Twin sisters purchase new home at Positano

As twin sisters, Nora Simbulan and Norma Habunal have always been close -- and now that they bought a new Richmond American home together in Las Vegas, they'll be even closer.

"We came to the United States 22 years ago from the Philippines, and this is the first home we've owned here," Simbulan said. "Getting our own place was so exciting. We have been renting in Southern California, where we do part-time work, but we visit friends and family so much in Las Vegas that we decided to buy a place here. It will be our vacation home until we retire and move."

The sisters closed on their new home at Positano in September. Located just outside of Mountain's Edge in southwestern Las Vegas, the neighborhood has access to parks, trails, shopping and entertainment venues.

"The southwest area was the No. 1 reason we liked this community so much," Simbulan said. "It also has a real neighborhood atmosphere that we love."

"Our family in California was very familiar with Richmond American Homes," Simbulan said. "We noticed a difference even with small details, like the insulation and the way they provide two air conditioning units -- one for each level."

The sisters decided on the Summer, a two-story floor plan with three bedrooms and 21/2 baths in 1,400 square feet. The great room features volume ceilings. Home buyers can opt for a bonus room or a fourth bedroom upstairs, which adds about 180 square feet. A loft is also available in lieu of one of the bedrooms. The Summer is priced from $220,990.

"It's a cozy home that fits our needs perfectly," Habunal said. "It's so easy to manage and has a great aura."

In addition to the Summer, the neighborhood offers three other floor plans: the Spring, Winter and Fall. All the homes include three bedrooms, 21/2 baths and an attached two-car garage. Available room options allow the homes to feature up to five bedrooms and three baths.

Priced from $204,990, the Spring offers 1,350 square feet. The first floor features an open layout with a great room, dining room and kitchen. The laundry room is located upstairs, along with two bedrooms and a master suite.

Priced from $214,990, the Winter is a 1,450-square-foot home distinguished by a front porch and an entrance leading into a great room and dining room. The kitchen and staircase are located toward the back of the home. Upstairs, the master suite can be expanded in lieu of one of the secondary bedrooms.

The largest floor plan is the Fall, offering 1,600 square feet. An optional bonus room or additional bedroom is available, which brings the home to 1,900 square feet. On the main floor, a secondary bedroom and full bath are available in lieu of the family room, allowing the home to feature up to five bedrooms. The fall is priced from $234,990.

To visit, take Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway to Durango Drive and go south. Turn right on Agate Avenue.

The sales center and model homes are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Friday, when they open at noon. For more information, call 260-1610 or visit RichmondAmerican.com.