American West reports sales up

American West Homes is seeing encouraging signs as the economy appears to be stabilizing, according to American West President Larry Canarelli.

"Our home sales are five times what they were this same time last year and we've seen an increase in the number of prospective buyers visiting our communities," Canarelli said.

Canarelli attributes the increases to the economy, first-time homebuyer incentives and the quality of homes and customer service offered by American West.

"It's a great time for homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, who want the stability and guarantees of new construction," Canarelli said. "While buying a foreclosure home may have initially seemed like a great deal, many homebuyers realize that even if they're able to work with a bank, which can be very hard to do, they're taking a risk. Foreclosed homes have no guarantees, no warranties and may have hidden problems or defects. With a new American West home, buyers get our first-class customer service, warranties and a home customized to their tastes and lifestyle."

The homebuilder is offering two financial incentives.

First-time homebuyers can take advantage of American West's $8,000 new homebuyer credit. This incentive program is an extension of the federal government's first-time homebuyer credit. "The government's deadline is getting close and we don't want anyone to miss out," Canarelli said.

According to Canarelli, American West is offering an incentive to help pay homebuyers' mortgages. The homebuilder will pay for a portion of the monthly mortgage payment for up to two years for qualified homebuyers.

For homes in American West's Lexington neighborhood, monthly payments start at $755.

"Our stimulus package helps our valued customers get settled into homeownership. It also frees up cash for those special purchases that make a house a home," Canarelli said.

Lexington has more than 40 homes under construction. "Our homebuyers are amazed by the price per square foot and quality we offer in one of the most popular areas of Southern Nevada," said Kevin Amico, American West sales agent. "Lexington is conveniently located in the heart of the southwest, adjacent to Southern Highlands. It offers easy access to the 215 Beltway, the Blue Diamond corridor, restaurants, shopping and recreational opportunities including golf and hiking."

The Lexington neighborhood features four floor plans ranging from 1,216 to 2,188 square feet with up to four bedrooms and up to 31/2 baths. The neighborhood also features two entries with granite monuments, two family parks and tree-lined streets.

"It's an ideal community for first-time buyers," Amico said.

"Our buyers have the opportunity to pick their home site, the color of their home, the landscaping and how the home is actually plotted on the site. It's an extraordinary opportunity to get exactly what you want," he said.

"Our 1,216-square-foot Allison floor plan is our most popular entry-level home."

Priced in the $180,000s, the home features three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a great room and kitchen island that seats eight.

"Our gourmet kitchens always impress," Amico said.

The Brady floor plan, measuring 1,486 square feet, includes a dramatic entry way with beautiful vaulted ceilings, said Amico. The three-bedroom, 21/2 bath home also features an upstairs laundry room, a Jack-and-Jill bath between the secondary bedrooms and a large master bedroom with his and hers entries to the master closet.

"All of our homes also feature what we call a 'super shower.' These showers are two to three times the size of a standard shower," Amico said. "It's a touch of luxury in the master suite."

The 1,641-square-foot Camryn floor plan includes three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a large great room and upstairs laundry.

"The stand-out features of this home include tons of cabinetry and counter space in the gourmet kitchen. Plus, there's an enormous kitchen island with plenty of seating and a butler's pantry with even more cabinet space; visitors are always wowed by this home's beautiful entry," Amico said.

At 2,188 square feet, the three-story David floor plan is the largest home available in American West's Lexington neighborhood. It offers as many as four bedrooms, up to 31/2 baths and great room.

"The ground floor of the David offers families incredible flexibility. It can be used as one large family or game room, or it can be built with a family room and bedroom with bathroom. The bedroom arrangement works beautifully for in-laws or older children who want their own living space," Amico said.

For more information, visit americanwesthome.com or call 308-1111.