While prospective homebuyers may prefer previously owned homes, those associated with the 2017 Limestone County Parade of Homes say there’s nothing like buying new.

This year’s annual event features 10 homes by seven builders and runs this weekend and next weekend. Times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. The News Courier’s exclusive guide can be picked up at the newspaper office at 410 W. Green St. in Athens.

“We’re excited about having a good parade this year,” said Jon Collins of Collins Supply, who is chairman of this year’s Parade of Homes. “The homes that are featured are of good quality and are built by our members. We’re looking for a good turnout.”

The Athens-Limestone Home Builders Association held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for its Association Home. Proceeds from the sale of the home, after expenses, are provided to local charities and educational programs.

Lynn Persell, who built this year’s 2,000-square-foot Association Home said it features a number of old-but-new design techniques, including a nickel-gap shiplap treatment on the back of the kitchen bar. The mortar on the exterior brick also has a classic look to it. The inside features a large master shower with tile and a rain-style shower head. The kitchen features a touch faucet that comes on when you touch it if the water is on.

“We try to get on the edge of (modern) trends as much as we can and then push those ideas to the limit,” Persell said of Parade of Homes entries.

Persell’s other entry, a 1,913-square-foot home next door to the Association Home, features many of the same classic features. Both are on Silver Oaks Circle off Lindsay Lane North in Athens.

“On both houses, we went with hardwood (floors) all the way through, which is a nice amenity because you don’t have to worry about allergies,” he said.

Collins said homes featured on the tour have a number of modern amenities that have become standard in new construction.

“It’s definitely an evolving market,” he said. “Those on the parade this year are on the cutting edge of what is asked for most.”

When asked why new construction may be more attractive to some homebuyers than existing homes, Collins said it often boils down to maintenance. There are other factors, however.

“People like knowing they’re getting a good quality product and that the builder is going to back it up with a warranty and will take care of the customer,” he said.

Featured homes on this year’s tour include:

• 17633 Watercress Drive, Preston Green Home Builders;

• 21701 Silver Oaks Circle, Lynn Persell Home Builders;

• 22389 Lochmere Boulevard, Trinity Homes;

• 14608 Waterview Lane, Winter Homes;

• 13398 Covington Drive, Legacy Premier Homes;

• 13255 Callaway Drive, Legacy Premier Homes;

• 26026 Valley Ridge Road NW, Davidson Homes;

• 25286 Heathrow St., Keystone Custom Homes; and

• 29101 Liverpoole Drive, Keystone Custom Homes.