So the real estate market has ... you know, seen better days. But that doesn't mean you can't look.

And even if you're not planning to buy a new house or apartment, you can check out all the design ideas at the 52nd annual Parade of Homes, which launches this weekend at 22 sites — most on O'ahu, but several on Maui, two on Kaua'i and one on the Big Island.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, continuing next weekend, too. Free. Details at www.biahawaii.org.