King's Lake Hosts the 2005 Parade of Homes

The Dallas Morning News
Friday, May 20, 2005

By Steve Brown, Real Estate Editor

Texas does its take on Old World
Last year's show in Frisco focused on high tech. This year it's all about high style. And with many of the houses topping $1 million, there's plenty of glitz.

Business Potential
Builder J.D. Smith does five to eight custom homes a year, so building his 6,362-square-foot Normandy-style house was a big commitment.

But with almost 40,000 people expected to troop through the five-bedroom, six-bath house, the potential for new business is good.

"We anticipate this will be a mark for us," said Mr. Smith, who has built luxury homes in the Park Cities, North Dallas, and parts of Collin County for about five years.

Mr. Smith anticipates that after the home show is over, his house will fetch $1.2 million to $1.3 million.

The Latest Features
All of the houses have their share of modern features, such as LCD panels to monitor security and sound systems and high-tech hot water and heating systems.

Green Mountain Energy Co., one of the show's sponsors, is powering the houses with what it touts as "100 percent wind-generated electricity."

The Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas brings judges from out of town to determine the tour's nine President's Awards.

This year's overall favorite home went to George C. Fuller Custom Homes, and J.D. Smith Custom Homes won best overall interior design.