The results of the 2007 Professional Builder Giant 400 survey highlight the dramatic
market changes facing our industry and confirm the tough times arrived in 2006.
Before you grab your antacid, we found at least one builder breaking sales records
in today's abysmal market.
One of the builders that will show you the market hasn't collapsed is Engle
Homes' Central Florida division, Engle Orlando, part of the Technical
Olympic USA family. Technical Olympic ranked No. 16 in the Giant
400 list in 2007.
Engle Orlando spent six years preparing for market change. As a result, in February,
when much of the industry was bemoaning severe drops in new home sales, Engle Orlando
shocked everyone and closed 206 homes and another 101 in March, setting a company
record. Engle Orlando is thriving in one of the toughest housing markets because
it has always emphasized relationships. "When you think of your first kiss,
first date ... you remember how great it was," says Gust Nicholson, director
of customer relations for Engle Homes. "That's how we want our customers to
feel about buying their first home from us. Everything we do is based on relationships."
Even in Orlando, these relationships don't magically happen. Engle Homes has two
teams — one in charge of quality assurance, the other in charge of home delivery
— that ensure homebuyers feel comfortable and confident in their purchase.
