Richmond lures couple out of rentals

When Rosendo and Julia Espinosa married in 1951, they began a happy marriage, a family of five children and a lifetime of renting homes in Santa Barbara, Calif.

For the first time in their lives, the Espinosas are about to enjoy the benefits of homeownership. The couple will soon move into Richmond American Homes' Tierra Mesa neighborhood in the northeastern valley.

"Rosendo and I have lived for over 50 years in Santa Barbara," Julia Espinosa said. "Many years ago, we missed an opportunity to buy a home there, but we were fortunate to rent homes for long periods, such as eight to 10 years at a time.

"Now, though, things are different in Santa Barbara and housing is so expensive. A small, tiny home in Santa Barbara costs $500,000, and it's not even in good condition," she said.

"Because we live on a fixed income, we never thought we could afford to buy a home. But our son, who has lived in Las Vegas the past 27 years, convinced us to come here and look, and now we can't believe we're about to own a home of our own."

The Espinosas were most impressed by the 1,308-square-foot Chula Vista model.

The two-story floor plan features three bedrooms and two baths, which will allow the couple's daughter, Martha, to live with them.

And, Espinosa said, there will still be plenty of room for overnight guests.

"When my son, Benjamin, suggested we consider looking at homes in Las Vegas, we spent several visits looking around at what was available," she said. "We would find a home we liked, but by the time they added the cost of options we felt we needed, we couldn't afford the home. But when we found Tierra Mesa, right away I knew this was the place. The price was right, and the location is perfect: very convenient to a senior citizens' center."

Buyers can choose from three models in the new neighborhood.

The Alta Vista is a single-story, one-bedroom residence. The floor plan is priced from the $90,000s, and includes a single-car garage, a great room and a kitchen with a nook.

Buena Vista is a two-story design that measures 1,146 square feet and is priced from the low $100,000s. The home features two bedrooms, two baths, an optional powder room downstairs and a one-car garage. Additional highlights include a master suite with a Roman tub, and an upstairs bedroom with a walk-in closet.

The Chula Vista model is priced from the low $100,000s. All three bedrooms are located on the second level, and a great room, nook and kitchen are on the first floor. There is also a tech area that can be used for a home office or converted into a half bath.

Until construction on their new home is completed, Julia Espinosa is living with one of her nine sisters in California, while Rosendo Espinosa is staying with their son at his home in Las Vegas.

To visit the neighborhood, take Interstate 15 to the Lake Mead Boulevard exit, go east to Bonnie Lane and then head north.

Richmond American Homes is developing subdivisions throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

All of the builder's sales offices and model-home parks are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except on Monday and Friday, when they open at noon.

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