New Home Communities at Phoenix.org July 22, 2018 by Times Media Group

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

New Home Communities FEATURE BY SHERRY JACKSON

acant lots are like a blank canvas to some prospective homeowners. They teem with possibilities: Visions of the perfect home, without the confines of a traditional master-planned community or homeowner association. There are many reasons some prefer to build on their own lot. Maybe it’s to be in an area that doesn’t have any new home subdivisions, or maybe it’s a family property that has been handed down or perhaps it’s more acreage with fewer neighbors. Regardless, as with any homebuying venture, there are many things to consider when building outside the safe confines of a master-planned community. Does the property have utilities already run to it? Is there sewer or septic? Are there any city or county restrictions? “The biggest thing people don’t realize when they go to build on a lot is whether or not it’s build ready,” said Evelyn Petersen, CEO, VIP Homes. The Mesa-based company specializes in building custom and semi-custom homes on customers’ land. “There is lot prep work, but we’ll guide you through the process. You don’t have to go

INTRODUCING BY SHERRY JACKSON

ocated in desirable North Gilbert, Cobblestone Villas by KB Home is located near highly ranked Gilbert Public Schools, The Heritage District, SanTan Village and Gilbert Town Square. Cobblestone Villas is set on 10.9 acres and consists of 68 homes with four one- and two-story floor plans. Homes range from 1,588 to 2,267 square feet with three of the plans modeled in the community. The community opened in February. Prices begin in the high $290,000s. “The homes are built to Energy Star guidelines and include WaterSense-labeled

BUILDING ON A BLANK CANVAS out and get your own excavator or engineer. We walk you through all that.” There’s a reason why so many homeowners choose a master-planned community when building a new home. There are usually fewer surprises and costs as the lots are already mapped out and ready to build on. But there are advantages to building on your own lot. Petersen cited an example of a couple who had lived in their home for more than 50 years near downtown Scottsdale. Instead of moving out of the neighborhood they loved so much, she was able to take down the existing home and design and engineer a new home within the confines of the existing lot. “The new home is just what they wanted,” she said. “We can design and build the home you’ve always wanted in a way that leverages the unique topography and views of your selected piece of land,” said Joel Lazar, director of sales and marketing with K. Hovnanian Homes Build On Your Lot division. “We make building on your lot easy by outlining the process in just six simple steps. And the best part is you get to live in the location of your choice in a home that has been created specifically around your lifestyle.”

Inside

PHOENIX.ORG NEW HOME COMMUNITIES Features

New Homes vs. Used

Community Map

EVELYN PETERSEN Lot size can be a deciding factor for some. Usually, you’ll find bigger lots outside of subdivisions, said Derek Jarr, CEO and founder of Scottsdale-based custom homebuilder Green Street Communities. Also, there may be fewer restrictions such as design and setbacks outside a master-planned community. But make sure the home isn’t overbuilt or underbuilt, Jarr cautioned. “Look at the See

VACANT LOTS on page 2

New Home Technology 6 On Phoenix.org/NewHome Dealmakers: Belfiore and Rose Featured Homes

COBBLESTONE VILLAS fixtures and faucets, making the homes at Cobblestone Villas highly energy- and water-efficient,” said Rob McGibney, regional president, KB Home Southwest Region. “When compared to the average new or resale home in the area, these sustainable features are estimated to reduce utility costs of $1,000 to $1,400 in savings over the course of a year, depending on the floor plan selected.” Shared community amenities include a community pool, barbecue, picnic table and a bike rack. “The homes at Cobblestone Villas were See

COBBLESTONE on page 2

(Photo courtesy KB Home)

Cobblestone Villas in Gilbert are designed for a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle near Gilbert’s Heritage District.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

THE DEALMAKERS

FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE RIGHT HOME

eople have been moving this year—literally. More Arizonians have purchased homes this year than during any year since 2007. Phoenix and its suburbs alone will have recorded nearly 100,000 resale home transactions and another 23,000 resale home sales. With an average of three people living in each Valley home, that means a whopping 360,000 to 370,000 people will have moved in 2018. With demand rising, homebuilders are offering more choices in homes than they have in the past. Inexperienced new homebuyers are often surprised to learn that what they see isn’t necessarily what they will get—at least not at the price advertised on the “base” price sheet commonly handed to them on their way to the front door of the model home. Many models have upgraded features and options that are not included in the “base” home. They are, as the terminology suggests, upgraded homes; they usually cost tens of thousands of dollars more than base homes. Most builders publish a list of many of the features included in homes on the

backside of their base price sheet. When shoppers find the base price does not cover the upgraded features, they tend to focus on features they have long thought about, features they use or look at regularly, features they have a clear opinion on or that they have seen on a television design show like kitchen countertops, flooring material, cabinets, etc. Most of the features on the long list are not scrutinized. They should be, though, particularly when shoppers are comparing one community with several other communities. Different builders offer different features in their homes, based upon their brand, sales strategy, and what they believe will sell the most homes. Here are a few commonly overlooked features that deserve some attention when home shopping: Gas or electric: Gas heat costs less than electric. What type of heater does the home have? Also, are you striving to be the next great home chef? You likely want gas service to your stovetop. If the home has gas but an electric range, are gas lines at least run to the wall the electric stove backs to? Ask or slide out the stove to find out before purchasing. Ceiling/door heights/baseboards:

COBBLESTONE from page 1

VACANT LOTS from page 1

BY JIM BELFIORE AND JORDAN ROSE

designed with a ‘lock-and-leave’ lifestyle in mind, with access to inviting community amenities and low maintenance front yards, McGibney said. “Their proximity to restaurants and entertainment in downtown Gilbert add to the convenience factor, appealing to a buyer looking for the freedom to explore what this added simplicity provides.” For more information, visit kbhome.com/new-homes-phoenix/ cobblestone-villas.

What is the height of the ceilings? Interior doors? Baseboards? Lower ceilings and doors make homes feel less spacious while taller ones “open up” rooms, making them feel grander. Many homes built today have 10-foot to 12-foot ceilings on main floors, while upper floors have 9-foot ceilings. The interior doors included in many new homes are 6 foot 8 inches, though builders may model 8-foot doors. The larger interior doors, like ceilings, make homes feel more open. Similarly, what are the baseboard heights? Some homes come with 2.25-inch baseboards, small and understated, while others come with 5-inch baseboards. Kitchen Cabinets: How big are the cabinets? What are the materials? Do they have soft-close doors / drawers? Do they include hardware and crown molding? Tech Features: Does the home have technological features included, like door locks that unlock and lock via a phone app? Is technology integrated into the home? Energy Efficiency: Sure, you would notice solar panels on the exterior of a home, but just how energy efficient is the home? What is the HERs rating? What is the SEER rating of the air conditioner?

neighborhood and saying I’ll take this lot.” In master-planned budget and the area’s home values communities, costs are known to maximize the land value.” That upfront. On vacant land, costs way there won’t be any surprises, can be $30,000 to $40,000 in terms of home values, when just to get a piece of dirt ready trying to resell the home. to build and if there’s a wash or There are challenges and risks rough terrain, permitting, sewer associated with building on your or other utility concerns it can own lot. “Grading can be a huge run higher than $100,000, he challenge, depending on the DEREK JARR said. land,” said Bob Lisk, an associate Jarr agreed. “Often when peobroker with VIP Homes. ple buy lots or vacant land the actual lot “It’s not as cheap as walking into a improvements are disregarded and not

JIM BELFIORE JORDAN ROSE Does the roof include radiant-barrier sheathing? What type of lighting is included? LED? If you are in the market for a new home, you may find yourself a lot happier with your purchase a month or two after closing, if you compare both the home prices and the included features to find the right combination for you. Ask for the standard feature list when visiting models; then go through the model and understand what is included at the price you are paying. Jim Belfiore is president of Belfiore Real Estate Consulting. Jordan Rose is president of Rose Law Group. included in the budget.” “One of the bigger things that’s always a surprise, is the compaction of the lot itself,” Petersen added. “People buy a really expensive piece of property and then it can cost tens of thousands more for utilities to be extended. Or, the lot is flat, and they think that it is a good thing, but current regulations say the building lot must be compacted 14 feet above grade for water runoff. You can’t just build on a piece of dirt.” But even with additional lot preparation See

VACANT LOTS on page 7

Experience you can count on. Belfiore Real Estate Consulting is Arizona’s leading, independent real estate research firm. The company provides data products and advisory services to those tracking current market trends- whether at a macro Metro Phoenix, Metro Tucson, or Northern Arizona level or within a particular community or specific competitive market area. Leading homebuilders, developers, appraisers, brokers, lenders, title companies, landscape management companies, retailers, and investors rely on Belfiore’s stats and projections.

As a full-service firm, Belfiore’s Team of analysts produces off-the-shelf advisory and data-tracking products, as well as Custom Market Feasibility Studies and Asset Management Reports. Clients have access to award-winning, comprehensive, webbased software that contains five distinct pricing metrics for actively-marketed Arizona communities, incentive levels, inventory levels, lot information for inactive, planned pipeline communities, land and lot sales comparables, and much more.

Analysts visit and update data within every new home community in the Phoenix-area, Tucson-area, and Northern Arizona a minimum of six times annually, updating information with the company’s proprietary software. 3930 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044 480.706.1002 belfioreconsulting.com

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

FEATURE

NEW HOMES OFFER MANY ADVANTAGES TO POTENTIAL BUYERS

BY SHERRY JACKSON

ew home communities are found throughout the East Valley, and their allure is hard to resist. Shiny new appliances, white walls with endless possibilities and the knowledge that no one else has lived in a home is appealing. Of course, there are pros and cons to buying a new home or an existing home. Potential homebuyers need to analyze what type works for them. Existing homes have landscaping, blinds, curtains or shutters and all the “kinks” worked out. New homes, on the other hand, allow buyers to customize and put their own “stamp” on the home. They offer energy efficiencies, lower repair costs and extended warranties. “The ability to personalize, have a move-in ready home with water, energy efficiency and cost savings, along with a warranty and lack of maintenance are the overarching topics of whether to buy new over a used home,” said Rob McGibney, KB Home southwest regional president. “Personalization is really important. Allowing customers to personalize their home just how they want it, to meet their taste and budget, is a huge factor when buying new over a used home.” Brad Schoenberg, Phoenix division president for Taylor Morrison agreed. “Floor plan designs are more relevant to today’s families and how they use the home. Newer designs incorporate better flow, include great rooms and brings indoor-outdoor living into the home. Floor plan designs are just better than they were 20 years ago.” When buying a used home, folks must accept previous homeowners’ choices and tastes or take on a remodel project and change fixtures, appliances and other items once they move into the home, McGibney added. “Buying a new home means you don’t have to change anything.” Another consideration is potential hidden costs on an existing home. Perhaps a home inspector didn’t catch a foundation issue or there could be other unknown issues inside the walls. New homes tend to come with a 10-year structural warranty. “Obviously in buying a new home today the construction materials are far superior, and the quality is substantially better,” Schoenberg said. “It’s dramatically different than even 10, 20 years ago.” New homes are also far less maintenance, McGibney said. “It’s far less in a

(Photos courtesy Taylor Morrison)

Homes at a Taylor Morrison community feature the latest in floor plan designs, technology and indoor-outdoor living.

new home and is something you really don’t think about. All the time spent in dealing with maintenance issues (in an existing home)-that’s reduced substantially in a new home.” Depending on the home’s age, technology can also play a factor. New homes generally come equipped with water and energy efficiencies that aren’t always found in older homes. Smart lighting, programmable thermostats, high-efficiency water fixtures for saving water and sustainability and new A/C and heating systems can save homeowners a substantial amount of money each month, McGibney said. Schoenberg agreed. “Operating costs of a new home are going to be substantially lower. Whether it’s the gas bill, water bill or electric bill. Even landscaping of the yard can be lower with low-water use plants and irrigation.” Some of the new technology can’t, or would be difficult, to incorporate into an existing home. For example, all KB Homes built in Arizona come with a radiant roof barrier—newer technology, McGibney said—that prevents heat from building. “It makes a big impact and would be very difficult to put that in after the fact,” he said. “We’ve come a long way,” Schoenberg said. “Wi-Fi gives us the capacity to control our thermostats and many components in a smart home remotely. From opening the garage door, to locks on the front door to let the kids in when they get home from school and then locking the door behind them, technology has

changed dramatically.” Other not-so-obvious benefit to buying a new home is the ability to build a community, easier entertaining spaces and even having additional outlets, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said. Friendships are built-in benefits of many new homes, according to the NAHB’s website. When families move into a subdivision at the same time, they often form lasting bonds of friendship and neighborliness right away. Nobody is the “new kid on the block.” Many homebuilders host community parties in new developments to help owners meet and connect. Throwing a party in an older home can be a challenge, the NAHB said, because smaller, distinct rooms make it difficult to entertain guests in one large space. New home layouts feature more open spaces and rooms that flow into each

other more easily. Outlets are another consideration. Homes built in the 1960s and earlier were wired much differently than houses today, the NAHB said in a recent post on its website. Builders had no way of anticipating the invention of HD TVs, DVRs and computers—and the very different electrical requirements they would introduce. New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual homeowner’s needs. A new home can offer many advantages over an existing home. Each new potential home owner has different circumstances, needs and wants so it’s important to weigh in all factors when making the decision on whether to buy a new home or existing home for your family.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

EastValleyTribune.com

Phoenix.org

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3 bed, 3.5 ba/2,564 SF/3 car garage — This is a uniquely designed home. Master suite features an expansive bathroom and walk in closet. Full baths in each of the remaining two bedrooms provide plenty of privacy. Enclosed courtyard, designated hobby room and three-car garage.

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$272,000 to $368,000 Condo 2 bed, 2 ba/1,432 SF/1 car garage — Charming single level condo. Covered patio for outdoor dining and entertaining. The master suite comes with a full bath and a roomy walk-in closet. Easy route to the community pool for those who like to enjoy a little fun in the sun!

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

East Valley Communities 87 202

McKellips Rd. Pima Rd.

MESA

Brown Rd.

TEMPE 60

Ellsworth Rd.

Power Rd.

Recker Rd.

Higley Rd.

Greenfield Rd.

Val Vista Dr.

Lindsay Rd.

Gilbert Rd.

Stapley Rd.

Southern Ave.

Mesa Dr.

Dobson Rd.

Broadway Rd.

Main St. Country Club Dr.

University Dr.

Alma School Rd.

44th St.

Scottsdale Rd.

101

40th St.

Thomas Rd.

GILBERT

McClintock Dr.

Rural Rd.

Kyrene Rd.

Priest Dr.

Guadalupe Rd.

Warner Rd. Ray Rd.

Chandler Blvd.

Williams Field Rd.

CHANDLER

Pecos Rd.

Queen Creek Rd.

Cooper Rd.

McQueen Rd.

Arizona Ave.

Ocotillo Rd.

SUN LAKES

eR d.

QUEEN CREEK Chandler Heights Rd.

Riggs Rd.

MARICOPA

ous

Germann Rd.

Power Rd.

202

Ritt enh

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

TECHNOLOGY BY ZAC DUNN

TECHNOLOGY PLAYS BIG ROLE IN NEW HOMES Lighting

Voice and app controls make t’s 2018. Everything from watches to it easy to turn lights off and cars to phones are becoming more on, one room at a time or all streamlined, efficient, and auto- at once. Turn off all downstairs mated. New homes are no different. lights at night without taking More homebuilders are embracing a trip down the stairs, set the smart home technology, giving their mood in an instant by dimbuyers options to create a home experi- ming lights in the great room ence tailored to their needs. to 40 percent, or use your app “Today’s homebuyer expects a home to put lights on a timer—prothat can be set up from the outset to viding peace of mind when respond to, and even anticipate their you’re on vacation. daily needs,” said Ken Peterson, vice Look to Shea’s Origin at president of sales and marGateway Quarter keting for Shea Homes community, the Arizona. first in Phoenix to “Doors that can be offer Deako Smart locked and unlocked Lighting. A customremotely, thermostats that izable, modular lightcan cool the home to the ing system, Deako perfect temperature, and Smart Switches offer lighting and audio systems the ability to create (Photo courtesy Shea Homes) that can be preset or conthree distinct custom- Origin at Gateway Quarter, Plan 7514, features lights that are customizable through Deako smart lighting. trolled with voice or app izable “scenes” on each are a few examples of the switch. One setting conveniences smart home convenience. These smart technology Thermostat control might turn off every (Photo courtesy Shea Homes) technology can provide.” light in the home. Another options also give homeowners added Smart thermostats that can be In line with its mission Deako smart switch ofsafety features and peace of mind. could light up the entry hall, adjusted through voice or app mean to design and build homes fers a dimmer option. kitchen, and master bedroom. no more wondering if the setting was that exceed customer And a third could turn on the Audio-visual equipment adjusted for the day. Families who expectations, Shea leads the charge in outside lights for a two-hour period. Audiophiles who want the best in head up north to escape the heat can home automation among Arizona build- These settings or “scenes” are available video and audio technology but have no use their app to cool down the house ers. At Shea’s East Valley communities, through the Deako app for iOS and desire to see a tangle of speakers, cords before returning. And for those who The Reserves at Val Vista and Gateway Android or the use of voice through and cables are embracing the ability to just don’t want to get up once they’re Quarter, both in Gilbert, owners are fre- Alexa or Google Home. hide audio-visual equipment in a closet settled in bed, it’s easy enough to pick quently opting for the latest upgrades in or in the ceiling. The ability to con- up the phone from the night table use home technology. trol TVs, music, and Wi-Fi access with an app to adjust the temperature up Locks and doorbells “A few minutes of initial set-up, and The days of lost keys and locksmiths voice or apps means there’s no reason to or down. you’ll be set for years of convenience,” are becoming numbered. Keyless locks mess with the equipment directly. Once “A smart home system allows you to said Steve Corbin of Foresight Arizona, allow homeowners to use their voice everything is set up, parents can easily create settings that match your lifeShea’s partner in home automation. or apps to lock and unlock doors and program equipment to limit Wi-Fi or style,” Peterson said. “After a few days with these features, grant limited access digital “keys” to turn off kids’ devices at bedtime when “Your home should be a sanctuary for you’ll wonder how you ever got along children and visitors, service workers or they’ve exceeded their daily video game relaxation, and having a smart home without them.” guests. The ability to lock and unlock limit. Each TV can be connected to mul- allows you to maximize your family’s Here are just a few ways technology is homes remotely and get alerts based on tiple sources such as Blu-ray, cable and enjoyment of your new home.” revolutionizing the way we live. motion or doorbell is more than just a streaming media devices.

TECHNOLOGY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Toll Brothers is providing homes with keyless entry by Baldwin, Wi-Fi thermostats by Carrier, and Wi-Fi garage control, along with either a Wi-Fi prewire or full Wi-Fi package in select areas, as of July 1. These were previously sold as options.

TOLL BROTHERS EXPANDS SMART HOME OPTIONS “As smart home technology continues to grow by leaps and bounds, we are positioning Toll Brothers homeowners with an ideal platform that will both enable them to access their most basic technology needs, and easily enhance their own smart home with custom options suited to their family’s preferences,” explained Felicia Ratka, president, TBI Smart Home Solutions.

Toll Brothers has partnered with Alarm.com and Control4 to design foundational technology packages for new homes. Each of the new outstanding features can be used alone via the manufacturer’s app, or will easily integrate into either the Alarm. com or the Control4 platform. While both platforms support voice control from Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s

Home Assistant, voice control is just one of many user interfaces offered with these platforms. “We want to offer our buyers a complete smart home experience, one that goes beyond voice control alone, where all the connected devices speak to each other. We’ve carefully selected our products and platforms based on this approach,” Ratka said.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018

NEW TO THE MARKET

ALTITUDE

BELLA VERDE

Where: 1941 E. Aster Place, Chandler Price: From $444,990 Size: 2,309 to 2,812 square feet; three to four and four to five bedrooms Contact: 866-798-7775 or bit.ly/2mgVwqn

Where: Ray and Gilbert roads, Gilbert Price: Coming soon Size: 1,810 to 2,930 square feet; three to five bedrooms Contact: 480-624-0244 or https://bit.ly/2LaFLzq

An intimate, gated community of 31 homesites, Altitude raises the bar for homeowners in upscale Chandler with its outstanding location near shopping, restaurants, transportation, high-tech employers and top-rated schools.

VACANT LOTS from page 2 costs, building on your own piece of property can be a good investment. “Overall building is a value again where at one time it was cheaper to buy existing rather than build,” Jarr said. “It’s a good opportunity to build with the increasing housing market prices. Customers can lock in prices today and when done building, they’ll already have built in equity as land and construction costs continue to climb.” Jarr estimates building and land prices will continue to rise 10 percent or more in the next year. “Until home building can catch up to the demand of buyers, that will continue to be

Boasting a desirable location in west Gilbert—with easy access to abundant recreation opportunities, downtown Gilbert and neighboring cities—Bella Verde features a versatile selection of new homes with top-notch included features and hundreds of personalization options.

IRONWOOD CROSSING

Ironwood Crossing is perfect for families and offers 42 floorplans in three neighborhood series. Its parks feature basketball courts, ramadas, barbecues and tot lots with shade structures. An aquatic center is also within the community. Where: 232 W. Cucumber Tree Avenue, San Tan Valley Price: Paradise from $220,000; North Shore from $270,000; and Sonoma Coast from $320,000 Size: Paradise is 1,356 to 2,443 square feet and three to six bedrooms; North Shore is 1,702 to 3,857 square feet and two to seven bedrooms; and Sonoma Coast is 2,086 to 4,732 square feet and three to nine bedrooms Contact: 480-753-7585, fultonhomes.com

the case. It could be three to five years until that might happen.” The biggest piece of advice, Petersen said, is for customers to call before buying a piece of property. “I can’t stress enough—before buying the property—take the 30 days (or more) in your MLS contract to do the feasibility study and visit with the builder of your choice to know what you’re buying.” Ask neighbors about their experience, do your research, know your builder is reputable and has a good rating with the Registrar of Contractors, Petersen said. “Our job is to educate our customers and to guide them through the process even if the land isn’t perfect. We can take the lemons and make lots of pretty lemonade.”

Checklist for building on your own land o Has the lot been

o What will be required to

o What are minimum

o o

sewer and electrical connections? What will be required to extend them to the lot line? If septic is necessary, what is the type and size required? Is there a soils report? How will it affect septic placement?

o o

engineered? create a building pad? Is there a grading and drainage study? What are the municipal building fees for a home on this lot? (Each municipality differs) Permits? Impact fees?

o Sales tax? o Is there an HOA

governing the property?

617 Series Laundry with Smartboost™

B E S T. D E C I S I O N . E V E R .

footage requirements?

o What are required

elements to elevations?

o Driveways? o Setback? o Garages? o Fences? —Provided by VIP Homes

MESA | SCOTTSDALE F E RGUSON S H OWROOM S .COM

o Where are the water,

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 22, 2018