When Rich Eneim, Sr. and his wife founded Keystone Homes in 1989, it was with the intention of building each home as if it were for one of their own family members. One that they’d be proud to call home.
Thirty-seven years later, that spirit is alive in the numerous Keystone Communities throughout the Valley, guided by a leadership that brings more than 50 years of combined experience in the homebuilding industry. At the helm, Rich Sr.’s son, Rich Eneim Jr., ensures that the high standards and impeccable craftsmanship that Keystone Homes is known for is maintained—and this investment in the quality of life applies to Keystone Homes and the families that call them home.
“Our team still hears from our buyers as far back as 10-plus years … we also get repeat and referral buyers in our new communities," says Rich Jr., president of Keystone Homes. “Our buyers tend to stay in these homes for longer than is typical. Timeless design elements also ensure the communities age gracefully.”
Before launching Keystone Homes, Rich Sr. spent 16 years with Knoell Homes, one of the top homebuilders in the Southwest, where he held positions including vice president of production and general manager. The sale of Knoell Homes was the catalyst for the launch of Keystone Homes. It also provided a blueprint and model for his new company.
“His aim was to take the operational capabilities of a large company but maintain the personal attention to detail and customers, something smaller homebuilding companies can do better,” Rich Jr. says.
The Keystone Homes’ formula includes the incorporation of unique elements and energy-efficient features that work together to provide lasting value. Flexibility of floor plans and special touches reflect buyers’ individual tastes and visions, so they can move into a house that feels like home from the very first day.
New residential communities by Keystone Homes include the dynamic Havenly Communities, with their newest community opening this summer in Gilbert, which is composed of homes for rent, combining the best of single-family homes and apartment living.
Also, a new upscale for-sale community, Hazelwood, makes its debut in Chandler. This gated community features single-level homes with four unique floor plans with options to accommodate multigenerational living, garages that accommodate three or four cars, gathering spaces, a park with a bocce ball court, and other welcoming details distinctive of Keystone Homes.
Standard features that typically come as upgrades with other builders are examples of amenities that distinguish this family-run developer from the pack of competitive residential community builders in the Valley.
“We look for and choose the best locations. We are focused on the design and attention to detail of both the homes and also the community space itself,” Rich Jr. says.
Marina Bevier, new home sales consultant with Keystone Homes, adds, “Each community is designed with public spaces and community amenities unique to the community. Our communities have included amenities such as pools, barbecue and picnic areas, parks, club houses, weight rooms, and even community gardens … all to foster social interaction, encouraging neighbors to connect, and lasting relationships, which strengthen community ties and make a safer, happier community.”
What the locations would organically bring to homeowners once the communities are built is also a factor.
“Usually, we look for highly desirable areas with established amenities, whether views or neighborhoods that are highly desirable. That is something that is harder to find, but when we do, we work with our architects to create something unique to that location and seek to offer a home that fulfills the needs and desires of the people we know are looking for these offerings,” Rich Jr. says.
Longtime partnerships with nationally renowned architects have resulted in accolades for Keystone’s designs, as well as ensuring quality craftsmanship and a common goal of bringing the very best to buyers.
Investing in the Keystone Homes family and team has also proved beneficial.
“Our sales team members have worked with Keystone for a number of years and work to build a rapport with each buyer, and many of those relationships have flourished over the years,” Rich Jr. says. “Our homeowners love our quality, love our design elements, and love the communities we’ve built.”
"Our buyers tend to stay in these homes for longer than is typical. Timeless design elements also ensure the communities age gracefully.”—Rich Jr.
"We are focused on the design and attention to detail of both the homes and also the community space itself."—Rich Jr.