Raul and Michele Ochoa are the new owners of a home in Clovis's Loma Vista area. The home also happens to be the 8,000th constructed by De Young Properties. Image contributed

After nearly half a century of building, De Young Properties celebrated its 8,000th home built this past weekend.

On Saturday, the De Young family cut the ribbon on the landmark building alongside first-time homebuyers Michele and Raul Ochoa, who purchased the home in the Loma Vista neighborhood of Clovis.

In 1974, Paula De Young — daughter of housing magnate John Bonadelle — started De Young Properties with her husband Jerry De Young, building in the Madera Ranchos. Both Paula and Jerry were still in college when they started their company.

“It is incredible to think that in a lifetime we would be able reach this milestone, impacting so many lives and being part of building a brighter future for our community,” said Paula De Young, co-founder and executive vice president of De Young Properties. “The Central Valley has truly raised all three generations of our family and supported our family business for decades. We are grateful to serve this community and the families that live here by helping them gain homeownership, build their personal wealth and create a place to share cherished memories.” 

 

Beginning with John Bonadelle, the company is now in its third generation of homebuilding throughout Fresno, Clovis and Madera.

While still owned by Paula and Jerry, their three children have headed up different aspects of leadership. Ryan serves as president of De Young Properties, vice president of De Young Realty and vice president of De Young Mortgage. Brandon serves as executive vice president of De Young Properties and president of De Young Mortgage. Ashley De Young-Seibert serves as executive vice president of sales & marketing.

“Our passion, first instilled by my grandfather, is to help build a better community for all and continue the American Dream of homeownership, building memories one happy home at a time,” said Ryan. “We are grateful for our homeowners who have made this incredible 8,000th homes milestone possible.”