Workforce Housing In West Texas
In our latest interview, we discussed with Daniel Crow of Banner Communities, their innovative and ground-breaking methods for successful building in a struggling economy. Crow has been in development and construction for nearly 40 years spanning all areas of building from luxury housing to commercial development to affordable rental housing. 
For the last two years his company has been building what he calls “Workforce Housing” in west Texas. Unlike any other building developers I have ever run across, their personal involvement with the community does not end with the sale of the home; it is just beginning.
Building single-family starter homes ranging from $150-200K, their goal is not only to build energy-efficient (a point I’ll cover) affordable homes, but to ensure that their homeowners will keep their homes in beautiful condition; preserving the esthetics of the home and aiding to maintain its value. This “Transparent Life Management System” helps to preserve the integrity of the community through HOA’s and by maintaining for the homeowners their front yard and community landscaping. Anthem also keeps as full-time property manager at the community to assist homeowners and not abandon them as some builders do, creating more of an investment in the community and establishing a long-term relationship.
If that’s not enough, the homes come complete with all appliances, community pools and meeting places; designed to create an orderly and comfortable lifestyle, “Our intention is to provide something that is not dramatically different, but distinctively different from our competitors,” Crow says. And they are doing just that; setting them apart at their price point.
Also in contrast to most homes built today, these homes have a modular core, with over-framing, providing a completely Energy Star home that appears totally stick-built to the untrained eye, “We want to create a product that on the surface seems no different from the competitor, but inside is completely different.” Aside from the obvious money-saving benefits (about 40%), those looking to purchase energy efficient homes often qualify for 12% more as they will be paying less for utilities monthly, allowing available funds for a larger mortgage payment.
This idea was birthed by Anthem Properties more out of necessity than intent. Having to compete for reliable labor with the oil fields, they instead opted to have the modular components prepared in a plant and to hire only a plumber and electrician for on-site work. Getting the home manufacturers to mimic the quality they desired was an arduous, “stud-by-stud” task. It is time consuming, but a critical business as they are staking their reputation on another’s work.
These homes also have steel foundations, avoiding headaches with concrete companies and schedules. This method aids in energy efficiency and makes the home unaffected by land movement. Using steel foundations allows them to attach modular components and have it ready for outer framing in just two days.
They are facing some challenges with the present economy with short and long-term financing. Their lenders are having trouble keeping their commitments and also providing loans for potential homeowners; though working mainly with FHA loans is helping everyone involved. They have not had to use private investors and that is a path they would like to avoid if at all possible.
While the innovative possibilities seem endless, the foundation of Anthem’s success is simple – small, but efficient. “We only have 6 people on staff and have been this way for about ten years… you have to see yourself as the weakest link and hire partners who are the best in class. There are no big shots in this organization, everyone gets their hands dirty, everyone has a purpose.”
For more information about some of the projects that Banner Communities is working on in Midland, TX, you can go to www.easyhome4you.com . Daniel can be contacted at dcrow@anthemcom.com