Transferees Describe Custom Home Building Experience with Shodeen at Mill Creek in Geneva

Geneva, IL, December 15, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Shelly and Scott Saunders were faced with relocation to the Chicago area when Scott’s work took him to Naperville. From the Cincinnati suburbs, they began their search for a new home by investigating nearby areas with reputable schools and narrowed their search to Geneva. The family liked the fact that Geneva had one high school, the feel of the town and its sense of community.

“Initially we were shopping for a resale home,” said Shelly, “We knew exactly what we wanted but were unable to find an existing home that met our needs. We were looking at resale homes in Mill Creek and saw that they also built custom homes and spoke with Craig Shodeen. We were impressed that he didn’t try to hard sell us. We discussed what we wanted; he listened and ended up designing a four-bedroom, four and one-half bath home for us that had everything we wanted.”

Sjodin Custom Homes, the custom home building affiliate of Shodeen Residential, is able to build a completely custom home, or modify an existing plan from its extensive portfolio with prices starting at $526,240, including homesite. There are several homesites within Mill Creek from which to choose, many offering golf course and pond views with walk-out and look-out basement options.

Shelly Saunders found it hard to believe that their custom home would be built in 125 days. The couple built a home before and the experience was “just OK,” according to Shelly.

“We won’t dig a home until all selections are made and signed off on,” said Samantha Shodeen, Interior Designer with Sjodin Custom Homes. Shodeen was involved with the Saunders from the start to finish as their representative for their selections and throughout the building process.

“With the Saunders being from Ohio, they came into town for a week to make selections. I met them at all of their appointments and everything else was successfully handled over the phone and by email. We encourage our buyers to visit a variety of places. There are so many possibilities that exist to truly personalize your home,” said Samantha Shodeen. “We pride ourselves on regular communication with our homeowners from start to finish.”

“Also, Craig had a great idea to add a Hearth Room area with a see-through fireplace by our kitchen table where beyond that we have a three-season room,” said Shelly.

According to Samantha Shodeen, plenty of thought went into the kitchen. “Scott enjoys cooking so he conducted research and knew just what he wanted. They chose a Wolf oven and a second oven, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a microwave drawer built into the kitchen work island, pot filler by the stove, dual spice racks on either side of the oven and a walk-in hidden pantry,” she added.

“This was the easiest build and move we’ve had and was relatively stress-free,” said Shelly. “I was surprised that we needed to decide on our colors, lighting and options before we even broke ground but when the process started it went so smoothly. Samantha and Craig were very helpful in assisting with selections and said it would take 125 days to complete construction. We closed on the 126th day. In the end, making all the selections up front made the whole process so much easier, especially since we were not able to be around for much of the construction phase. There weren’t many, if any, delays. Craig and Samantha were very good about communicating with us.”

“We have two children in school and so far living here has been great. There are so many kids in the neighborhood; everyone is friendly and welcoming. We definitely made the right choice in community and neighborhood,” said Shelly.

Mill Creek has two golf courses meandering throughout the community. A Village Center offers convenient on-site retailers, such as a grocery store, dry cleaners and a dentist. School-age children attend schools within Geneva Community Unit School District #304, including Mill Creek Elementary and Fabyan Elementary.

Approximately 900 acres of the master-planned community is open space dedicated to outdoor recreation and ecological preservation. Mill Creek features 127 acres of preserved wetlands, 195 acres of open parks and 17 miles of nature and bike trails.

To reach the Mill Creek Custom Home Center, take I-88 west to Orchard Rd.; exit north 2.4 miles to Randall Rd. light; left (north) 3.3 miles to Fabyan Pkwy. light then west 1`.5 miles to 0N305 North Mill Creek Dr. Or take I-90 west and exit Randall Rd. south to Fabyan Pkwy.; Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Phone 630-232-8181 for more information or visit www.sjodincustomhomes.com.