Photo by Eric Keith / St. Joseph News-Press / Purchase this photo

Sam and Vivian Wright look over the new home being listed by Nancy Reinert on Sunday in The Greens of Ashland subdivision, 3112 Carlisle Court.

The most complicated problems often have the simplest solutions.

Take the slumping housing market. A complicated mix of factors sent home sales into a tailspin nationally in 2007. The St. Joseph market has not reached the disastrous levels seen on the coasts, but sales are down 30 percent through April, according to the St. Joseph Regional Association of Realtors.

The Federal Reserve has tried to address the problem through lower interest rates. Local real-estate agents hope a simpler approach works.

Sell more homes.

The Midland Empire Home Builders Association gave potential buyers a showcase of new houses this weekend during the 2008 Parade of Homes. The 13 stops on the tour included options for all types of homeowners. Expansive homes on the east side of St. Joseph catered to upscale buyers. Affordable townhomes near the city’s center fit the needs of the budget-conscious. And subdivisions in southern Andrew County offered rural relaxation.

Nancy Reinert spent the weekend in a hot, unfinished house in the new Greens of Ashland near Karnes Road and Belt Highway. So many people toured the house that Ms. Reinert had handed out nearly all of her 100 informational packets by Sunday afternoon. Prices will range from $295,000 to nearly $500,000, with the show house at 3112 Carlisle Court on the low end of the spectrum.

Ms. Reinert said the development appeals to a customer base that has remained strong throughout the housing crisis: older, executive-style buyers. Few existing homes on the market fit this type of buyer, she said, making a new home a better option.

“Once we finish this house and people see what it’s like, I think the rest are going to sell like hot cakes,” Ms. Reinert said. “I’ve already had so many people come through and say, ‘I had no idea this was back here.’”

Initial plans call for 36 to 39 homes selected from four floor plans, situated around two landscaped ponds with fountains. Other than the model house, no other homes will be constructed until lots are sold in order to avoid speculative building.

A set of townhomes at 16th and Cedar Streets showed buyers that it’s possible to buy a new home without spending six-figure money. For $79,900, buyers get two bedrooms, an attached garage and managed lawn care with snow removal. A level floor plan helps people who do not want to climb stairs.

Prospective home buyers can speak with the people in charge of construction from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday during Meet the Builders Night at the home sites. The Parade of Homes will resume next weekend from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Business reporter Clinton Thomas can be reached at clintonthomas@npgco.com.