• Appreciation
• Property Tax Deductions
• Preferential Tax Treatment
• Equity Building
• Pride

To read the entire article, visit http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/top-5-reasons-buy-home-2012 . It is well worth the read.

We would love to help make your dream of a new home come true in 2012. Please contact us if you have any questions or need any additional information. As always, information on our homes can be found on our website at http://www.americanwesthomes.com/

“These homes are simply enchanting,” said American West President Larry Canarelli, “Visitors to both Carmel Hills and Brookfield will be pleasantly surprised by our smart use of space and amazing flexibility. There are so many floor plans and home options, you can rest assured you will find a home that fits your wants, needs and, best of all, dreams.”

Homes at Brookfield and Carmel Hills range from 1,608 to 2,995 square feet and start at $197,500.

Some stand-out features in the Brookfield and Carmel Hills home collections include: granite countertops; gourmet kitchens with center dining islands; Whirlpool® microwave; water-conserving Moen® faucets with coordinating accessories and light fixtures; Marblestone™ natural stone vanities, Marblestone™ spa showers; and energy-saving features that earn American West homes the NV Energy Plus certification.

“The open floor plans and flexible living areas at both communities are designed for the needs of families today. Our floorplans have the flexibility required to reflect the lifestyle of the homeowner. With so many options and floor plans, the possibilities are almost endless. These homes can be customized to fit anyone’s needs,” said Canarelli. The homes feature great rooms, dens, bonus rooms, game rooms, and options for double master suites, depending on the floor plan.

Brookfield at Coronado Ranch offers five different home designs for homebuyers. Coronado Ranch is one of the fastest growing areas of the valley. Minutes from desirable shopping, popular dining, new library and recreational outlets, Brookfield offers homeowners a great location, affordability and great home designs.

Carmel Hills features eight different home designs and represents a new lifestyle of living to homebuyers. It is a complete community comprised of an enclave of private, cul-de-sac streets. The one of a kind location provides so many convenient amenities within walking distance of the community. Homeowners have such a wide selection of dining, department stores, specialty stores and unique boutiques at their fingertips. There is also easy freeway access making everything in Las Vegas accessible.

For more information on Brookfield and Carmel Hills and to view interactive floorplans, visit AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 853-4584 for Brookfield and (702) 853-4578 for Carmel Hills.

“The homes in Carmel Hills showcase a new lifestyle of living. These homes represent American West’s latest innovative design features which include unparalleled versatility and architecture; beautifully-appointed, upgraded, standard features; luxurious baths; and, of course, our signature gourmet kitchens with center dining islands,” said American West President Larry Canarelli. “These homes are truly enchanting and a must-see.” 

The homes in Carmel Hills also come with tile entries; water-conserving Moen® faucets; Whirlpool® microwaves; granite kitchen countertops; center kitchen dining islands with pendant lighting; Marblestone™ natural stone vanities, showers and tubs; and numerous energy saving features that earn American West homes the NV Energy Plus certification. 

Carmel Hills features a total of eight impressive floor plans ranging from 1,608 to 2,995 square feet and starting at $197,500. 

“The open floor plans and flexible living areas at Carmel Hills are designed for the needs of families today. Our floorplans have the flexibility required to reflect the lifestyle of the homeowner. With so many options and floor plans, the possibilities are almost endless. These homes can be customized to fit anyone’s needs. You even have the opportunity to choose how the home sits on the homesite,” said Canarelli. The homes feature great rooms, dens, bonus rooms, game rooms, and options for double master suites, depending on the floor plan. 

Carmel Hills features a Diamond Series and a Platinum series of new home designs. Featuring three home designs, the Diamond series ranges from 2,003 to 2,673 square feet. The Platinum Series includes five floor plans ranging from 1,608 to 2,995 square feet. 

One of the most flexible floor plans available at Carmel Hill, The Platinum Emerald is available in a two-story and split-level version.  The two-story Platinum Emerald features 2,034 square feet including four bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, a great room, upstairs laundry and the option for a den. The split-level Platinum Emerald with BRAG measures 2,714 square feet with 3 bedrooms, den, and enormous bonus room. The BRAG space is a new, innovative design unique to American West. The feature offers homebuyers additional living space in their new home. The possibilities for this space are only limited by your own imagination. The standard BRAG space is the enormous bonus room. Options include adding a fourth bedroom with the bonus room or adding two additional bedrooms with a study and bathroom. 

“In addition to having incredible floor plans and options, Carmel Hills is located in one of the valley’s fastest-growing and most-popular areas in the southwest valley,” said Canarelli. “Carmel Hills is a perfect example of what we at American West have always prided ourselves; our ability to not only build great homes, but the best neighborhoods and communities possible, in which families can live and grow.” 

Carmel Hills is a complete community comprised of an enclave of private, cul-de-sac streets. The one of a kind location provides so many convenient amenities within walking distance of the community. Homeowners have such a wide selection of dining, department stores, specialty stores and unique boutiques at their fingertips. There is also easy freeway access making everything in Las Vegas accessible. “Carmel Hills is the perfect family neighborhood, “said Canarelli. “The area brings back a feeling of a classic family community. A mix of unique, innovative home designs, unsurpassed beauty and convenient community amenities – that’s Carmel Hills by American West, “ 

To visit Carmel Hills, take I-15 to Blue Diamond and exit west. Turn north on Arville. Turn west on Camero and next immediate right is Bartholomew Park. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to view the interactive floorplans,  visit AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 853-4578.

“I love Las Vegas.  I think this is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  And I always have.  Since the day I got here, I’ve worked hard to make Las Vegas a beautiful place.  My personal involvement is simply a carry through of my philosophy to help make a better Las Vegas,” said Canarelli

For Larry Canarelli, being part of Las Vegas means giving back to the community. He has raised his family here. He has coached over 20 children’s sports teams. He participates with school boards and actively gives to local schools. He has served on the board for many local charities. In recognition of his role as a leader and supporter of the Las Vegas community, a school in our Coronado Ranch neighborhood is named in his honor…The Lawrence and Heidi Canarelli Middle School.

Larry’s philosophy and commitment has also carried through in his company’s efforts and activities. 

“As a home builder, we have the opportunity to benefit the community in many ways.  By helping schools, building parks and being involved with community programs, we can help provide an environment where people feel comfortable raising their children,” Canarelli said.

American West has built over 15,000 homes and over 71 new home communities in Las Vegas.   Canarelli’s concern for the community is reflected through his involvement in every planning stage of each American West neighborhood.

“Our commitment to making a better Las Vegas is seen in each of the homes and neighborhoods we have built since day one,” Canarelli said.   The company has won numerous local and national architectural design awards since its beginnings in 1984. 

“We want to see Las Vegas developed where quality of life is preserved and enhanced, at its highest possible level.  For us, that starts with making our communities absolutely beautiful.  We do that in part with superior architectural designs, greenbelts, entry monumentation, state-of-the-art schools and larger yards,” he said. “We also make sure our homeowners have every modern convenience at their fingertips in regards to shopping, dining and recreation.”

We are currently selling at 8 communities located throughout the Las Vegas valley. Our collection of beautiful home newdesigns reflect American West’s tradition of architectural excellence, quality construction, innovative floorplans, pool sized backyards and superior customer service. These are some of the reasons why American West is one of the most successful, privately owned homebuilders in the nation.  Our sales centers are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For community directions and more information, please visit www.AmericanWestHomes.com  or call (702) 308-1111.

New homes strengthen the economy year-round. Home building is a key driver of the American economy. Economists at the National Association of Home Builders estimate that the one-year local impact of building 100 single-family homes in a typical metro area include $21.1 million in local income, $2.2 million in taxes and other local government revenue and 324 local jobs. 

The income earned from construction activity is spent and recycled in the local economy, and the new homes that are built become occupied by residents who pay taxes and buy locally produced goods and services. A new home purchase is helping to keep the Las Vegas economy strong. 

A survey of home buyers by the NAHB showed that buyers felt the need for energy-efficient heating and air conditioning units, energy-saving appliances and lighting, water-conserving fixtures and low-E windows – all features that can only be found in new homes and all features that are included in a new American West home. 

New homes have the latest environmentally-friendly, cost-saving, advanced technology materials and appliances. A new home has better construction, the latest safety features and better floor plans to fit a wide variety of modern lifestyles. American West has over 50 different new home designs to choose from. 

A new home also means a brand new community. The communities American West builds in include newer state-of-the-art schools and a plethora of new shopping and dining. As a builder, American West gives their homeowners all the benefits of master plan living without any additional fees associated with it. 

A Clean Slate. You will be the first one to park your car in your sparkling-clean garage or the first to cook a dinner in your brand-new kitchen. In addition, you won’t have to spend time stripping dated wallpaper or repainting. You can create your own home inside and out from the get-go! 

New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual home owner’s need. Anyone who has ever lived in an older home can attest to the fact that there are never enough outlets, inside or out. New homes plan for the increased number and type of electronics and appliances used by today’s families. American West’s homebuyers all meet with a specialist from Progressive Home®, a home automation design firm catering to their sound, security, home theatre and automation needs. 

Purchasing a new home can be one of the biggest investments made in a lifetime. Today’s home buyers are seeking homes constructed by quality builders with established track records, who stand behind their homes. American West is a local, privately owned business that has been building in the Las Vegas valley since 1984 with thousands of happy homeowners. Dollar for dollar, square foot for square foot, no builder offers more value than American West.

As with all the homes at Lexington, The New David is certified as both ENERGY STAR® and Energy Plus. The Energy Plus rating means that your new home is at least 30 percent more energy efficient than current National Home Building Standards and 15% more energy efficient than homes that qualify only as ENERGY STAR®.   

Living in Highlands Ranch affords you all the conveniences of a master-plan neighborhood without any L.I.D. or S.I.D. fess that are associated with living in a master-plan. Your new state-of-the-art schools are just a short bike ride away. Highlands Ranch provides convenient access to highways, brand new retail centers, recreation and the adjacent master-planned community of Southern Highlands, where trails and parks are available for public use. “Highlands Ranch is the perfect family neighborhood,” said Larry Canarelli, President of American West. . “Residents can get out and walk with their kids or pets and there’s a shopping center just seconds down the road. Home buyers love that they can take advantage of Southern Highlands’ amenities without any of the fees. The whole area brings back the feeling of a classic family community.”

The Lexington sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on The New David visit our website  http://www.americanwesthomes.com/nhscommunity.asp?CommunityID=30  or call (702) 853-4597.

At Fairmont, home buyers immediately sense the dollar-for-dollar, square-foot-for-square- foot value of the trademark home designs. Inside and out, Fairmont’s homes offer everything families crave—and more. Take for instance The Taylor, the wildly popular split-level home design that spans outward and upward to 2,564 square feet. Ample first-floor storage, an optional extended game room, den, dining room, great room and sky level master suite with study are among the functional comforts of this best selling floor plan.

 The list of highlights for Fairmont’s other new homes is equally impressive. Home buyers can select from six additional floor plans offering up to five bedrooms and a variety of customizable features. With choices ranging from 1,486 to 2,996 square feet, there’s a layout and exterior elevation suited to nearly every taste and lifestyle. Dining islands, master retreats, balconies, oversized walk-in closets and hidden storage areas are just some of the features capturing the attention and imagination of buyers. Amenities include granite tiled kitchen counter tops, cultured marble bath vanities, 13-SEER natural gas and central air-conditioning, energy-efficient radiant heat barrier roof sheathing, water-conserving Moen® faucets and vinyl-framed dual-paned low-e windows and sliding glass doors. Fairmont’s homes are ENERGY STAR® and Energy Plus certified. Certified Energy Plus homes are built to exceed the energy efficiency of a standard home by 30 percent, double ENERGY STAR® standards.  With prices starting from $198,500, home buyers agree that American West Fairmont is nearly impossible to resist.

 The appeal stretches beyond the floor plans, buyers delight in knowing they’ll be surrounded by beauty. Eye-catching pavers define driveways and walkway areas. Highlands Ranch shares the southwest with the best-built master plans in Southern Nevada. Nearby parks, championship golf courses, hiking trails and interconnecting jogging and bike paths await residents.

 Building communities close to schools and services—it’s an American West tradition buyers appreciate.  With convenient access to freeways, fine educational facilities, shopping and dining, Fairmont at Highlands Ranch is no exception. Target, Kohl’s, Cost Plus and Ross are just a few of the stores catering to the area. Where quiet country meets modern conveniences—that’s American West Fairmont at Highlands Ranch.

 To visit, take 1-15 south to Blue Diamond Road and exit west. Turn south on Decatur Boulevard and west on Adrian Fog. Sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information about American West Fairmont, please call (702) 853-4582. Visit www.AmericanWestHomes.com to discover more about American West’s innovative Las Vegas communities.

Mortgage rates have returned to near-record lows. Monthly payments are extremely affordable. Together with our Preferred Lenders, we can remove the barriers that keep your dream of owning a new home from becoming a reality.

     2.   Energy Efficiency

American West’s homes are certified as both ENERGY STAR® and Energy Plus. This means that your new home exceeds the energy efficiency of a standard home by 30 percent, double homes that only qualify as ENERGY STAR®  Energy-efficient features in our homes include a 14-SEER natural gas heat and electric central air-conditioning with Puronâ; radiant heat barrier roof sheathing; programmable setback thermostat; R-13 insulation in exterior walls and R-30 insulation in ceilings; Prime Wrap® house wrap; fiberglass front-entry door; vinyl-framed, dual-pane low-e windows and sliding glass door; 50-gallon quick-recovery natural gas water heater; and Super-Flow water management system.

You will not find these features in all new homes but you will find them in an American West home. The best part is that all these features are included in the purchase price of your new home and mean significant energy cost savings to you.

     3.   Great Selection and Superior Locations

American West offers homes in a wide variety of beautiful home designs located throughout the Las Vegas valley. Our home designs range from 1,218 to 4,770 square feet.  American West builds an amazingly wide variety of homes in only the most spectacular locations. Our variety of home designs offer something for everyone. We have a home that will meet your family’s needs.

Today’s families spend more time at home and place a greater importance on the community in which they reside than ever before. Understanding this importance has led American West to pioneer communities in the most desirable Southern Nevada locations. Being a local builder, gives American West an understanding most builders don’t have. Our company has the foresight and knowledge of area amenities and growth throughout the Las Vegas valley. We are committed to designing communities and neighborhoods to the best advantage of our homebuyers.   

An ideal location, award-winning home designs, and community conveniences beyond compare – they all come together at any of the 10 American West communities located throughout the Las Vegas valley. Whether buyers are drawn to the state-of-the-art schools, the nearby shopping and dining, the ideal setting, or our innovative home designs, one thing is for certain, they come to American West knowing they’ll find homes suited to their styles and lifestyle.

     4.   Confidence and Reassurance

Purchasing a new home is one of the biggest investments that you will make in your lifetime. Today’s home buyers are seeking homes constructed by quality builders with established track records, who stand behind their homes. American West is a local, privately owned business that has been building in the Las Vegas valley for over 25 years with thousands of happy homeowners. American West is the only builder in the nation who has won the ACE Award for construction excellence twice. Dollar for dollar, square foot for square foot, no builder offers more value than American West. You can take comfort that your new home is built by Southern Nevada’s #1 Home Builder.

     5.   Design Excellence

With over 200 awards from local, regional and national industry peers, American West continues to be among the elite who remain on the cutting edge of design and quality. This award-winning status is due in large part to what have become American West hallmarks – traditional styling, large homes, customizing opportunities, quality and state-of-the-art technology. Our creative artisans focus on innovative design and ensure high quality – resulting in homes that define family living.

     6.   Unbeatable Investment

Purchasing a new home is still one of the best long term investments anyone can make today. Even in down markets, over the long term home prices still appreciate more than the stock market.

 Statement from Larry Canarelli, President of American West:

“I put my name on every home American West builds.  I’m proud of that.  Knowing from our homeowners that they’re pleased with their home brings the greatest delight to me as a home builder,” Canarelli said. “My dream has always been to provide beautiful, affordable homes that all families could live in. That dream turned into a reality and can be seen throughout the 71 neighborhorhoods that American West has built throughout the Las Vegas valley. We look forward to helping make the dream of a new home come true for you and your family.”

Head for the Highlands and you’ll find five distinctive communities with their own brand of lifestyle.  Each of these magnificent neighborhoods offer a wide variety of features and versatile floor plans as vast as the land they’ve tamed. Homebuyers collectively have more than 27 new home design choices.

Lexington is a neighborhood that brings affordable living to a whole new level. The new home designs range from 1,216 to 2.188 with up to 4 bedrooms. Prices start at $178,500. Lexington’s two-story and split-level designs will appeal to buyers who are seeking spacious and affordable new homes. 

Six new home plans are offered at Fairmont. Priced from $198,500, layouts measure 1,486 to 2,564 square feet with as many as four bedrooms and 3.5 baths.  Buyers can opt for everything from a dining island to a study to an extended game room, based on floor plan.

With prices as low as $219,500, Newcastle at Highlands Ranch offers first-time and move-up home buyers the chance to create the home of their dreams. The home designs range from 1,701 to 3,176 square feet with up to 5 bedrooms. Floorplan configurations include studies, game rooms, formal dining rooms, 1^st-floor master suites and optional second master suites. 

Windsor offers five two-story and split-level floor plans ranging from 2,222 to 3,790 square feet with up to five bedrooms. Pricing starts at $269,500. The different floorplan variations include studies, libraries, and game rooms. The 3,727 square foot split-level home includes an elevator. 

Kensington offers the most exciting executive homes in Las Vegas with five home designs ranging from 3,435 to 4,770 square feet with up to six bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage starting at $349,500. The neighborhood’s 4,770 square foot split-level floor plan has an included elevator. 

“We’re looking toward the future,” said Larry Canarelli, American West President “As the valley continues to grow and the needs of our families continue to evolve, our planners, engineers, designers and sales counselors grow with them. We try to anticipate what our families value most. Oftentimes what we’re all looking for in a home is more than comfort—it’s community, it’s security, it’s proximity to the services we need and the people we love.” 

The southwest is home to the best-built master plans in the Las Vegas valley. And right outside your front door are the community’s finest parks, golf course, hiking trails and interconnecting jogging and bicycle paths. Recreational opportunities abound as part of the built-in lifestyle at Highlands Ranch.  Residents enjoy the convenient access to new parks, schools, retail developments and shopping in the burgeoning southwestern valley. Once you add the easy freeway access to this picture-perfect vista, you will see that Highlands Ranch is designed to be the perfect place to hang your hat, round up your friends and set your sights on adventure as far as the eye can see. “As a builder, we believe in giving our homebuyers all the benefits of master-plan living with out any additional fees such as a SID or LID.” Canarelli said. 

This is the heart of the Southwest, won all over again. Wide open spaces. Wide open smiles. And a brand new community to call home. 

To visit Highlands Ranch, take I-15 south to Blue Diamond. Exit west on Blue Diamond. Turn south on Decatur and look for the Highlands Ranch signs. Models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information about Highlands Ranch, call (702) 308-1111 or visit http://www.americanwesthomes.com/.