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Female Builder Takes the Stage
Leading New Construction Agent Launches Home Building Company

Beaverton, OR- Leading John L. Scott broker, Angela Crandall, who specializes in new construction, has launched a new home building firm, Kaylynne Homes.

Crandall has been the top real estate broker for John L. Scott, selling thousands of homes. Together with her husband Mark Crandall (who specializes in land development), Angela formed Crandall Group in 1996. Since then, Crandall Group has sold 4700 new homes and lots. The group is widely considered Portland’s premier new home sales team. Their website is www.crandallgroup.com.

Crandall has teamed with veteran Portland new home construction executive Chris Boerste who will manage all construction for the company. Boerste is the former Vice President of construction for D.R. Horton Homes Portland division. D.R. Horton is the nation’s largest builder.

The first project on the horizon for Kaylynne Homes is “Ironwood Estates, Blackhawk Gardens” which recently broke ground and the first homes will debut in mid summer 08.

Vision for Company Comes From Buyers Input

Crandall’s vision for the company was to meet the needs of female buyers and developing home plans that meet their needs. We want to build a high quality, female friendly home that has all the luxurious finishes of a million dollar home for an affordable price. “Affordable Luxury Female Friendly Homes” is our goal!

More often than not, the ultimate home buying decision is made by a woman, however, rarely is a woman at the head of designing and owner of a building company.

Can a woman home builder design and build homes targeted to women, better than her male counterparts? “Not at all, there are strong builders out there who have super floor plans, and who build great homes. But, after listening to hundreds of women and getting feedback from many buyers, I decided to focus in on designing a little more of what appeals to women and what they desire in a home. We have very strong opinions! After all, “Studies have shown that women make or direct 91% of home buying decisions,” said Crandall.

I think people that visit our homes will notice the female friendly touches and unique floor plans that will fit their lifestyle,” said Crandall. “I have not forgotten about what the men want…3-5 car garages with wide wing walls, theater/mans room, covered patios with BBQ area, upgraded structured wiring, etc. There are many plans to choose from that we can modify to customize your home.” added Crandall.

“When we met with one of our first pre-sale buyers, who had been looking for a home for over 5 months, she immediately asked me who designed this plan.” She commented that it must have been a woman, because it met both of their needs. It had everything they had been looking for!”

Crandall has offered input to her builder clients for years and many have made changes to their plans. This has evolved into many of the Crandall Group’s builder clients consulting with her while developing floor plans for their neighborhoods. “Angela has a keen sense of what the buyer wants and where trends are moving. She has made some excellent contributions to our home plans,” said Kurt Dalbey, Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Homes Northwest. Two of the newest Beacon Homes neighborhoods feature plans designed by Crandall.

Unique Design Elements Make Kaylynne Homes Special

Some of the design elements that Crandall has incorporated into the floor plans for Kaylynne Homes are: (Crandall’s comments are in quotes after each element)

• “Welcoming” two story entry. “Female clients have continually commented on the desire for a striking entry way.”
• Walk in closets in all bedrooms. “Not just for the master anymore. Have a daughter? I rest my case!”
• Large laundry/hobby rooms. “Laundry and more!, how about: scrap booking, gift wrapping, sewing, art work, etc.”
• Mud Room, usually off garage or side entry. “This is key for families, and is a great space for dropping kids’ school backpacks, mom or dads briefcase, or the notorius muddy shoe”
• Butler’s Pantry. “ Handy element for entertaining.”
• Spacious Kitchens that open to the great room. “This is a very important space for most families and must be open and spacious.”
• Energy Star and Earth Advantage Certified. “Most of our homes are energy efficient and certified! The hard surfaces that I picked out are green friendly!! The carpet is made from recycled bottle caps and the tiles and floors have no harsh chemicals – only recycled material that is water and earth friendly!!”
• Sharp, functional kitchens. “A lot of time is spent in the kitchen and it’s a great place to add additional accents. We use cultured stone above the stove vent, recycling centers, and appliance garages (to hide those ugly countertop appliances).”
• Structured Wiring- Upgraded Cat 5 System for security, audio, highspeed internet, IPOD docks, etc. “We want our families safe and sound and smart”
• Oversized Windows. “Important to be light and bright throughout.”
• Wider entry hall ways. “Similar to two story entry, a wide open hall makes for an open and spacious area, which makes guests and homeowners feel comfortable. No tight and dark spaces please!”
• Mini Suites. “Important to have bedrooms with their own private bathrooms.”
• Second Master downstairs. “Similar to the mini-suite, but more of a fuller master option. Tremendous for re-sale. Buyers love homes with a second master on the main floor. It’s a nice option for families that have extended family living with them or out of town guests.”
• Outdoor living spaces. “The desire for Outdoor living and entertaining is growing among Portlanders. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces and recreation areas are a big hit.”
• Kidney Shaped Patios. “Let’s loose that boring 10x12 patios! We want pizzazz! They are even large enough to fit a party of 50!”
• Windows that face outdoor living space. “Nothing is more serene than being able to look out to a lush outdoor space and a calming water feature. It’s a simple touch, but not many builders do it.”
• 3-5 car garages. “People need lots of storage for their family and fun.”

Builder says “It’s a “Girl Thing”

Crandall and Boerste have incorporated many other policies at Kaylynne Homes designed to please the female decision maker. Boerste points out that buyer’s want access to their homes during the construction process. To that end, Kaylynne Homes has provided buyers more formal “walk throughs” than is typical with other builders, as well as access to sub-contractors and trades used to build the home. “We think communication with the buyer is critical. We probably over communicate, and allow the buyer more access to their home during the process. But, it truly cuts down on their anxiety and misunderstandings,” he said.

The first two homes in Blackhawk Gardens are pre-sold. Boerste points to one of the signs that Crandall had installed on each of the sold lots. One of the signs read “Future home of the Clare family.” “It is the little things like this that Angela feels strongly about. You should see the faces of the buyers when they get here and see the sign for the first time. I guess it’s a girl thing,” said Boerste.

The “girl thing” carries forward to the name of the company. Where did the name come from? Crandall’s two daughters Kayla and Kelli Lynne.