Simone Duhamel

Owner, Cobra Construction and eden homes

By Pamme Boutselis
NH Mirror Contributor

Growing up as a girl in Germany, Simone Duhamel always wanted to be a part of building people’s dreams.

(Courtesy Photo) Simone Duhamel with her dog, Taffy.

She carried out her dream here in the United States after following her heart – meeting her husband, David, in 1984 when he was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, in the service. They moved back to the U.S. together and have raised two children, Samantha, 19, and Dennis, 22, in Goffstown.

As for her professional life, Duhamel figured getting into the home construction business would be a surefire way to help people fulfill their dreams. However, people told her it was a man’s world, and construction might be too tough for a woman to break into.

Instead, Duhamel started out as a real estate agent and soon worked her way into the construction business. She opened Cobra Construction in 2003 and then Eden Homes in 2005.

According to Duhamel, Cobra Construction specializes in custom homes, building dreams with a caring touch, honesty and integrity, hard work and dedication to accomplish the client’s vision.

Eden Homes, on the other hand, assists clients in the buying and selling process, helping them each step of the way with the objective of making the experience as pleasant as possible.

Having a personal, caring touch has helped Duhamel make her mark in the industry. Anyone who has worked with her in the past knows she likes to give little gifts to her clients when they close on a house, and she keeps in touch with former clients – even years after she helped them buy or sell – by sending them newsletters during the holidays.

When it comes to offering advice to new home buyers, Duhamel said it’s all about “location, location, location.”
“You want the smallest home in the best neighborhood or the home that needs the most work in the most sought-after neighborhood,” she said. “The equity growth is so awesome if you approach it with this thought process.”

She urges home sellers not to listen to friends and neighbors, but to trust in their Realtors, who are on the lookout for the best and highest price they can get for your home.

In her limited spare time, Duhamel enjoys the outdoors; hiking, snowshoeing and occasionally skiing, as well as reading the Holy Scriptures and fellowship with her brothers and sisters.

if you were a thoroughbred dog, which breed would you be?
A Yorkie.

which season do you like best, and why?
Early fall; still warm but great colors.

What's a guilty pleasure for you?
Chocolate, of course!