Bennett fulfills homebuyers’ dreams

Stephen Odell

Special to the Gateway

Bennett Homes is working to make fantasy living a reality in Gig Harbor. And this weekend, three model houses will be featured in a grand opening of the Chelsea Park neighborhood.

“We build homes for the way people live,” said Gayl Van Natter, vice president of sales and marketing for Bennett Homes, which has been building residences across the state for nearly 27 years.

It’s no longer a fantasy to own a 3,740-square-foot, two-story home, complete with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a three-car garage, den and bonus room.

Bennett Homes is a custom homebuilder aimed at creating structures that are more than just a box, Van Natter said. Since its inception, Bennett Homes has been awarded more than 100 major Achievement in Marketing Excellence awards, two Built Green honors, and Builder of the Year twice — among other recognitions.

Although traditionally classified as a production homebuilder, Bennett is committed to creating a house that is more than just a box, providing a custom-home experience in production building.

Bennett Homes is a member of multiple Built Green programs, as well as a participant in the Northwest Energy Star Homes certification program.

Van Natter said Bennett does not cut corners, especially when it comes to quality.

Bennett Homes currently has neighborhoods open or under construction in the greater Seattle area that offer everything from mountain cabins and golf course lodgings to condominium living.

Now, Bennett Homes has set it sights on Chelsea Park and Gig Harbor. Located on 62nd Avenue off Hunt Street, Chelsea Park features quarter-acre sites with “green belts” — or buffers, to maintain privacy.

Bennett Homes produces diverse products to fit a variety of lifestyles, Van Natter said. The community also provides centralized, easy access to Gig Harbor and downtown Tacoma across the new Narrows bridge.

“You feel like you are living in the country,” said Maria Merrick, a 13-year Gig Harbor resident and Windermere Real Estate professional.

The neighborhood is geared toward buyers looking to downsize from their current acreage or looking for their first move-up house, said Van Natter, who has lived in the Puget Sound area for nearly three years. Homes range in size from 2,505 square feet to 3,740 square feet.

Buyers are assigned personal interior designers, who are responsible for taking homeowners through the selection and design process. Sales associates keep homeowners up to date on the status of their homes through phone calls each week.

And customer service doesn’t end when residents move into their homes. Spot inspections are scheduled for 30 days, six months and one year after move-in to see how the house is living with the homebuyer in it, Van Natter said.

“We care about the people we sell to,” she said. “We believe in a customer for life.”

The grand opening intended to attract potential buyers will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chelsea Park on Saturday and Sunday. A free barbecue lunch will be provided.

“It will be an opportunity to see the community and the models, and the newer merchants in the area,” Merrick said.

Vendors such as Marcel’s Personal Chef, Forza Coffee Co., Jamba Juice and Panera Bread will give out free samples, and prizes and gift cards from Bennett Homes, Galaxy Theaters, YMCA, Jamba Juice, the Wellness Center and Gateway Fitness also will be awarded.

Representatives from Wells Fargo Bank will be available for loan and other information.

Bennett Homes has considered the possibility of pursuing projects in other parts of the country. But the company will remain Washington-focused.

“We are in Gig Harbor to stay.” Merrick said. “We are committed to this community.”

For more information regarding Chelsea Park or Bennett Homes, visit www.bennetthomes.com, call Merrick at 253-691-2138 or e-mail mariamerrick@windermere.com.