THE EARLY 1900s, Harry C. Elliott built a grand five-story brick hotel in Aberdeen, Washington. It is still there today. When Harry C. Elliott Jr. was born in 1913, the family was living in a home built by his father. It was natural for him to continue in his father’s footsteps. During World War II, Harry Jr. worked in the Navy shipyards, with a “second” job of building homes. The Elliott tradition was in its second generation. When the war ended, Harry Jr. sold his home and packed his family of five into the car to find a good spot to build and settle. Harry Elliott, III, was born in 1946 during their travels and the bottom drawer of a dresser became his temporary crib. Soon thereafter, Harry Jr. bought a lot in Temple City, California.

The Elliott’s quest for choice, reasonably priced land brought them to Northern California in the early 60s. In the late 60s, when Harry III came on full-time, the smallest Elliott-built home was a three bedroom, 1½ bath home with a two car garage. It sold for $17,500 in Livermore, California. Options were few. Contrast that to the home of today, which often features at least three bedrooms, a minimum of two baths, and often a three-car garage. Options are numerous, yet every Elliott Home is packed with amenities often found only in a custom home.

In 1978, the company expanded to Phoenix, Arizona, and in 2007 Elliott Homes acquired The Development Group in Yuma, Arizona.

Harry III doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t immersed in every phase of construction.  Today, he remains a hands-on builder visiting his communities to oversee the building process. His philosophy is that “The customer deserves a good house at a fair price.” Therefore, Elliott Homes created their own homeowners warranty program. “That’s our house.” Harry said. “We built it with the intention it should perform well.” Elliott Homes has investigated issues on homes as long as ten years or more after the purchase.

That same pride extends to Elliott Homes’ master-planned communities, which feature new schools, parks, jogging trails and open spaces to preserve the natural flora, balanced with shopping, entertainment and dining opportunities. “We build communities that are self-sustaining,” said Harry.

Harry said his future is in well-built homes, quality master-planned communities and custom lot enclaves. He said that the company envisions the lifestyles that people desire, and then they build it. That and Elliott Homes’ reputation for customer service are just two reasons why so many people are repeat purchasers.