Parade of Homes

HOMES MAdE TO ORdER personal touch is customary at Arlt Homes by holli moncrieff photos by marianne helm Arlt says the company will build 12 to 15 homes this year, and prides itself on being a smaller firm that's able to give every cus- tomer personal attention. "We don't build as many homes as some of the larger builders. We have a lower volume, so we do stay on top of things better," he says. "We want our clients to have the opportunity to help decide how their home is going to look." to that end, Arlt says he makes a point of meeting all the com- pany's customers in person. "the best part of my job is that I get to help people realize their dreams and make them a reality," he says. "the light bulb mo- ments are really exciting." Arlt Homes will go out of its way to make its customers happy, he adds. While the company builds in several major develop- ments and is known for a clean-lined esthetic, Arlt will give cli- ents whatever want, wherever they want it. "We're not the most glitzy or glamorous builder, but if our cli- ent is glitzy and glamorous, we'll do that for them. If they want a craftsman-style home, that's what we'll do," Arlt says. "We're known for custom work and customized floor plans. We really listen to what our customers are looking for." Arlt speaks from experience when he says there are many ad- vantages to buying a new home. He recently moved into a cus- tom-built home of his own in an attractive development. "Home builders do a great job of letting their customers put their own spin on a design. you get to do everything from scratch and express your own taste," he says. "you choose the colours and layout that works for your family, and you get gor- geous views, which aren't easy to find in a resale market." Arlt homes remain accessible and affordable, and the strength of the housing market makes a new home a great investment, he says. "the housing market is still fairly strong and robust. people are still committed to building new homes, and the interest is strong," he says. "We cover a broad spectrum of homes and price ranges. We don't have to build the most expensive house on the block." He plans to enter three show homes in the Fall parade of Homes — at 106 Lake bend rd. in bridgwater Lakes; 15 east plains Dr. in Sage creek and 5 Windrush place in pritchard Farm Southlands Village. "the parade of Homes allows builders to present a unified front of what's available in the marketplace. It's a great opportunity for the public to look at new homes, and it lets us showcase our latest and greatest," Arlt says, adding it's positive for business over the long term as well. "We might start winning over customers at the parade but not know it until a few years later." While show homes are great for displaying the latest building techniques and products, Arlt's custom-built homes are far more personalized and specially tailored to individual clients. "Show homes let us put our best foot forward, but they're dif- ferent from the homes we build for our clients. Our customers have design input and are involved in the decision-making process," he explains. "We try to apply the finishing touches so people don't just see a house but a home at the end of the day." Jason arlt – arlt homes Parade of Homes Fall 2014 49

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