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Your Home  Lifestyle  dreams
Why home buyers keep coming back to Taylor Morrison
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Community Spotlight: Las Brisas
Time to Design, with Dave Chesley
Summer Entertaining: Pool Parties & BBQs
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community spotlight Las Brisas’ Amenities Affordability: Homes starting in the mid $100s. Great Floor Plans: Choose from 23 plans inspired by homebuyers to include today’s most popular and in-demand features. One- and two-story plans range from 1,328 to 3,958 square feet with up to seven bedrooms and lots of opportunities for personalization to reflect your own unique taste. An Inviting Community: Everything you need to enjoy an active Arizona lifestyle is here – parks, walkingtrails, sports fields and basketball courts. A Convenient Location: Las Brisas is just 20 miles west of downtown Phoenix. That commute will be even easier when the nearby Loop 303 Freeway is completed next year. Added Value: Right now, Las Brisas is offering homebuyers a year of no HOA dues. That puts more money in your pocket that you can use for options or upgrades. Natural Beauty: Las Brisas is in the shadow of the Estrella Mountains with scenic views, desert vistas and lots of wide-open spaces. Sports Paradise: You’ll be close to major sporting events like NASCAR, MLB spring training, the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and the NHL’s Coyotes. There are plenty of golf courses nearby, too. Energy-Efficiency: All the homes at Las Brisas are ENERGY STAR rated to save you money and keep you comfortable. Solar options are also available on every home. Easy Access to Shops & Services: There are several major shopping centers, movie theaters, restaurants and medical centers. Great Schools: Goodyear has toprated public schools.
Las Brisas Ride the breeze to the good life in Goodyear Homebuyers in search of a charming, yet affordable, neighborhood nestled within a peaceful Valley community need look no further than Las Brisas. Located in picturesque Goodyear, Las Brisas — which translates from Spanish as “the breezes,” a reference to the gentle winds that add to the allure of this scenic area — offers residents a wide range of thoughtful floorplans in its Discovery, Encore and Expedition collections. Prices for these desirable three- to five-bedroom homes with mountain views start from the mid $100s, exceptional deals that are only further enhanced by the city’s superior quality of life. Goodyear, after all, is a proud past recipient not only of the All-America City designation but also the Most Livable City in America (for populations 100,000 and fewer) award, thanks in no small part to the city’s friendly, small-town atmosphere that still manages to pack plenty of big-city amenities, all just minutes from Phoenix. The impressive Goodyear Park, for instance, welcomes both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians each year for some of the best of Major League Baseball spring training. Estrella Mountain Regional Park, a local treasure featuring nearly 20,000 acres of stunning Sonoran desert, beckons outdoor enthusiasts with trails, campgrounds, baseball fields and a rodeo arena. And, in the next several years, the city is slated to see the
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opening of Estrella Falls Regional Mall These kinds of facilities and services all contribute toward making Goodyear a great place to call home, says Harry Paxton, the city’s economic development manager. And that holds true for businesses as well as people. In fact, he says, a slew of top-notch companies are either setting up shop in the city, beefing up their existing workforces or making other significant investments in the community. For example, Cancer Treatment Centers of America opened its Western Regional Medical Center in the city more than five years ago and now is expanding. In addition, West Valley Hospital is expanding as well. Located along the PV-303 corridor, highend appliance maker Sub-Zero is adding to its work force, as is Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has its Western division distribution and operations center north of Sub-Zero’s property. Cookson Door Sales of Arizona announced earlier this year that it’s building a plant in Goodyear, and Netherlandsbased plastics manufacturer Schoeller Arca Systems not only is operating in the city now, but also has moved its U.S. headquarters to the city from Chicago. These are but a few highlights on the city’s burgeoning economic front, but they all point to the same thing: There’s never been a better time to live in Goodyear, and what better address to have than one at Las Brisas?
blueprint coming soon It’s been worth the wait for Eastmark, Maplewood Court, Elliot Groves Waiting for the right East Valley home to come along? You won’t have to wait much longer! This spring, Taylor Morrison is opening three premier new communities — Adora Trails Summit Collection, Maplewood Court and Elliot Groves at Morrison Ranch — all with the high-quality construction and beautiful details you’ll always find in our homes. Plus we’re thrilled to be one of seven builders selected for the new and exciting masterplanned community of Eastmark, which has its grand opening June 1 in Mesa. So what can you expect to see at our welcoming new neighborhoods? At Maplewood Court, you’ll find serenity and exclusivity just minutes away from the Loop 202 in Chandler. This desirable enclave with just 32 luxurious home sites is located near Alma School and Willis
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East Valley
roads, and the open and inviting floor plans range from 2,800 to nearly 4,700 square feet. Along with energy-saving features and distinctive interior and exterior design touches, Maplewood Court homes come with another truly amazing option: generously sized garages able to accommodate four to six cars. Head south to the foot of the stunning San Tan Mountains and you’ll find Adora Trails, a master-planned community in Gilbert that boasts its own elementary school as well as 29 delightfully diverse floorplans from which to choose. Resort-style amenities include a well-appointed community clubhouse complete with gourmet kitchen, a heated pool and an indoor/outdoor fireplace. Outdoor enthusiasts will be wowed by the catch-and-release lake, the twelve miles of walking trails and the 10-acre neighborhood park. Also in Gilbert is Elliot Groves, a new addition to the gorgeous & highly soughtafter community of Morrison Ranch. Elliot Groves features single- and two-story, three- to five-bedroom homes ranging from just over 2,100 square feet to just over 3,600 square feet. In keeping with the his-
Luxury
toric flavor of the Morrison Ranch, which hearkens back to an earlier time with its tree-lined streets and white-railed fences, elevation styles include Craftsman, prairie and traditional farmhouse. As for our homes in Eastmark, we’re proud to announce they’ll be located just east of the much anticipated Great Park, the “heart” and focal point of this outstanding new master planned development. Some of our established single-story floorplans will be available, but we’ll also be introducing three brand-new, two-story floorplans designed specifically for this location. Eastmark homebuyers will also benefit from our Elem3nts program, which is Taylor Morrison’s ongoing commitment to energy efficiency & environmentally responsible homebuilding practices as well as the optional, Interactive HomeTM by Taylor Morrison, which uses in-wall controls to make security, convenience and entertainment literally as easy as pushing a button. Whether you have a full house or an empty nest, you’re sure to find a Taylor Morrison home in the East Valley that exceeds your expectations and fits the way you live!
The pool and seating area at the Adora Trails Clubhouse
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cover story
Trust ‘Legacy homebuyers’ come back to Taylor Morrison for the superior design, affordability and customer service Nason and Cortney Bouche fell in love with a Taylor Morrison home in Surprise, Arizona, that, at first, was out of their price range. But with affordability at an all-time high, they were eventually able to scoop up a snazzy spec home with the same floorplan as their favorite and figured they’d stay put awhile. Six weeks later, however, Nason got an irresistible job offer — in the East Valley. “It’s one hour and fifteen minutes each way,” the father of two young boys says of his new office, where he’s a financial advisor, a job he loves. He’s not so enamored, however, of the commute. So the couple started looking for homes in the East Valley, and their search led them right away to another Taylor Morrison community, Adora Trails in Gilbert. They found a home they love with a layout similar to their current one —”it gives me the same feeling when I walk in,” she says — and can’t wait to move into the new place in late summer. “I’m so excited to have the elementary school right there,” adds Cortney, who grew up in Peoria and thought she’d live in the West Valley forever. “The big thing for me is that my older son will be four in October, and I want to be able to be there” for his activities, rather than stuck in traffic, says Nason. The Bouches are just one example of Taylor Morrison’s “legacy homebuyers,” those buyers who keep coming back for the superior design,
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Why We Love Taylor Morrison
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Nason and Cortney Bouche
Location, location, location — neighborhoods near where we want (and need) to be Resort-style living Family-oriented community amenities and an on-site elementary school Staff that give you their all and work within your budget
Jeanne Cotton ä The staff is “so nice to work with” The affordability factor, which makes a house payment “cheaper than rent” High-end design elements like her kitchen island and granite countertops A backyard lot that’s “big enough for a pool…”
ting the best affordability and customer service. In fact, they were particularly impressed by the service they got at the Design Center, where their consultant helped them get “everything we wanted, down to the kitchen backsplash,” Nason says. And everything, Cortney adds, came to within the last $10 of their budget. That sort of loyalty is not surprising to Jeanne Cotton, another Taylor Morrison legacy homebuyer. The retiree bought her first Taylor Morrison home in California in 1990 and lived there for 13 years. “It was the bathroom that sold me,” she says, laughing, as she recalls how taken she was with the Roman tub she had installed. Years later, she and her husband, Russell, were looking for a different place to hang their hats. He wanted a new home, but she thought all they could afford were resale properties. After looking at the available inventory, they decided they needed something brand new and heard about Las Brisas in Goodyear. A 1,525-square foot home was priced right, but Jeanne notes it was the indulgent soaking tub that once again sealed the deal for her. “I already knew Taylor Morrison’s quality, so it was an easy decision,” she says of the couple’s home purchase. And the two haven’t stopped there. They decided to dip their toes into the world of investment properties and purchased a second home in Las Brisas that will house Jeanne’s stepdaughter and her family. The house payment is more affordable than even renting would be, Jeanne says. And there’s an even better bonus than the tax write-off, she adds: Grandkids will be close by!
More reasons to love Taylor Morrison homes in the Phoenix area High Performance: Every home is built to the uncompromising standards associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program. Quality Construction: An independent, third-party agency physically inspects and performance tests each home for quality assurance and efficiency. Outstanding Included Features: Each home is nicely equipped with features like ceramic tile at all wet areas, quality GE® brand appliances, radiant barrier insulative roof sheathing & 14 SEER A/C units ... just to name a few! Inspired Floorplans: All communities offer a large selection of home layouts and structural options, all designed to fit a variety of busy, active lifestyles.
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inside dirt
Q&A
P.J. Saturno
dave chesley
Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager for Taylor Morrison Home Funding
Area Construction Manager for Taylor Morrison
time to
Q | I’m self-
design A chat with Vicki Lerum of the Design Studio
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Hi, I’m here at our Design Studio with Vicki Lerum. Vicki is one of the clever and inspiring designers who helps new homebuyers transform one of our functional floor plans into a beautiful, personalized home. She’s going to talk to us about the Design Studio process so potential buyers know what to expect.
bring your checkbook to the appointment in the event an additional deposit is required. Our professional designers will guide you through every step and their goal is to thoroughly understand your style and help you explore your ideas so that your new home will be everything you envisioned. This appointment is where the house turns into your new home!
Q | Vicki, how should a buyer prepare for an
Q | Great information! Could you also give
appointment at the Design Studio?
A | Vicki: This is the fun part of the homebuying process! During your design studio appointment, you will have the opportunity to select the design features and touches that you will cherish for many years to come. It may help to create a “dream book” with ideas, notes and pictures; this can be either a notebook or a digital scrapbook. You might also want to explore your community’s model homes and make notes about your favorite cabinets, flooring, lighting, countertops, bath fixtures and so on. Remember to look for colors and finishes that appeal to you. Bringing a camera to the appointment is also a good idea.
Q | How long does an appointment last? Will there be more than one?
A | You will be scheduled for one appointment and the length of this appointment depends on the number of options that are offered for your floorplan. Appointment lengths vary, but a good rule of thumb is to allow four to six hours to review, price and select the choices for your home. Also, since we will not begin construction of your home until all your design studio options have been finalized, we ask that you | 6 | Breaking Ground | Taylor Morrison
us a few tips about things to consider when selecting design options for a new home?
A | Sure. First, rest assured that when making your design selections, regardless of whether you’re selecting an upgraded item or one of our many outstanding included features: Every detail, manufacturer and installer has been carefully selected to provide you with a home you can be proud to own. That said, keep in mind there will never be a better time to invest in your home’s finishes than before you’re living in it. A few other things to think about include: Traffic patterns and activities: Consider your family’s habits when making flooring selections. This will help guide your decisions about carpet, tile, and wood flooring options. Extra electrical outlets: These come in so handy and can be expensive to add later. Think about adding a couple under the eaves for holiday lighting or one in the garage or laundry room for an extra refrigerator or freezer. Your budget: Be realistic and know your comfort zone. This will give you peace of mind and allow the excitement of your new home to take hold!
employed and want to apply for a mortgage. What should I know about the process?
A | If you’re a self-employed person applying for a home loan, be aware that the law now typically requires your income to be verified using two years’ worth of tax returns and, often, additional documentation such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements. This can pose a challenge for many self-employed workers because their income levels may vary greatly from year to year. Potential homebuyers also need to understand some of the basic methods that underwriters use to determine loan qualifications. For example, if you made $50,000 in 2011 and $200,000 in 2012, we have to average that income over two years. On the other hand, an applicant who made $200,000 in 2011 and $100,000 in 2012 needs to realize that those two incomes will not usually be averaged because the income will be seen as declining. Of course, the ideal situation is always to show a stable income. Self-employed individuals also need to know that a loan officer looks at the income that is left after all business expenses are taken out. So, if an applicant grossed $200,000 in income for 2012, but wrote off $150,000 in expenses, generally that $50,000 left is what’s considered as income to qualify. On the flip side, we often see self-employed potential homebuyers who think they cannot qualify for a loan and, really, they can, because we are able to often add back in things like depreciation into their income for qualifying.
pool parties &bbqs
summer entertaining
As summer approaches, it’s time to fire up the grill. Once again, we’ve called upon Valley chef and restaurateur Eddie Matney of Eddie’s House restaurant to delve into his recipe files for some sure-fire grilling favorites. Get out and enjoy!
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Grilled Pork “Baby Back” Ribs with Cantaloupe BBQ Sauce 4 ea. 1 TB 2 TB
Slabs of pork “baby back” ribs, skinned Extra virgin olive oil Eddie’s Mo’Rockin’ Spice (recipe follows)
Note: For this recipe, it is not necessary to pre-boil the ribs before cooking them. 1. Rub ribs with olive oil and spice mix and grill on high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until dark golden brown. 2. Reduce heat to low, brush with cantaloupe barbeque sauce and cook for one hour or until very tender.
eddie matney Mo’Rockin’ Spice Mix
Cantaloupe BBQ Sauce
Chipotle Coleslaw
1 TB Paprika 1 tsp Cayenne pepper 1 tsp Granulated garlic 1 tsp Mint, dry ½ tsp Onion powder 1 tsp Thyme, dry ½ tsp Crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp Kosher salt
½ ea Red onion, chopped 2 ea Garlic cloves, chopped 2 tsp Extra virgin olive oil 2 ea Serrano chiles, chopped 1 cup Cantaloupe, skinned, seeded, chopped 2 TB Cilantro, fresh, chopped 1 TB Dijon mustard 2 cups Favorite barbeque sauce 2 ea Limes, juiced to taste Salt and black pepper
2 cups Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix ¼-½ c Ranch dressing 2 tsp Chipotle paste or pureed chipotle peppers ½ cup Corn, roasted to taste Salt and black pepper
1. In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients. 2. Sprinkle over any fish, meat, poultry, or vegetables.
1. Combine all of the ingredients above and mix well. 2. Serve alongside ribs, or any other barbecued
1. Sauté onions, garlic, and chiles in olive oil for 2 minutes or until translucent. 2. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened. Breaking Ground | Taylor Morrison | 7 |
inspired ideas
10 Home Must-Do Maintenance Tips
Repair it! Slight cracking in conNot sure where to start when it comes 4 crete on driveways, walks and patios to springtime home maintenance? Here’s a Top Ten list of tips, condensed is normal and ordinarily of no serious confrom our home maintenance booklet, to sequence. Slight cracks may be repaired by roughening the edges of the crack if they are get you started: smooth, cleaning out loose material and dirt, 1 Change it! The air filter in your wetting the surrounding concrete around home’s air-conditioning system must the crack and filling the cracks with patchbe replaced or cleaned monthly for maxiing cement slightly higher than the crack to mum efficiency. Refer to the instruction allow for shrinkage. Commercially prepared manual for your HVAC system. patching mixtures also may be used, but Clear ‘em! Keep attic vents unob- color matches cannot be guaranteed. 2 structed year round. Clear soffit vents and/or ridge vents of debris, and ridge vents 5 Clean it! For safe fireplace operation, maintain a clean, unobstructed periodically to ensure they are secure and fireplace and chimney. Have a fireplace have not been stepped on and deformed. cleaning company inspect the fireplace and Caulk it! Replace cracked or disin3 tegrated caulk immediately. When chimney once a year. Maintain it! Maintain your garage re-caulking the exterior, use a product to 6 door by applying a 30-weight autowhich paint will adhere. Inside the home, hairline cracks can usually be repaired with mobile oil or similar lubricant to all moving a coat of paint, and slightly larger cracks or parts every six months. Make sure hardware is tight and operating as intended. nail pops may be repaired with spackle.
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Taylor Morrison Communities TaylorMorrison.com/phoenix
Know it! Prevent damage to your
7 garage door opener by making sure
the door is completely unlocked and the rope-pull has been removed before using the operator. Be familiar with the steps for manual operation of the door in the event of a power failure. Grade it! Over time, the grade
8 around your home may settle. If this
occurs, spread soil in the depressions to reestablish the grade. To prevent erosion and water puddles, add grass immediately after occupancy to all non-wooded areas that have not been sodded or seeded and, if you change the original grade, make sure slope drainage is maintained. Keep water ditches or swales open and free of debris and structures. Do not allow sprinklers to wet the house or form puddles near or against the foundation. Inspect it! If you notice a problem
9 with your roof, have it inspected by
a professional. Avoid walking on the roof because tiles are fragile. Keep gutters free of debris and do not step or stand on them either. Check ‘em! Check smoke detec-
10 tors monthly to make sure they are
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functioning properly. If your detector is not working properly in a battery operated model, verify that the battery is not expired. With an electrical powered model, verify that the electrical connection has not been severed or the circuit breaker is off. This Taylor Morrison® Phoenix Division publication is provided for informational purposes only without warranty or representation. Not an offer or solicitation in any state or jurisdiction where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Fees, memberships and restrictions may apply for certain amenities. Prices, incentives, floor plans, features, photos, drawings, options, assessments, planned amenities and availability are not guaranteed and remain subject to change without notice or obligation. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal or investment advice. For more information on any Taylor Morrison Phoenix Community, visit www.taylormorrison.com. © Taylor Morrison/Arizona Inc. All right reserved. AZ ROC # 179178B ©May 2013, TM Homes of Arizona, Inc., AZ DRE # CO535669000. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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