John Reed has been in the homebuilding business for 25 years and it shows. His first construction job was in New Orleans where he worked as a superintendent for a large homebuilder. After moving to Ocala in 1989 to run the construction division for Marion Landing, John ventured out on his own in 1995. In the beginning, it was a one-man band with John operating his new business out of a pickup truck.
“I did everything myself back then,” he recalls, “from the accounting to the construction.”
The Augusta
It’s the early years, though, that remind John of the importance of quality work, satisfied clients, and organized management.
“I surround myself with quality-minded, dedicated people,” John says. “Each and every one of our customers will get the best service from our staff.”
Established in 1995, Reed Homes has built more than 700 homes in Ocala and the surrounding counties.
“We build homes of tremendous quality,” says Anjele Melancon, vice president of Reed Homes. “Part of that quality comes from our relationship with our suppliers and subcontractors, many of whom have been with us since the beginning.”
April and Robert Sweet, who recently moved into their St. Charles II model, agree. As first-time home builders, they researched many local builders but were most impressed with Reed Home’s professionalism and quality.
“We kept coming back to Reed Homes,” April says. “We purchased a lot/home package and are incredibly happy with the finished product.”
What other builders consider upgrades are standard features in a Reed home, April says. All those perks added up to better quality, yet an affordable home.
“It was simple things that made Reed Homes stand out,” she says. “Reed homes come with tile, wood cabinets, a screened lanai, something as simple as cabinet knobs. Reed Homes was very comparable as far as price, but as far as quality, they are absolutely a step above.”
In a time when money is tight and comparing prices is often a priority, the Reed Homes staff prides itself on providing a quality home at an affordable price. With prices ranging from the mid- $100’s-$300,000, there is a home to fit anyone’s dreams and budget.
“Over the years we’ve found there are a variety of materials clients always upgrade to, including tile and wood cabinets,” John says. “In order to offer a competitive product, we offer these upgrades as standard features.”
Also included on the list are upgraded lighting packages and plumbing fixtures, garage door openers, attic stairs, interior trim, and more.
The St. Charles
With over a dozen models to choose from, customers will work with their sales associate to customize each home to suit their needs.
“The sales team is the front line when it comes to customer service,” John says. “They are the client’s go-to person.”
At Reed Homes, customers have the option of building on their own home site or purchasing a site/home package in one of the company’s desirable communities. Located north of Ocala between Hwy. 441 and State Road 326, St. James Park is a well-manicured, gated community with 1/4-acre to 1/3-acre home sites. While close to local amenities, St. James Park is a quiet, secluded neighborhood in a country setting. All sites feature built-in sprinkler systems and upgraded landscaping packages. Reed Home’s Marion County model center is conveniently located within St. James Park and boasts two of the company’s most popular homes.
The community also features decorative streetlights as well as underground utilities and city sewer and water.
Another Reed community, Oak Hill, is a new development located in East Ocala near the Super Wal-Mart and Lowe’s on Silver Springs Blvd. This new neighborhood is isolated from the hustle and bustle of town, while still allowing quick access to a variety of shops, restaurants, businesses, and downtown Ocala.
If southwest Ocala is the area you’re interested in, Meadow Glenn is one of the newest, exclusive gated communities in the county. Located off State Route 200 and SW 95th St., Meadow Glenn offers quick access to Ocala and Citrus County to the south, including the pristine areas of Crystal River and Homosassa Springs.
For those wishing to live in Marion County’s surrounding areas, Reed Homes also builds in Levy, Lake, Sumter, and Citrus Counties.
The Teakwood
One of Reed Home’s fastest growing communities, Crystal Glen is located in the center of Florida’s Nature Coast in Citrus County. Crystal Glen is a peaceful, family-oriented neighborhood surrounded by majestic oaks. The 1/4-acre home sites are perched high on the countryside of Lecanto and offer panoramic vistas. Despite its quiet setting, Crystal Glen is just minutes from shopping, medical facilities, and fine dining.
If preferred, Reed Home clients can choose from a selection of finished, brand new Reed homes. A complete inventory is available on the company’s Web site.
Many satisfied Reed clients finance through BB&T. A community-oriented business owner, John doesn’t use outside lenders. BB&T was ranked “Best Bank for Mortgage Customer Satisfaction” three years in a row by an independent consumer survey.
“Using local lenders really streamlines the process for our clients, too,” John says. “Often we’re able to go from paperwork to construction within two weeks. We also offer a $5,000 credit towards closing costs for those clients who purchase a site/home package and who also finance through BB&T.”
Art Chatraw, Reed Home’s residential construction manager, has been with the company for three years. He started out as a client, though. A commercial construction superintendent in Clearwater, Art and his family chose to move to Ocala and began the search for a home builder.
“The choice was easy for me,” Art says. “I was impressed by the price and quality of Reed Homes. I was also impressed by the customer service and prompt attention we received throughout the process.”
Upon completion of his home, Art was offered and accepted a position with Reed Homes. A personable relationship and the desire to go above and beyond to satisfy each client have made him a success at Reed Homes.
“Being a superintendent before, I know a Reed home will last for many years to come,” Art says.
That’s of the utmost importance to John.
“The nuts and bolts of home building is to build a home efficiently, demand the best from your subcontractors, turn over a quality home to the client, and provide excellent customer service, even after the sale,” he says.
After 25 years in the business, John has no plans on slowing down.
“I love what I do,” he says. “It’s wonderful to build someone’s dream—it’s where they’ll live, where they’ll raise their family. I’ve always felt home building was an honorable profession.”
(Click on logo below for Reed Homes website)
