In 2020, Jennifer Johnson founded Olivia Clarke Homes, one of the first female-led homebuilding firms. Focused on creating homes that meet modern women’s needs — smart storage, work-from-home spaces and more — her North Texas-based company has built homes in prestigious communities like Fields in Frisco and Uptown Celina.
Before starting her own company, Johnson held key roles in land acquisition and as a division president. Her passion for homebuilding began in college, leading her to create functional, stylish floor plans. Johnson was named to the 2016 40 Under 40 list and 2017 Project Manager of the Year, with her company earning multiple McSAM Awards.
Local Profile recently interviewed Johnson on current trends in real estate and starting a business as a woman in North Texas.
How has real estate changed over the last 5 years?
Over the past five years, the real estate industry has significantly changed, especially in Texas. More than 9 million people moved to Texas between 2020-2022 alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and supply and demand have not been in balance since then. Here in North Texas, we are home to five of the fastest-growing cities in America, including Celina, where we are building two communities. Our typical value/price appreciation rate is 3% per year. In the past four years, some homes have appreciated 100%.
What do you expect to see in the next 5?
Over the next five years, I expect to see interest rates come down and normalize in the 5% range. We shouldn't see 2.5% again, as that’s an indicator that things are off. The last five years took all predictability away — from cost to labor to demand to materials. It will be nice to be back to a normal, stable market.
What predictions do you have for North Texas real estate?
Similarly, in North Texas, it will be nice to see things stabilize. There is massive growth here and we are excited to be a part of it as a builder in four North Texas communities, but we do expect price appreciation to settle back to a near-normal rate of 5-7%.
What projects are you currently working on?
- Celina, TX:
North Square at Uptown Celina includes 78 paired homes that range from 2,100 to 2,500 square feet, with pricing from the low to mid $500,000s. Infrastructure construction is complete, and the homes are now selling. The paired homes are just two blocks from historic downtown Celina.
Harper Estates in Celina features 1-acre lots on a beautiful, serene Texas backdrop. Homes range from 3,700 to 5,00+ square feet, with base pricing from $1,260,000. The homes are nicely located between historic downtown Celina and charming Weston Square. - McKinney, TX:
College Street in McKinney includes new single-family homes that range from 2,300 to 3,200 square feet. The homes have been designed to weave into the existing fabric of historical homes in the area and they are located just blocks from McKinney Square. - Frisco, TX:
Olivia Clarke Homes is building the only townhomes at Fields, one of the most highly-anticipated master-planned communities in the region. Fields residences by Olivia Clarke Homes start in the low $700,000s. The paired homes range from 1,700 to 2,400 square feet and live like upscale single-family dwellings. - Aubrey, TX:
Coming soon, Chatham Reserve between Lewisville Lake and Lake Ray Roberts near Aubrey, Texas, will offer oversized lots with homes ranging from 2,300 to 3,800 square feet, priced from the high $600,000s.
Learn more about these projects at oliviaclarkehomes.com.
What is the most challenging aspect of your career?
The most challenging aspect of my career has been being overlooked for positions or opportunities, for which I was fully qualified. The best candidate should be hired for any position. Helping the “old guard” see me as a qualified candidate presented challenges but I have seen significant changes in that mindset and it’s exciting!
What is the best part of your career?
The best part of my “job” is that it doesn’t feel like one. I love what I do and wake up excited! Our team is the best of the best, and I love empowering them to grow in their respective disciplines. We work hard and have a lot of fun.
The next best part is knowing I am inspiring the next generation of women in homebuilding. When people come up and shake my hand after they've heard our story, and I see that inspiration in their eyes, I know I’m doing it right.
How do you hope to inspire younger generations of women in business?
I want women to feel empowered to take the next step toward their goals. Push through the fear of failure and take a step toward your future. If she is in the homebuilding space, I want her to see a path of growth and success as possible. Women can have work and a family and be successful. It’s been challenging for me to get here, and I am trying to make the path easier for those coming after me.
What advice would you offer to a young woman starting a company?
If you are an aspiring business owner, you should surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are. You don't have to be the subject matter expert. Build a team of subject matter experts who advise you and help you make the best decisions for your company. Also, have a mentor; someone who has been a business owner or leader. It's critical to have a resource of support from those who understand the pressures and challenges business owners face.
Whether or not you want to start a business, just be brave enough to take the next step in your professional journey. When an opportunity presents itself, say yes. It may not be the end-all, be-all job, but it can help you learn and grow in confidence. If you don't take advantage of the opportunities in front of you, they will stop coming to you. I always said, ‘yes, I'll do it’, and I’d figure it out.
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