HOMEBUYING TIPS, CATHERINE REAGOR

The housing market is popular with Wall Street again. Last year, public and private funds raised billions to buy houses across metro Phoenix and other areas hit by the foreclosure crisis to turn into rental homes.

This year, homebuilders have gained favor again.

Last week, Scottsdale-based Meritage Homes launched a $175 million offering for its senior unsecured notes due in 2018. The builder plans to use a portion of the offering process to redeem all $99 million worth of senior notes due in 2017.

Two weeks ago, Scottsdalebased Taylor Morrison Corp. filed to increase the amount it could raise through a public offering to $500 million, double the amount from its IPO filing in December.

Housing analysts and Wall Street are positive on the homebuilding market again, particularly in areas such as metro Phoenix, where lot supply dropped below a 10-year low.

Most public homebuilders’ stocks climbed last week despite concerns over U.S. government sequestration cuts.

Price drop in CantaMia

AV Homes has lowered prices in its Goodyear retirement community, CantaMia by Vitalia.

Home prices in the community, which is part of the Estrella neighborhood, now start at about $142,000.

The lower prices are being offered for the final 40 homesites available in the CantaMia’s first phase. In January, 12 new homes sold in the community.

“Active-adult buyers have become very thoughtful shoppers in recent years,” said Carl Mulac, executive vice president of AV Homes Executives. “They’ve all watched their most prized asset, their home, drop in value during the recession, and as a result, they are now seeking the best value for their dollar.”