We have a very limited home market, and that is driving values up exceptionally fast.
Di Ann Norkus, a realtor affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens Bloomtree Realty in Prescott, is talking specifically about Whispering Canyon, a master-planned community about 15 miles north of Prescott on Williamson Valley Road.
Lots offer spectacular views of rugged, rolling terrain, rock outcroppings and arroyos punctuated with scrub oak, juniper and pinon pine trees. Norkus, a Prescott resident for 21 years, is a certified luxury home marketing specialist ranked among the top 1% of multi-million-dollar producers.
“I sold four homes the second week of February, and my appointment schedule the next two months keeps growing,” she said.
Norkus estimates that 75% of potential buyers are coming from out of state. “We’re showing lots and homes to people from the East and West Coasts – and most states between. Most eastern buyers want out of cold climates, while Pacific Coast buyers want some open space, blue skies and sunshine.”
The other 25% of buyers usually are from Arizona, typically Tucson or Phoenix.
Norkus noted that current phases in the development are nearing closeout. Only about 20 lots remain in non-gated Phase 3 and gated Phase 4. That prompted owner-developer Cole Johnson from Prescott to authorize construction of Phase 5, currently underway.
“People are relocating to Arizona because they appreciate the value, amount of land, and size of home they can get for their dollar here in Prescott,” Johnson said. “It’s ideal for retirees as well as for families looking for a second home or wanting to move into a community where they can enjoy the privacy they desire. It’s a great way to downsize a mortgage and home costs while simultaneously increasing acreage and all the benefits of a new home. Such benefits were recognized by the development team about 20 years ago when we secured the 900 acres and began designing what is now our community here.”
One of Johnson’s commitments is to keep at least 40% of the community dedicated to open space. Developed hiking trails abound and homes are surrounded by green belts.
Water for Whispering Canyons and other nearby developments is provided by ICR Water Users Association, a private company. Before the property was approved for development, water availability had to meet established guidelines. Studies and research through the Arizona Department of Water Resources demonstrated that “an assured water supply will be physically, legally and continuously available for the next 100 years,” Johnson said.
Inventory at a 30-Year Low
Norkus cited a recent study conducted by realtors and construction officials in Yavapai County and surrounding regions. “We were shocked to learn that fewer than 300 homes are available in the greater area. And I’m not talking about stick-built houses. That includes mobile homes and manufactured homes. In short, we have a very limited home market, and that is driving values up exceptionally fast,” she said.
Most Whispering Canyon residents are full-time residents of early retirement age, she said. “Our residents love the tranquil setting and open space.”
Homes available at Whispering Canyon range in size from 2,027 square feet to 2,527. All have a large three-car garage. Most lots are half an acre; however, larger lots also are available.
Four floor plans options for one-story homes include a variety of exterior styles such as Tuscan, Spanish, Ranch, Territorial and Craftsman-Bungalow. Exterior combinations of stucco, architectural stone and timber, combined with tile rooftops, provide distinctive personalities for each home.
Buyers can select from multiple choices for home interiors: cabinet styles and colors, granite or quartz countertops and several flooring options. Kitchens feature stainless steel Bosch appliances. “Flexible floor plans give our buyers many options to personalize their homes. Our homes are definitely a cut above mass production line construction,” Norkus said.
Prices start in the low $600,000s and go up, contingent on the floor plan and type of lot selected. Costs for houses in gated communities are higher, as are those for custom lots available in different phases, she said.
Homeowners Association (HOA) monthly fees are $30 a month in the non-gated area and $50 in the gated community.
For more information, call 928-710-0146 or visit whisperingcanyon.com. Office hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN