Toll Brothers
America's Luxury Homebuilder
by Mitch Leigh
Founded more than 40 years ago, Toll Brothers entered the Las Vegas market in 1997 when it acquired Coleman Homes and one of the company's top executives, Gary Mayo. Now group president of Toll Brothers in Nevada, Mayo has more than two decades of experience in the Nevada homebuilding market and approximately three decades in the residential real estate industry.
For more than a decade, the nation's leading builder of luxury homes has persevered in Nevada. With Mayo at the helm, Toll Brothers has earned an enviable reputation for exceptional architectural design, outstanding construction and craftsmanship, unparalleled customizing options and first-rate customer service.
"Our greatest reward comes from the recognition we've received from our Nevada homeowners," says Mayo. "We have an unwavering commitment to excellence that appeals to luxury home buyers who demand quality and expect the best."
In Nevada, Toll Brothers is well established with high-profile communities within the most coveted locations. Serving both move-up buyers and empty nesters since 1967, Toll Brothers builds luxury homes that are not only beautiful to look at but are comfortable to live in. The company currently has 11 active communities in the Las Vegas area and six active communities in Reno.
Despite the fact that weak consumer confidence has kept many potential buyers from taking advantage of the current buyers' market, Toll Brothers is staying positive on the current growth in Nevada. With its land teams intact and considerable capital available, Mayo is convinced the company is prepared to take advantage of many opportunities that will arise out of the housing market.
"Over the years, Toll Brothers has built hundreds of luxury homes in the Las Vegas and Reno marketplaces," says Mayo. "Las Vegas and Reno experienced explosive growth. In the current marketplace, our brand name and reputation distinguish us. We've responded to the downturn and are well positioned for the upturn."
A letter to stockholders in the 2007 Annual Report states "It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when oversupply will be absorbed ?. We believe those who wanted to buy but didn't will kick themselves for their reticence."
"From what we have observed in previous downturns," explains Mayo, "we believe builders with a reputation for dependability, quality and financial strength have a competitive advantage."
High Standards Come Standard
Impressed by high-end extras that come standard as well flexible customizing opportunities that fit within their budgets, home buyers demand the best of the best. Depending on the particular model and community, Toll Brothers' list of standard features includes dramatic two-story foyers; nine foot first floor and second floor ceilings; secondary staircases; custom millwork and trim; hardwood flooring; fireplaces; and master bedroom suites with a private den, walk-in closets, luxurious baths with whirlpool tubs.?
"We are meticulous about details," says Mayo. "Every enhancement a homeowner selects is seamlessly added to create a semi-custom home that truly reflects each individual homeowner's needs, desires and own personal style."
Each Toll Brothers community has a comprehensive customization catalog that lists hundreds of available options. For example, home buyers can add on sunrooms, greenhouses, in-law suites, spacious great rooms, skylights, wet bars and additional fireplaces. And because home buyers want a variety of choices to meet their individual tastes and lifestyles, every Toll Brothers community has an on-site design center to create a one-stop shopping experience.
At the on-site design center, buyers can also choose from an extensive list of colors and design selections such as marble and hardwood floors and a variety of selections for the home's exterior. And with prices starting from the upper $100s, owning a Toll Brothers luxury home is within reach for many home buyers. "People don't realize that Toll Brothers has homes from different price points," says Mayo. "We've earned our reputation as the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. Especially in today's marketplace, our homes also represent unprecedented value."
But quality extends far beyond luxurious features Toll Brothers is doing its part to preserve the natural environment, earning the Energy Star for Homes Leadership in Housing Award. These homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to code in 2004 and include additional energy savings features that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes. Mayo says Toll Brothers is committed to building energy efficient homes that control costs and help reduce emissions for a cleaner planet.
The company is currently building Energy Star qualified homes at Hidden Canyon, Summerlin, Mountain's Edge, MacDonald Highlands at The Retreat, Providence, Vita Bella at Lake Las Vegas Resort and Inspirada.
Communities on the Rise
Numerous communities throughout Nevada, Toll Brothers selects the best locations by choosing scenic areas that offer a blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Toll Brothers recently unveiled the Select Collection at Inspirada in Henderson. Designed for those who aspire to live in a friendly, open streetscape environment where community amenities are within a short stroll, the builder is offering 20 plans within five collections of condominiums and single-family homes.
Select Collection homebuyers have the opportunity to upgrade their homes to meet individualistic desires, but they don't pay for options they may not want. Toll Brothers at Inspirada Select Collection new home prices start from the upper $100s. "The Select Collection's prices reflect outstanding value and provide our home buyers with more choices," says Mayo. "People only pay for the upgrades that they select."
At Hidden Canyon Estates in northwest Las Vegas, Toll Brothers is honoring military personnel with a $10,000 incentive. "Hidden Canyon Estates' proximity to Nellis Air Force Base makes it an ideal location for those who serve our country," says Mayo.
Homes within Hidden Canyon, a private, gated community, range from 3,473 to 3,895 square feet situated on homesites up to one-third acre. Prices start from the mid-$500s and each four-bedroom plan includes distinctive characteristics such as lavish master suites, a wealth of entertainment areas, gourmet kitchens and three-car garages.
At the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range overlooking snow-capped alpine mountains and stunning high desert vistas, the Damonte Ranch master plan sets the scenic backdrop for two Toll Brothers communities in Reno. Dorado at Damonte Ranch is a neighborhood of two-story, single-family homes that blend with surrounding natural terrain and range from 2,803 to 3,011 square feet, priced from the upper $500s.
SaddleRidge at Damonte Ranch is a gated community offering luxurious, semi-custom one- and two-story single-family homes reflecting European architectural designs. Plans range from 3,052 to 4,358 square feet and are priced from the upper $500s.
With dozens of designs and styles to choose from, coupled with unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, its no wonder Toll Brothers continues to reign as one of the nation's leading luxury homebuilders.
Builder Facts:
Corporate office: Horsham, Pennsylvania ?Founded: 1967?Communities: 23 communities in Nevada ?Floor plans: Total 88 floor plans ranging from 1,406 square feet to 5,284 square feet ?Price range: Upper $100s to over $1 million?What should home buyers know: Toll Brothers provides unsurpassed quality, luxury homes at an incredible value.?What should trade contractors know: Toll Brothers takes pride in the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every home.
