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New Homes Today Article ArchiveLiving the Good Life
The Phoenix new home market may have felt the impact of the housing slump, but communities aimed at homebuyers over age 55 have fared better than the rest. As the baby boomers age, the size of the market is growing by leaps and bounds. How Houses Become Homes
Since its entrance into the Phoenix housing market in 1991, Maracay Homes has built over 6,000 homes for Arizona residents. Maracay's mission: to provide home buyers withmore choices regarding the design of their houses than any other homebuilder in Arizona. Scottsdale: Arizona's Most Livable City
From its founding in 1880 as a small farming community of 2,000 residents, Scottsdale has grown into a sophisticated city of a quarter-million residents, famed for its golf resorts, shopping, dining and upscale lifestyle. Clutter Control
At what other time in your life do you pull everything out of each drawer, closet, cupboard, trunk, storage space and hidden corner than when preparing to move? Moving into a new home is a chance for a new beginning. Whether moving into your first home or your fifth, a new home offers a wealth of new possibilities—a new neighborhood, new friends and maybe even a new city. But a new home also offers the chance for new behaviors—such as finally getting organized by creating a place for everything.
While an organized move into a new home may seem like an overwhelming goal (added to the already daunting task of moving your entire life from one place to another), it is an ideal time to purge, prioritize and preserve your belongings. With a little advanced planning, you could be well on your way to having your next home be the clutter-free oasis you always dreamed of. Green Flooring Options
One of our most beloved childhood entertainers told us flat out, “It’s not easy being green.” Yet things have changed quite a bit over the last few decades— and when it comes to floor covering, “green” options for conscientious consumers are easier than ever. Timeless Interior Design
All homeowners aspire to timeless interior design, whether they are buying or selling, or just want to surround themselves with a beautiful yet highly functional environment. If the home is for sale, the interior should be appealing to each potential buyer who walks through the door. With a recently purchased or remodeled home, the resident wants to ensure their interior design investment is sound so their home will remain breathtaking for years to come. Interior Design for Your New Home
If you're like most home buyers, the excitement that comes with finding your dream home eventually gives way to the realization that to make the home truly yours, some home improvements will have to be made. Today's Home Loan Options
The first step is to ask yourself a few questions about your motivation to buy a piece of the American Dream. An inventory of the minimum home features needed to satisfy your particular situation is in order. The Valley's Master Planned Communities
Master planned communities have a unique and ongoing history in the U.S. housing market, according to research by Chris Fiscelli of the Urban Futures Program. Its origins in the Valley can be traced to the 1960s when city planners developed a "General Master Plan" for the city. New Home Builders are Evolving
Today's homebuilders are faced with a myriad of challenges when it comes to attracting new home buyers. Not only are they trying to survive in the most challenging real estate climate ever, they face competition from an abundance of resale homes. Fortunately for home buyers, this has created a challenge for builders to provide the best "bang for the buck." Casa Grande
The natural beauty of the desert and mountains provides an appealing backdrop to the bustling city with a hometown feel. Known to its residents as "The Heart of Arizona," Casa Grande offers all the amenities of a big city while staying connected to its rich, rural history. The town's strong community spirit, rising local economy and relaxed way of life has brought Casa Grande prosperity for over 125 years. The City of Florence
The natural Residents of Florence, one of the oldest towns in Arizona, are proud of its history and the designation of its downtown area as a National Historic District. Over 130 of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and the town strives to strike a balance between preserving the past and preparing for the future so that an authentic sense of place ismaintained and newgrowth and revitalization is encouraged. Is a Custom Home Right For You?
We can all agree that it's a buyer's market. But do the benefits of a buyer's market carry over to custom home buyers as well? Luxury in the Superstitions
K. Hovnanian Homes is pleased to introduce you to Paseo at Entrada del Oro, our most luxurious community offered throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area. At Home with Legendary Golfer Tom Lehman
The ideal home for legendary PGA golfer Tom Lehman’s family is a Spanish mission a chip shot away from the green. Quench Your Desires
Whether it’s simple elegance or extravagant luxury, pool buyers have more choices than ever when it comes to creating the poolscapes of their dreams. Forget Me Not
With a few simple steps and some organizational help, you'll be well on your way to reclaiming the garage as your own. Life at a More Relaxed Place
From majestic beauty to vibrant culture, see what life has to offer in the far northeast Valley. Fountain Hills
A great destination in the Valley with unsurpassed desert beauty, Fountain Hills is an ideal upscale community with hometown character. Living the Good Life
Discover the benefits of living in a lifestyle community teeming with amenities. At Home With Valley Anchor Tara Hitchcock
Tara Hitchcock has become one of the Valley’s favorite on-air personalities, but where does this bright and bubbly anchor disappear to once the cameras switch off? Hitchcock and her family find refuge in a cozy, hideaway estate reminiscent of a French chateau. Ahwatukee
Ahwatukee truly offers the best of both worlds: part of the fifth largest metro in the U.S. and a village isolated on the other side of a mountain. A Place for Everything
Feng Shui, which literally translates to “wind and water,” is an ancient Chinese scientific study of how the natural and built environment influences people. Purposeful organization of a home is essential to productivity and by implementing Feng Shui, you are setting yourself up for success. Appliance Heaven
Standard white has given way to a myriad of available colors; new ovens now have the capability of baking up to eight times faster than they could just 10 years ago; boxy, counter space-eating microwaves can be contained in sleek, new under-counter drawers; and refrigeration modules can be placed all over the house without anyone even realizing they are there! These are just a few of the features available to home owners, making their kitchens more efficient, easier to use and far more design-oriented. Pulte Homes
By evolving with homeowners over the years, Pulte Homes has constructed more than 500,000 homes. Benefiting buyers at every stage of life, the company is able to focus on needs and desires and provide a variety of options. Welcome to Queen Creek!
Located near the intersection of Ellsworth and Ocotillo roads, the Town of Queen Creek is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Most well known for its farming heritage and rural lifestyle, generations of families have called Queen Creek home long before Arizona’s statehood in 1912. Windows of Opportunity
With hundreds of decisions to make when purchasing a new home, window coverings are often overlooked by home buyers. By creating a welcoming and safe environment and lowering energy costs, window coverings make a practical and distinct fashion statement in any new home.
At Home withValley Construction CEO
As Chairman and CEO of Chanen Construction, Herman Chanen, builder of notable Valley sites such as Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor and Biltmore Fashion Park, has a wealth of knowledge and more than 50 years’ experience in the building industry. In addition, Chanen is a well-known community activist and philanthropist, serving on more than 50 public and private boards. Living the Good Life
The Phoenix new home market may have felt the impact of the housing slump, but communities aimed at homebuyers over age 55 have faired better than the rest. Building a Foundation
Founded in 1888 and incorporated eight decades ago as a 440-acre town, Buckeye has surged into the 21st century with a 597-square-mile planning area-more than 370 square miles are now in town limits. Exploring the House of the Future
How will "smart home" technology be integrated into American homes in the not-so-distant future? Hoping to gain insight on this question, scores of media representatives converged at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., on June 16 for the media grand opening of the Innoventions Dream Home. The exhibit opened to the public the following day. Exploring the House of the Future
How will "smart home" technology be integrated into American homes in the not-so-distant future? Hoping to gain insight on this question, scores of media representatives converged at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., on June 16 for the media grand opening of the Innoventions Dream Home. The exhibit opened to the public the following day. Goodyear: A Young City on the Move
Springing up from 190 square miles of desert mountain terrain just 17 miles west of downtown Phoenix, Goodyear is the fourth fastest-growing suburban city in the country. Its desert vistas, majestic mountains, active outdoor lifestyle and master planned communities with lakes, country clubs and golf courses have already attracted 58,000 residents. Putting on the Ritz
With 325 days of sunshine, mild weather and more than 200 golf courses, it's no wonder Arizona is known as the Golf Capital of the World. But today, golf enthusiasts are looking for more than just a 27-hole USGA championship golf course. To make a significant splash in the golf world, resorts are now boasting luxurious amenities, first-class spa treatments and pristine surroundings. Anything else just makes these grownup playgrounds seem subpar. At Home With the Phoenix Coyotes’ Derek Morris
After a couple of years in Arizona, the Morrises knew the Valley was a place they’d like to settle in and they set out to find a house that would fit their needs. Builder Profile
Ed Robson talks about the history and current status of Robson Communities Clutter Control
Learn how to create the clutter-free Oasis you have always dreamed about. No Bored Dogs
Learn about the history of Dog Parks, as well as tips and tricks to ensure that both you and your canine companion have a wonderful outing. Flagstaff
This quaint town comes with a rich history, along with endless tourist sights and activities. MAC Homes
This summer, newly created MAC Homes will begin operations with four westside communities targeting first-time and move-up buyers. Today's Mortgage Market
Many believe that buying a home is risky, but history proves that over the long-term, home ownership is a smart way to invest your money. The Resiliency of Home Values
It is true that throughout the Southwest, home values are down from historic highs reached during the recent boom market. But it is also true that homes have an intrinsic value that never goes down. July News
News about Models and Openings and Industries. Beyond Color
A high quality coating starts with high quality ingredients—and understanding how the ingredients affect the quality will help you understand the value this brings to your home. Q & A With Housing Experts
Phil Koufidakis, President of Baker Bros Area Rugs and Flooring, talks about the latest trends in the Carpeting industry.
The Towns of Carefree and Cave Creek
Located just outside of Phoenix, Ariz., these small towns are full of life. Arizona Snapshot
Montezuma Castle is one of the oldest and best preserved dwellings in North America. At Home with Phoenix Fire Chief Bob Kahn
When he's not acting in the critical role of running one of the nation's largest fire departments, Bob Kahn is all about family-and home is indeed a haven. Bath Trends that Indulge the Senses
Bathrooms were once were straightforward and functional-but why regress when there are so many luxurious products out there? Discover Casa Grande
Nestled between Phoenix and Tucson along Interstate 10 lies one of the Southwest's last, best kept secrets-the city of Casa Grande. The City of Florence
Residents of Florence, one of the oldest towns in Arizona, are proud of its history and the designation of its downtown area as a National Historic District. Over 130 of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and the town strives to strike a balance between preserving the past and preparing for the future so that an authentic sense of place is maintained and new growth and revitalization is encouraged. The City of Florence
Florence is poised to grow responsibly with an eye toward the future-without forgetting its past. Light Rail is On the Way
METRO will save passengers time and money considering gas prices on the rise and current rush hour traffic conditions. Each light rail vehicle can comfortably carry 175 passengers, and commonly you will see three trains linked to carry 525 passengers at one time. The system ultimately has the capacity to carry up to 15,000 people per hour, which is comparable to a six-lane freeway. The Valley's Master Planned Communities
Master planned communities have a unique and ongoing history in the U.S. housing market, according to research by Chris Fiscelli of the Urban Futures Program. Its origins in the Valley can be traced to the 1960s when city planners developed a "General Master Plan" for the city. The first tangible outcome of the city's efforts was the master planned community of McCormick Ranch. It was truly a master planned community. The city included office parks, recreational parks and commercial centers. Look Out for Lurking Devastation
Learning about professional termite and ant treatment options will save home owners time and money in the long run. There are many products available and effectiveness varies widely. Ancient Desert Farmers Leave a Legacy
Flying into the state-of-the-art Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and looking down over a contemporary skyline, one gets the sense that Phoenix is a young city. And indeed it is, especially when compared with major cities back East. It's somewhat surprising, then, that directly adjacent to the airport in northeast Phoenix is the site of a very ancient metropolis. At Home With 'The Queen of Clean' Linda Cobb
Before The Clean of Queen wowed viewers on “Oprah,” and before The New York Post declared, “There is no stain Linda Cobb can’t tame,” Arizonans had already welcomed her into their hearts and homes. The powerhouse authoress of “Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean,” built an empire from ingenious cleaning tips that saved a grateful nation from stubborn scum and blighted shower curtains. But her royal career started in
Phoenix more than 10 years ago with appearances on “Good Morning Arizona,” and she still lives in the Valley of the Sun.
That's Entertainment! Custom Home Theaters
By Bobby Bala Finish With a Flourish
A new home is like a blank canvas, waiting for color and design elements to bring it to life. Homebuilder design center consultants help new homebuyers choose designer fixtures, decorative moldings, window frames and even intricate door designs that express their style preferences. Fountain Hills Mystique
The year was 1970. The soon-to-be community of Fountain Hills was merely a small enclave at the base of the McDowell Mountains in the Arizona desert. There were no homes or schools on the old cattle ranching land, but there would soon be one major attraction. Timeless Interior Design
By Andrew Bart Glassy Entrance
By Abby Boburka Scottsdale's Super Allure
By Mayor Mary Manross The Green Beneath
One of our most beloved childhood entertainers told us flat out, “It’s not easy being green.” Yet things have changed quite a bit over the last few decades—and when it comes floor covering, “green” options for conscientious consumers are easier than ever. Wet & Wise: Save Water Today
By Karen Young Arizona Village Communities
Arizona Village Communities (AVC), founded in Scottsdale in 2003, finds and acquires ideal sites to be developed into special private residential communities. Sometimes the company develops the homes itself.
Take, as a prime example, The Villas at Ocotillo, a private, gated, waterfront residential neighborhood situated on 10 acres within Ocotillo, one of Chandler’s most-acclaimed master planned communities. All Aboard for the Tempe Lifestyle!
Upwardly urban might be the best way to describe Tempe, Ariz. The city of 160,000 residents swirls with 4 million tourists a year, a workforce of 175,000 — and more than a dozen colleges, universities and trade schools bringing to Tempe more than 150,000 students. All this within 42 square miles. Chandler Rocks!
Chandler has been one of the fastest growing cities in the nation - with good reason. This diverse community of more than 240,000 people offers something for just about everyone—and has the awards to prove it! We’ve been named one of the Top 100 Communities for Young People by the America’s Promise Alliance, One of the Top 5 Places to Retire by AARP and one of America’s Top Walking Communities by Prevention Magazine. Condo Buying
Most of us have heard about the “so called” illusion of home ownership regarding condominium living. Those who consider themselves in the know say—“Well, you don’t really own the land, you know. You merely own the unit itself.” Animal Prints Spring to Windows in '08
Animal prints are no longer the mark of fashion’s wild side. For spring 2008, the call of the wild sounded more like a primal scream on the catwalks. Animal prints are back with a vengeance, not that they ever strayed far. At Home with Craig JacksonMattamy Homes
For more than 28 years, Mattamy Homes has been associated with quality in the home-buying industry. Founded in 1977 by Peter E. Gilgan in Ontario, Mattamy is Canada's biggest builder and now ranks among the 20 largest homebuilders in North America.
Ironclad Entries
An attractive front entry can considerably increase the value of your home. The National Home Valuation Study reports that an enhanced entry could add as much 6.6 percent to a home's worth. That's an attention-getting statistic, whether you're trying to sell or are shopping for a new home. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and for a house, the entrance is where it all starts.
See With a Designer's Eye
The search for a new home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. So can selling your existing residence. You may struggle with seeing the hidden potential of a home and look purely at its cosmetic features. To see beyond the superficial flaws and make wise choices, try approaching each home (and your own) with the eyes and attitude of an interior designer.
Car-tier!
Garage enhancements have become one of the latest trends in home improvement. An organized, handsome garage improves your quality of life while attracting home buyers and boosting resale price.
Mesa - State's Smartest City
It is the 38th largest city in the United States, and is bigger than Tampa, St. Louis, Miami and Minneapolis. But it has a low crime rate, affordable housing, superior schools and an excellent quality of life. No wonder a statewide survey ranked Mesa as the smartest city in Arizona while Money Magazine rated it as the third-best "Big City" in America.
Butterfly Magic at the Gardens
In Arizona's only live tropical butterfly exhibit, hundreds of specimens make themselves at home in the gardens' greenhouse. Represented are more than 50 species from Australia, Asia, Africa and the tropical Americas.
The Good Life: The Glendale Life
Bone-crunching tackles, 50-yard field-goal returns and glorious power plays led by The Great One Wayne Gretzky-if it's the fast-paced world of professional sporting excitement you seek, Glendale's got your game. Or maybe you want to slow things down a bit with a leisurely stroll through unique boutique shops under a blanket of millions of twinkling holiday lights, breathtaking views from a hike through nearby mountain scapes or a late-night glass of wine at a fine restaurant. Well, we can handle life at that pace, too.
Keep Your Landscape from Soaking You
The squeaky wheel may get the grease, but it's the steady drip that gets results. Water - Use It Wisely has several tools on its website to help Arizona residents properly design their drip irrigation systems to save time and money. Visit the outdoor water use section at www.wateruseitwisely.com. Both the interactive "Outdoor Water Use Guide" and the "Landscape Watering Guide" provide valuable tips for designing an efficient system that will promote overall plant health and a thriving landscape.
Unnatural Beauty
When many people think about synthetic grass, one of the first images to pop into their mind is the backyard of Mike and Carol Brady, the infamous couple of perfection from the 1970s TV show, The Brady Bunch. Some may think of the Astroturf their favorite NFL team plays on every Sunday. Others may even think of the lime green outdoor carpeting many of our parents or grandparents had on their front porch to add color and the look of grass to their home. Synthetic grass has made leaps and bounds since the early days of its conception. Homeowners who are unsure if they have seen today's synthetic grasses would probably be surprised to know that they most likely have some installed within their own neighborhood.
Illuminating Lighting Trends
Urban, traditional, Tuscan, Old World Spanish - keeping up with lighting trends can be as difficult as keeping up with fashion. Fortunately like fashion, lighting can be as individual as you want it to be. Thousands of styles, hundreds of manufacturers and dozens of shopping options are available to home buyers and homebuilders. Mass retailers offer the basics but for those looking for real style and personal attention, independently owned and operated lighting retailers are the perfect place to shop.
Oro Valley Offers Family-Friendly Environment
Nestled in the shadows of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the town of Oro Valley is an attractive community, offering a dynamic blend of rich history, community amenities, cultural diversity and an array of lifestyle choices for young and old alike.
Condos: Convenience & Luxury
The traditional condo buyer is often thought of as the young professional, in their mid-20s, purchasing their first home or the seasonal buyer purchasing a second home in the Valley. However, neither is the case for all new condo projects, as certain infill developments are finding another sophisticated condo lifestyle audience. These buyers are interested in a home that allows them the freedom to enjoy an active lifestyle, yet not give up the luxury design and amenities they have become accustomed to in their previous homes. Flagstaff Offers Outdoor Adventure at It's Best
With average daily high temperatures of 82 degrees through August, summer is a great time to enjoy Flagstaff's natural beauty. The scenery is inviting; mountain tops, caves, woods and canyons invite visitors to go rock climbing, biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding or birdwatching in the great outdoors.
Flooring Steps Into the Future
When homeowners look to add something special to their new homes several scenarios come to mind. There's new kitchen cabinets and stainless-steel appliances, an organization system for the garage or an added splash of color for the bedroom walls. Though these upgrades add style and value, the home's most used feature - the floor - often fails to make the list. Homeowners are in contact with their flooring from the moment they set foot in their home to the time they go to bed. For something that gets so much use, one would think it would be a top contender for upgrading; however, it is frequently passed over in favor of more visual improvements.
Home Security Systems
What is the difference between an online monitoring system and a self-contained system?
Welcome to the Town of Marana
"We have the best of both worlds here," said Marana Mayor Ed Honea. "Our rich heritage enables us to move forward with pride. People want to live and do business in Marana."
Choosing A Mortgage Lender... Tips From the Inside
iNest is a real estate broker that focuses exclusively on newly constructed homes. Given that iNest is a subsidiary of Lending Tree, you may find their advice a bit surprising. While they suggest that prospective new home buyers determine how much they can afford by getting prequalified for a loan using iNest's parent company, Lending Tree, almost 80% of iNest's clients end up utilizing the builder's preferred or in-house lender when they buy their homes.
At Home With Award-Winning Architect - Contractor & Visionary Richard Doria
Richard Doria, his wife Susan, their eight-year-old daughter Triana and their slow-moving chow chow Gubbio, have called Doria's creation their home for a mere six months.
Summer's Coolest Pool Trends
More and more people are looking to their own homes and backyards for an escape from a hectic world and there's no better place to float away from the world than the swimming pool. Backyards have also become aesthetic and sensory experiences, as well as a place that fulfills practical recreational needs.
Much More Than Just a Fountain
The year was 1970. The soon-to-be community of Fountain Hills was merely a small enclave at the base of the McDowell Mountains in the Arizona desert. There were no homes or schools on the old cattle ranching land, but there would soon be one major attraction. This was the year Robert P. McCulloch, the founder of thriving Lake Havasu City, decided he wanted to base a new community around one major landmark. So he began research and development on the namesake for which the community is now most famous.
Green Valley & Sahuarita
The towns of Green Valley and Sahuarita span Interstate 19 about halfway between Tucson and Nogales. At the base of the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains, the 2,900-foot elevation communities enjoy temperate weather that is much cooler than the metropolitan Phoenix area. Green Valley and Sahuarita boast 65o average high temperatures throughout December and January, and average 100o in June and July. The pleasant temperatures and more than 300 days of sunny skies annually make the area ideal for outdoor recreation.
Finishes Add Character
A new home is like a blank canvas, waiting for color and design elements to bring it to life. Homebuilder design center consultants help new homebuyers choose designer fixtures, decorative moldings, window frames and even intricate door designs that express their style preferences.
Communities With Award-Winning Design
Since the company’s establishment in Arizona in 1992, Cresleigh Homes Arizona, Inc. has quietly established a commendable reputation in the Valley for quality homes in highly successful communities with award-winning innovative design. Through aggressive land procurement and subsequent land planning, the simplistic goals at Cresleigh remain the same; to provide communities where people want to live by designing homes that provide the freedom to adapt personal lifestyle to individual needs.
At Home With Randy Gatewood
“When we look back on our lives now, it hasn’t always been this way,” Randy Gatewood comments. If the Gatewood’s gorgeous Gilbert home is any indication, life is pretty good now on and off the field.
Arizona Lifestyle
As the season turns from summer to fall then to winter, people anticipate the changing color of the leaves and the cooler weather. Most people enjoy the fall color show, however, the bitter cold of many Midwestern and Eastern states drives people to warmer climates during the winter. This is especially true for Arizona, which benefits from this seasonal migration. The state was once known for the "snowbirds" that it attracted, a phenomenon of part-time residents, usually retirees, who spent the winters basking in the desert sunshine away from the harsh winters and frigid temperatures of their native states.
Staging Moves Buyers
You never get a second chance to make a first impression - and neither does your home. Most buyers make their decision to purchase a home within minutes of entering it. If you haven't captured their attention immediately, you've lost a sale. A professionally Staged home will help you appeal to the broadest possible market by making your home warm and inviting.
Enhance Your Lifestyle
If asked to describe a typical home security system, many homeowners conjure up images of coming home from work, opening their front doors and entering a code to silence a high-pitched squeal of an alarm. Others would describe a bedtime routine of punching in codes to ensure their systems are armed throughout the night.
Life at a More Relaxed Pace
The frenzy of major cities can often be a burden. Snarling traffic, constant noise and congestion in urban areas can offset the benefits and make life stressful for those living within. It should therefore come as no surprise that many residents have been seeking an escape from such pressures. But where can one turn for a reprieve without sacrificing access to all the conveniences we have come to depend upon? For many, the answer has become the sleepy, neighboring towns of Carefree and Cave Creek.
Bring a Pool Paradise
A backyard swimming pool is more than just a place to swim. The backyards of Arizona homes are not just about the surrounding desert landscape, intense summer heat coupled with year-around mild temperatures, they also take into account recreational and stylistic influences.
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