If their walls could talk, the houses featured in the 2008 Parade of Homes would tell stories about the cool stuff their builders have included in the 19 homes that will be showcased beginning this weekend. Everything from high-tech sound and computer stations, to tankless water heaters, to swimming pools with waterfalls will be on display at these Bell County beauties.

The 35th annual event, sponsored by the Temple Area Builders Association, will run the next two weekends. Eleven different builders will open their doors at homes in Belton, Salado, Temple, and one in Moffat. The parade begins wherever you want. Pick a location and get ready to ooh and aah at the craftsmanship, interior design and energy-saving features.

Energy efficiency is big at Omega Builders. One of their tour homes is constructed with concrete and foam walls, an energy efficient building method that is gaining momentum from green builders. Both of their tour homes have spray-in insulation in the walls and attic. To visualize this technique, which forgoes the traditional fiberglass blanket insulation, Omega has cut a large hole in the wall with a frame around it.

“We did this so that the public can see what is behind the walls,” said Rachel White, design and sales coordinator at Omega. “We have a sign on the wall that says, ‘What’s in your walls?’”

This is the seventh consecutive year Carothers Executive Homes has participated in the parade. Jason Carothers said the event is an opportunity for builders to strut their stuff.

Carothers has five houses featured, and is introducing their Signature Series at Eagle Oaks in Temple. The homes include a theater system with seven-point sound, swimming pools and other high-end upgrades. All but one home is fully furnished. A hidden, central control panel for wireless electronic gadgets and other appliances is neatly tucked away in a closet, which means no more tripping over cable stretched across the room or tucked under carpet and throw rugs. Prices range from $149,000 to $549,000.

West of Temple, out SH 36 and across Lake Belton, Stillwater Custom Homes has built a 2,700-square-foot custom home on 20-plus acres nestled among the live oak, shin oak and Texas ash.

Robbie Johnson, last year’s Parade of Homes chairman, said their clients wanted to bring the outdoors inside. The large, plate glass windows do just that. Whether you’re cooking breakfast in the kitchen, or kicked back in front of the stone fireplace, the woods and lake view make you feel like you’re at a state park.

Johnson said they used both ranch style and Craftsman techniques.

“We’re using different types of textures and products, brick, native stone and cedar accents, and carrying that inside through the cathedral ceilings,” Johnson said.

Local builders say their business has slowed recently, compared with the last several years. Still, compared to other parts of the country, the real estate market in Central Texas remains in good shape.