An effective marketing strategy starts with offering a product that stands out from the crowd. Bob Mohr, president of Kendel Homes, is doing just that -with Design Basics' Rosedale, #7228-33A-01. His two tri-plexes stir recollections of quaint row houses often found on the coasts -a look which makes them especially unique in Omaha, Nebraska.

The decision to build the Rosedales was accompanied by Bob's wealth of building and marketing experience. He came to work for his father-in-Iaw, Ken Stahl, who founded Kendel Homes, in 1980. Sixteen years later, Bob assumed leadership of the company, which currently builds approximately 30 homes a year, at an average price of $250,000. 

Three years ago, Kendel Homes built a 4-plex unit in the same area where the Rosedales now sit. "We've had no trouble keeping the 4-plex rented," Bob says. "Since we owned additional land that was zoned for multi-family units, we started looking at plans. We chose the Rosedales because narrow 2-story units with the garage tucked under were something not currently being offered and they provide more square footage for the money than l-story units would. They also fit on our land well, leaving a nice amount of green space for landscaping." 

Over the years, Kendel Homes has built hundreds of Design Basics' designs. "The front elevations are very attractive to people," Bob comments, "and the floor plans are extremely functional. And of course, being a few miles away from Design Basics' corporate office, we've always enjoyed a good relationship." 

"We simplified the Rosedale's original exterior design somewhat to keep the cost down," Bob remarks. "We used a single gable instead of a double on the top and we eliminated the window originally shown under the second gable, as well as the scalloped siding. The homes are still very attractive with the changes we made. They actually blend in better with the existing architecture in the surrounding development, which is around twenty years old and consists of traditional style homes." 

"On the inside, the homes have nice family rooms with see-through fireplaces that add atmosphere in the eating area," Bob continues, "The bedrooms have private baths and the overall room sizes are excellent for homes in this square footage." 

Looking for the most likely source of buyers, he set up a condo association, marketing the units to young professionals and empty nesters not wanting to bother with snow removal and lawn care.

For Bob Mohr, the secrets to success are years of experience, an eye for good design and a willingness to "tri" something new. 

Originally Printed in "2003 SPEC BUILD" Magazine Published by Design Basics, Inc.

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