GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JUNE 24, 2018
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New Home Communities TAKE THE PLUNGE
BUILDING A POOL ALONG WITH A HOUSE CAN SAVE BIG BUCKS
BY SHERRY JACKSON
Inside
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ith our hot summertime temps, it’s definitely pool season in Arizona. New home builders face a multitude of decisions, like whether or not to build a pool now or wait until after the house is built. Well, we’ve done the digging and asked experts for their thoughts. “There are many reasons to take advantage of putting in a pool when building a new home,” said Jeff Ast, president, Shasta Pools. “Oftentimes the pool can be excavated with a normal track hoe and a dump truck right in the back yard. If you wait until after close of escrow, in some cases we have to use smaller equipment to excavate. This can add a large increase in excavation costs due to the additional time it takes to build.” Nick Wright, vice president of operations for Shea Homes Arizona, agreed. “Most buyers just want to move in and have everything complete with no stress or construction,” he said. “When the pool is built at the same time as
INTRODUCING BY SHERRY JACKSON
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eaturing tree-lined streets and 63 oversized homesites in a gated community, Maracay Homes’ newest subdivision, Marathon Ranch, celebrated its grand opening in early June. The new community is located at the southeast corner of Riggs and Val Vista in Gilbert. Marathon Ranch has a secluded tree-lined entrance that welcomes guests into the walkable community with neighborhood amenities encouraging community interaction. Residents can choose to play a game at the horseshoe or basketball courts, take the kids out for some fun at the shaded
PHOENIX.ORG NEW HOME COMMUNITIES
your new home, equipment isn’t going to damage any landscaping. It all finishes up at the same time.” That means saving money. “Homes are getting tighter with smaller side and back yards. If we have to use smaller equipment, it can add $3,000 to $6,000 to the cost of the pool,” Ast said. Fencing and block walls may also need to be removed, adding to the cost. New homeowners also need to think about financing. With the average
cost of a pool in Maricopa County at $42,000, a typical rule of thumb is that the pool cost should stay within 10 percent of the cost of the home for mortgage qualification, Ast said. “First mortgage rates and terms traditionally are more favorable than secondary financing,” Wright added. “It’s all about the monthly payment,” Ast said. “Typically, people are staying in their homes eight to nine years. That See
Pools on page 7
Features
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Trendy Closets
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Barbecue Technology
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Community Map
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On Phoenix.org/NewHome Dealmakers: Belfiore and Rose Featured Homes
MARATHON RANCH tot lot and ramada, or bring together friends and family for a picnic at the turf play lawn with barbecue grill. The community also has direct access to the future Marathon Trail that connects walkers, joggers and cyclists to Gilbert’s Central Trail System, featuring 135 miles of intersecting paths weaving through the town and most of its parks. “Maracay Homes is keen on the East Valley and all that it has to offer to Arizona homebuyers,” said Andy Warren, president, Maracay Homes. “Marathon Ranch’s central location in Gilbert means residents will have access to the best that this vibrant region has See
Marathon Ranch on page 2
(Photo courtesy Maracay Homes)
Prospective buyers at Marathon Ranch can choose from four single-story floor plans.