Brent McCaffrey

President

McCaffrey Homes

---

What your company does:
As a third generation local family homebuilder, McCaffrey Homes has built over 8,000 homes and has been honored with many of the building industry’s and community’s highest awards. Our homes are designed with the highest-quality materials and are some of the most energy-efficient new homes available on the market today, offering homeowners substantial savings on their electricity bills.

Education:
University of Southern California, B.S., Urban Planning & Development. My father, Bob McCaffrey, is also a USC alum. We both played college football, and are the first father and son in USC’s history to be awarded the “Best Offensive Lineman of the Year.” In 1974, he earned the award playing center, and I received the award in 2000, playing left tackle.

Age:
34

Family:
Married to Elizabeth; son Braden 2, and another son due in the spring

How long have you served as president of McCaffrey Homes, Brent?
Since 2009.  

What is the key to selling homes in the current economic environment, Brent?
To create compelling value. We offer innovative, quality-built, sustainable homes that provide a healthier environment, both indoors and out.  Our energy and water-saving homes cost less to operate, have improved indoor air, are built in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and are wired with the latest technology.

What is your strategic plan, Brent? 
We feel it’s important to build homes and communities for the way people want to live with a commitment to quality construction and outstanding service. We will continue to strive to create desirable communities with dedicated open space for recreational activities and neighborly interaction that are near excellent schools, good medical care, and employment centers. Our plan is to keep building highly designed homes with architectural excellence, state-of-the-art technology, and innovation for the latest conveniences and cost-saving/sustainable features.

Where is the general price range of your homes and what generations do you target, Brent?
Currently we have two projects: our Braden Court community in Clovis, with homes that start in the low $200s and our Crownstone community in Clovis, with homes that start from the high $200s. The Braden Court homes are usually for entry-level buyers such as singles and young couples. The Crownstone homes are bought by everyone from young couples to growing families to empty nesters. Some of the younger buyers are moving up to a bigger home while some of the older buyers are downsizing.

When do you anticipate that the pace of new home sales and construction will pick up again, Brent?
The housing market is showing more strength recently. In November, new home sales nationally rose 1.6 percent and new home construction starts also improved, with housing starts up 9.3 percent. We’re seeing a rise in buyer traffic and demand. With low mortgage rates, an improving job market, and some easing in mortgage underwriting standards, we’re hopeful that the momentum will carry over, and 2012 will be a stronger year.

What do you like to do in your spare time, Brent?
My greatest joy is to spend time with my wife and son, and work together with my family. I also enjoy traveling and fishing.

What was your first job, Brent?
At about the age of nine, I began working during the summers sweeping the homes under construction at the jobsite. From that, I learned the value of hard work and the importance of every person.

When and how did you decide to get into new home building, Brent?
My own path was simple. I was born into, and literally grew up in the family business of building homes. By the time I went away to college, I had worked in various departments and received a wide range of exposure to the business and how it functioned. I love homebuilding, and have never considered it work. It is exciting, fulfilling, and gratifying to know that we build the American dream.

How does McCaffrey Homes give back to the community it serves, Brent?  
We support a variety of local organizations that have a positive impact on our neighbors and promote a strong community spirit. We’ve helped local schools and students by providing playground equipment for Polk Elementary, books for the new library at Reagan Elementary, and academic scholarships. We sponsored the McCaffrey Classic basketball tournaments at CSUF and the 2004 Western Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament. In addition, we donate to Children’s Hospital of Central California, Habitat for Humanity, and Tree Fresno. We also hold a tree lighting fundraiser each year, which raises thousands of dollars for local non-profits, such as the Foundations for Central and Clovis Schools and Children’s Hospital of Central California.