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!

Maracay Homes Transforms Dairy Farm into Chandler's Newest Neighborhood... From Cow to Wow!

An area of Chandler once known for its "dairy air" is slowly becoming one of Chandler's most attractive family neighborhoods.  Previously the Dugan Dairy Farm, this 80 acres at the southeast corner of Germann and Dobson Roads is now the Stonefield Enclave, which began sales recently and is one of three Maracay Home neighborhoods slated for the area.

Maracay's Stonefield Enclave, with its old world architectural touches and attention to community design, will include important recreation amenities such as an inviting park area, tot lot, and a community pool with spa, ramada and barbeques. 

Starting at $359,000, Stonefield Enclave offers 7 Flex Design floorplans plus additional Flex Top and basement options to personalize a home for different lifestyle needs. Maracay's exclusive Flex Tops make it possible to add a second story on some single level plans for that extra special game room or guest suite.

The City of Chandler's Council and its planners decided that when the farm land was sold it would be rezoned a residential area. Maracay Homes, an award-winning home builder that has built more than 5,000 homes in the Valley since entering the Arizona market in 1991, purchased a vast majority of the farm and then was requested to meet several levels of qualifications and standards in order to be allowed to build on the property. 

Jodie Novak, Chandler's Senior City Planner, says that land development projects with Maracay Homes have consistently been positive.

"Maracay has proven over and over again that they can meet our city's standards and provide the quality home development that we expect for Chandler," said Novak.

"The reaction from homebuyers and surrounding residents has been very enthusiastic," says Paula Fiore-Tibben, Sr. Sales Associate for Maracay's Stonefield Enclave. "Homebuyers love the convenient East Valley location coupled with our Flex Design floor plans.  Maracay created Flex Design to give homebuyers hundreds of choices in options for personalizing their home without the custom price.  Area residents appreciate that there's something 'new' in the air!"

For more information please visit Stonefield Enclave or call 480-970-6000.

Top Ideas from 'Designed to Sell'

Real estate, staging and design experts came together on a recent two-part episode of HGTV's "Designed to Sell" to give their top 20 ideas to sell a home. Here are nine that will make an impact without breaking the bank.

Appeal to buyers: start at the curb
The old cliché about never getting a second chance to make a first impression is true. Curb appeal matters because a potential home buyer may write off the property before even entering. Buyers who see a house with cracked stucco, peeling paint or overgrown landscaping may scratch that property off their lists immediately. Ask for an objective review by a third party like a real estate agent. Agents listen to clients' first impressions every day. They know what kinds of things appeal to people and what turns them off. A few simple things like well placed, colorful potted plants, stucco in good repair or a freshly painted front door can invite potential buyers in to see an attractive interior.

Staging basics
Once a buyer gets inside the house, it's crucial to keep the momentum going. The overall look of the house can be greatly improved with a few tips from a home staging expert. Keeping the home clean and clutter-free takes your personality out of the home and makes it easy for buyers to imagine their own personality fitting into the house. Also, consider hiring a professional organizer or weekly cleaning service if keeping up with clutter is a problem.

Make minor bathroom changes
If it has plenty of space, a modest investment or some elbow grease can create a bathroom that will wow buyers. Replacing things such as globe light fixtures and outdated mirrors can do wonders to modernize a bathroom without breaking the bank. In the same fashion, shower curtains with simple designs can be substituted for those with loud patterns to appeal to a wider range of buyers. Do shower doors have unsightly mineral build up on them? Try scrubbing them instead of replacing them to save money while creating a clean, well-kept bathroom buyers want to see.

Revive the kitchen
Take a hard look at the kitchen and think of the buyer's mindset. Does the rooster wallpaper convey the seller's personality perfectly? That's great for the seller, but buyers may not identify with it. They need to see themselves in that kitchen. Simple neutral-tone paint will give buyers a blank "canvas" to imagine what it would be like if it were their kitchen. Even if the appliances work well, a dated or worn out look may be a turn off. Consider investing in what today's buyer might see as standard—stainless steel appliances and updated hardware. The Designed to Sell experts say kitchens sell houses, so this is a good room to invest in.

Keep rooms flexible
Again, think of the buyer's perspective. Turning a bedroom into a hobby room may be great for the person who lives there, but different buyers have different lives. A family with three children might look at a third bedroom turned into a wine cellar and see a costly improvement they can't afford. Continuing their search, they might find another house with just the right number of rooms for their taste. Buyers need to be able to see how that room could be transformed to fit their personality. Rooms that can serve many purposes will appeal to a wider range of people, and one of those people could make an offer.

Pool your resources
If the home has a pool, how does it look? Are water toys cluttering the patio? Is the water green and stagnant? Knowing the pools chemicals are in balance can be well worth the investment in a professional pool service. How well the pool is maintained may indicate to buyers how the rest of the home is maintained. Make sure the area is clean and uncluttered so the pool will definitely be filed in the "asset" column of a buyer's checklist.

Paint, paint, paint
Painting is one of the most cost effective ways to spruce up a house. "Paint is money in a can," said Designed to Sell's expert, Lisa LaPorta. It gives walls a fresh, clean look that can brighten a home. Remember that classic colors work best, so stick with neutral colors for walls. Colorful accessories can give the room visual interest, but don't go overboard. Keep them simple and tasteful to let the buyers imagine their own accessories in the space.

Light the way for buyers
Buyers who don't have time to see houses during the day may choose to drive by in the evening. Take an objective look to see what kind of impression the house makes at night. Is it a dark foreboding façade or a warm, well-lit inviting landscape? House curb appeal matters at night too. Good lighting design showcases a home's unique architectural qualities like entryways and alcoves. Up lighting can highlight desert plants' unique shapes (think Saguaro cacti and Ocotillos, for example), while down lighting can illuminate walkways and cast a soft inviting glow.

Replace or repair the front door
Inviting entryways contribute to the home's first impression, so make sure the front door is in top shape. The Arizona sun can damage wood doors, making them lackluster. If it is faded or the wood is starting to split, get a brighter look with a good cleaning and touch it up with oil.  Painted doors may need to be completely refinished.  If the door has irreparable damage, investing in a new door might be a better option and spruce up the front entry design at the same time.  Doors are relatively inexpensive and can be installed quickly to create a fresh, inviting new entryway.

Refurbish the basement
If a home is blessed with the added square footage of a basement, that space can be used for storage, living or both. Consider converting it to comfortable living space. Because it is underground, poor lighting can make basements seem dark and cave-like. Avoid that feeling with plenty of well placed lighting. Whatever the use, make sure it is clean and clutter free.  Maracay Homes basements have an airy feeling with tons of natural light.

Not sure which one of these tips will make the most impact in your house or in your neighborhood? Consult with a real estate agent or professional home stager to see what makes the most sense. Using these tips can help increase the number and dollar amount of offers made on a home.

Source: HGTV's Designed to Sell

For more information please visit www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-970-6000

Second of a two-part series

Maracay's last e-newsletter discussed helpful tips for preparing the homebuyer to purchase a home in today's real estate market.  An archived edition of part one in this series can be found at www.maracayhomes.com.  This article takes the next steps to focus on the final phases of the purchase process: what to expect at closing and home warranty basics.

Closing on the home

When it comes to closing, it seems paperwork reigns supreme. This process can be "old hat" for those who have gone through it before, but first time buyers can be intimidated. Here's what to expect at closing.

"Closing" or "settlement" is the process in which property is transferred from seller to buyer. All remaining fees (closing costs) are paid. During this step, the buyer is responsible for (1) signing legal documents pertaining to the loan and transfer of property and (2) paying closing costs and escrow items.

It goes without saying that buyers must carefully read all the documents being signed, but should also fully understand them. Allow enough time to read the documents thoroughly and ask questions.

Fees related to obtaining the mortgage and transferring property ownership will be paid at closing. They're handled one of two ways. Borrowers pay the fees out of their pockets or the lender packages the fees into the loan. If packaged into the loan, closing costs are added to the principal balance of the new loan or the lender will pay it. If the lender pays the costs, the interest rate will probably be higher.

Closing costs consist of fees associated with loan origination, loan application, appraisal, document preparation, attorney's services, escrow agent's services, pest inspection and credit report and processing.

If the buyer pays out of pocket, these will be due at closing. When the buyer fills out the loan application, the lender is required to provide a good faith estimate of these fees. This gives the buyer a general idea of the costs they'll need to cover at closing time. These are estimates and may vary. A few days before closing, the buyer will receive a settlement statement (also known as an "HUD-1 Statement") that gives a more exact total of the closing costs. Since these costs can vary, it's advisable to have extra money put away.

Home warranty basics

The good news about buying a newly constructed home is its reliability. Resale homes can have unforeseen problems like a leaky 10-year-old roof or a renovation that may or may not have been completed with appropriate building permits. Buyers who purchase a home from a quality builder can rest assured that their homes are reliable and meet the most up-to-date building codes.

Builders also back up their work with warranties, assurances made by manufacturers that they will stand by their work. They help give buyers peace of mind. A warranty addresses defects in materials or workmanship and will usually state that the repair or replacement will be made within a specified amount of time.

To understand what's covered and for how long, buyers should read the warranty carefully. They can request a copy from the builder any time in the sales process. They should keep it in a convenient place to refer to it after moving into the home.

Items covered by the builder and their subcontractors include framing, windows, plumbing, garage doors, termite protection, paint and insulation. Each warranty is different, so read the document carefully.

Remember that manufacturers' warranties won't come into play if something is damaged due to normal wear. If interior paint is nicked on moving day, it is the homeowner's responsibility. The builder, however, will sometimes supply a paint kit to the buyer as does Maracay Homes.

The appliance manufacturer's warranty will apply to new appliances in the home. The homeowner is also responsible for repairing small items when their movers create those conditions. The home builder will usually specify that regular maintenance needs to be performed. If the homeowner does not complete these functions, the warranty may not apply.

Throughout the buying process, it's important to stay informed. Reliable builders are happy to answer a buyer's questions at any time of the process. Open communication throughout will ensure that the sometimes daunting process will go smoothly and will benefit all parties involved.

Source: Home Buying Institute

For more information please visit www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-970-6000

We think of homes as havens from the outside world. Yet many accidents happen at home. The Home Safety Council reports that home injuries account for nearly 21 million medical visits a year.

Of course, most people who fall don't see it coming. But those who end up in the doctor's office would probably admit they could have prevented the entire ordeal with a couple of Simple-Simon measures.

Falls are the leading cause of home injury and death among adults age 65 and older. But falls can happen to anyone. According to the Home Safety Council, more than a million elderly Americans are admitted to hospital emergency rooms to treat fall-related injuries.

Are flooring and carpets entirely secure? Are runners skid-proof? Prevent slipping and tripping by checking each room for carpet or tile edges that could pose a hazard. Area and throw rugs need to be properly placed and secure as well.

Hear a bump in the night? Don't make getting to the phone or the light switch an obstacle course. Prevent falls by placing lamps or light switches within reach of the bed or use nightlights to softly light pathways. Night lights that light up only when needed will help save electricity and prolong the light's life.

In the bathroom, water can make surfaces slippery and hazardous. Apply skid resistant coatings or decals on bathtubs and shower floors. Grab bars in shower or bath stalls are especially useful for older adults and can also help avoid tumbles.

Don't forget to be safe when it comes to regular home maintenance. Make sure tools used are put away when finished. Tools carelessly left in walkways present tripping hazards.

Use a ladder that's the right height for the job. The top steps have the least amount of stability. If it's a stretch to reach a spot, get a taller ladder.

Though it may seem like a convenient place to store items that need to go to the second floor, items that clutter stairways can lead to serious tumbles. Make a habit of getting those items to the second floor with every trip so the unthinkable doesn't occur.

Little things can make a big difference. Pay attention to these simple tasks and make sure no one takes the fall.  Practicing these safety measures sooner rather than later can prevent trips to the doctor—or worse, the hospital.

For more information please visit www.maracayhomes.com or call 480-970-6000

For a limited time, only at Sienna Vista Village and Trailside 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 and front yard landscaping too.  Want more included Flex Design features?  How about an oversized garage?  Maracay makes it easy to get started in home ownership!

The Villages at Sienna Vista
Starting at $169,500
Save thousands on incentives!
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.

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

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

Trailside Village
Starting at $167,900
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.

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