Christopher Homes holds mixer at Vineyards models in Summerlin

     Christopher Homes recently sponsored a membership mixer for the local chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors at the builder's guard-gated Vineyards neighborhood in Summerlin.
      Priced from the low $300,000s, a selection of one- and two-story designs are being built on one-quarter to one-half acre home sites. Four floor plans are available measuring 3,072 to more than 4,200 square feet. Many of the home sites offer panoramic views of the Las Vegas city lights and surrounding mountain ranges.
      Irene Vogel, Realtor liaison for the builder and member of the Women's Council of Realtors, said the group's membership mixer was a success, drawing more than 70 guests for an evening of refreshments, informative presentations by industry professionals and tours of the model homes.
      "Christopher Homes and the Vineyards neighborhood contributed to making this a very special gathering for us," said Ronda Matthews, with Century 21 Realty Associates, and 1999 chapter president of the council. "The homes are lovely -- they provide a perfect setting for entertaining on this scale -- and I feel they are an excellent value in the luxury-home market."
      Dale Biaggi, with Fortress Mortgage, outlined financing programs the company provides for clients of the builder.
      Biaggi's presentation highlighted the Advantage Plus Program, which enables qualified home buyers to secure their loan before construction of the new home begins. The buyer can lock in today's interest rate, while not having to make any mortgage payments until the home is completed. Christopher Homes makes the loan payments during the construction phase, and the buyer benefits from the tax deduction for the interest paid on the construction loan. Biaggi said that home buyers can also finance a portion of their down payment during construction.
      A new phase of home sites was recently released at Vineyards, including several with panoramic city views and a few that are located along Paseo Park. Several homes under construction are scheduled to be ready for occupancy by summer.
      The neighborhood is highlighted by tree-lined streets and a private park. Homeowners are within walking distance of The Arbors Park, which features tennis and basketball courts, a tennis shop and a playground with a tricycle track.
      Available exterior styles are French Provincial, Monterey and Italian-Mediterranean. Options include courtyards and motorcourt gates.
      Buyers can personalize their homes with casitas, courtyard fireplaces, dual owner suites, extra bedrooms and baths, bonus rooms, libraries and wet bars. Buyers receive free consultation with an onsite architectural designer and with a professional interior designer from the builder's in-house design center.
      Interiors feature ceramic-tile flooring in the entries, kitchens and laundry rooms; ceramic-tile counter tops; gas fireplaces; home theater prewiring in the family room; and a complete alarm system.
      To visit, take Summerlin Parkway to Town Center Drive and turn left. Turn right on Hualapai Way and proceed to Laurelglen Drive. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.