Welcome to Dealmaker’s first instalment of Top Residential Sellers, a bi-monthly report on the highest selling residential communities in the Valley based on surveys conducted by Belfiore Real Estate Consulting.
By Philip Haldiman, Editor-in-Chief | Dealmaker
In Dealmaker’s inaugural installment of Top Residential Sellers, Ascend, a subdivision of the 8,800-acre Verrado community in Buckeye, took home the prize with 31 sales.
The survey occurred from December 2, 2014 to February 9, 2015.
Ascend is part of the Heritage District, a continuation of the Verrado community, including 16 parks, a coffee house, temporary dog park and fire station.
The next phase of the Heritage District will include an aquatic center, opening in the coming months, and an elementary school, which are within walking distance of Ascend residences.
General Manager Dan Kelly told Dealmaker these two new amenities are a big draw for residents.
Ascend is on “lots adjacent to the swim park and Verrado Heritage Elementary School, which is opening in the Fall,” Kelley said. “This will be the fourth school in the community. It’s a really great location for families.”
The community is developed by Scottsdale-based DMB Associates.
With about one-third of the community developed, nearly 8,000 residents live in Verrado. By final build out, the community could accommodate 35,000 residents or more.
Kelly said another driver has been builder Pinnacle West Homes’ ability to create a product that has been resonating with the public. Prices begin at $190,000.
“Everything is two story,” Kelly said. “The homes have great masters, closets and kitchens, nice floorplans and value for your money.”
Mark Ramundo, broker with Pinnacle West Homes, told Dealmaker Ascend homes offer granite countertops, 5-inch base molding, 5-burner gas ranges and other features in the standard base price.
He said almost 50 percent of Pinnacle West Homes’ buyers live in Verrado, “Some are upsizing, downsizing or were renting. They all make the same comment, ‘We love living in Verrado.’”
Pinnacle has the right product in this community, Ramundo said.
“Our exterior elevations are outstanding,” he said. “One of the things that makes Verrado so special is that the exteriors and paint pallets blend well together. Our neighborhood also features mature landscaping, trees, and lots of grass so the community feels alive.”
