Searching for a new home in a growing city such as Phoenix is challenging. There are multiple options, and how will a buyer know which one is right for them?
Why not consider a builder with a trusted reputation, local to the area, and committed to quality construction and energy efficiency?
Livabl is shining the spotlight on Meritage Homes — a builder based in the Phoenix metro with over 35 years of experience.
Meritage Homes: A trusted name in Phoenix real estate
Meritage was established in Scottsdale in 1985. Since its inception, the builder has delivered over 170,000 homes, focusing on building strong communities and award-winning energy-efficient housing.
Meritage Homes build innovative, healthier homes by implementing money-saving energy efficiency, thoughtful design, and higher building standards.
Meritage Homes has won the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award for ten consecutive years. It received the 2020 award for Builder of the Year for Green Homes. Meritage Homes has also won multiple Avid Gold awards for the highest customer ratings in its communities throughout the U.S.
Phoenix: A thriving real estate market
Why move to Phoenix? Count the reasons: A robust economy, job opportunities, affordable housing, fabulous weather, outdoor activities, lower taxes, and much more.
Phoenix’s economy has been buoyed by many heavy hitters choosing to shop in the Metro. Companies such as Amazon have invested in the northwestern suburb of Surprise, and Taiwan Semiconductor is opening a $12-billion chip plant next year, located twenty minutes from Surprise.
In Tempe, you’ll find another Amazon warehouse in addition to Microsoft, State Farm, Go Daddy, and more. There’s also a thriving healthcare economy, thanks to Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, Express Scripts, and Medtronic.
Surprise and Tempe hold just a handful of examples. Homebuyers will find a wealth of career options throughout the Phoenix metro.
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis places the median listing price for a home in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale at $529,450 for May 2023. By comparison, the median listing price for a home in Los Angeles County was $1,099,500 during the same period.
Arizona enjoys a lower tax rate, ranking 28th at 5.60 percent. Nearby California has the highest state taxes in the country, with residents paying 7.25 percent. Arizona also bests Nevada (6.85 percent) and other popular hot spots such as Texas (6.25 percent) and Florida (6 percent).
The population of the Phoenix metro just passed five million in May 2023. Pinal and Maricopa counties added 66,850 people in 2021 and another 72,850 in 2022, marking some of the most significant gains of any metro in the U.S.
The weather in Phoenix is appealing, especially to those looking to escape the snow. However, keep in mind that the desert can experience extremes, especially when it comes to the heat. Temperatures during summer often reach triple digits.
Meritage Homes’ Phoenix communities
Meritage Homes offer various home options in the Phoenix metro, in single-family and master-planned communities. Whether a buyer wants a starter home or a more spacious option for a large family, Meritage Homes has plenty of floor plans to explore in 37 communities across the East and West Valley.
Community: Canyon Views – Reserve Series
Location: Litchfield Park, AZ
Square footage: 1,568 to 2,552
Price: Starting at $410,890
Three to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms
Canyon Views is now open, and the neighborhood has 16 different floor plans with something for everyone. This master-planned community provides easy access to I-10 and Loop 303. Families can enjoy multiple amenities, including sports courts, walking trails, playgrounds, and ramadas. Each home comes with innovative, energy-efficient features that reduce utility bills.
Community: Paloma Creek – Classic Series
Location: Surprise, AZ
Square footage: 1,210 to 1,629
Price: Starting at $388,990
Three to four bedrooms, two bathrooms
Paloma Creek is now pre-selling in Surprise. Enjoy floorplans with private primary suites, covered back patios, and more. Residents will enjoy access to exclusive amenities at their doorsteps, including a community clubhouse, pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a fitness center.
Community: Paloma Creek – Signature Series
Location: Surprise, AZ
Square footage: 2,343 to 3,121
Price: Starting at $540,390
Four to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms
Paloma Creek – Signature Series is pre-selling in Surprise. This series boasts the largest, most unique floorplans Meritage Homes offers in the entire valley. This series provides front and back patios, five-bedroom layouts, and three-car tandem garages. Paloma Creek is a family-friendly community offering three open-concept floorplans. Residents receive access to a community clubhouse, an outdoor kitchen, a community pool, and a future fitness center at their doorsteps.
Community: Canyon Views – Estate Series
Location: Litchfield, AZ
Square footage: 1,239 to 2,049
Price: Starting at $395,790
Three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms
Canyon Views – Estate Series is a master-planned community that provides quick access to I-10 and Loop 303. This community has five floor plans with different options, from starter homes to expansive spaces perfect for the growing family. Residents will love the amenities including sports courts, walking trails, playgrounds, and ramadas.
Community: Vistas at Desert Oasis
Location: Surprise, AZ
Square footage: 1,832 to 2,406
Price: Starting from $405,990
Four to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms
This family-friendly community provides easy access to Loop 303 and proximity to the West Valley’s job corridors. Residents have access to the community pool, playgrounds, and walking trails. Vistas at Desert Oasis offers six spacious floor plans with features such as cohesive great rooms that make them ideal for entertaining family and friends.
Meritage Homes’ website is filled with testimonials extolling the virtues of the builder. Many satisfied buyers expressed their thoughts, highlighting everything from professional service to quality construction and massive savings due to added energy efficiency. Check out the sampling of happy Phoenix customers below.
Judith L. from Phoenix wrote, “The quality of our new home stands out from any other builder we encountered. It was evident that Meritage builds homes that are higher quality than most … we LOVE our new home.”
Cari G. from Phoenix wrote, “We are… very pleased with our low utility bills. This monthly saving is a very welcome change from the not-so-energy-efficient homes we have had in the past. I love recommending Meritage homes to anyone I can!”
Bobbie and Dean L. from Phoenix wrote, “We bought our new home from Meritage, and we love it! The building process was handled professionally by everyone from sales to the superintendent. We are so amazed at the quality and value we have in our new home.”
Denny and Esther J. from Phoenix wrote, “Meritage has built us a truly great home through the effort of an equally exceptional team … Meritage’s design and build qualities are standard-setting and only eclipsed by their perseverance to do things right.”
Erik S. from Phoenix wrote, “We have added almost 1,000 sq. ft. to our home size, yet our bills have nearly cut in half. We are now able to live more comfortably in our home and can keep our temperature at a comfortable level.”
Ken and Cheryl W. from Phoenix wrote, “From the first moment of seeing [the community] … to purchasing our winter home, it has been our retirement wish come true. The facility is second to none…the number of clubs and activities available are too numerous to mention.”
Meritage Homes’ commitment to sustainability
Meritage Homes stands by its commitment to sustainably built homes.
The builder is the first in the country to install high-performance multispeed Carrier HVAC systems in every new home.
Meritage Homes insist that buyers are happy to make the switch because traditional systems create temperature fluctuations and waste energy because they’re either off or running on high. Instead, multispeed systems automatically shift gears to the correct speed to maintain a comfortable temperature and save energy. They help improve air quality and reduce humidity better than typical HVACs. These systems also capture more particles from the environment, leading to improved air quality in the home.
Meritage Homes’ advanced framing saves money by isolating interior environments to make the rooms more comfortable, especially those spaces where three of the walls are outside. It allows buyers to use less energy to heat and cool their homes, providing savings on utility bills compared to a traditionally framed home.
Meritage Homes come with water-saving features that don’t sacrifice performance for efficiency. Buyers can expect savings on water, sewer, and energy bills thanks to these standard features.
Additional sustainable features include state-of-the-art spray foam insulation for an energy-saving barrier throughout the home and Low-E windows blocking UV rays and deflecting heat.
Financing options and affordability
MTH Mortgage works seamlessly with Meritage Homes to make the purchasing process hassle-free. MTH Mortgage permits online applications 24/7 for speed and convenience. Carefree Title is coming soon to Meritage Home buyers, and the service will gather the necessary documents and information, making for a smooth closing without stress.
Phoenix buyers are advised to watch Meritage Homes’ website for upcoming information on promotions specific to the Metro.
Meritage Homes is an intelligent option for Arizona home buyers
Meritage Homes offer several compelling reasons for Arizona homebuyers to consider them a smart option. Here are ten reasons why Meritage Homes is an excellent choice in Arizona:
Energy-efficient designs: Meritage Homes is renowned for its commitment to energy efficiency. Arizona’s hot climate demands homes that remain cool without excessive energy consumption. Meritage incorporates high-efficiency HVAC systems, advanced insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. This can result in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint, making it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious buyers.
Saving money: Due to their energy-efficient designs, Meritage Homes can potentially lead to substantial long-term cost savings. Lower utility bills mean more money in your pocket. Some energy-efficient features might make you eligible for tax incentives or rebates, further enhancing your savings.
Innovative technology: Meritage Homes often integrates innovative technologies into its designs. From smart home automation systems to modern appliances and fixtures, its homes are equipped to meet the demands of contemporary living. This can make your life more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Variety of designs: Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter home, a spacious family house, or a luxurious estate, Meritage offers a range of home designs to cater to diverse preferences and needs. This variety allows you to find a home that suits your lifestyle and accommodates your family’s requirements.
Sustainable building practices: Meritage is committed to sustainable building practices. It prioritizes using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and implementing construction techniques that minimize environmental impact. For buyers who value sustainability and want to support environmentally responsible companies, Meritage is an attractive option.
Great locations: Meritage Homes selects prime locations for its communities. Whether you desire urban living, suburban tranquility, or access to nature, its developments are strategically situated to offer a range of lifestyle options.
Customization: Many Meritage communities provide opportunities for buyers to personalize its homes. This means you can add your personal touch, selecting finishes, colors, and features that reflect your style and preferences.
Warranty and support: Meritage Homes typically provide a comprehensive home warranty. This assurance can offer buyers peace of mind, knowing they’re covered for any unexpected issues that may arise after moving in.
Reputation: Meritage Homes has established a reputation for quality construction and customer satisfaction. Checking reviews, testimonials, and their track record can give you confidence in your choice.
Resale value: Given their energy-efficient and modern features, Meritage Homes may have good resale value. A well-maintained, energy-efficient home can attract future buyers, potentially offering a higher return on your investment.
Overall, Meritage Homes’ focus on energy efficiency, innovative technology, sustainability, and variety, combined with its strong reputation, makes the builder a smart option for homebuyers in Arizona looking for quality, convenience, and long-term value.
