FAMILY DEVELOPMENT’S GROWTH DRIVEN BY
COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF INDIO

INDIO, CA — Family Development, a family-run home building company, headquartered in Palm Desert, is making a major name for itself in the Coachella Valley, especially in the City of Indio. Two years ago when Family Development first purchased 44 acres of raw land in Indio’s Shadow Hills area, the builder began on a course that would ultimately change the landscape of the city. Since that first land purchase, the developer has experienced a remarkable growth, driven by its commitment to the future of Indio and, in particular, Shadow Hills, which has become the most prestigious residential area in the city.

Prior to Family Development’s purchase of the land, which eventually became known as Generations, building homes north of the I-10 freeway was considered taboo by builders. Armed with their extensive experience in the new home industry for the past 20 years, the principals of Family Development knew the area was ripe for growth.

Family Development was the first builder to come along with a vision that mirrored the hopes and dreams of Indio city officials. The city believed that if they could find a developer with a vision that was willing to take a chance and build luxury homes at a sensible price, the buyers would come, and they would come in droves.

Family Development was that developer and the phenomenal response from home buyers and the growth of the company in a very short amount of time says it all: l06 homes sold in 2003, followed by predictions to deliver over 300 homes in 2004 and over 350 in 2005.

Family Development was founded in 2002 by two pairs of brothers who believed that the Shadow Hills area in Indio could become a highly desirable residential community through carefully planned development adhering to high standards. Principals Rudy and Raymond Herrera and Vincent and Antun Barbato set out to prove it and they have become some of the most successful and dynamic individuals in the Coachella Valley’s new-home building industry.
According to Rudy Herrera, “We live in the desert, we shop here and our children attend school. It’s our home and we’re truly committed to the area.”

The development company’s strong commitment to Indio is what impressed city officials. “Many people felt that Family Development went out on a limb when it purchased land in the Shadow Hills area, but the company envisioned the land’s potential and it turned out that Indio’s city officials were in complete agreement,” said Councilman Ben Godfrey. “ Family Development was willing to work closely together with us to build homes and develop communities that would make the city, as well as homeowners very proud.”

Vince Barbato was quick to point out, “When we first opened Generations, we thought we were going to have to educate the public as to the potential of the area, but it didn’t turn out that way. Home buyers came into our sales office and they were already excited about the community and what it could become."

“Now, after two years, as each of our communities opens for sale, about 50 percent of our buyers are referrals, and many are second-time Family Development buyers, which speaks volumes about how pleased families are with our homes and, most importantly, the Shadow Hills location,” said Barbato. “It’s been gratifying to hear locals say they were waiting for an opportunity to move up to a luxury home and still live in Indio.”

With the success of Family Development’s neighborhoods, as well as other builders’ communities, virtually all of the land in Shadow Hills is now being developed or in the planning stages with Family Development still one of the primary developers. The area has become such a preferred address that buyers who purchased their home a couple of years ago for $200,000 are benefiting from the appreciation in their homes, which they can now sell for well over $300,000.

Family Development is currently featuring four communities in Shadow Hills: Generations and Bella Vida - selling now; and Shadow Ranch and Bella Tierra - coming soon. Prices start in the $300,000s.

In addition, the builder is pre-selling at The Orchard, a gated, 93-home community in Indio, which is such a unique, move-up neighborhood that long lines of home shoppers waited for hours on the day presales began. The very upscale Orchard is selling from the low $500,000s.

As more home shoppers look for the Family Development name, the company is proceeding with development in many other locations. Their next community to come on line will be Brava in Palm Desert, a private, Tuscan Village-like collection of luxury homes that is scheduled to open in the fall on prestigious Country Club Drive, just east of Monterey.

For more information about Family Development and its communities,
visit FamilyDevelopmentHomes.com