SYCAMORE, IL – September 23, 2020– Omar and Sharon Ordaz started their married life in a townhome in Cortland then moved to an 894-square-foot home in Sharon’s hometown of Sycamore. However, the needs of a busy 5 and 9-year- old left them looking for more square footage while wanting to remain in the town they loved.
“I grew up here, graduated from Sycamore High School, have family here and wanted to stay in Sycamore,” said Sharon Ordaz. “There is a true sense of community here that is hard to find. People are friendly, caring and look out for each other. There are family-friendly events, such as the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, that we wanted our kids to experience. We knew Sycamore was at the top of our list.”
The Ordaz family chose to build a new home at Reston Ponds, a Shodeen Homes community just north of I-88 and east of Peace Road, in Sycamore. Reston Ponds features 15-acres of parks, six ponds and South East Elementary School- part of Sycamore School District 427– which was rated in the top 10% among more than 500 school districts in the state of Illinois.
The community is within walking distance of charming downtown Sycamore with a variety of shops and restaurants and is minutes from the I-88 employment corridor, Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee Hospital, part of Northwestern Medicine. The Sycamore Park District operates the public golf course, community pool and splash park as well as a community center and fitness facility. In addition to the Pumpkin Festival, residents enjoy the DeKalb Corn Fest, Northern Illinois Art Show and Ribs, and Rhythm and Brew Fest.
“We chose to build a ranch plan with three bedrooms and a full basement” Sharon said. “We liked the open concept living area, island kitchen and large homesite. The kids are within walking distance to Southeast Elementary School and can ride their bikes and scooters to Nana and Papa’s house.”
In the current climate of e-learning and telecommuting the family also found benefits in their new home.
“We are very grateful to have doubled the square footage from our previous home with Sharon and I assisting the kids with e-learning’” Omar said. “While we will finish the basement at some point, the kids have been able to ride bikes and scooters in the basement when the weather doesn’t permit them doing it outdoors.”
Sharon added that the dining room, close to the kitchen and mom and dad’s watchful eye, has become the home learning hub with each of the children having their own desk.
“They are both too young to navigate all that e-learning entails on their own so it’s nice for us to be close and able to help.”
Shodeen offers both ranch and two-story homes at Reston Ponds ranging from 1,627 to 2,595 square feet in size with 3 or 4 bedrooms, two or 2 ½ baths, full basements and two-car garages with prices starting from the $270s.
“We had looked at resale homes but were impressed with what Shodeen offered,” said Omar. When we toured the model home, we immediately connected with Jaynelle (Shodeen sales associate). She did such a great job laying out all of the structural details and explained the process from blueprint to closing. We liked the idea of getting everything new and the way we wanted it as well as their included 1, 5 and 10-year warranty. As a military veteran, their Hometown Heroes Program provided an added incentive that we were grateful to have.”
The family has lived in their new home since November of 2019 and the Shodeen building and design process made quite an impression.
“Everyone was very responsive, communicative and included us, and our kids, in the process, which we thought was great,” Sharon said. “When it came to selections, I was initially overwhelmed, but Dianne was a great comfort and walked us through the process and was a great listener. She helped us put together complimentary colors and textures to give us the look we wanted.”
And, Omar added, “Dianne kept our budget in mind and offered options that were inline with what we wanted to spend.”
Reston Ponds is five miles north of I-88 and just east of Peace Road. The sales center is at 406 Mary Ann Circle. To schedule an appointment, please call (877) 901-5151 or visit Shodeenhomes.com. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram & Twitter.