Homebuilders are coming back to Queen Creek.

New models are either going up or are planned in four neighborhoods where construction had stalled during the economic downturn.

Activity is expected to start in a few more neighborhoods in the coming months, which indicates sign "..of confidence in the market right now to reinvest back into the community", says Dave Williams, a town planner.

New model homes are planned for both the Crismon Heights and Lucia neighborhoods early next year, said Mark Pugmire, Highland Homes general manager.

There are 130 lots left of the 250 in the neighborhood. Hopefully, new model homes will start going up in mid February, Pugmire said.

Lucia, which is at Ocotillo and Sossaman roads, stalled because of a builder bankruptcy with three homes built on 102 lots. Highland Homes is in the process of acquiring that neighborhood and hopes to start building model homes in mid-January, Pugmire said.

Half of Nauvoo Station, located at Rittenhouse and Ellsworth roads, is also in the hands of a new builder. Blandford Homes took over about 85 lots from Utah-based Holmes Homes about two weeks ago and has already started construction on model homes, said Ross Johnson, a sales consultant with Realty Executives working with the neighborhood.

The entire neighborhood is 478 lots with multiple builders. The portion Blandford took over was 97 lots, with 13 homes already built, Johnson said.

Cresleigh Homes has also started on new models at Hastings Farms on Cloud and Elsworth roads, Williams said. The builder could not be reached for comment.

Pugmire and Johnson see positive signs in the market and are confident their products will be competitive.

Between low interest rates, cheap land and building costs at 2002 levels, there are a lot of opportunities for people who want to get into the market, Pugmire said.

Johnson said buyers are also starting to question whether the market hasn't already hit the bottom.

"I think people are starting to realize it's an opportunistic market," Johnson said. "They're a little bit cautious, but I think the fear in the market is starting to walk away. I don't think people will want to look back and lose out on the (new homebuyer) tax credit."