Maracay Homes is pleased to offer this complimentary newsletter to homeowners, buyers, sellers, real estate professionals and friends of the company. We hope you find the information helpful such as tips for buying and selling a home, industry and market trends, home building news, exciting new products, community activities and more.

Just click on the Flex Design® button like the one to the left in each story to learn more at maracayhomes.com!

Give a Gift, Get a Gingerbread Gift!
Friday, November 23 - Friday, December 21

Help us make the holidays a little brighter for local children’s charities. Stop by any Maracay Homes community in metro Phoenix from Friday, November 23 through Friday, December 21 and make a donation to our children’s charity fund. We’ll match your donation plus give you a gingerbread gift in return!

Flex Design® Your Gingerbread House
Saturday, December 1 from 10a.m. to 4p.m.

Bring your kids, your holiday spirit and your inner artist to Maracay’s Flex Design® Your Gingerbread House events hosted by Desert Pass at Sonoran Foothills in north Phoenix, Legend Ridge in Gilbert and Bridlewood Estates in west Phoenix. Build your own gingerbread cottage creations inspired by the many Flex Design® options offered on real Maracay Homes. We’ll make a donation to local children’s charities for each decorated gingerbread house – and you take it home!

Enter to Win!
Stop by any Maracay Homes community before Thursday, December 20 and enter our drawing to win one of 15 glorious gingerbread houses created by the talented pastry chefs of Arizona Culinary Institute. See these enchanting gingerbread houses on display in all Maracay Homes communities throughout the holidays. Winners will be called on Friday, December 21 to come pick up their gingerbread house…ready for move-in!

Call any Maracay Homes community in metro Phoenix for more details or go to www.maracayhomes.com.

Take Advantage of Year End Price Reductions on New Inventory Homes

Move up to a new Maracay Home in time for holidays. Special pricing and substantial incentives are available on select inventory homes at most Maracay Homes communities. These beautiful homes have been thoughtfully crafted and are ready for move-in so you can relax and enjoy the holidays with friends and family. Whether buying your first home, expanding your family to a larger space or sizing down to make time for life’s adventures… Maracay can help you build a lifetime of memories.

Find your new home in time for the holidays by visiting www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-970-6000 for more information.

Learn some tips for creating an enticing first impression with your listing

A home listing is like a first impression on a date. Realtors and homebuyers alike may see your listing as the first introduction to your home.  This first impression is crucial, but many sellers don’t take an outsider’s perspective when listing their homes.

Since a home listing provides more information about the home than virtually any other source, making sure it conveys the right message is an important step in the sales process. Some say the listing alone can generate competing offers for a home. That may or may not be the case. Ultimately, it will depend on the property’s individual attributes.

Many potential home buyers will go to view a property only after viewing its listing online. The listing can either intrigue a person so much they want to take a closer look, or it can leave them unimpressed or disinterested. Learn to get it “right” by keeping a few basic tenets of real estate in mind.

First, when listing a property, start with the customer (buyer) in mind. The sellers’ love of the property is personal and subjective. Take a moment to step into buyers’ shoes. Try to understand what it is they are looking for and list the features most important to them.  If working with a Realtor, ask for their best advice in presenting the listing.

Whether a lavish mansion or a mid-sized condo, the listing should always have a few key elements. Below are a few things to keep in mind when listing a home for sale.

Price the home realistically
Just because recent news has caused problems for some doesn’t mean that individuals can’t sell properties for what they’re worth. Research what the home is worth and price it according to what comparable homes in the area have sold for. Sellers can work with their real estate professionals to make sure the home commands top dollar in its market.

Keep it short and simple, but include all the salient details
A clear, easy-to-follow description of the property can do wonders for a seller. Rather than using flowery language that can make it seem too good to be true, tell the buyer in plain English about the home’s outstanding features.

Simply state in the first sentence what kind of property it is, along with one or two of its best attributes. Summarize the property's location clearly in the listing, since this is generally the biggest factor in the decision process. From there, list its main features and amenities.

A picture is worth a thousand words
Good listings generally include high-resolution photos of the home. These photos give a general sense of the property and can spur people to take a closer look. Photos should be taken of the most important parts of the house, according to the buyer, not the seller. For example, a spacious pantry might be the seller’s favorite thing about the home, but most buyers are generally interested in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and curbside views of the exterior. Focusing on these key areas can help buyers decide they want to see the home.

The listing is only one component in a solid home selling strategy. Done right, however, it can increase the number of favorable impressions made by potential buyers and motivate more people to carve out time in their busy schedules to see a particular home.

And, of course, the chance of that home selling increases dramatically when more people view any one home. So, stay focused on the goal, but keep the buyer in mind when writing an effective listing aimed to sell a home.

Learn more by visiting www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-970-6000 for more information.

First of a two-part series

Is it the right time to buy? Individual buyers cannot control the economy or the local market, but they can control their own economy. Managing expenses can help buyers ride out the inevitable cycles in the economy and help them buy a home when best for the individual.

Even experienced real estate professionals buy at inopportune times. But that doesn’t mean that the purchase was wrong. Myers Barnes, one of the most respected national educators in new-home sales, admitted to buying at the “wrong” time.

“I bought a condo at the top of the market,” said Barnes. “Just the other day, my wife said, ‘I love this house.’ I said, ‘I'm glad, because we’re going to own it for many years.’”*

Regardless of the economy it may just make sense for some people to buy. It may be the addition of a baby to the family, a move to a new state or a change in lifestyle.

After clearing the hurdle of deciding whether to purchase a home, a slew of decisions will come next. Buyers who educate themselves will enter the process with a level head and, more often than not, make sound, satisfying decisions.

Home purchases: the right fit for the buyer
Which lot is the best choice? What should the interior look like? Is a pool a good investment? Which upgrades make the most sense? These are just some of the questions buyers will ask themselves. Deciding on a home’s details is a matter of personal preference. Like a favorite pair of jeans, a home that “fits” in all the right places is invaluable.

As long as buyers have all of the facts and avoid getting emotionally swept away, buying a home can be an extremely satisfying and rewarding endeavor. Studies show that stable communities are those in which the majority of residents are homeowners.

Remember the resale factor
While most people searching for a home are not thinking ahead to selling, this is the most important time to do so. Most people stay in a home no longer than seven years, so resale value is an important consideration.

• Homes with three and four bedrooms will be more attractive to would-be buyers than one- and two-bedroom houses.
• Upgraded appliances, countertops and flooring can add more value to a home but may not produce a full return on the initial investment. 

Purchase agreement
The purchase agreement is the contract signed between the buyer and the builder. It will contain items such as a legal description of the property, the price, the amount of earnest money deposited, how long the offer will be open, the closing date (the date the sale will be finalized), contingency clauses and a guarantee that the seller will provide clear title to the home.

Contingency clauses help the buyer or the seller facilitate the contract if unforeseen circumstances arise. Some contingencies that might appear include:

• Sale of the buyer's previous home (but not for first-time buyers)
• Compliance with building codes
• Inspection of the home by a professional inspector
• Language that requires the return of deposit if the sale is not completed
• Items that will and will not be included in the sale
• Part of resale homes, kitchen appliances generally transfer from buyer to seller but refrigerator, washer/dryer often move with the seller; in newly built homes, standard appliances can be standard or added to the mortgage as options; homeowners can purchase upgraded packages
• Language that details when you can do a walkthrough before the closing date to ensure details of the contract are upheld

Committing to a home purchase can be intimidating. Some buyers get cold feet. But, this is entirely normal. That’s why it’s important to go through the process intelligently and take time to make sure it’s the right decision.

Given that the purchase agreement is legally binding, buyers cannot simply change their minds and get their earnest money back after it is signed. If this were the case, seller would lose the opportunity of selling it to another person. Once they receive a signed purchase agreement, they stop accepting bids on the home and have an exclusive contract with the buyer. If this happens, the earnest money deposited will go to the seller as compensation for lost time on the market.

Buyers sometimes change their minds on small to even significant items when purchasing a new home. Reputable companies will do their best to accommodate their customers in a timely fashion but the buyer must take responsibility to surface questions, concerns, suggestions or desired changes.  Home buyers should confirm that their choices are being incorporated as soon as possible.

If changes are desired while the home is being built, it is crucial to submit these changes in writing and contact your designated builder representative. This will help avoid confusion and will help parties keep their commitments in the contract.

Buyers should know that change orders may delay the project. Weigh the importance of the change against the delay, and ask the builder what the delay will be. Decide if this is acceptable and ask if there are other options to consider.

Part two of this series will focus on what to expect at closing, important tips on home warranties and customer service after the sale.

*Source: BUILDER Online News Service, Pat Curry

Learn more by visiting www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-970-6000 for more information.

For a limited time, only at Trailside Village and Sienna Vista Village

Right now, qualified buyers can save thousands on a new Maracay Home in some of our most popular communities featuring the Village series of homes... Trailside Village in west Pinal County and Sienna Vista Village in southwest Phoenix. Even better, for a limited time, we’ll include all your appliances at no additional charge:  washer/dryer, refrigerator and microwave.  We’ve got your basic window treatments covered too.  Want more included Flex Design features?  How about an oversized garage and a two-foot house extension?  Maracay makes it easy to get started in home ownership!

Trailside Village
Starting at $164,900
9 exciting floorplans,1,305 to 2,348 sq ft.
Ocotillo Rd., E. of Ironwood Rd.

Neighborhood Details:
Welcome to Trailside Village by Maracay Homes, located on Ocotillo Road, east of Ironwood Road in Pinal County. This beautiful architecturally designed community offers you and your family lush greenways, a tot lot and outdoor activities within minutes from your home. For family fun visit Schnepf Farms and experience the seasonal arts and crafts and fresh home made pies.

At Trailside Village we offer you 9 flex design floor plans featured in single and two story plans. Our options include the ability to increase your living space with alternative kitchen designs, additional bedrooms, guest suite.  Extend your garage for no additional charge.

Award Winner!
Check out the Quartzite 104 plan, recipient of the 2005 Grand MAME Award for best floor plan.

Call 480-677-3369 for more information or go to www.maracayhomes.com for more information

The Villages at Sienna Vista
Starting at $169,500
9 exciting floor plans 1,307 to 2,364 sq ft.
Lower Buckeye Road, W. of 67th Avenue

Neighborhood Details:
The Villages at Sienna Vista is a master-planned community with an amphitheater, sports area and pocket parks for you and your family's gatherings. Located in the southwest valley, you are in close proximity to major freeways, local attractions and employment centers. The Villages offers Flex Design® floor plans, choices in standard and optional features, pool contractors and lenders. Visit us today and discover the array of choices Maracay Homes offers you and your family.

Call 623-478-1551 for more information or go to www.maracayhomes.com for more information

Starting at $359,000
7 innovative floor plans
1 ,671 to 3,384 sq ft.
Basements are available up to approximately 1,145 sq ft.
Southeast corner of Germann & Dobson Rd.

Experience Stonefield Enclave’s array of choices and conveniences where homeowners enjoy its old world touches and old world values of peace, community and comfort.

Stonefield features 10 Flex Design ® floor plans with semi-custom options, in the popular South Chandler region.

The neighborhood location is nestled in peaceful area  but only minutes via freeway from downtown Phoenix, allowing for endless activities that include recreation, dining, entertainment and shopping so close to home. Some of the nation’s most prominent employers are also located nearby. 

Starting at $359, 000, Stonefield’s single-family homes can adapt to any family’s lifestyle and include up to 8 bedrooms with an optional basement. They range in size from approximately 1,671 square feet to 3,384 square feet.

Choice is the key to Stonefield Enclave. This neighborhood offers the family the right sized home that can be personalized for the way they like to live.  Choose from optional alternative kitchen designs, super master bedrooms, guest suites, 3 car garages and 2 or 4 feet garage extensions.

Best of all, Stonefield Enclave’s tree-lined streets lead to a vast park area that includes a tot lot, community pool with ramada and barbeques.  This amenity adds an important and useful community focal point for neighborhood gatherings and family enjoyment.

See how Stonefield Enclave is right for you at www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-726-3220.

Quick, easy planning will help make the holiday season’s festivities worry-free and memorable. An accident is the last thing wanted during this season of joy. Safe holidays start by keeping a few straightforward precautions in mind.

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,800 people for falls, cuts, shocks and burns due to faulty holiday lights, dried-out Christmas trees and other holiday decorations.

Most people would guess that Christmas trees are the main culprit in holiday season fires. While they are a considerable percentage of the fires started during the month of December, candles have been cited in a significant number of fires in the home.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, candle-related fires account for about 15,000 fires each year, and Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires a year. Both require special attention and planning to avoid fires.

Pay special attention to candles year-round, but especially during the holidays:

• Don’t burn candles in rooms when no one is there. Most fires start in unoccupied rooms.
• Keep candles separate from items that can burn easily like greenery and decorations.
• Use non-flammable holders and keep them away from children and pets.
• Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

Live Christmas trees give off a wonderful scent and are tradition in many families’ homes. Tree safety is a must and certainly worth revisiting each holiday season.

When it’s time to select a tree for the home, shop carefully and make sure the tree is fresh, not dry. This will minimize the risk of fire.

A few ways to tell if the tree is fresh:

• Trees may have sap oozing from their stump or trunk. This is a sign that the tree is fresh.
• Needles on fresh trees will not be easy to pull back from the branches and should not break.
• Bounce the tree on the ground to make sure few needles fall off. If needles shower to the ground, look for another tree.

A tree next to a fireplace hearth is a quaint idea, but errant sparks can prove disastrous. Lights used on trees should be in good repair. Check each strand for frayed wire coverings and discard any lights that show this kind of wear.

Having an artificial tree isn’t a guarantee against fires. Poorly maintained lights or open flames can wreak havoc here too. Artificial trees that are flame retardant can minimize risks, but the precautions for live trees still apply.

Lights create joyful holiday displays throughout the home. When decorating, make sure that lights are approved for wherever they are being used, inside or out. Outdoor lights are exposed to elements. After the holidays, take outdoor lights down and store them, as they are not made to withstand prolonged exposure.

Decorating with Kids in Mind
Take special care when decorating child -accessible areas. Coffee tables can be adorned with durable bowls made of wood or baskets. Fill them with festively colored foam balls. Colored acrylic candy dishes filled with holiday goodies can still brighten the room while being safe. If tots pull these off the table, they’ll bounce rather than break. Carved wooden nativity scenes or other figures can add a charming, homey touch to any room and are kid friendly at the same time.

Decorating a tree when small children are in the house can pose a special challenge. Keep lights and fragile ornaments away from small hands. Lights should be placed close to the trunk and shiny ornaments that can be mistaken for food would be better placed near the top of the tree. Instead, keep kid-friendly ornaments made of felt, foam or fabric on the lower branches.

Recipes for safe happy holidays
Holiday hosts take enormous pride in preparing the holiday meal. Each year, families and friends take a nostalgic culinary walk through old favorites or debut interesting recipes to set new traditions. With some quick food safety tips, holidays can please the mind and the stomach.

The cook is the ultimate authority of her (or his) domain. Safe holiday meals start by limiting the number of people in the kitchen at one time. Too many people coupled with multiple dishes cooking at once can create chaos. There’s a fine line between helping the cook and getting in his or her way. Always ask what help is needed and respect the answer. One person’s idea of helping may be another’s idea of getting in the way.

Buffet style meals take the pressure off the cook and make it easy for guests to serve themselves. Popular with holiday entertaining, buffets can create an environment ripe for food borne illnesses. Follow these tips to make sure meals aren’t memorable in a negative way:

• Foods should not sit out for more than two hours at room temperature.
• If entertaining for more than two hours, use small serving bowls. Swap out containers when one is empty. If reusing bowls, clean and refill them before each use to rid them of any bacteria.
• Use chafing dishes, slow cookers or warming trays to keep warm foods at 140 degrees F or warmer.
• Bathe serving bowls in ice to keep cold foods at 40 degrees or colder.
• Follow food labels. Make sure to keep foods cold when the label reads “keep refrigerated,” and heed the “use by” dates.
• Discard foods that have been sitting out when the party is over.

Safety takes no holiday, but that doesn’t mean the holidays can’t be enjoyable and comfortable for all. With a little creativity, some planning and a healthy dose of caution mixed in, holidays can be the happy occasions to remember for years to come.