Summerlin to host “America’s Biggest Open House”

By Jeff O'Brien

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 | 5:31 p.m.

The planned community of Summerlin is hosting "America's Biggest Open House" from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, providing visitors with a chance to tour more than 60 model homes in 14 neighborhoods.

The event is free to the public and guests can tour homes ranging in price from $200,000 to more than $2 million, said Nikki Liesse, director of marketing for Summerlin developer The Howard Hughes Corp.

"We have homes ranging from under 1,000 square feet to well over 6,000 square feet," Liesse said. "There is a home for everyone. They are all outstanding properties."

America's Biggest Open House is now in its third year and the event is held twice annually, once in the fall and again in the spring.

Liesse said the last event, which was held March 15 to March 16, brought in more than 3,000 visitors — triple the attendance from Fall 2007.

"It's designed to give homebuyers an easy and fun way to see all the homes for sale in Summerlin in one weekend," she said. "It's also a good time to tour Summerlin when it's not quite as hot outside."

A variety of condominiums and homes will be on display in the communities of The Vistas, The Ridges, Summerlin Centre and The Mesa.

Despite the downturn in the nation's economy and housing market, Summerlin has been holding its own, Liesse said, especially in terms of customers interested in purchasing new homes.

"As of Sept. 28, there is a 1 percent decrease in the number of people visiting our new home sales office as compared to last year," she said. "That's not too bad compared to other parts of the valley. There continues to be an interest in Summerlin despite the economic conditions."

For more information about America's Biggest Open House and to download an event map, visit www.americasbiggestopenhouse.com.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.