Home Tour FAQ
What is the Home Tour?
Now in its 18th year, the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour is an annual
event that promotes city living. The tour brings thousands of home enthusiasts
together for a weekend of sharing home remodeling ideas and new home ownership
and rental opportunities. The Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP)
coordinates the home tour in cooperation with the City of Minneapolis, local
financial institutions, Realtors, contractors and other businesses. The Home
Tour's most important partners, of course, are the home tour hosts who volunteer
to open their homes.
When is the Home Tour?
Homes will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, and
from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. The Home Tour will take place regardless
of weather conditions.
What kinds of homes are featured on the tour?
The tour features a variety of homes in neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis and
Saint Paul. Homes on the tour are chosen to reflect the quality and variety of
city housing. Homes may be new or historic, remodeled or redecorated, spacious
or cozy - they do not need to be extensively remodeled. The tour particularly
encourages nominations from people of color and people with disabilities. Home
Tour hosts who would like to nominate their homes should call Brett at
612-673-5158. Nominations are due on or before Friday, February 18, 2005. We
encourage nominations before Friday, January 28, 2005.
How does the Home Tour work?
The home tour is a free, self-guided event. The Home Tour guide, which includes
a description of each home and a map showing home locations, is published in
late April. Visitors can tour as many or as few of the homes as they wish.
Multiple visits are encouraged so visitors can get a feel for the diversity of
the Minneapolis housing stock and neighborhoods. Each home on the tour is
identified with a home tour street sign. In most cases, homeowners greet
visitors. Visitors can also speak informally with experts about home buying,
remodeling and other topics. Visitors go on the tour to get remodeling ideas,
learn about neighborhoods and schools and to gain a deeper appreciation of the
quality of city homes. All rooms are open in most homes.
Why do Home Tour hosts have their homes on the tour?
Home Tour hosts have found the tour to be a very rewarding and enjoyable
experience. Many have met neighbors or other home enthusiasts as a result of
having their homes on the tour. By promoting their neighborhoods and
highlighting the quality of city living, owners help strengthen their
neighborhoods and attract residents who help build and maintain healthy, vibrant
communities. Home Tour hosts who have lived through the dust and frustration of
remodeling often appreciate the positive comments offered by visitors - it makes
the event worthwhile.
