Visit the Parade and see what agents already know

Saturday marks the exciting start to the Fall Parade of Homes, where builders roll out the proverbial red carpet to homebuyers and curious lookers alike. From Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, Kansas Citians are invited to tour the latest and greatest in homebuilding — for free — throughout the metro area.

Rodrock Development is no exception, with an impressive collection of Kansas City’s finest homebuilders showcasing some of their best work in 11 prestigious Darol Rodrock communities.

Twenty-four beautifully adorned model homes can be found spread throughout Grey Oaks in Shawnee; Southwick on the Lake in Overland Park; the Cottages at Woodridge in Overland Park; the Greens of Chapel Creek in Shawnee; and Grayson Place, The Hills of Forest View, The Meadows of Forest View, Stonebridge Meadows, Stonebridge Village, Stonebridge Trail and Stonebridge Park in Olathe.

Understandably, this is thrilling for marketing real estate agents at Rodrock & Associates, Realtors. But tellingly, this also has outside agents excited. Why? Simply put, agents recognize a strong, thriving community when they see one.

“What I’ve always loved about showing in a Rodrock community is the spirit and knowledge of the agents representing the communities,” said Judy Johns, owner with Keller Williams Realty Partners and a Realtor for 37 years. “They are genuinely enthusiastic and eager to help. And I love the fact that Darol, from day one, makes it a commitment to have the entrance monuments completed and the pool and other amenities built.

“And it goes without saying that I love that Darol created a Mom’s Council to pull each community together,” she continued. “It’s truly heart touching, because for transferees moving in from out of town, having a sense of community right off the bat is important. And locals moving into new neighborhoods appreciate the immediate circle of friends. I know so many people who’ve moved from one Rodrock community into another.”

Lynne Matile, a longtime agent for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes, couldn’t agree more. “I’ve known Darol Rodrock since 1980 and was involved in the 4-H program with him and saw his leadership and his commitment to families at that time. Years later when I became a Realtor, I saw his commitment to families once again through his fabulous developments and all the thought he puts into them, with the amenities, the Mom’s Council, and more.

“Whenever I have a client who wants a family-friendly community, I always show them Rodrock communities,” she continued. “The neighborhoods speak for themselves. And my clients are left with a confidence that it will be a good community for them, with protected value and a feeling of home.”

Cindy Cunningham, also with Better Homes and Gardens, finds her buyers seek out Rodrock’s developments time and time again for their good reputation and all the thoughtful extras, including common areas, neighborhood pools, play areas and the famous Mom’s Council with all its annual events.

“Everything is always top-notch and very well-maintained,” Cunningham said. “Buyers feel like they’re getting added value by purchasing in a Rodrock community and that they’re making a wise investment. And co-op agents know that Rodrock Development holds its builders to a higher standard and each builder has to maintain that standard in order to continue building in these coveted communities.”

Matile agreed, saying that Rodrock’s quality of builders is of the highest caliber. “He has quite a selection process of whom to let build in his communities, so there’s an undeniable confidence that my clients will have good, quality homes built within these neighborhoods. As well, the development engineers really nice lots, so people have choices of great cul-de-sac lots, more secluded lots, or whatever they’re looking for. And, importantly, Darol maintains good price points. I truly believe in his neighborhoods.”

Some of Kansas City’s top builders — including James Engle Custom Homes, Todd Hill Homes, Gabriel Homes, Chris George Homes, Summit Custom Homes, Hilmann Homes and Darol Rodrock Homes — have homes beautifully designed and at the ready for the Parade. Each has been carefully planned and decorated to show off the best the building community has to offer. With a variety of floor plans and a broad range of price points, starting in the $260,000s, these homes offer just a glimpse of what’s available in a Rodrock community.

And Johns added that while these builders are hand selected for how they relate to clients, not every house looks the same, which can be a breath of fresh air in today’s housing market.

“After you look at five models, they can blend in your brain. The homes in Rodrock Developments are distinctive, well decorated, and fresh,” she said. “Darol, himself, is creative, innovative and relevant. His passion is for families to have a wonderful community in which to raise their children.”

For more information, visit Rodrock.com.

This story was originally published September 26, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Visit the Parade and see what agents already know."