by Sarah Norton

Arbor Custom Homes has invented a new genre of homes for the Portland area. Since 1988, this local developer has distinguished their architecture, their neighborhoods and the quality of their product far above their competition. From Wilsonville to Bethany, offering condominiums to manor homes – every Arbor home is built with a high standard of design and function – utilizing space and location to optimize what buyers really want. Arbor has honed in on what connects with home buyers, even in a difficult market.  And they sell homes doing it! So why, you ask – why does an Arbor home sell faster and for more money that other options?

Arbor neighborhoods simply WORK! Each one has a special sense of community and usually has a neighborhood park, pool or play area for residents to gather and have fun. Arbor’s lots are smaller so residents tend to get outside the private space of their home and gather with other families in the neighborhood’s public spaces, sideways, driveways and low-traffic streets. The homes are always well maintained and the front lawns are usually maintained and nicely manicured by the HOA.

Arbor floorplans are very livable. They have a wide variety to choose from- master on the main level, den spaces, loft spaces, formal spaces, extra bonus rooms, storage- big and small. The room spaces are always substantial and flow nicely. Most of their floorplans come in three “elevations” or exterior styles- French, English and American. Each elevation looks different from the street which gives the neighborhood good dimensions even if the homes are the same floorplan. Arbor generally builds 2 level homes with a great room on the main level and most of the bedrooms on the upper level- standard but again- very livable. Arbor also has a campaign for GREEN building- check out this link for more information on this effort. Arbor Builds GREEN

Arbor finishes are high quality with a very pleasing aesthetic. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven when you visit their design center in Beaverton to custom select the finishes for your home. The design center consultants have a keen eye for design and can help you choose your finishes. The offer a wide variety of built-in components, granite and paint selections, cabinetry, outdoor kitchens, travertine tile, light fixtures, high energy efficient systems, appliances – the sky is the limit. All these upgrades come with a price which adds on to your “sticker price” prior to the closing date/completion of your home.

Most importantly, Arbor builds solid homes. Their structural warranty is solid but you probably won’t need it because Arbor has perfected their structural building practices. They know what works for homes in the Northwest and how to best keep the structure dry and rot free – which is a major concern in our neck of the woods. Arbor also educates residents on proper maintenance and has great customer service and emergency maintenance on call for any problems you might experience.

Some home buyers think of Arbor as a developer who just builds homes on “postage stamp” lots with a common aesthetic, one right after the next. This is partly true – if you want ½ acre with a private backyard then Arbor might not be for you. But if you are looking for a solid home, great finishes in a wonderful neighborhood – you should consider an Arbor neighborhood. And even Arbor is making deals in this market so give one of us a call and we can help you choose a neighborhood that best suites you and your family.

The Jackson Group recently helped some clients purchase a home in the Arbor Oaks neighborhood off Springville Road, near Rock Creek Community College. These clients had been looking at homes in the Bethany area with a good “walkability” factor- near walking trails and shopping areas. The Arbor Oaks neighborhood was at the top of their list from the beginning. They just sold their home and needed to move within 45 days so building a home was not a possibility. The sales office at Arbor Oaks has been busy making deals on custom homes and move in ready homes. Their inventory of move in ready homes was minimal but they still had a variety of homes and floorplans available in a range of prices. Our clients had one home in particular in mind but they had to act quickly to secure the home because there had been a lot of interest. This home was ideal for them- lovely finishes, about 2900sqft with a bonus room and 4 bedrooms. Their offer was accepted and now they will move into the home and neighborhood of their dreams.  We wish them well!