Someone asked me to tour Lennar's homes at Anderson Farms, so I walked three models start to finish — their smallest, a middle, and their largest — to show you the real range. A few things stood out, including one feature in the biggest model that's worth the whole trip.
I toured Lennar's smallest model first (about 1,400 sq ft, 3 bed / 2 bath), then a middle one (just under 1,800 sq ft, 4 bed / 2 bath), then their largest (a little over 2,524 sq ft, 4 bed / 3 bath). Seeing a low, middle, and high all as model homes is fantastic — most builders only model one or two. One thing buyers don't always stop to think about: all three sat on what looked like the same-size lot, yet the smallest home had the biggest backyard. Makes sense once you say it out loud — a smaller footprint leaves more room behind it. So a bigger house on the same lot means a smaller yard unless you step up to a bigger lot. Worth keeping in mind when you compare plans.
The largest model had something I don't see nearly often enough — a fully separate attached living suite. Its own entrance, its own stacked washer/dryer, a full kitchen with real cabinet space, a living room, a full bathroom with walk-in shower, and a bedroom nearly as big as the home's primary — plus its own door to the side yard and its own garage entrance. That setup is perfect for a relative who needs care, parents living with you, or simply renting it out as an independent unit to help cover the mortgage. In a real way, the most expensive model could also end up the most affordable.
Here's an advanced move if you'd rent that suite: if you can get a signed lease before your mortgage closes, most lenders can count up to ~80% of that rent as income toward qualifying — which can mean a better rate and more buying power. Don't run out and bank on it — talk to a lender about that specific scenario first — but having the option on the table is genuinely powerful. New to new-build buying? My new-construction guide covers the rest, and the cost-of-living page helps with the bigger budget picture.
A handful of practical notes: the dual-pane glass and insulation cut the (very real) construction noise dramatically. You can usually add a glass sliding shower door for around $700 if the model's curtain rod isn't your thing. One model had a swinging patio door instead of a sliding glass one — generally a bit more energy efficient, though you trade some of the view. Keep an eye on whether a plan comes pre-plumbed for a water softener (a model isn't a guarantee — ask). And the bigger home had a double AC unit, which is common at 2,500+ sq ft and doesn't double your bill — each unit just works a little less.
Anderson Farms is a Lennar new-home community in the City of Maricopa, AZ. When I toured it, Lennar had model homes spanning a low, middle, and high size and price point - roughly a 1,400 sq ft 3-bed up to a ~2,500 sq ft 4-bed - so buyers can see the full range in one stop.
Yes - the largest model I toured (~2,524 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath) included a fully separate attached living suite: its own entrance, stacked washer/dryer, full kitchen, living room, full bathroom with walk-in shower, and a bedroom, plus its own side-yard door and garage entrance. It's ideal for aging parents or a relative who needs care - or as a rentable unit.
You can. Here's the advanced move: if you get a signed lease before your mortgage closes, most lenders can count up to about 80% of that rent as income toward qualifying - which can improve your rate and open doors. Talk to a lender about it specifically before counting on it.
No - new-build backyards here are delivered as dirt lots. Landscaping is on you after closing. That's standard for new construction in Maricopa, not specific to Lennar.
On the same-size lot, a smaller home footprint leaves more room behind it. So the smallest model actually had the biggest backyard of the three. It's a real tradeoff: a bigger house on the same lot means a smaller yard unless you move up to a bigger lot.
I'll walk new-build communities with you, point out the stuff floor plans don't show, and help you weigh Lennar against the other Maricopa builders. Free Zoom, no pressure.
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