Local builder: Chartered Homes

After 15 years of building homes, Ward Ritter remains devoted to one philosophy: homes are more than just a product to be built and sold.

"We realize that our customer is more than a one-time buyer of a home," said Ritter, president of Chartered Homes. "We strive to build a lifelong relationship with our new-home buyers and continue to satisfy their living needs, now and in the future."

Chartered's first product in Southern Nevada was The Willows apartments, which attracted people new to the valley, as well as those who preferred to rent before buying a home, according to Ritter. He has since built two additional Willows complexes and plans to develop two others.

"The Willows provides new residents a transition point before investing in their new home, as well as ideal communities for people who prefer renting as an option to buying," he said. "It's a very important starting point to introduce them to the Chartered Homes style of luxury living and value before they decide to purchase a new home. Many of our residents at The Willows have purchased a home from us after renting and deciding on a favorite area of town."

The newest properties are The Willows at Sunrise Mountain and The Willows at Lone Mountain. The Lone Mountain West and Town Center complexes will follow soon.

Each complex is gated and comprises one-, two- and three-bedroom units with balconies or patios. Resident amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool and spa. Monthly rent starts from the mid-$600s.

Chartered Homes is also the builder of Cottonwood townhomes. Cottonwood at Sunrise Mountain recently closed out, yet Cottonwood on Alexander continues to record sales.

Christina Stack, a personnel officer at Nellis Air Force Base and a first-time home buyer, purchased the Cottonwood Birch model, which she shares with her dog, Tuffy. The home measures 1,418 square feet with two bedrooms, a convertible den, 2 1/2 baths and an attached two-car garage. The Birch is priced from the mid-$120,000s.

"I wanted a new home and the affordable Cottonwood community was just what I needed," Stack said. "I've also taken everybody I know through the model homes and told them how great Cottonwood is to call home. It's a family-oriented community ..."

Two additional floor plans are available.

Aspen is a 1,283-square-foot design with two bedrooms, two baths and an attached one-car garage. It is priced from the high $110,000s. The 1,429-square-foot Cedar offers three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and an attached two-car garage. It is priced from the high $120,000s.

Cottonwood on Alexander is a gated neighborhood with a community swimming pool and spa.

To visit, take Interstate 15 north to Craig Road, go east to Pecos Road, head south to Alexander Road, turn left and follow the signs. The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Chartered also developed Cottonwood at Spring Valley Ranch, and has provided homeownership opportunities at Souvenir, Keys condominiums, and Fairway Pointe at Queensridge.

Meantime, a priority list is being compiled for Horizon Heights, a gated neighborhood at the base of Black Mountain in Henderson.

"We are planning for spectacular three- to five-bedroom homes with up to 2,600 square feet of living space," Ritter said. "This would be the next perfect step for home buyers who are looking to move up; whether it be from a Cottonwood community, a condominium, a townhome or even downsize. Horizon Heights will feature the same quality craftsmanship and value that our over 3,000 total customers have already come to expect from Chartered Homes."

The homes are preliminarily priced from the $160,000s.

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