"As we enter 2009, home shoppers are continuing to discover that they can get more for their money when buying a brand-new home from American West," Canarelli said. "With our 2009 pricing starting at $89 per square foot and the Feds lowering mortgage interest rates, this is a great time to purchase a brand-new home. These quality homes will not be on the market for long."

Located in the southwestern valley and Henderson, American West's nine actively selling neighborhoods offers mixed architectural designs. Two- and three-story residences are available, ranging from 1,216 to more than 4,700 square feet with two to six bedrooms and as many as 41/2 baths.

Design features may include gourmet cook center; granite countertops; ceramic-tile entry; recessed lighting; Whirlpool kitchen appliances; programmable thermostat; dual-pane, low-e windows; soft-water loop; front-yard landscaping with drip irrigation; and a 10-year structural assurance plan. Select three-story homes include an elevator.

Canarelli said home shoppers are drawn by the neighborhoods' locations.

"Our neighborhoods are located in new, highly desirable communities such as Coronado Ranch, Highlands Ranch and Silverado Ranch. Residents are close to shopping and dining, great new schools, and brand-new parks," he said. "The best part is that there are no additional fees like an LID or SID to live in these beautiful neighborhoods."

Three neighborhoods are located within Coronado Ranch.

Kingsbridge models measure from 1,486 to 2,544 square feet and start at $219,500. Plans offer three or four bedrooms and up to 31/2 baths.

Priced from $294,500 is Promontory, where residences range from 1,800 to 3,321 square feet and offer up to six bedrooms.

Also located within Coronado Ranch with prices starting at $379,500 is the Woodbridge neighborhood, where floor plans range from 3,435 to 4,770 square feet with up to six bedrooms and as many as 41/2 baths. The three-story, 4,770-square-foot floor plan includes an elevator and is priced as low as $98 per square foot.

To visit Coronado Ranch, take the southern Interstate 215, Las Vegas Beltway, to Rainbow Boulevard, head south and follow the signs.

American West is constructing five neighborhoods within Highlands Ranch in the southwestern valley.

The residences at Fairmont start at $219,500 and range from 1,486 to 2,544 square feet with up to four bedrooms and as many as 31/2 baths.

Newcastle starts at $229,500 and offers homes as low as $89 per square foot. The floor plans measure from 1,701 to 3,176 square feet with as many as five bedrooms and up to 31/2 baths.

These homes are rated as Energy Star Plus. This rating means they are 30 percent more energy efficient than current National Home Building standards, according to Canarelli.

The builder also offers Windsor and Kensington at Highlands Ranch.

Windsor's designs are priced from $288,500 and range from 2,222 to 3,790 square feet.

Kensington's residences measure from 3,435 to 4,770 square feet and are priced from $379,500. The plan offers a 4,770-square-foot, three-story home with an included elevator that is priced as low as $98 per square foot.

American West has continued to open new-home neighborhoods throughout 2008, and will continue in 2009, Canarelli said.

Opening Jan. 24 will be Lexington, which is the newest addition to the Highlands Ranch community. The floor plans, which will start at $188,500, range from 1,216 to 2,188 square feet with up to three bedrooms.

To visit the Highlands Ranch neighborhoods, take Interstate 15 to Blue Diamond Road and head west. Turn south on Decatur Boulevard and follow the signs.

American West is also constructing the Silverado Springs neighborhood, which is located within the Silverado Ranch community in Henderson.

The residences range from 2,363 to 3,790 square feet, offer as many as five bedrooms and up to 31/2 baths, and are priced from $288,500.

To visit Silverado Springs, take I-215 to Eastern Avenue and travel south. Turn right on Silverado Ranch Boulevard, left on Maryland Parkway.

American West sales offices are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 308-1111 or visit AmericanWestHomes.com.