< Back

Local Minister and his Wife Find "Home" at Madison Place

Fate brought Norman Broadbent, minister of the First Congregational Church of Fresno (the Big Red Church), and his wife, Jan, to Madison Place; faith convinced them to buy.

"Finding Madison Place was sort of a fluke," said Jan Broadbent. "I was just out driving when I saw the models and decided to stop and look. I immediately loved the first model I walked into.  I was really impressed by the floor plan, especially the living area and kitchen and the way they opened up to each other.  It was the nicest kitchen I've ever seen." (She cheerfully added, "And, I don’t even like to cook! I just really love the kitchen’s design and all the gadgets!")

She said she was surprised that things normally considered upgrades in a home were standard features at Madison Place, keeping the cost down.

Fairly new to Fresno, the Broadbents were not familiar with the builder of Madison Place, McCaffrey Homes; but a number of members of their church were very familiar with the company. In fact, several members of the church assured them that "McCaffrey Homes has an excellent reputation."  The couple knew they had found the right home and the church members’ faith in McCaffrey Homes was all they needed to reinforce their decision to buy.

Jan and Norman moved into their new home the end of February and both agreed it "felt like home right away, even before putting up pictures and photographs." They’ve already had three sets of out-of-town guests stay with them since moving in and said the floor plan "was made" for entertaining.  One example is the master bedroom. "The master bedroom does not have a common wall with another bedroom or bathroom, so when we have overnight guests, it feels very private," she said.How do church members feel about Rev. Broadbent’s new home? Many seem to be as excited as the homeowners. In fact, one of them stopped by the Broadbent’s new home and said, "I can see a lot of church parties here!" Jan and Norman are already planning an Open House. (Norman will be cooking)  And although the menu might not be ready, their guest list is!

The Broadbents said they are "absolutely thrilled" with their new home and feel very blessed to be living there.  Jan enthusiastically commented, "We have nothing but wonderful things to say about our home building experience with McCaffrey Homes. This is only the second time I’ve had a home built, but in talking to other people we’ve heard stories of what a nightmare the process can be.  This was not the case with us.  It was absolutely the most pleasant experience.  We even closed ahead of when we were originally scheduled to close.  Everyone we’ve dealt with at McCaffrey Homes has had a smile on their face and has been kind and helpful -- not just the sales people, nor the financial support staff, but the construction personnel, too."

And, Jan should know.  She observed the building process from bare lot forward, taking photographs every step of the way. The sales staff told her, "We think you have been out there more than anyone else!"

The Broadbents selected the Oak Knoll floor plan for their home at Madison Place in northwest Fresno. Their home is just under 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage. Up to four bedrooms are available with this floor plan. Homes at Madison Place start in the mid-$200,000s in northwest Fresno.