Ultimate Open House

                      
 Kelly Ritz, head of Stone Bridge Homes NW, is no newcomer to the building industry, having spent 8 years as vice-president of Don Morissette Homes, and 12 years in land development as president of Venture Properties Inc.  Stone Bridge Homes NW is currently building in Tigard,

Hillsboro and Forest Grove.  As one of the few women builders in town, Kelly brings a unique perspective to her job.  We asked her a few questions to get some insight. . . .

 How does being a woman affect your perspective on home-building?  This may be more personal than having to do with my being a woman, but I’m drawn to the workability of a plan—how to make a house the best that it can be, but at a better price point.  I know when people are shopping for a home, they can’t always afford everything they want right away.  I like to think that our homes have “good bones” and that they not only have potential for the development of equity, but the ability to easily upgrade and change as your life and family evolve. How has your experience in land development helped?  It gives me the ability to create the community from the ground up.  In our neighborhoods, we build homes with an eye toward amenities that I think our homebuyers will value, such as neighborhood parks, walking trails and proximity to natural areas 

What part of the job have you found most challenging?  Because of the escalation of land prices and material costs, the challenge has been to deliver the quality that our customers expect, at prices they can afford. Most frustrating?  Men in the industry. . . just kidding. . . .Actually, my male peers have been helpful and encouraging.  Most frustrating have been rising costs. . .land, permits, materials. . . and the tough market we find ourselves in. 

Speaking of the market, any good reasons why someone should buy a home now?  Interest rates are low, builders are reducing their prices, and over the long run homes will continue to appreciate.  And let’s not lose sight of the fact that a home is more than an investment. . . For most people, it’s where they’ll raise a family, socialize, play, and even work from. And we’re optimistic that the market will pick up. . . Stone Bridge Homes NW anticipates building 150 homes in 2009.  What do you think motivates most home buyers?  Value, location and price.  And what we add to the mix that makes us unique is flexibility. . .our willingness to take a plan you like and change it to work for you.   How can buyers find your communities?   www.SBHNW.com