjoying fine homes built by our members. In Salt Lake, the first-ever Parade of Homes Show began, and the idea for the first-ever all-woman-built house was shown in a parade. Just as in those early years, there are always new techniques you will find in our homes. Watch for hidden doors, new wall treatments, and extraordinarily large tile finishes.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing Utah’s home builders today? A: When you hear that we are in unprecedented times, don’t think to yourself that things

Jaren Davis

are difficult. Think that there has never been a time like this before. It would be hard to find an area of construction that isn’t affected by the uniqueness of the market today. From raw ground to handing a new buyer the key to their dream home, every step in between has in some way been slowed, stopped, or hindered, or carries a higher cost than what has been typical. The Home Builders Association is working with its Realtor® partners to find solutions. Our mission is to ensure affordability for anyone who chooses to buy a home, at any stage of their life.

Q: The University of Utah estimates that there is a 45,000-unit deficit of homes needed to meet current demand. Economists project that in Utah we will build 30,000 homes per year going forward but that the housing gap will take a decade to erase. What are your thoughts? A: Today’s housing market falls well short of meeting the demand placed on our communities. We can’t build our way out of the deficit without finding additional solutions. Realtors® and the HBA are active in finding lasting solutions to bridge the gap between supply and demand. Some of those solutions are accessory dwelling units, efficient permitting, and land

Ivory Homes

11383 S Canyon Falls Lane | 1800 E | Sandy | 84092

La Fucina

1828 S 2600 E | Salt Lake City | 84103

use plans that meet the interests of our residents. Without doing something now, our affordability will worsen, creating an economic downturn. Be assured that by supporting the advocacy of our organizations, you are helping build our communities while keeping housing affordable.

Q: A recent report by Freddie Mac indicates that entry-level homes under 1,400 square feet only make up only 7% of all homes built today. That’s down from 40% in 1982. What can we do to increase the number of entry-level homes in the market? A: Entry-level homes have fallen victim to land-use decisions within our local communities. The pressure to meet the demand has pushed townhome construction to an unusually high pace. For our market to enjoy affordability for residents at any stage of their life, we must find ways to approve those homes our friends and family desire. Land use decisions need to be made without falling under the pressure of those who don’t want to see any new development.

Q: The median price of a single-family home in Salt Lake County climbed to $555,000 in June. The median price could increase to more than $600,000 by the end of this year. What is the solution to soaring home prices? A: Soaring housing costs will only be slowed by the creation of new homes meeting the market’s demand. The supply chain delays, labor shortages, and rising cost of materials are causes, but they can be worked through if we can build the homes the market is looking for today. Elected officials, city staff, state legislators, community leaders, and our associations can work together and find solutions. We are at a critical time and need to act now.

Next Level Homes

4236 S 900 E | Millcreek | 84124

Paragon Custom Construction

1739 E Millcreek Way | 3350 S | Millcreek | 84106

Q: Can Utah maintain its quality of life as its population grows? A: For generations, we have been effective in building communities that are envied across the nation. We care about families, the environment, affordability, and the nature of our shared infrastructure. Our quality of life stems from working together to find common ground important issues. We must stand together as a majority and be involved in sharing our opinion.

Q: Utah’s population in 2020 increased to 3.3 million residents. It is predicted that Utah will have 4 million residents by 2032. How do we meet housing demand for the future? Do you foresee more high-rise residential towers? More multifamily buildings? A: Developable land in the Salt Lake Valley is limited by the mountain ranges that surround us. For our population to meet the upcoming growth, vertical construction makes sense. It not only allows for more residents to live within our area, but lowers traffic, uses fewer resources, and adds value in creating public infrastructure. We can maintain those cherished values here in Utah through the collaboration of minds that are open to new ideas.

Sage Homes

4876 W Step Rock Lane | 14900 S | Herriman

Savvy House

3283 Splendor Way | 4000 S | Holladay | 84124

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Toll Brothers

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