New Home Communities at Phoenix.org March 18, 2018

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

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New Home Communities FEATURE STORY DEALMAKERS:

housing market ‘growing’

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA

The Valley’s housing market is on an upward trajectory, according to speakers at the ninth annual AZ Dealmakers at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in late January.

“Housing is growing,” said Belfiore Real Estate Consulting founder and president Jim Belfiore. “The market is tremendously better.”

Hosted by Belfiore and Rose Law Group, the event featured presentations from the consultant along with keynote speakers Elliott D. Pollack, CEO of Elliott D. Pollack & Company, and Joe Blackbourn, president and founder of Everest Holdings. A panel of industry insiders offered their insight on the market’s status.

Sales and demand are steadily increasing, with the number of sales per subdivision sitting at nearly 2.7 in the metro Phoenix area as of January. While the rate has grown over the past two years, and the speed of sales has improved, the market

INTRODUCING

BY SHERRY JACKSON

S

ituated on 900 acres in the heart of Gilbert, Cooley Station by Fulton Homes is one of the town’s largest new-home neighborhoods. The Cooley Station master plan calls for a village-style community with central gathering spots and a variety of homes including traditional single-family homes and smaller homes with interior courtyards geared towards a lock-and-leave lifestyle.

The development is strategically located between the ASU Polytechnic College and SanTan Village, off Recker Road between Williams Field and Ray roads. The town of Gilbert has planned this corridor as pedestrian-oriented with shopping, dining and luxury apartments. Its proximity to the Loop 202 Freeway and Phoenix-Mesa-Williams

Inside

PHOENIX.ORG NEW HOME COMMUNITIES Features

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Latest Tech

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Coming Soon

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Community Map

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Photo courtesy Dave Wright Photos)

Belfiore Real Estate Consulting founder and president Jim Belfiore provided an overview on the metro Phoenix housing market at the ninth annual AZ Dealmakers at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in late January.

still shows room for improvement.

“We’re still not at a level that I would say is super healthy, but we’re at a decent level,” Belfiore explained. “We’re at 2.7 sales on average over the last 12 months per subdivision. We’d like it to be higher

– 3.5, 3.7, 4.0.”

Annualized new sales contracts are up to 18,000. According to Belfiore Real Estate Consulting’s 2018 Annual See

Dealmakers on page 6

On Phoenix.org/NewHome Blog – What will 2018 bring The Vista at Granite Crossing

Cooley Station Gateway Airport is just one of the amenities of this community. Prices begin in the $280,000s.

“Our Cooley Station communities offer abundant square footage, a feeling of openness, and privacy for new homebuyers,” says Doug Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Buyers will be surprised by the spacious feel of these homes. Also, each lot is maintained by the HOA, which means owners can enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle.”

Five different neighborhoods make up Cooley Station. Homes in the Union Pacific neighborhood range from 1,985 square feet to 2,500 square feet.

Floorplans are two-story with garages and front yard landscaping and maintenance included. Up to six-bedroom and three-bathroom plans are available with two and three car garages.

In the Central Vermont neighborhood, floorplans range from 1,847 square feet to more than 3,500 square feet. Each home features a courtyard with a garage and some plans offer a detached casita. Homes in Boston & Maine feature plans from 2,200 square feet to more than 4,350 square feet. Homes in this traditional neighborhood have front-loaded, four-car tandem garages and paver driveways.

The Seaboard neighborhood is Cooley Station’s low-maintenance living option.

Front yard landscaping is included. Plans range from 1,677 square feet up to 3,000 square feet with front-loaded garages situated on traditional single-family lots.

Cooley Station’s luxury neighborhood, Santa Fe, has homes starting from $450,000. Floor plans are large, ranging from 2,937 square feet to more than 4,700 square feet with front-loaded

garages and up to seven bedrooms and six bathrooms.

Neighborhood amenities feature a 7,000 square-foot pool, a clubhouse with community kitchen, basketball and pickleball courts, neighborhood parks, and barbeques.

Ira Fulton began Fulton Homes more than 40 years ago and remains one of Arizona’s largest family-owned and -operated homebuilders.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

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THE DEALMAKERS

BY JIM BELFIORE AND JORDAN ROSE

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re you one of the many Phoenicians who has sat on the sidelines waiting for the right time to buy a first home, move-up into a larger home, or transition to something newer or better located? The best time may be now, with the cost of homeownership set to rise more significantly than in past, post-housing bubble burst years.

Housing supply is low and shrinking.

A shortage of resale supply exists. Fewer than 21,000 homes were listed for sale in the entire Valley in January, according to resale data supplier Cromford Report.

Supply equated to just 3.2 months less than one year ago and much less than two years ago, despite more buyers.

Demand was 8 percent higher in 2017 than in 2016. This growth level is consistent with previous recent years.

New housing supply was healthier and more available than resale supply, but despite builders selling 11 percent more homes last year than in 2016 (up from the 10 percent increase from 2015 to 2016 and the 44 percent increase from 2014 to 2015), the number of open new communities to choose from was flat. This year, Belfiore Real Estate Consulting analysts

Jim Belafore and Jordan Rose

project 11 percent higher demand for new homes.

The law of economics suggests prices are set to rise – fewer homes, more demand, higher prices. Belfiore projects an average of 6 percent appreciation this year for new homes. A rise of 6 percent translates into $6,000 more in price for every $100,000 the home costs. The median-priced new home, $303,200, would cost $321,392 at the end of this year with projected appreciation coming to fruition.

One other factor will contribute to rising prices – rising costs. Builders have already found building is costing more.

Labor is a challenge and materials are more expensive and rising. The cost of building has risen 30 percent to 40 percent, builders say, over the last 36 months. The homebuilding industry is scrambling to replace labor that left the business during the Great Recession, and tariffs and rising commodity prices are pushing up the costs of items that go into homes. With the cost of building rising, the price of homes will rise.

The best “deal” for a home is likely attainable now, before supply tightens and costs rise further.

Mortgage interest rates are likely to

further decrease how affordable ownership will be in the future.

Most homebuyers purchase a home with a 30-year mortgage. Rates have increased over the last two weeks, and with bond rates volatile, and healthy economic and employment growth, rates are expected to continue to rise this year. Every rise means higher monthly payments for borrowers.

This year and next will should be a good one for residents in JIM BELAFORE JORDAN ROSE the Phoenix area. According to economic forecasting firm Moody’s Analytics, income growth is expected to shoot upward less yesterday. With a big-ticket item like by more than 10 percent over the two- a home, increases in cost are magnified. year period. Nearly 90,000 new jobs Today may be the best day to start your will be created and our population will search for a new home. grow by 210,000 or more people. These Jim Belfiore is founder and president of are positive metrics that will continue increase our confidence, and hopefully, Belfiore Real Estate Consulting, Arizona’s our way of life. If the projections come leading independent real estate research true, though, they will also create more firm Jordan Rose is the founder and presineed for housing, more competition for the supply that exists, and likely, higher dent of Rose Law Group pc, a full-service business and real estate firm and the largest prices.

No one likes to pay more today for woman-owned law firm in Arizona history. something that could have purchased for

Resort-style amenities luring new home buyers

BY SHERRY JACKSON

S

igns for new home communities are sprouting around the East Valley. Farms and former pasture land are being converted in a seemingly fast-paced race for buyers looking for a new home. Some buyers are looking for more space or updated floor plans or to purchase their first home. But there’s also a growing demand for communities that

offer bigger and better amenities with places to interact with neighbors.

Many new home communities are touting resort-style amenities to attract those new home buyers. These new communities offer large, resort-style pools, fitness centers with state-of-theart equipment, dog parks and walking trails. Some have clubhouses with gathering spaces and bistros where neighbors can meet up and grab a cup of coffee, a

sandwich for lunch, craft beer or glass of wine.

Social Gathering Spaces

“People want to spend more time with their neighbors,” says Kevin Rosinski, senior vice president of Toll Brothers Arizona Division. “Whether it’s a clubhouse or some other common place in the community where everyone can gather and have multi-functional spaces

for events.” At Calliandra Estates by Toll Brothers in Gilbert, the community features a large indoor community kitchen and game room, an outdoor kitchen with tables, a fireplace gathering area and a playground.

Clubhouses are a popular amenity. Adora Trails in Gilbert features a See

Resort-style on page 4

Experience you can count on.

Belfiore Real Estate Consulting is Arizona’s leading, independent real estate research firm. The company provides data products and advisory services to those tracking current market trends- whether at a macro Metro Phoenix, Metro Tucson, or Northern Arizona level or within a particular community or specific competitive market area. Leading homebuilders, developers, appraisers, brokers, lenders, title companies, landscape management companies, retailers, and investors rely on Belfiore’s stats and projections.

As a full-service firm, Belfiore’s Team of analysts produces off-the-shelf advisory and data-tracking products, as well as Custom Market Feasibility Studies and Asset Management Reports.

Clients have access to award-winning, comprehensive, webbased software that contains five distinct pricing metrics for actively-marketed Arizona communities, incentive levels, inventory levels, lot information for inactive, planned pipeline communities, land and lot sales comparables, and much more.

Analysts visit and update data within every new home community in the Phoenix-area, Tucson-area, and Northern Arizona a minimum of six times annually, updating information with the company’s proprietary software.

3930 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044 480.706.1002 belfioreconsulting.com

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

NEW HOME TECH

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Tricked out with Tech

Bathroom features that take smart living to a new level

BY PHOENIX.ORG STAFF

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o luxurious home upgrade is complete without the enhancements of modern technology. High-tech and intelligent devices lend ease to everyday activities and enrich your ability to enjoy the comforts of home. With new products joining this category at an exponential pace, there’s a way to boost the smart function of every room, even the bathroom.

Climate controls

Environmental elements like lighting and temperature are among the first signals your brain processes when you enter a new space. Aligning those nuances with your comfort and preferences is the ultimate expression of personalization. Motion or voice control sensors make it possible to bring lights to life with next to no effort, while a smart thermostat with differentiated climate zones can adjust to meet your needs throughout the day, perhaps kicking up a few degrees to prevent a chill when you emerge from a steamy shower.

Uncommon commodes

There truly is no limit to the home features that can work harder, faster and smarter – even when it comes to the toilet. If the notion of an intelligent toilet seems extreme to your senses, you may not be alone.

“When Americans hear the word bidet, most have an outdated picture in their minds of a standalone fixture, but in fact, the functionality is now built into a toilet or attachable seats, and they are simple to use. Once you try one, you won’t be able to live without it,” said Shane Allis, marketing director of Kohler Sanitary Products. “From intelligent toilets to cleansing seats that attach to existing toilets, modern day bidets are for consumers who are looking for an upgrade to their toilet routine.”

In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Kohler, about twothirds of Americans would choose a

toilet that would give them a cleaner, fresher feeling, and 3 in 5 think washing with water would give them a cleaner feel than toilet paper alone.

An overall fresher feeling and features like a deodorizer, night light and heated seat have strong appeal, according to the same survey, and those features are all offered in options like the Kohler Veil, an ultimate, one-piece intelligent toilet with integrated cleansing functionality that provides optimum hygiene and individual comfort. From personal cleansing to an LED nightlight to hands-free opening, closing and flushing – all of which are easy to control on a touchscreen LCD remote control – the toilet brings unexpected options to your bathroom. Explore the available models and learn more about intelligent toilets at Kohler.com/IntelligentToilets.

Shower with power

Whether it’s a playlist that energizes you for the day or soothing sounds to center you before an important meeting, you can give new meaning to singing in the rain with a showerhead that includes a built-in wireless, removable speaker that you can sync to your smartphone music library.

When you take your shower digital, you can actually bring water, steam, music and light together into one sensory experience. Beyond that, it’s even possible to configure your shower to cycle through spa programs that target different areas of your body with varied water sprays and temperatures.

Perfect privacy

If you’re blessed with a stunning view out the bathroom window or if you simply prefer the aura of natural light, you may be reluctant to hide behind heavy window treatments. Yet again, technology offers the solution. Shades you can power with a remote control and even film coverings that convert from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button can give you the freedom to embrace your privacy or celebrate the sun’s rays.

Tech-sessories

The big features may deliver the wow factor, but little touches can add up for a big impact as well.

Mirrors that recognize your face and (Photo courtesy Kohler) voice to deliver customized media, Mirrors are available that recognize faces and voices to such as news and music, can also be deliver customized media. programmed to alter the temperature and lighting while you conduct your toiletry business. Other accessories to round out your high-tech renovation include devices such as smart scales that integrate with other devices to maximize your health and wellness routine.

With these tech upgrades and more, you can turn an ordinary bathroom into an entirely new, refreshing experience.

(Photo courtesy Kohler)

Environmental elements like lighting and temperature are among the first signals your brain processes when you enter a new space.

Hydrotherapy haven

A jetted tub is just the beginning when it comes to creating a spa-like atmosphere. Today’s options let you trick out your tub with everything from bubbles and heat to sound and color. Advanced hydrotherapy options use air or sound to massage, soothe, invigorate or relax your body and your mind – all controlled at the touch of a button. Don’t forget the heated back to keep you warm even longer.

(Photo courtesy Kohler)

Kohler Veil has an integrated cleansing functionality that provides optimum hygiene and individual comfort.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

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COMING SOON

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

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aracay Homes’ The Vista at Granite Crossing debuted its models during a February 3 open house.

“It’s a small development, 37 home sites,” said Elise Goodell, Maracay Homes’ marketing manager. “It’s nestled in a pocket area of Crismon and Brown.

What makes this area really unique is its ability to do a lot of different configurations on the homes because of the size.”

The lots are, on average, 14,000 square feet, which allows residents to have RV garages and accessories garages. The five floor plans range from 2,685 square feet to 4,363 square feet in single- and two-story designs. They start in the low $400,000s.

“It’s a perfect location with the mountain lake areas in Mesa,” Goodell said.

“They allow flexibility for RV storage, boat storage and lots and lots of toys.”

The Vista at Granite Crossing is 5 miles from the Superstition Mountains and near Lost Dutchman State Park.

The 37 homes are registered with the certification goal of LEED-Certified standards from the U.S. Green Building Council. Maracay is the only large-scale production builder to have LEEDcertified homes.

“It’s not a community LEED program,” she said. “The homes within the community are LEED certified.

Last year, we went to market with three LEED-certified communities—Adora Trails and Hawthorne Manor and Rio

Resort-style from page 2 4,000-square foot clubhouse with a demo kitchen, community living room, multimedia room and game rooms. At Seville, also in Gilbert, the community features a clubhouse with banquet facilities along with its 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa, sports club and pools.

You don’t always have to live in the community to enjoy some of the amenities. At the 3,200-acre Eastmark community in Mesa, there are both public and private amenities. Most phase one amenities associated with the planned 106acre Eastmark Great Park (currently at 14 acres) are public access and maintained by the City of Mesa. The park currently includes a splash pad, event pavilion, “Orange Monster” recreational climbing park, lake and Handlebar Diner. Other

The Vista at Granite Crossing Paseo in the West Valley. We’re excited to bring these LEED-certified homes to market.”

The homes are also Energy Star certified and include Maracay Homes’ Living Smart program for high performance and energy efficiency.

“We’re dedicated to green building practices,” she said. “This, for us, has been the next step in our journey to sustainable buildings.”

As part of the Living Smart program, homes will have video doorbells, tankless water heaters and Wi-Fi thermostats.

“We continue to add these components to our communities when we can,” she said. “Our customers find the tankless water heaters exciting. They have less space and they’re more energy efficient.”

The community will boast natural desert landscaping, including numerous large saguaro cactuses that are native to the site. The Vista at Granite Crossing is located near award-winning Mesa schools, upscale retail centers, discount stores and entertainment opportunities.

“As part of Maracay’s commitment to the East Valley, we’re always looking for land opportunities in that part of town,” Goodell said. “It’s close to employment and the big selling feature is it’s close to recreation, Saguaro and Canyon lakes, and the Superstition Mountains.”

(Photo courtesy Maracay Homes)

The Vista at Granite Crossing homes will have video doorbells, tankless water heaters and Wi-Fi thermostats.

For more information on The Vista at Granite Crossing, visit maracayhomes.com or call 623-404-4114. spaces such as the 4,000 square-foot community pool and Bus Stop Recreational Center are for residents’ private access.

The next phase will include multi-use ball fields, a dog park and more.

The Great Outdoors

Amenities can extend beyond play and fitness too. Design of outdoor areas is a popular feature being incorporated into new communities resulting in a more resort-style feel. At Mountain Bridge in Mesa, the community features 45 percent of open space including extensive trails and paths. A signature rustic bridge connects the southern and northern areas of the community. Covered grand entryways and a clock tower convey Mediterranean and Andalusian architecture in intimate gated neighborhoods with open space behind most every homesite.

Eastmark, along with other

communities, attributes its success, in part, to the quality of life it provides for its 5,000 residents. “In years past, people would expect to see a private golf course, pool or fitness center as a main community amenity; while these are nice staples, this ‘country club package’ can be expensive for residents and isn’t necessarily how people wish to live these days,” said Dea McDonald, Eastmark’s general manager and vice president of Brookfield Residential. “At Eastmark, we are constantly adding new, unexpected amenities that introduce opportunities for residents and the public to connect and interact with one another in vivid social spaces.”

Rosinski agreed. “He said the most-requested amenity now by new home buyers is a ‘food-and-beverage’ component and a place where they can be comfortable and hang out with neighbors.” Resort-style pools and fitness centers remain popular.

A growing trend, Rosinski said, are bocce ball and pickleball courts and indoor dart rooms.

Pets are neighbors, too

Dog parks within neighborhoods are still very much in demand. “A large majority of people have pets and they want places to take their pets and hang out with other pet owners,” Rosinski said.

“We’re making them more interactive and nicer. More and more they’re connected to an amenity center and include shade areas, trees or groves and auto-fill dog bowls. It’s not just a big field of grass.”

“The landscape of how people want to live today is changing,” McDonald said.

“Most people seek a place where they can get to know their neighbors and build life-long friendships. Eastmark’s amenities have served as catalysts to helping our residents build the community.”

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

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East Valley Communities 87 202

McKellips Rd. Pima Rd.

MESA

Brown Rd.

TEMPE 60

Ellsworth Rd.

Power Rd.

Recker Rd.

Higley Rd.

Greenfield Rd.

Val Vista Dr.

Lindsay Rd.

Gilbert Rd.

Stapley Rd.

Southern Ave.

Mesa Dr.

Dobson Rd.

Broadway Rd.

Main St. Country Club Dr.

University Dr.

Alma School Rd.

44th St.

Scottsdale Rd.

101

40th St.

Thomas Rd.

GILBERT

McClintock Dr.

Rural Rd.

Kyrene Rd.

Priest Dr.

Guadalupe Rd.

Warner Rd. Ray Rd.

Chandler Blvd.

Williams Field Rd.

CHANDLER

Pecos Rd.

10

Queen Creek Rd.

Cooper Rd.

McQueen Rd.

Arizona Ave.

Ocotillo Rd.

SUN LAKES

eR d.

QUEEN CREEK Chandler Heights Rd.

Riggs Rd.

MARICOPA

ous

Germann Rd.

Power Rd.

202

Ritt enh

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

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NEW TO THE MARKET

Mill’s Run

Blandford Homes

Fulton Homes Easy living in Gilbert

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Mulberry

Cooley Station

The Mill’s Run has four new home designs ranging from 1,621 to 2,243 square feet. Floor plans and more updates coming soon!

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Dealmakers from page 1 Housing Report, metro Phoenix homebuyers purchased 11 percent more homes in 2017 than 2016. Last January, it was over 16,000. Belfiore expects demand to continue. He expects it to level off at 26,000, and then drop a bit in 2021 and 2022 because “we don’t have enough people here to fill jobs.”

The unemployment rate sits at 4.5 percent as of December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Although sales are showing improvement, affordable housing is still viewed

by Belfiore as an obstacle.“I’d say the area where we’re lacking product and where it’s getting sold immediately is a truly affordable product,” he said. “I think we are now in a situation where exponentially we are creating some huge issues for housing.

Rental prices have skyrocketed over the last four years. They continue to go up.”

Additionally, he said the current

Four collections of homes from 1,700 square feet to just over 4,000 square feet. Starting from the mid $200,000s to the mid $300,000s.

Located on Guadalupe Road between Crismon & Signal Butte in Mesa — in the Gilbert School District. Take the 202 to Guadalupe Road, Exit 32.

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number of new home communities sits at right around the same number as one year ago – around 555 communities.

He theorizes this could eventually lead to future issues as new buyers enter the market if demand continues to rise.

“If sales are increasing, then you’re going to see the sales per subdivision increase.

We’re going to continue to see sales per subdivision over the next year,” Belfiore said. “Up to 51 percent of the active communities could sell out if they sold at the average rate of sales that we had last year.

So, we have a shortage of communities up and coming. It’s a serious issue.”

New buyers continue to enter the market. Phoenix is expected to grow by nearly 1 million people over the next decade, with 2.8 million more residents 30 years from now, according to Blackbourn.

He noted Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing metropolises in the United States. But while vacancy rates are falling and supply is not meeting demand, the

Choose from 30 different floorplans in five neighborhood series!

• Union Pacific - from the $280s • Central Vermont - from the $290s • Boston & Maine - from the $360s • Seaboard - from the $400s • Santa Fe - from the $450s Williams Field and Recker two to seven bedrooms 1,677 - 4,764 square feet 480-895-6300 www.fultonhomes.com

upward trend of the housing market is expected to continue. “Phoenix is a very strong market,” Blackbourn said.

As time passes, demographics continue to change. Millennials and Baby Boomers are moving into apartments.

Millennials are coming of age and entering the housing market, while older folks are downsizing.

The housing industry is seeing a rise in renters versus a drop in homeowners, noted Pollack. Blackbourn said he sees a nationwide decline in homeowners. The homeownership rate is projected to reach 60.8 percent in 2025, the lowest since the 1950s. The country lost 2.1 million homeowners between 2007 and 2014, which in turn leads to an increased rental market.

NEW HOUSING

In terms of new housing, big builders are succeeding while smaller builders still face difficulties, according to Belfiore.

“It’s the smaller, less sophisticated builders largely – also, in many cases, a lot of

infilled communities – that are struggling,” he explained. “The reason that they’re struggling is they either lack the sophistication, the sales sophistication or development sophistication; they’re not up to speed there so they’re struggling and they’re selling really slow; or, in a lot of cases, they are overpriced.”

The larger, national and regional builders, on the other hand, are up-to doubling the metro Phoenix sales per subdivision.

“If we look at the nationally traded builders and the larger regional builders, they’re doing a heck of a lot better.

They’re selling at rates of four to seven per month,” Belfiore said. “D.R. Horton is selling above seven per month per community.”

Pollack summarized the Dealmakers event best: “The expansion continues.

It will accelerate in 2018. Things will be better in 2018 economically than they were in 2017. 2019, they could be better as well. Time will tell.”

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

HOME MARKET

BY SHERRY JACKSON

E

ven if they’re not in the market to buy a home, many folks visit new home communities simply for their design ideas.

Model homes are designed to entice visitors to buy with professionally designed floor plans and fixtures, plenty of upgrade options and are known for keeping up on the latest design trends homeowners are requesting.

The modern farmhouse look (think barn doors and apron sinks), open floor plans, large kitchens, large showers and lots of storage are all still in for 2018.

But what are some other features that new home buyers are looking for now?

Kitchen design trends

“The kitchen is the No. 1 thing that drives people to a home,” said Kevin Rosinski, senior vice president of Toll Brothers Arizona Division. Clean lines, functionality and large islands are still very much in demand. Cabinetry choices however are becoming more personalized. “Stained cabinets are out, and painted cabinets are in,” he said.

Nancy Rhea, design studio manager for Maracay Homes, has seen kitchen colors leaning toward whites and grays.

She expects that to continue.

“But we’re starting to see more and more black cabinetry and accents,” Rhea said. “Darker, cooler colors such as a dark slate and warmer brown tones may be used to accent an island to pull that warmth in. We’re also seeing warmer whites pulling in beige tones along with those black and white contrasts.”

Kitchen countertops are also changing as homebuyers are requesting materials other than granite.

“Countertops are moving beyond granite as more people are looking for

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New home designs leaning toward a splash of color quartz,” Rosinski said. “Suppliers are fabricating sheets of the quartz material large enough so there are no seams and are able to create a large bullnose along the edge, giving the counters a cool, seamless look. We’ll also see black stainless-steel appliances, rather than the traditional stainless steel.

Not to be left out, fixtures are getting an upgrade. Manufacturers are constantly putting out new styles and colors to meet demand.

“Kohler is coming out with the ability to mix and match handles and faucets, giving customers the ability to customize their plumbing fixtures,” Rosinski said.

People are also getting really creative with light fixtures and they way they are installed, he added.

Gold hardware, not polished brass, are popular hardware choices, Rhea said.

“They’re more subtle. Polished bronze and copper golds give that warmer accent and warmer feel to the kitchen and bathroom.”

Indoor/outdoor living

Seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces remain a key component of new home designs. “It’s the hardest thing to replicate without major renovations or structural changes in your current home,” Rosinski said. “It’s the biggest motivating factor for people looking to purchase a new home.”

Frameless sliding doors are desirable in new homes. “We’re continuing to push the envelope to give homebuyers even more options for indoor/outdoor living.

Now, it’s very hard to tell when you’re indoors or outdoors.”

Rhea agreed. “Buyers are looking for big, outdoor living spaces. “Firepits or a fireplace setup, gives homeowners a nice place to lounge and relax in the backyard.”

Photo Credit: Maracay Homes

An example of 2018 home design color trends

“People want a full outdoor kitchen with refrigerators, cookout areas with hood vents, smokers and kegerators,” Rosinski said. “They don’t want to go inside after they’re outside. They want the full gourmet kitchen experience.”

Outdoor fireplaces and firepits are becoming more intricate. Homebuyers are still looking for that heating element for warmth and aesthetics, but they want it to be more of a “cool experience in a nice entertainment setting.” Look for more fire elements to be built into to tables.

Focal points

“We’re also getting more requests for focal points in the home,” Rosinski said.

“There’s a bigger demand for beams and tongue-in-groove on ceilings.” Glass garage doors, his and hers closets and two separate showers in the master bath

(with no tub) are also being requested.

“Overall, I see more of a transitional look in 2018,” Rhea said. “People are taking their space and accessorizing it with items that have more detail to them.

Not necessarily ornate, but not modern either – a little more traditional.”

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 18, 2018

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