Even before McBride & Son Homes' Arbor Valley grand opened in April, the company expected it to be a big hit. Not only did the Ballwin community feature a prime West County location just minutes from highways 270, 40, 141 and 44, but new, move-up single-family homes starting from $249,900 - unheard of prices for the area. Thus, it was no surprise when just three months later, 11 out of 25 lots were under contract in Phase I, with two more phases to follow, totaling 89 walkout lots in all.

"Arbor Valley is the perfect opportunity for home shoppers who have been looking in Kirkwood or Des Peres and haven't been able to find a home of this size with a two-car garage - and in this price range," said Kevin Deptula, project manager for McBride & Son Homes. "Phase I offers the best value in the neighborhood with standard walkouts, lots backing to common ground and Phase I pricing incentives."

McBride & Son Homes is offering eight distinct luxury floor plans from the Oakwood Series at Arbor Valley. The portfolio consists of three ranches and five two stories with three to five bedrooms and approximately 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. On display are the four bedroom, 2.5-bath Sequoia two story with 2,738 square feet and the three-bedroom, two-bath Hickory ranch with 1,569 square feet.

"Both models feature luxurious master baths with a separate tub and shower and spacious walk-in closet," Deptula said. "The Sequoia has a great kitchen for entertaining, and the Hickory is an open ranch floor plan with vaulted ceilings and a U-shaped kitchen workspace."

To personalize the design, homebuyers can choose from a wide variety of flooring, name-brand cabinets and solid-surface countertops. Many options are available in value packages, which offer a combination of the most popular features at a discount. Ranches start at $249,900 and two stories start at $277,900.

Ideally located off Big Bend, Arbor Valley is close to shopping, highways, restaurants and family entertainment, as well as within walking distance to Oakbrook Elementary in the Parkway School District.

"A lot of families are excited about the proximity to Oakbrook Elementary where kids and parents can literally walk to school," Deptula said. "You can't beat that."

With the 2009-2010 school year quickly approaching and the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit expiring Nov. 30, Deptula encouraged potential homebuyers to act quickly. "Since it takes approximately four months to build a new home, you need to make your home purchase by August in order to meet the deadline," he said.

To visit, take Highway 141 to Big Bend. Go west on Big Bend 1.7 miles to left on Red Oak Plantation Drive. The subdivision is behind the existing Red Oak Plantation neighborhood. From Highway 270, go west on Dougherty Ferry to Big Bend. Go right on Big Bend 3.1 miles to Red Oak Plantation on the left.

The displays are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call Beverly at 314-565-0037 or visit the McBride & Son Homes website, www.mcbridehomes.com. More information on the tax credit is available at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.