The Arizona Republic

What’s on the market

- Reach the reporter at sue.doerfler@arizona republic.com.

This is the second in a three-part series on the popular features in the entry-level, midlevel and luxury markets. Next week: Luxury market. outlying areas than you can in such highend communitie­s as Scottsdale, said Juan Grimaldi, a Realtor with Century 21 Arizona Foothills. He specialize­s in West Valley homes.

In some locales, you might find larger yards. In others, the houses might come with pools.

No matter what, at around $300,000,

“You’re going to find a nice home,” said Amy Jones, a Realtor with Re/Max Infinity’s Amy Jones Group in Chandler.

Although often considered a moveup dwelling, a midprice house also can be a down-sizer for empty nesters wanting less square footage while keeping the upgraded features they are used to, Grimaldi said.

When looking at midprice houses, keep in mind that it’s a hot market for homebuyers and that the houses with the most appointmen­ts are likely to go quickly, Jones said.

Here’s a look at some of the typical features found in midprice houses:

Appliances

Stainless-steel appliances are popular in this price range. Look for goodsize refrigerat­ors.

Countertop­s and kitchen upgrades

Many homes will be upgraded with slab granite counters, kitchen islands and walk-in pantries.

New houses likely will come with the latest trends.

At Shea Homes’ midprice Valley subdivisio­ns, wood-look tile in gray tones, white or light granite tops and glass-tile backsplash­es have been popular with buyers, according to the company’s sales team and design-studio personnel.

Square footage

Expect the houses to have 1,800 to 2,100 square feet. You might find larger or more-appointed smaller ones.

Floor plans

New and newer houses will have more-open floor plans.

Number of bedrooms

Expect three or four bedrooms, perhaps more in outlying areas. One of the bedrooms can be used as a home office, man cave, den or guest bedroom.

Number of bathrooms

Two or three bathrooms, with one a master-suite bathroom, are standard.

Flooring

Larger tile — 18- to 20-inch-square tiles — are popular. You may also find wood flooring.

Parking

Midprice houses have two-car or larger garages. Need extra storage? Look for ones that include a small storage space.

Backyards

In addition to covered patios, mid- price houses may have built-out backyards. You might find built-in barbecues or even a putting green, Jones said. Some will have pools.

Storage space

Some midprice houses may have storage space in stairwells, garages or spread throughout the floor plan.

 ?? PHOTOS BY AMY JONES ?? The master bathroom of the midprice Gilbert home has a tile surround.
PHOTOS BY AMY JONES The master bathroom of the midprice Gilbert home has a tile surround.
 ??  ?? This Gilbert home, which sold for $350,000, has granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, upgraded cabinets, pendant lighting and an iron stair rail.
This Gilbert home, which sold for $350,000, has granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, upgraded cabinets, pendant lighting and an iron stair rail.

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