WWW.AZCENTRAL.COM
|| S U N D AY , A P R I L 2 7 , 2 014
|| PA G E R1
AZ Real Estate REACH US
|| K A R A M O R R I S O N , A Z R E A L E S TAT E E D I T O R , K A R A . M O R R I S O N @ A R I Z O N A R E P U B L I C . C O M || R E A L E S TAT E . A Z C E N T R A L . C O M
CATHERINE REAGOR REAL ESTATE
The Thatchers didn’t get to choose the exterior look of the model home, but the front and backyard were fully landscaped.
Although the house came furnished, the Thatchers had to buy beds, because model homes typically have mock beds.
Rent is out of reach for many in Arizona
MODEL LIVING T
The Litchfield Park model home that Celeste and Graham Thatcher bought came loaded with upgrades, including granite countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen. The couple purchased the model furniture and accessories to save time. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE LEIGHT/THE REPUBLIC
Builders’ showpiece homes can offer more upgrades for money Sue Doerfler The Republic
i
azcentral.com
Celeste and Graham Thatcher looked at more than 40 houses before finding the home of their dreams. They toured new homes. They viewed existing homes. But the West Valley home they chose is neither. It’s a model home. A model home is like a new resale home. It combines the best of both types, builders and buyers say. Builders typically put their model homes up for sale once a subdivision is nearly built out. By that time, the models are usually several years old.
They’ve been cleaned and polished on a regular basis, possibly repainted and maybe even redecorated. “You know the home has been kept in impeccable shape because it’s a showpiece,” said Ken Peterson, sales and marketing director for Shea Homes. “When we put these on the market, they sell pretty quick.” Many buyers find out about model sales on builders’ websites, he said. Some builders compile lists of people interested in buying a model. Other times, the model is listed on the Arizona Multiple Listing Service. Like an existing house, a model is already built
Online: See a video about Celeste and Graham Thatcher at azcentral .com.
o afford a basic two-bedroom apartment in Arizona, a renter needs to earn about $17.52 an hour. A renter in metro Phoenix must make $18.40 an hour. The state’s minimum wage is $7.90. A new report shows about 53 percent of Arizona renters don’t earn enough to afford a two-bedroom unit. According to Out of Reach 2014, produced by National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Arizona Housing Alliance, the typical renter in Arizona earns $14.54 per hour. Working at minimum-wage jobs, an Arizona family must have 2.2 wage earners working full time, or one full-time earner working 89 hours per week, to afford a two-bedroom apartment. “Hard-working families, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities should be able to pay for their home and still have enough left over to buy basics like groceries, gas and child care,” said Val Iverson, Arizona Housing Alliance executive director. Arizona is the 19th most expensive state in the nation for renters, according to the report. The national average is $18.92 in hourly wages needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment, so Arizona does fare better. However, Coconino County, home to Flagstaff, is less affordable than the national average. In Coconino, the typical renter needs to earn $19.63 an hour, according to the study.
Help for veterans
Veterans Administration mortgages currently have some of the best rates and terms, but there’s even more help coming for Arizona veterans. On Saturday, May 17, the See REAGOR, Page R3
See MODEL, Page R3
Luxury Retirement Community for Active Adults Over 62. Come And Experience The Hospitality!
Call Us. NOW..
To make reservations to be our guest for complimentary lunch and tour.
For more information, see our ad inside!
LUXURY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OF SUN CITY
623-933-1313 • www.wooddalevillage.com
AR-0008208503-01
SCOTTSDALE | 5540 East Mercer Lane | Open Today 1-4PM
LIKE A RESORT STAY. Secluded on over an ACRE cul-de-sac MLS# lot with lighted tennis court, magnificent curb appeal, gorgeous Bedrooms remodeled interior spaces and resort yard. This five-star beauty is Bath a must see! Inspiring, over twenty foot high tongue and groove Pool ceilings, clerestory windows and beautiful Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors. A massive center island sets the stage in the Sq. Ft. dream kitchen. Grand family room with built-ins and fireplace. Parking Double doors reveal the enormous master. Sitting area, his and hers Lot Size walk-in closets, private exit and stunning redone contemporary ZIP Code bath. Numerous amenities out back - entertainment Ramada, pool, fireplace, misting system and more. Room to park a dozen cars. - Online Pics Joseph Callaway Price
- 5104814 -5 -3 - Yes - 4,074 - 2-Car Garage - ACRE-PLUS - 85254 - ThoseCallaways.com - $850,000
Brought to you by Those Callaways Luxury Circle, see more inside (480) 596-5751
PARADISE VALLEY | 6071 East Cheney Drive | Open Today 12-4PM
CHARMING ARIZONA RANCH-STYLE HOME. Thanks to MLS# a surround of pristine natural desert and a well-set-back setting, Bedrooms this original Arizona ranch-style cottage is blessed with plenty of Bath privacy as well as a large, level lot with both mountain and city Pool lights views. Move right in, fix-up or use as venue for your viewrich dream home. Comfy, cozy and completely charming w/wealth Sq. Ft. of wood and brick accents. Sun-splashed living room w/concrete ZIP Code floors, big window-walls, floor-to-ceiling fired-adobe fireplace. Online Pics Sunny kitchen w/knotty hardwood cabinetry. Guest quarters. Price Generous patios, some w/desert-stone pony walls, adding to the home’s “old Arizona” romance and ambience. Visit tourfactory. com/1117622. See inside for full details and directions.
Brought to you by Sandra Baldwin, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
- 5066761 -3 -3 - No - 1,995 - 85253 - BaldwinTeam.com - $1,230,000
see more inside AR-0008192833-01