WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
ADMIT IT, YOU HAVE AN INQUIRING MIND, AND YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEAM BEHIND YOUR BEND DREAM HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THE INCLINATION. SO WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU SHOP TALK, CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TALENTED PROS DESIGNING, BUILDING, OUTFITTING AND SELLING YOU YOUR HOME.
Kaiser Home Builders
Troy Kaiser, General Contractor
The primary goal at Kaiser Home Builders Inc. is to ensure every construction project—big or small—is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner. Going beyond just “implementing the plans,” Kaiser takes a holistic approach to their work—focusing first on the big picture (your vision!) and then working out every detail to make sure nothing gets overlooked. Kaiser Home Builders Inc. knows that a home construction project can be both exciting and stressful. They absorb the stress so you can concentrate on the joy of seeing your vision become a reality.
“You have to be detail-oriented in this business to be good, and for a structure to maintain its quality long-term. I am very meticulous about
all the details from beginning to end.”
–––Troy Kaiser, General Contractor, Kaiser Home Builders Inc.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
New home construction, kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovation/remodels, and home additions.
WHAT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS DO YOU SERVE?
Central Oregon.
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
Besides learning a lot as a kid growing up in Europe, as an adult I have drilled water wells, been a heavy equipment operator and a volunteer firefighter, framed everything under the sun, and became a contractor at the young age of 22. I have learned an incredible amount in the last 25 years in this business. I have always been a hard worker and to this day, have always been hands-on in every project to ensure that my clients get the best results and that we maintain a great relationship throughout each project.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO GO INTO CONSTRUCTION AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU?
I can remember being inspired by it as far back as eight years old. I was born and raised in Europe and was around a family farm where structures were always being built or renovated. I did all kinds of work for my family all the way through high school.
DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS–HOW DO YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS, DESIGNERS, AND ARCHITECTS?
I go out and meet my potential clients. We sit down together and go over their thoughts and design ideas. I relay this to a designer and we start putting things together. I really enjoy this part of the process. I then share drafts with the clients and we go back and forth like this until the client is happy and confident in their design. Once we have a design, we move on to pulling permits and breaking ground!
WHAT OTHER SPECIALTIES DO YOU HAVE IN-HOUSE?
Other than rough framing and siding, we do a lot of custom woodwork and cabinetry. I really enjoy the fine details of using different types of wood. These additions to a home make it very unique and interesting. My clients are always amazed at how much fine woodwork and custom cabinetry catapults their home to a different design level.
WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD CONSTRUCTION AND GREAT CONSTRUCTION?
Attention to detail. You have to be detail-
oriented in this business to be good, and for a structure to maintain its quality long-term. I am very meticulous about all the details from beginning to end. I want my clients to trust that their home will be built with high-quality workmanship. They deserve the best!
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR WORK?
Building long-lasting relationships with my clients. Most of my clients become good friends and it is wonderful to continue that relationship over the long term. I also love being on the job, doing the physical work. It keeps me connected to the project, as well as in shape!
WHAT WORDS DO PEOPLE USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR WORK?
Custom woodworker, good communicator, on-time.
IF YOU WEREN’T IN CONSTRUCTION, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I would be a furniture maker. When I was younger, I really enjoyed making furniture as a hobby.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPORT/RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY?
Before moving to Central Oregon, I was really into kitesurfing. I have always loved ocean water sports, mountain biking, fishing, and snowboarding.
WHAT IS SURE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH?
When my kids do physical comedy stuff to make me and my wife laugh. It works every time.
WHAT’S ON YOUR LIST AS A GREAT GETAWAY?
Anywhere in Europe. I grew up there, and I have been back many times to explore everything there is to experience. The history and the beauty there is life-changing. I probably think about something Europe-related every day. In fact, I was just thinking about being
in Croatia today.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING WHERE YOU DO?
Well, it’s Bend, so there’s that! And everything is very close and accessible. It’s very easy to get around and stay connected to all of my jobs, and my family. I am very lucky to live and work here.
FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?
I have been to Vietnam twice to kitesurf. It is an incredible place.
The people are wonderful and everyone is welcoming. The beaches are amazing! I am taking my family there this winter. The culture there is a must-experience.
remax key PROPERTIES
Nancy Melrose, Principal Broker
A full-time realtor for over 23 years, Nancy has the experience, expertise, and resources to help define her clients’ goals and options in the ever-changing local market. Professional experience includes having owned a successful brokerage on Bend’s Westside and serving the Central Oregon Association of Realtors as its president. Nancy greatly appreciates the many buyers and sellers who have placed their confidence in her over the years, many who have become repeat customers and great friends, and she looks forward to helping many more clients fulfill their real estate needs.
“There are no better tricks of the trade than transparency, honesty, and a promise to always make your very best effort on behalf of those
you represent. Not only do buyers and sellers tune in to those traits, so
do your peers who cooperate with you.”
–Nancy Melrose, Principal Broker, ReMax Key Properties
What excites you about the region’s market?
Our developers have had incredible vision and respect for the land as they continue to create quality developments that have transformed Central Oregon into a world-class destination, not just for vacations but for full-time living. We have investments on the horizon including new schools and parks and trails. We have an active commercial market and economic development attracting new businesses and a new Oregon State University campus in Bend.
What is your professional background? How did you get started in your field?
I have travelled extensively and co-owned and operated a French restaurant in West Germany for almost 10 years. I worked as Director of Marketing for a premier San Francisco commercial property management company. I love helping people and I found that my background in effectively coordinating details and meeting deadlines was the perfect foundation for a successful residential real estate career.
Describe your process. How do you work with clients?
I start with identifying their true goals and what they see themselves doing once they live here. It might be golf, biking, or wanting a great walk to restaurants and shops. I love to help my clients find the perfect fit by sharing my historic and current market knowledge, familiarity with the many housing options in different areas, and their financing options.
How are out-of-state buyers different from local clients?
Excitement at experiencing what we locals take for granted! I love it when a client says that they can “actually see” the stars clearly at night or smell the scent of the Ponderosa pines for the first time. Of course, that’s when the deer pop out as if on cue, just to complete the experience! We are so used to life on the high desert and they are just discovering it.
What tricks of the trade have you learned over the years that you’d be willing to share with us?
There are no better tricks of the trade than transparency, honesty, and a promise to always make your very best effort on the behalf of those you represent. Not only do buyers and sellers tune in to those traits, so do your peers who cooperate with you. The end result for me has been continued repeat business and a confidence to refer my name, which is the highest compliment I could ever receive.
What do you enjoy most about living and working where you do?
Central Oregon is unlike any other place I have lived, home or abroad. The native landscape, beautiful rivers, and majestic views are just a natural part of everyday life. Bend has a certain vibrancy and great people from all over who have chosen to make this area their home. I live and work here so that I can vicariously enjoy the excitement through my clients when they discoverthis lifestyle!
What do you do that most people would not be aware of?
I collect cookbooks about all different kinds of cuisine. I am interested in history as well as current world affairs. I have volunteered in state and local government affairs that relate to real estate and have served my local association as president and the state association as a local director and Government Affairs committee member.
What are your favorite activities outside of work?
Trying new recipes and cooking with my husband. Social golf. We also love to travel and have enjoyed trips to China, Chile, Argentina, and Thailand. I have a fondness for camping and floating the Deschutes River in the summer. I also have a passion for my dogs and a love of horseback riding.
