Caruso Homes Crafts Personalized Abodes For Every Buyer

When Jeff Caruso formed Caruso Homes in 1986, he realized people wanted a higher-quality product and a superior level of service than the industry standard. For nearly 30 years, his business has filled that void in Maryland by offering personalized housing to match every buyer’s desires.

“A Caruso home built a year from now will be different from a Caruso home constructed today because technology and building practices change, and we are constantly building the best product we can,” acknowledged Tom Baldwin, director of sales. “Traditionally, buyers say, ‘We are going to be in the residence for two years or five years,’ but now they are saying, ‘It is going to be a 15- to 20-year move.’ They’re willing to pay that premium price to get a premium product, and they are very conscious of what they want in their home. We are able to provide that.”

The Crofton-based business has three divisions to help people get the most out of their buying experience. Caruso Homes offers active-adult living quarters and market-rate housing, which includes traditional single- and multi-family residences. The company also has an “on your lot” division, which specializes in building homes on buyer’s property, saving them time and money. The builder helps the purchaser find a lot to build on, and with more than 54 plans to choose from, the homeowner does not need to consult an architect, spend $10,000-$15,000 and wait several months to get pricing.

Guided by six values – a “we care” attitude, a same-team concept where every voice counts, an atmosphere of urgency, facing reality (revaluating every player’s performance), thirst for change (being open to new ideas and concepts), and truth and commitment in writing – Caruso Homes is able to provide exceptional service. The company uses quality materials and exceeds what is required by the minimum building code to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

“We over-engineer our homes, our floor systems are sturdier than what is required by code, we use a better grade window, and then the big thing is we personalize,” Baldwin noted. “Prospects that are eventually going to become buyers are spending a lot of money on their home, and most builders just say, ‘Here it is, if you don’t like it, we can’t do anything.’ Our buyers say, ‘I love this island, but I spend a lot of time in my kitchen. I’m a cook. I’d like to make it a couple feet bigger and put a prep sink in there.’ We can do those things.”

Reducing their carbon footprint is another big focus. “We redesigned our homes, and started using 2-by-6 walls with more insulation because energy efficiency is extremely important to homeowners,” Baldwin highlighted. “Caruso Homes has an energy guarantee, so we can calculate the home’s energy usage … and if the [proprietor] goes over that, we will pay the difference in their utility bill.”

The local business has a good reputation, garnering national awards such as America’s Best Builder in 2006. One of its large active-adult communities, Symphony Village, was named by the National Association of Home Builders 50+ Housing Council as the Best 50+ Clubhouse Over 6,000 Square Feet. The company also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. April and May are ideal months for people to check out Caruso Homes because they are having a red-tag sales event through May.

“Buyers are able to take advantage of the year’s best savings on quick-delivery homes, which are homes we already have existing that they can build and move in a relatively short amount of time,” Baldwin said. “We can help the prospect finance the home through one of the preferred lenders that we have. It’s a great time of year for people to buy.”

Decorated models are on display in the 17 Caruso Homes communities. For more information about locations, the sale, or the business, call 301-261-0277, go to www.carusohomes.com or visit the Facebook page.