2019 Avid Awards SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH) is pleased to announce that nine of its divisions have been honored with a 2018 Avid Award for excellence in homebuyer satisfaction. The record number of awards that Meritage Homes earned this year underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to customer service.“Providing an exceptional building experience is something we take very seriously at Meritage Homes,” said Steve Hilton, CEO of Meritage Homes. “Our goal is to deliver a Life. Built. Better.® to our valued customers through transparency, excellent quality, and integrity above all else.”For the past 15 years, the Avid Awards have been regarded as a trusted benchmark of customer service performance in the homebuilding industry. Homeowners who purchased new homes in 2017 were surveyed to determine the winners of the 2018 Avid Awards. Every survey analyzes the total home buying experience, including the customer’s willingness to refer and the actual number of recommendations a buyer has made.Meritage’s San Antonio, Orlando and Phoenix divisions were each recognized with the Avid Gold Award™ for having the highest customer ratings per region for a new home at the time of move-in. Additionally, the company’s Austin, Houston, Raleigh, Tucson, Northern California and Southern California divisions took home the Avid Benchmark Award™ for scoring among the top in customer ratings nationwide.“Our dedicated employees and trade partners work exceptionally hard to deliver the highest standard of home quality and customer service to our buyers,” said Camille Jenkins, vice president of national customer relations at Meritage Homes. “The Avid Awards are a great way to measure and acknowledge that effort.” About Meritage HomesMeritage Homes is the seventh-largest public homebuilder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2017. Meritage builds and sells single-family homes for entry-level, move-up, and active adult buyers in markets including California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.The Company has designed and built over 110,000 homes in its 33-year history, and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and positive customer experience. Meritage is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award every year since 2013 for innovation and industry leadership in energy-efficient homebuilding..hero:not(.hero-dummy).hero--with-overlay>.row:after {background-color: transparent;}@media (max-width: 1600px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy) {min-height: inherit;}.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {padding-top: inherit;min-height: 400px;background-size: 100%;background-repeat: no-repeat;}}/*end */@media (max-width: 900px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {min-height: 275px;}}@media (max-width: 700px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {min-height: 200px;}}/*end */@media (max-width: 500px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {min-height: 125px;}}/*end */ Meritage Homes Takes Home Nine Prestigious Honors at the Annual Avid Awards® for Highest Homebuyer Ratings We have a home expert standing by. Still have questions?

Lets the sun shine in while deflecting heat and UV rays that up energy bills and damage furniture. Lets the sun shine in while deflecting heat and UV rays that up energy bills and damage furniture. UV-Blocking Windows

Putting Down Roots With Meritage During the entitlement phase of Sumac Ridge, we discovered the existence of a riparian wetland habitat (land surrounding rivers and streams) and a vernal pool (a seasonal water habitat) on-site. We hired an independent expert biologist who determined four acres of land contained federally protected species and drainage paths. In addition to designating this acreage as preserved lands, we decided to reduce the community by 40 homes and establish a natural open-space buffer between the riparian habitat and the vernal pool. With walking trails and community signage to educate residents about the native species and wetland habitat, homeowners will coexist with the local biodiversity. In collaboration with regulatory agencies and city government, we further commissioned a third-party analysis and testing of our civil engineer’s drainage plan to ensure the community’s irrigation would not alter the natural drainage plane or impact the native habitat. Upon the completion of Sumac Ridge, the 175-home community will have an enhanced landscaping design, including preserved land that promotes the beauty of native flora and fauna. Nurturing Habitats Solena at The Vineyards, one of the first all-electric communities in North Carolina, was designed with EPRI to understand and demonstrate how to build energy-efficient homes that are also electric grid-friendly. This all-electric community is designed to avoid pulling electricity from the grid during the peak hour needs of the overall marketplace and optimize Duke Energy’s electric load. The energy-efficient homes we are building require less incremental electric utility infrastructure to support this community. And by reducing potential power grid failures or rolling brownout scenarios in the future, Solena at The Vineyards will help demonstrate a large-scale proof-of-concept community’s impact on more efficient use of energy and ultimately reducing energy consumption overall. Electric Grid-Friendly When the development team was ready to start rough grading at Meadow Run, a pair of red-tailed hawks nesting just off-site of the property in a neighbor’s eucalyptus tree was identified. Since red-tailed hawks’ nests require a large buffer zone from a construction operation, we delayed the site development work until the three eyas, or baby red-tailed hawks, had time to develop.Although the land development was delayed two and a half months, Meritage played a role in maintaining the local ecosystem and had a once-in-a lifetime front seat to monitoring the maturation of the eyas before they flew off. Bird’s-Eye View Putting Down Roots With Meritage We help families put down roots every day. So we thought it was time to do the same with hundreds of trees across the country. By partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, we’re able to distribute and plant trees in communities in need, helping to grow a greener tomorrow. There are areas in Myrtle Beach that suffer from low tree canopies. This means that, in addition to a lack of shade, these areas miss out on some of the key benefits of a large tree population, which includes smog reduction and oxygen production. This fall, our volunteers gave out 400 trees to the Myrtle Beach community. Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Planting Myrtle Planting The Orlando area has been the victim of a dangerous hurricane season. A hurricane took out a large portion of its tree coverage in early 2022, and the community reached out for help. The area of Lake Mary was in desperate need of a source of new trees to help reestablish its tree canopy. Our volunteers got to work and set up a tree distribution event, giving out 390 trees to the community as well as planting three trees on location. Orlando Orlando Planting Orlando Planting Our planting event in Tampa, Florida, took place in Capaz Park. As the park begins to lose its older trees — mainly laurel oaks — there’s a need to plant new trees to replace the canopy loss. By planting and distributing 112 trees during our May event, we helped add shade to existing playground and new walking paths as well as helped increase the number of native trees that benefit local wildlife. Tampa Denver Planting Denver Planting Our Denver team members volunteered at a tree distribution event in April where we were able to give out 58 trees to community members. These trees are being planted in order to increase tree canopies in neighborhoods that need it. Actively planting trees also helps to protect air quality and water supply, provide shade, improve walkability, and more. Denver Denver Planting Denver Planting Phoenix The Rio Salado Habitat used to be a dumpsite and thanks to restoration efforts it has now grown into a lush riparian corridor. The habitat offers a refuge for local wildlife and a natural preserve for visitors to enjoy in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Our volunteers planted 35 trees to aid in this habit’s growth and support the established monarch butterfly weigh station and natural purification of the Salt River. Phoenix Stats Fonville Middle School had insufficient canopy coverage, making it the perfect place to add much-needed shade. Volunteers from our Houston division pulled up their sleeves to plant 60 trees around the campus. Communities like this suffer from what is known as the heat island effect, when urban areas with limited greenery endure higher temperatures than outlying areas. Planting trees at Fonville helps reduce that effect while creating the perfect backdrop for students to learn and grow. Houston Planting Raleigh Stats We are passionate about helping communities in need. So when the city of Raleigh developed a plan to revitalize the historic South Park neighborhood, we were ready to lend a helping hand. Since the South Park neighborhood has been identified as a low tree canopy zone with less shade and higher temperatures than outlying areas, we knew planting 225 trees in Walnut Creek Wetland Center and Chavis Park would help combat the heat island effect and bring much needed greenery in this historic area. Raleigh Planting Raleigh Stats Upcoming

Fun ideas for friends and family Fun ideas for friends and family When a family member or friend moves into a new home, it's a milestone worth celebrating — especially if they moved into a Meritage home. You'll likely want to help them settle in and congratulate them with a thoughtful housewarming gift that they'll actually use and enjoy. But even if you’ve known them for ages, it may be tricky to find the perfect gift. Do you get them a present that’s more functional or aesthetically pleasing or something that’s just memorable? It feels like the options are endless.Don’t worry — we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for that new homeowner in your life.  Housewarming Gifts The first is, “What did you do beyond the building code to make this home healthy?” You want to hear that the builder used materials that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Next, ask for an estimated energy bill so you can see the financial impact. You can also inquire about the builder’s awards and certifications.“Find out if they’re recognized by third-party building science organizations,” Stahl says, such as the National Association of Home Builders. “And they should exceed ENERGY STAR®’s National Version 3 standards. A good builder will brag about it, and a not-so-good one will hope you don’t ask.” Ask unconventional questions. Step 7 If allergies are a concern, locate the HVAC return to check the home's air filtration equipment. A high-quality air filter, like the MERV 13 that comes standard in all Meritage homes, is critical for reducing bacteria, pet dander, dust, and even some viral particles in the home’s air.Don’t stop there, though — there might be more filtration equipment in place. Unlike some other homes, Meritage homes have a fresh air management filtration system, which is separate from the furnace filter, and they’re sealed to keep pollen and pollutants out while allowing fresh air in. Study the HVAC return. Step 6 Notice the size, because there's often a direct correlation: the bigger the air conditioner, the worse the interior insulation tends to be. “If there are big – or multiple – boxes, the house was poorly built, so big AC units were needed to compensate,” Stahl says. Additionally, you should ask whether the unit is single-speed or multispeed. A multispeed HVAC system like Meritage installs in every new home is designed to automatically shift gears to run at the right speed to maintain a comfy temperature and save you on energy costs. Find the air conditioning unit. Step 5 In new communities and homes, look for the highly-efficient multispeed Carrier® HVAC systems. A multispeed system typically has at least two speeds and is designed to run at a lower or higher setting to adjust the temperature, helping homeowners save energy and money. For a better picture, imagine you’re driving a vehicle and you floor the accelerator. You’re asking the engine to run at full speed. It’s loud, every part of the engine is moving at full capacity and you’re using more gas. That’s similar to how a single-speed HVAC system functions. The thermostat calls for heating or cooling and the system kicks on — at full speed.Multispeed HVAC systems work a lot like a car adjusting its speed — the car may go 60 mph on the highway, but only 35 mph in a neighborhood. And at lower speeds, it makes less noise, uses less fuel and puts less wear and tear on the system. Feel the difference with the new, highly-efficient, multispeed HVAC systems. Step 4 If it’s quiet outside, blast music on your phone, leave it outside and then close the door. Evaluate how much noise you can hear. This isn’t just a noise test; it also reveals how air moves in and out of the house. Noise, after all, is transported through the air. “If the sound doesn’t change much, run out of the house,” Stahl says. “Air can leak in and out easily, bringing with it pollen, dust, humidity, bugs.” But if it feels like you’re in a sound studio, the home has quality framing, insulation and windows — and is a healthier home in general. Especially for those who have allergies. Listen for outside noise. Smart-Buy Tip 3 Put your hand against the sunniest one in the house. A cool window indicates that it’s higher quality, so it won’t let in heat or furniture-fading UV rays. “There are two main elements to a window: the U-factor, which measures heat transfer, and reflectance, which determines the amount of UV rays a window lets in,” Stahl explains. “A cool window is superior in both of these elements. If the window feels hot, it’s the opposite.” Touch the windows. Smart-Buy Tip 2 If it changes when you’re wandering around the house — like in many older homes — the house isn’t well insulated, Stahl says. Plus, you could be spending about 50% more on heating and cooling. If the temperature is the same in all directions and between floors, it will be more comfortable year-round. “A better-insulated home will also be more durable because it brings in less humidity that can degrade the structure of the house,” Stahl says. Check the temperature. Smart-Buy Tip 1 Fun ideas for friends and family Housewarming Gifts The caffeine connoisseur.If your friend or relative loves coffee or tea, you can't go wrong with must-have items like a coffee grinder, French press and electric kettle. If the new homeowner loves their caffeine to go, consider buying a thermos that keeps drinks hot or cold for longer. If you want to spend a little extra money or are looking for a group gift, consider a handmade tea set or a subscription service for coffees or teas from around the world (they have sampler sets too!).  The lover of interior decorating. Perhaps the new homeowners would love to add their unique style to the house with art or other décor. Thankfully, the options are plentiful when it comes to gift-giving in this category. For instance, buy a faux fur throw that matches their furniture or color scheme. Or get a coffee table book that speaks to their interests. If they are fans of huge statement pieces, consider a large wall clock. Other ideas include letter boards (maybe for their kitchen or entryway), a bookshelf art piece, a large vase, a decorative tray or even a framed map of their favorite city. The one who appreciates personal touch. Want to make your gift more meaningful? Have your present personalized. For instance, a cheese board with the recipient’s initials; coasters with their favorite pictures; a dishtowel or mug with a special phrase; a throw pillow with their house’s latitude and longitude coordinates; or perhaps a door mat that says something like “The Smiths Welcome You.” The head of the kitchen.If your friend or relative loves to cook or bake and spends hours in the kitchen, consider fancy salt and pepper shakers, a spoon rest in the shape of the state they live in or a recipe journal so they can create their own cookbook. If you want to spend a little extra cash, consider gifting them top-notch olive oil, a handblown glass olive oil pourer, a Dutch oven or even a cooking or baking class.Still need ideas?Even though you know your friends or relatives like the back of your hand, it can still be difficult to come up with an amazing housewarming gift. You can never go wrong with candles, succulents, a bag toss game for everyone to play in the backyard, or, a set of solar lights for the deck/patio. Of course, if you are still having trouble thinking of ideas, there are always gift cards to their favorite shops, home improvement stores or a cleaning service.Happy shopping! Choosing the right floorplan can be a challenge. See the latest trends and steps to finding your perfect fit.Discover the difference our fresh air management system can make for the health of your home.  Floorplans for Modern Life House hunt like the pros, and turn your next home tour into a true test with the Smart-Buy Challenge. Seven Insider House-Hunting Tips Finding, touring and buying your home online just got easier. See the five simple steps. Virtual Homebuying Made Easy Finding, touring and buying your home online just got easier. See the five simple steps. Virtual Homebuying Made Easy Take a peek into our build process, or search dream homes and communities. Where to next? Any information contained in these articles has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of such information is not guaranteed and Meritage Homes disclaims any responsibility for such information. From time to time, Meritage Homes makes available articles and information that it believes may be of intertest to the reader. The views of the respective authors or persons quoted in such articles, whether or not specific attribution is made herein, are those of such person(s) and do not necessarily represent those of Meritage Homes, which accepts no responsibility for such views. The mention of specific products and/or services in any article does not constitute an endorsement or approval of such products and/or services by Meritage Homes, and such products and/or services may not be available with respect to every, or any, Meritage home. Visit http://www.meritagehomes.com/featuredescriptions for information and disclaimers about energy-efficient features and associated claims pertaining to Meritage homes. All material in these articles is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright holder. Meritage Homes®, Life. Built. Better.®, and Setting the standard for energy-efficient homes® are trademarks of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2020 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights are reserved.

All features of, and performance claims and specifications for, M.Connected HomeTM Automation Suite components are provided by the applicable manufacturer and Meritage Homes disclaims any representation or warranty with respect to such features, claims, or specifications. Automation Suite components may vary by home and/or community, may not be available in all homes/communities, and may be changed or substituted by Meritage Homes at any time, without notice or obligation. Certain Automation Suite components or features may require an additional subscription (including, without limitation, video doorbell where available) and/or may be limited to select locations in the home (including, without limitation, lighting controls). Mobile connectivity features require WiFi. Standard WiFi/internet and mobile access charges imposed by applicable carrier(s) may apply. Automation Suite included as a standard feature in specified to be built homes [insert standard for inclusion]. Inclusion of Automation Suite in a purchased home and the components of such Automation Suite shall be limited in all events to the specific terms set forth in the binding contract for such home.          M.Connected Home MConnected Home Hero Looking for more details? All features of, and performance claims and specifications for, M.Connected Home™ Automation Suite components are provided by the applicable manufacturer and Meritage Homes disclaims any representation or warranty with respect to such features, claims, or specifications. Automation Suite components may vary by home and/or community, may not be available in all homes/communities, and may be changed or substituted by Meritage Homes at any time, without notice or obligation. Certain Automation Suite components or features may require an additional subscription (including, without limitation, video doorbell where available) and/or may be limited to select locations in the home (including, without limitation, lighting controls). Mobile connectivity features require WiFi. Standard WiFi/internet and mobile access charges imposed by applicable carrier(s) may apply. Automation Suite included as a standard feature in specified to be built homes for which a sales contract is executed from and after July 5, 2017. Inclusion of Automation Suite in a purchased home and the components of such Automation Suite shall be limited in all events to the specific terms set forth in the binding contract for such home, which shall control in all events..hero:not(.hero-dummy).hero--with-overlay>.row:after {background-color: transparent;}@media (max-width: 1600px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy) {min-height: inherit;}.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {padding-top: inherit;min-height: 400px;background-size: 100%;background-repeat: no-repeat;}}/*end */@media (max-width: 900px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {min-height: 275px;}}@media (max-width: 700px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {min-height: 200px;}}/*end */@media (max-width: 500px) {.hero:not(.hero-dummy)>.row:not(.nav-height) {min-height: 125px;}}/*end */

We want to applaud your performance and help build on your success with the right tools, education and rewards. See what you can look forwards to with the Agents Rock rewards program. Expect the rockstar treatment. Thanks for really rocking it. You're kind of a big deal. Watching you hand over the keys to Life. Built. Better.® is a thrill. So we want to applaud your performance and help build on your success with the right tools, education and rewards. See what you can look forward to with the Agents Rock rewards program: When you sell with us, expect rock star treatment. It’s not too good to be true. Get familiar with the details of the Agent Commission Advance Request and Agreement.1 Get 50% advanced commission. Earn local perks specially chosen for rock star agents in your area. Chat with a local Sales Counselor for details. 2 Enjoy exciting local perks. We’re here to help you succeed. We’ll keep you in the loop with regular updates and notifications throughout the entire selling process. Regular updates to keep you in the loop. Create an account below to register your clients with Meritage Homes prior to or on your first visit to one of our communities. It’s the best way to ensure you receive your Agent commission. Register your clients online or by phone. Knowledge is power. We’ll set you up for success with agent events, training, videos and hands-on tutorials, and other tools designed to help you sell. Tutorials on how to best sell new homes.   1. Important terms and conditions apply. Commission limited in all events to the specific terms set forth in the binding contract for the specific home. Click here for details.  2. Important terms and conditions apply. See sales agent for a written copy of such terms and conditions. Buying a new home has a lot of selling points. Here are a few to get your client excited:  Sell your client their dream home. Every Meritage Home is built with energy-efficientfeatures that will help your client live with moresavings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.* Introduce them to Life. Built. Better.^® We’ll set your clients up with helpful information onhomebuying, home financing, design, energyefficiency and more to help them feel confident at every step. Give them the right resources. We’ve illustrated the ways we’ll be working on your clients' behalf to deliver on the home that they imagined. Show them how their home will come together during the build. Prepare them for a successful build. When you work with us, you can be confident that you have an industry leader in your corner. See what to expect during the homebuying process with the steps below. Rock the process from start to close. When you work with us, you can be confident that you have an industry leader in your corner. See what to expect during the homebuying process with the steps below. Rock the process from start to close. Create an account above to pre-register your clients with Meritage Homes prior to or on your first visit to one of our communities. It will help establish the relationship and ensure you receive your Agent commission. You can also register by calling 1-844-PRO-AGENT. Register your client. You and your client know what’s best when it comes to the perfect school district, part of town and whether starting from scratch or a choosing a quick move-in home is the right option. We can help you find the perfect community and home based on your client’s needs. Help them find the right community and home. Once they’ve decided on a location, come out and tour the community. If you schedule an appointment in advance, you can expect more one-on-one time and more detail throughout the tour. It’s best to schedule an appointment, but it’s not necessary. Take a tour. You know the best way to help your client find the right home in the right location. We'll help you along the way, and empower you to become a resource throughout the process from design decisions and what’s happening during the build to warranties, maintenance and more. Be a resource. Homebuyers enjoy seeing their home come to life. We’ll give you information to understand each step of the build so you can share the magic with your clients and be a partner through the entire process. Watch it grow. With every new home sold, the process gets even easier. You’ll be an expert in no time, so get used to celebrating every successful, happy client. Close, celebrate, repeat.   Learn more about Agents Rock by calling 1-844-PRO-AGENT.Meritage Agent Program Terms Registration: Sales Office Registration – Unless preregistered as provided below, the real estate agent must accompany and register the prospective buyer on the prospective buyer’s first visit to the community in which the home is located. Online Pre-Registration – The real estate agent may pre-register the prospective buyer at MeritageHomes.com prior to the prospective buyer’s first visit to the community in which the home is located, but then must accompany the prospective buyer to the community within 48 hours of prospective buyer’s first visit to the community and complete the onsite Realtor Registration*. A registration is valid solely for a single community, and a separate registration must be made for the prospective buyer (at the sales office or online, as provided above) if such buyer will be visiting another community. A valid registration will remain valid for 30 days. After 30 days, the registration will be null and void and the prospective buyer must be re-registered. The information on the registration form must be legible and accurate in order to be a valid registration. If prospective buyer returns to the community with another real estate agent and enters into a contract, any prior registration will be null and void and ONLY the accompanying real estate agent at the time of contract will be paid a commission. At close of escrow for the sale of the home, Meritage Homes will pay a real estate commission solely upon and subject to the terms and conditions of a completed and executed Broker Registration and Commission Addendum that accompanies the applicable contract for the purchase and sale of the home. As a condition to the payment of any commission, the real estate agent must provide a completed and fully executed Broker Registration and Commission Addendum (in the form that accompanies the Purchase Agreement) within 24 hours after the buyer executes the applicable contract for the home. Any representation by real estate agent shall be solely of the prospective buyer, as a “Buyer Broker”, and shall not be a representation of any Meritage Homes entity. Real estate agent must hold an active real estate license in the state where the home is located. If real estate agent desires to change the broker identified on a Broker Registration and Commission Addendum executed in connection with a contract for the sale of a home, real estate agent shall be solely responsible for obtaining a signed release from the previously identified broker as a condition to such change. Absent such release, Meritage Homes will pay any commission payable in connection with a home sale per the original brokerage information.[*] Meritage reserves the right to provide alternative methods for community visits to address legal restrictions associated with COVID-19 or otherwise.  Any such alternative method shall be documented in writing.  10000

Spray Foam Insulation Featured video Browse the resources below to learn more about the energy-efficient features that come with a Meritage home..  Looking for information on energy efficiency? You’re in the right place. Spray Foam Insulation You might also like:Explore these other homebuying resources to keep your search moving forward. Use our Homebuying 101 guide to help you from the moment you start the search to the day you move in. Homebuying 101 guide Are you ready to put down roots? See the advantages of homeownership and decide if it’s the right move for you. Advantages to owning a home See how to personalize the heart of your home with kitchen design ideas and trends. Kitchen design trends Whether you just need helpful ideas, or want to dig into the details, we’re here for you. Ready to make your move?

Five home financing myths debunked by the mortgage pros Navigating the world of homebuying budgets and financing? We’re here to help. We talked with the experts at MTH Mortgage®, our preferred affiliated lender, to debunk five mortgage myths facing modern homebuyers.  Debunking Five Mortgage Myths The first is, “What did you do beyond the building code to make this home healthy?” You want to hear that the builder used materials that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Next, ask for an estimated energy bill so you can see the financial impact. You can also inquire about the builder’s awards and certifications.“Find out if they’re recognized by third-party building science organizations,” Stahl says, such as the National Association of Home Builders. “And they should exceed ENERGY STAR®’s National Version 3 standards. A good builder will brag about it, and a not-so-good one will hope you don’t ask.” Ask unconventional questions. Step 7 If allergies are a concern, locate the HVAC return to check the home's air filtration equipment. A high-quality air filter, like the MERV 13 that comes standard in all Meritage homes, is critical for reducing bacteria, pet dander, dust, and even some viral particles in the home’s air.Don’t stop there, though — there might be more filtration equipment in place. Unlike some other homes, Meritage homes have a fresh air management filtration system, which is separate from the furnace filter, and they’re sealed to keep pollen and pollutants out while allowing fresh air in. Study the HVAC return. Step 6 Notice the size, because there's often a direct correlation: the bigger the air conditioner, the worse the interior insulation tends to be. “If there are big – or multiple – boxes, the house was poorly built, so big AC units were needed to compensate,” Stahl says. Additionally, you should ask whether the unit is single-speed or multispeed. A multispeed HVAC system like Meritage installs in every new home is designed to automatically shift gears to run at the right speed to maintain a comfy temperature and save you on energy costs. Find the air conditioning unit. Step 5 In new communities and homes, look for the highly-efficient multispeed Carrier® HVAC systems. A multispeed system typically has at least two speeds and is designed to run at a lower or higher setting to adjust the temperature, helping homeowners save energy and money. For a better picture, imagine you’re driving a vehicle and you floor the accelerator. You’re asking the engine to run at full speed. It’s loud, every part of the engine is moving at full capacity and you’re using more gas. That’s similar to how a single-speed HVAC system functions. The thermostat calls for heating or cooling and the system kicks on — at full speed.Multispeed HVAC systems work a lot like a car adjusting its speed — the car may go 60 mph on the highway, but only 35 mph in a neighborhood. And at lower speeds, it makes less noise, uses less fuel and puts less wear and tear on the system. Feel the difference with the new, highly-efficient, multispeed HVAC systems. Step 4 If it’s quiet outside, blast music on your phone, leave it outside and then close the door. Evaluate how much noise you can hear. This isn’t just a noise test; it also reveals how air moves in and out of the house. Noise, after all, is transported through the air. “If the sound doesn’t change much, run out of the house,” Stahl says. “Air can leak in and out easily, bringing with it pollen, dust, humidity, bugs.” But if it feels like you’re in a sound studio, the home has quality framing, insulation and windows — and is a healthier home in general. Especially for those who have allergies. Listen for outside noise. Smart-Buy Tip 3 Put your hand against the sunniest one in the house. A cool window indicates that it’s higher quality, so it won’t let in heat or furniture-fading UV rays. “There are two main elements to a window: the U-factor, which measures heat transfer, and reflectance, which determines the amount of UV rays a window lets in,” Stahl explains. “A cool window is superior in both of these elements. If the window feels hot, it’s the opposite.” Touch the windows. Smart-Buy Tip 2 If it changes when you’re wandering around the house — like in many older homes — the house isn’t well insulated, Stahl says. Plus, you could be spending about 50% more on heating and cooling. If the temperature is the same in all directions and between floors, it will be more comfortable year-round. “A better-insulated home will also be more durable because it brings in less humidity that can degrade the structure of the house,” Stahl says. Check the temperature. Smart-Buy Tip 1 Five home financing myths debunked by the mortgage pros Demystifying Your Mortgage Pre-qualification is the same as pre-approval.The terms may seem interchangeable, but when a seller hears that you’re “pre-approved,” they know you’re a serious buyer. While pre-qualification is a more casual process, pre-approval means that your income and assets have been verified, your credit has been checked, and your lender is committed. Want a leg up during negotiations? Pre-approval is the way to go.  MYTH #1 You have to put 20% down.20% down may have been the gold standard 40 years ago, but today's market is a different buying landscape. With FHA loans, many buyers are only required to have a 3.5% down payment, and many other lenders only require 5% or so. Use our mortgage calculators to see the impact different down payments can have. MYTH #2 You need to have perfect credit.Worried your credit score will hold you back? There are options. These days, many conventional loans only require a minimum credit score of 620 while FHA loans are available to homebuyers with scores in the mid-500s. You can also take advantage of our Financial Solutions Program to help improve your overall credit profile. MYTH #3 Principal and interest are king.Loan amount and interest rate are major factors when determining affordability, but many homebuyers overlook property taxes and insurance, both of which impact your bottom line. Thankfully, our affordability calculator takes both into account for you. Plus, our all-in monthly payments even factor in HOA dues, so there are no surprises. MYTH #4 Getting a mortgage has to be a headache.Gone are the days of swimming in paperwork. MTH Mortgage® has simplified the home loan process so you can apply online in minutes, get your pre-approval faster and move into the home of your dreams sooner. Plus, 24/7 access means you don’t have to wait to take the next step in your home search. MYTH #5 Each Meritage Homes entity that sells homes has a business relationship with each of MTH Mortgage, LLC, Carefree Title Agency, Inc., and Meritage Homes Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively, the “Preferred Providers”).  Specifically, Meritage Homes Corporation, which owns directly or indirectly 100% of the Meritage Homes entities that sell homes, also has a direct or indirect ownership interest in each of the Preferred Providers. As a result of this relationship, Meritage’s referral of the Preferred Providers may provide Meritage with a financial or other benefit. Please contact your Meritage Homes home selling entity or the applicable Preferred Providers for additional information.  You are NOT required to use any of the Preferred Providers as a condition of your purchase of a home from a Meritage entity. THERE FREQUENTLY ARE OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS AVAILABLE WITH SIMILAR SERVICES. YOU ARE FREE TO SHOP AROUND TO DETERMINE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING THE BEST SERVICES FOR YOU AND THE BEST RATE FOR THESE SERVICES. Any services provided by a preferred affiliate are the responsibility of such affiliated entity and in no event shall Meritage Homes have any responsibility, obligation, or liability with respect thereto. *By clicking this link you will be leaving the web site of Meritage Homes and entering the site of the affiliated provider. The link is being provided for your convenience and no information contained in the linked site has been endorsed or approved by Meritage Homes and Meritage Homes is not responsible for the content of such site.Meritage hereby notifies you that Meritage has a business relationship with MTH Mortgage, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company (“MTH Mortgage”). Specifically, Meritage or one of its affiliates is a member of and owns a sixty-five percent (65%) ownership interest in MTH Mortgage. As a result of this relationship, Meritage’s referral of MTH Mortgage may provide Meritage with a financial or other benefit. “Pre-Approval” provided by MTH Mortgage, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company (“MTH Mortgage”), and is subject to the terms and conditions imposed by MTH Mortgage. Any financing arrangement and relationship shall be solely between Buyer and Buyer’s Lender (whether or not Buyer has selected MTH Mortgage), and in no event shall Meritage Homes have any responsibility, obligation, or liability for any “Pre-Approval” provided by MTH Mortgage or any other lender, nor for any other matters or disputes that arise in connection with Buyer’s financing arrangement with Buyer’s Lender. All costs and expenses associated with Buyer’s financing arrangement shall be Buyer’s responsibility and shall be payable by Buyer in addition to any closing costs payable by Buyer pursuant to its contract with Meritage Homes for a home. MTH Mortgage is not a credit repair company or credit repair organization. MTH Mortgage does not guarantee improvement of your credit worthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity. Any actions you take regarding your personal finances after participating in the Financial Solutions Program is done at your discretion. MTH Mortgage does not guarantee that by participating in this service that you will become eligible for a loan. This is a free service offered to you. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit.+Meritage Homes Insurance Agency, Inc. is an affiliated insurance services company for subsidiaries of Meritage Homes Corporation and offers property and casualty insurance exclusively to the new home buyers of such entities in the states where it is licensed (insurance services are not available in any other states). Information and materials contained herein do not constitute an offer or solicitation for sale, nor a commitment to insure. Please contact a Meritage Homes Insurance Agency, Inc. specialist for policy offerings and details. Meritage Homes Insurance Agency, Inc. and the logos contained herein are trademarks of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2021 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights reserved. CA License #0N05214, AZ License #3000554346, CO License #605968, FL License #L107348, GA License #206034, NC License #1000642610, SC License #3000558440 TN License #2440977, TX License #2419659. Copyright 2021 Meritage Homes Insurance Agency. All Rights Reserved.  Get comfortable with new home terms before you buy-from home construction to financing to energy efficiency. The Homebuyer Glossary House hunt like the pros, and turn your next home tour into a true test with the Smart-Buy Challenge. Seven Insider House-Hunting Tips Are you ready to put down roots? See the advantages of homeownership and decide if it's the right move for you. Advantages to Owning Take a peek into our build process, or search dream homes and communities.  Where to next?

Infographic Explore bathroom design trends for fresh ideas on decor, hardware and lighting. Explore bathroom design trends for fresh ideas on decor, hardware and lighting. Bathroom Make It Yours Design Series: Bathroom Edition Bathroom Design Trends Let the personalization begin. You've dotted the i's and crossed the t's. Now it's time to make your home distinctly yours. We'll help you explore bathroom design trends for fresh ideas on the furniture, hardware and lighting. Top 3 trending fixture and hardware finishes: Going metal Plumbing fixtures Countertops Cabinets Flooring trends Vinyl or wood flooring offers a classic, farmhouse style. For the classic: Patterned tile can give the bathroom some color and some old-world warmth. For the eclectic: Clean and sleek concrete keeps things equally bold and minimal. For the modern: Personalize a small space with fun light fixtures, interesting faucets, and pedestal sinks. Have a half bath? Keep things well-lit. CFLs typically use a quarter of the energy incandescent bulbs use and last up to 10x longer.* Use CFL bulbs Experiment with pendant lighting or track lighting to illuminate your wardrobe. Closet lighting Set your perfect mood for this often overlooked room in the home. Try a dimmer Bathrooms Colors, textures and shapes Crisp white walls and cabinets give a nod to minimal, European design along with grays, blues and pops of deep purples or mustard yellow hues. A clean palette Light wood flooring or white-washed wood keeps things light and fresh while bringing in some rustic textures. Add some warmth Hexagon tile for flooring or shower tiling adds a modern flair. Keep things in neutral whites, grays or blacks. Go geometric Pictures and other images are representative and may depict or contain floor plans, square footages, elevations, options, upgrades, landscaping, furnishings, appliances, and designer/decorator features and amenities that are not included as part of the home and/or may not be available in all communities. All estimates and claims related to energy savings/performance are created exclusively by third party suppliers, rating services, utility companies, and/or certified auditors, based on DOE methodology and average energy use and scores. Actual energy savings/performance of any home or any of its features may vary widely, depending in part on location, occupant behavior and changes in energy provider rates and programs. Home, pricing, features, and community information is subject to change, and homes to prior sale, at any time without notice or obligation. Not an offer or solicitation to sell real property. Offers to sell real property may only be made and accepted at the sales center for individual Meritage Homes communities. Meritage Homes®, Meritage Active Adult, Monterey Homes, Life.Built.Better.®, Setting the standard for energy-efficient homes, and LiVE.NOW are trademarks of Meritage Homes Corporation.“Pre-Approval” provided by MTH Mortgage, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company (“MTH Mortgage”), and is subject to the terms and conditions imposed by MTH Mortgage.  Any financing arrangement and relationship shall be solely between Buyer and Buyer’s Lender (whether or not Buyer has selected MTH Mortgage), and in no event shall Meritage Homes have any responsibility, obligation, or liability for any “Pre-Approval” provided by MTH Mortgage or any other lender, nor for any other matters or disputes that arise in connection with Buyer’s financing arrangement with Buyer’s Lender. All costs and expenses associated with Buyer’s financing arrangement shall be Buyer’s responsibility and shall be payable by Buyer in addition to any closing costs payable by Buyer pursuant to its contract with Meritage Homes for a home. * By clicking this link you will be leaving the web site of Meritage Homes and entering the site of MTH Mortgage, LLC. The link is being provided for your convenience and no information contained in the linked site has been endorsed or approved by Meritage Homes and Meritage Homes is not responsible for the content of such site.   Here are a few more articles we think you may enjoy. Use these calculators to help determine your home-buying power. Finance calculators Use our Homebuying 101 guide to help you from the moment you start the search to the day you move in. Homebuying 101 Guide Live with real comfort in a home that's a cozy retreat from the outside world.* Live with real comfort There’s a lot of great homes in our communities. But only one perfect for you. We can help you find it. Start your search.

We’re a nationally recognized homebuilding leader who does things differently, and it has people talking. We’re a nationally recognized homebuilding leader who does things differently, and it has people talking. Proven Success