A World in a Grain of Sand — and a $9500 Toilet
If you live in the mid-Willamette Valley, there are three summer rituals that are practically required:
- A trip to the Oregon State Fair (if you haven’t been, make plans).
- The Monmouth Fourth of July Parade—equal parts small-town Americana and community reunion.
- And of course, the Marion-Polk Tour of Homes.
Each of these events is, in its own way, a world in a grain of sand, to borrow from William Blake. Whether it’s a rubber-booted, future FFA hotshot, hog-showing 10-year-old from Boring, Oregon, or a sneak peek inside a new home with a $9500 toilet that does everything but file your taxes—these experiences give us a glimpse into worlds we might not otherwise encounter. That, to me, is the very definition of summer delight.
Now, “summer delight” might be a bit of a misnomer for those of us in the homebuilding world—at least until July 21, when the last brochure is handed out and the final footprint is hosed off the front porch. (The Tour of Homes runs July 12–21.) Until then, it’s crunch time.
That said, every participating builder I know—us included—will grumble about the work this event requires. But if we’re being honest, it’s also one of the great honors of our profession: to showcase not just a finished product, but the collaborative effort of so many talented people—subcontractors, vendors, engineers, architects, designers, lenders, and, most importantly, the buyers who let us help bring their lives to life.
This year, I’m not going to give you my usual list of finishes and features (though if you stop by our Tour home, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised). Instead, I want to offer a different kind of guide—one that might help you slow down, take it all in, and see each home as its own little universe.
Here’s my ONE TWO THREE approach to enjoying each house on the Tour:
ONE WORD or PHRASE (Good or Not So)
After you’ve toured a home, sum up your experience in a single word or phrase.
“Serene.” “Over the top.” “Just-right.”
It doesn’t have to be profound—just honest. First impressions are powerful.
TWO GREATS
No matter what your overall impression is, identify two things the home did well.
Maybe it’s the layout of the kitchen. The natural light. The way the entry makes you feel.
Or maybe it’s something as simple as the smell of fresh paint and clean floors.
There’s something good in every home—find it.
THREE RANKINGS (1 to 10)
For each home you visit, give it a quick score in three categories:
- Floor Plan & Flow – How well does the home move? Does it make sense? Feel good?
- Finishes – Flooring, counters, cabinetry, light fixtures—how well do the materials and details come together?
- Curb Appeal – What’s your gut reaction when you see it from the street?
Don’t overthink. Trust your instincts. You might surprise yourself with what you notice—and what stays with you long after the tour is over.
Ultimately, the Tour isn’t just about houses—it’s about inspiration, ideas, craftsmanship, and possibility. It’s about seeing what’s out there and what’s next. And maybe, just maybe, seeing a little bit of your own future in someone else’s present.Hope to see you out there. And if you make it to our home, come say hi—we’d love to hear your One, Two, Three.
