PHOENIX, Ariz. – Signaling the first step in an aggressive year of growth, Newport Beach, Calif.-based John Laing Homes announced its entry in to the Phoenix market today. A recognized industry leader in customer satisfaction, quality and innovation, John Laing Homes has recruited respected local builder David Walls to lead the new division.
Walls, most recently the division president of Phoenix-based Monterey Homes, a division of Meritage Homes Corporation, assumes the title of John Laing Homes Phoenix Division President and will drive the search for new homebuilding opportunities in the area, as well as the assembly of the new division’s staff. A respected Phoenix real estate development professional with more than 20 years of experience, Walls provides immediate influence and contacts within the market.
Initially, Walls will focus on acquiring land in premier locations in the Valley and developing value-driven detached and attached neighborhoods priced in the $300,000 to $650,000 range. He anticipates the company’s first sales will begin in the middle of 2008, building toward a goal of 500 home sales per year by the end of the decade.
With continued job and population growth projected for the Phoenix area, the company believes the Phoenix market has strong long-term potential and is actively engaged in negotiations for projects in the most attractive locations in the market.
“It’s no secret within the industry that we are most successful in competitive markets that demand homes of the highest quality and distinct design,” said John Laing Homes CEO Larry Webb. “With our promise to deliver the best new home experience to our homebuyers and David Walls’ proven leadership, we are looking forward to an exciting first year in Phoenix.”
After a comprehensive search, Walls won the opportunity because his experience in building and developing successful single-family detached move-up and attached neighborhoods complements John Laing Homes’ approach.
“It’s important to understand the Phoenix area continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and I believe John Laing Homes can fill an untapped demand for high quality homes in great locations,” said Walls. “I’m excited about the opportunity and moving fast to buy land and build a specialized team that will deliver beautiful homes and an unmatched homebuying experience to Phoenix homebuyers.”
While at Monterey Homes, Walls led all aspects of real estate development for the company’s luxury, move-up and high-density neighborhoods throughout the Phoenix region. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President with Cavalier Homes and founded GlenAlden Homes. Walls has also served as the Chief Financial Officer for Monterey Homes and began his professional homebuilding career in finance as a Certified Public Accountant with Trammel Crow and Del Webb.
A lifelong Phoenix resident and graduate of Arizona State University, Walls taught high school math and coached both football and basketball before entering the homebuilding industry.
About John Laing Homes
With a tradition of quality dating back more than 150 years, John Laing Homes is one of the largest privately held homebuilders in the United States. John Laing Homes consistently ranks among industry leaders in overall customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates, and enjoys the financial backing of its award-winning partner, Dubai-based real estate developer Emaar Properties. The homebuilder has earned numerous industry awards itself, including “America’s Best Builder” for 2006 from Builder magazine, “2005 Most Admired Builder of the Year” from Big Builder magazine, “2004 Builder of the Year” from Professional Builder magazine, and “Builder of the Decade” in 2000 from independent research firm Eliant. The company finished 2006 with revenues of more than $1.6 billion on 2,269 residential closings. Based in Newport Beach, California, John Laing Homes concentrates its homebuilding efforts in California, Arizona and Colorado. For more information, visit www.johnlainghomes.com. |
