American West’s Newcastle to open today

With prices starting as low as $99 per square foot, American West Homes invites homebuyers to celebrate the grand opening of its newest neighborhood, Newcastle at Highlands Ranch, today and Sunday and tour the neighborhood's five distinctive floor plans.

"Newcastle at Highlands Ranch offers first-time and move-up homebuyers the chance to create the home of their dreams," said Larry Canarelli, president of American West. "By purchasing a new home, homeowners have the opportunity to choose home options that fit their personality and lifestyle. And they move into a home backed by a warranty from one of Southern Nevada's premiere home builders.

"Right now is a great time for first-time homebuyers. Those who qualify for the first-time homebuyer tax credit can receive an interest-free loan for up to $7,500 from the government. We are also offering a down-payment assistance program for those who meet the eligibility requirements through the Hugs Foundation. The down payment assistance goes up to $10,000."

The HUGS (Help Us Give to Our Schools) Foundation started out as a down payment-assistance program for employees of the Clark County School District. It was expanded last month to include the general public. The program, which is funded by private and corporate donations, provides down payment or closing costs of up to $10,000 to qualifying homebuyers.

First-time homebuyers may also qualify for the tax credit for any home used as a principal residence purchased before July 1, 2009. For both programs, a first-time buyer must have not owned a home during the last three years.

Newcastle design begin at $259,500 and range from the two-story Abigail floor plan at 1,701 square feet to the three-story Edward floor plan measuring 3,176 square feet.

"We have an impressive range of homes designed to fit families of all sizes," Canarelli said. "We pride ourselves in delivering homes of superior quality that meet the needs of Southern Nevada families. Not only do our homes at Newcastle offer plenty of family friendly space, including a pool-sized backyard, they offer a tremendous amount of flexibility. Value-savvy homebuyers are flocking to the 3,176-square-foot Daniel floor plan, which is offered at $99 per square foot."

Floor plans include studies, game rooms, formal dining rooms, first-floor master suites and optional second master suites. The additional master suite is ideal for a parent or other adult living with the home buyer.

The Abigail features three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a formal dining room, a great room and the option for a study.

The 2,437-square-foot, three-story Brandon floor plan offers three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, formal living and dining rooms, kitchen nook, family room, large game room and the option for a first-floor fourth bedroom and full bath.

The Charlotte floor plan features 1,903 square feet. This two-story floor plan includes four bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a great room and formal dining room. The master suite features a retreat area that can be used for a private reading place, treadmill or office space.

The two-story Edward floor plan offers 1,947 square feet with three bedrooms, two baths, a great room, kitchen nook, game room and first-floor master suite.

At 3,176 square feet, the Daniel floor plan is the largest available at Newcastle at Highlands Ranch. The three-story home features four bedrooms, 31/2 baths, formal living and dining rooms, a family room game room, study and great room. The Daniel also offers the option of a second master suite or fifth bedroom at the game room.

"We offer a level of quality, size and amenities you won't find elsewhere," Canarelli said.

"The features we include in our homes are incomparable. Buyers don't have to pay for custom features such as paving stones on the front porch, granite tiled kitchen countertops, kitchen islands with pendant lighting, Whirlpool appliances, and 30-foot backyards. All our homes are also Energy Star Plus certified which makes them 15 percent more energy efficient than homes that only qualify as Energy Star."

Located in the southwestern part of the Las Vegas Valley, Highlands Ranch is adjacent to the Southern Highlands master-planned community. Residents of Highlands Ranch are near hiking and biking trails, golf, restaurants, shopping and access to Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway.

"Families get to enjoy all the benefits of master-plan living without any additional fees," Canarelli said.

"We think it's proper for a builder to pay the infrastructure fees up front rather than passing them onto the homeowner through expensive monthly S.I.D. fees."

To visit Newcastle, take I-15 south to Blue Diamond Road and exit west (right). Turn south (left) on Decatur and follow the signs. For more information, call 853-4595 or visit AmericanWestHomes.com.