California couple relocates to age-qualified Ardiente

According to Ryan Smith, sales manager for Shea Homes Ardiente, the age-qualified community in North Las Vegas, there remains interest in the community.

"Interest has never been stronger," Smith said. "The value and the lifestyle benefits here are so overwhelmingly positive, our buyers don't seem deterred by negative headlines that change from day to day."

According to Ron Reed and Stephanie Hester, who are relocating to Ardiente from Chino Hills, Calif., their priority is taking advantage of today's low interest rates. "We just could not find this kind of community or value in California," Hester said. "We were looking for a gated community and Ardiente offered everything we wanted. Why wait? The timing was perfect for us."

"Moving to Nevada from California gives you an automatic boost in disposable income," Reed said. "There's no personal income tax here and the pricing of new homes is way more attractive than in Southern California."

Debra Hawkins' new Ardiente home -- The Rome -- will be complete in November. "When Shea came to Ardiente and started building, it was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up. Sure the economy is struggling, but when will we ever see prices like this again," she said.

Hawkins, who has lived in Las Vegas since 1984 and works as a postal clerk, will keep the condominium she's living in and use it for additional income. She said many of her golf friends live at Ardiente and she's looking forward to entertaining in her new home.

"I just love it," Hawkins said. "I'm so excited to move there. I've never met a builder so caring or interested in making sure you're happy."

According to Smith, the builder works with prospective residents who have a home to sell before they make their move.

"Once a prospective Ardiente homebuyer has a buyer for their existing home, we work with them to make sure we are all comfortable with the transaction," Smith said.

"At that point, Shea agrees to sell the Ardiente home contingent upon close of escrow of their existing home. We work with the real estate agents and escrow company to make sure that everything is proceeding well right up until close of escrow. We make every step as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This program was one of the reasons Ron (Reed) and Stephanie (Hester) felt so comfortable about making the move to Ardiente."

According to Smith, unemployment is not a determining factor with their potential buyers. "While about 50 percent are still involved in a career, they're often in a place where they can cut back on work or start a new career path," Smith said. "All in all, they have flexibility to navigate many of the challenges that have paralyzed the market in general."

Smith said that new buyers are able to take advantage of interest rates.

Ardiente's Model Gallery is open daily at 5840 Summit Greens Street in North Las Vegas. For more information, visit SheaArdiente.com or call 224-8200.