Business Details
38 Years
experience
Award-Winning Home Builder in Southern California
Founded in 1988, Olson Homes has been a leader in creating vibrant, walkable communities across Southern California. Our approach begins with strategic urban development, transforming underutilized spaces into energy-efficient neighborhoods near jobs, transportation hubs, and recreational amenities. With over 35 years of experience, we prioritize sustainable building practices, offering homes equipped with connected technology and healthy living features.Our commitment to quality is reflected in eight Eliant Awards for Best Builder and recognition as Americas Builder of the Year. We focus on personalized home customization through our Style Studio, ensuring each homeowner creates a space that reflects their unique lifestyle while fostering community connections and lasting memories.
Services
New Home Construction
Community Development
Home Customization
Connected Technology Integration
Sustainable Building Solutions
Urban Infill Projects
Affordable Housing Development
Homeowner Support Services
Walkable Community Design
Energy Efficiency Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of experience in urban homebuilding and real estate finance
- Communities located near jobs, transportation hubs, and recreational amenities
- Energy-efficient homes with HERS-rated sustainability features
- Personalized home customization through our Style Studio
- Nine-time winner of the Eliant Homebuyers Choice Award
Associations and certifications
- Eliant Award
What people say
BEST out of all builders
Truly proud of quality
Consistent communication throughout
Perfect home in every way
Attentive post-purchase support
Services
New Home Construction
We develop modern, energy-efficient homes in walkable Southern California communities. Our construction emphasizes sustainable materials, smart technology integration, and personalized design options. With over three decades of experience, we ensure quality craftsmanship that meets evolving homeowner needs while maintaining affordability.
Community Development
Our urban infill projects transform underutilized spaces into vibrant neighborhoods near essential amenities. We work with local governments to create communities that require minimal new infrastructure, maintaining reasonable taxes and home prices while enhancing neighborhood connectivity and accessibility.
Home Customization
Through our Style Studio, homeowners personalize their homes with various finish options and layout configurations. This service ensures each residence reflects individual preferences while maintaining structural integrity and energy efficiency standards across all Olson Homes Home communities.
Connected Technology Integration
We incorporate smart home features like Wi-Fi thermostats, security systems, and connected appliances. These technologies enhance convenience, security, and energy management capabilities, creating modern living spaces that adapt to homeowners' digital lifestyles and security needs.
Sustainable Building Solutions
Our eco-friendly practices include solar energy systems, water purification, and energy-efficient HVAC. We implement LEED-inspired techniques that reduce environmental impact while lowering utility costs for homeowners through features like low-flow fixtures and advanced insulation systems.
People
Stephen E. Olson
Executive Chairman & Founder
With over 35 years in homebuilding, Stephen founded Olson Homes and received numerous awards including Americas Builder of the Year. He focuses on strategic vision and affordable housing initiatives while serving on multiple community boards.
Scott Laurie
President & CEO
Leading Olson Homes since 2007, Scott has driven nine Eliant Award wins. He oversees operations and strategic planning with 25+ years experience in Southern California real estate development and urban planning.
William E. Holford
President, Olson Communities
Managing homebuilding operations since 2003, Bill ensures quality across planning, construction, and customer satisfaction. His background includes executive roles at Disney and airline industry leadership positions.
Todd J. Olson
President, Community Development
With 30 years experience, Todd specializes in urban infill housing and mixed-use developments. He has entitled over 10,000 homes across California while advocating for affordable coastal housing solutions.
Chris Campbell
Chief Financial Officer
Handling corporate finance since 2004, Chris manages financial strategy and risk management. A UCLA Anderson MBA graduate, he previously worked in Chilean consulting and investment banking sectors.
Questions
What areas do Olson Homes Homes communities cover?
We develop communities throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties, focusing on walkable neighborhoods near urban amenities and transportation hubs.
Can I customize my Olson Homes home's features?
Yes, our Style Studio offers extensive personalization options for finishes, layouts, and technology features in every community.
What energy-efficient features are included?
Our homes include solar options, HERS-rated insulation, low-flow fixtures, smart thermostats, and air purification systems across all communities.
Do you offer financing assistance?
We provide VA loan support and referral rewards while working with major lenders to help buyers navigate financing options.
How are homeowner concerns addressed post-purchase?
We maintain dedicated support teams for ongoing assistance, with community liaisons ensuring prompt resolution of any post-move-in issues.
What awards has Olson Homes Homes won?
We've received nine Eliant Awards for Best Overall Purchase Experience and multiple industry recognitions for quality and innovation in homebuilding.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Michael W.
Feb 02, 2022
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I would never buy a home from Olson again. I bought a Condo from them in 2010. Compton Willow Walk. I would steer clear from them. I will also never buy a home in a HOA again. Oh and the real estate agent lied about us getting that parking lot next to the community. I would call her out but what's the use. I found out that Olson deeded back the parking lot back to the city the year before I bought.
Joanne Cervantes
Jun 22, 2021
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Purchase home in 2015, exterior paint comes off easily, paint on door to the garage is peeling off. Paint in the interior shows places missed, bathroom counter tops were an upgrade, I was not advised that the counters get scratched easily. Kitchen cabinet doors are not aligned. Overall, craftsmanship is poor, inside and out. Everything about Olsen homes is bad, service, and management company they chose for the HOA. Don't buy an Olsen Home
Nenny D.
Mar 25, 2021
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This review is long overdue. We decided to go with Olson Homes for our first home purchase in California and boy was that the biggest mistake. I will say that I had a pleasant experience with one of the sales individual that we worked with which played a huge role in our decision to purchase. Everything outside of that was lackluster. We purchased a new build through Olson 3 years ago. First and foremost, the value for what we paid is appalling. The quality of materials used and the workmanship is beyond inferior. Im happy to share the details outside of this forum but I will say that my concerns
Marcia Mohler
Feb 01, 2021
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I would not buy a home built by an organization that was founded by such an unethical individual as Steve O! He owned OMC Apartment complex in Newport Beach for close to 30 years and he and his property manager rented toxic units causing serious health problems to tenants.
