Showing every confidence in the Panama City Beach housing market, top-10 national homebuilder Beazer Homes has announced the grand opening this weekend of its signature model homes at Whisper Dunes, a new master-planned community just one-half mile from the Gulf.

With prices beginning in the $170,000s, Whisper Dunes is located on 78 acres on West Back Beach Road, five minutes from Pier Park and just 3 miles west of HWY 79. Grand Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17.

One and two-car garages are available and all homes are three bedrooms with 2½ baths, with some floor plans having an owner’s suite on the first floor.

Beazer has kept and aggressive construction schedule since beginning the project in April and expects the first homes to be ready for move-in within the next six weeks, according to Matt Brandman, president of Beazer’s Northwest Florida Division. Designed for both permanent and seasonal buyers, the first phase will include 44 homes and once complete, Whisper Dunes will include 156 town homes and 222 single family attached villas ranging in size from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.

Brandman said the response by Realtors to the development has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in its affordability and amenities. In comparing square footage and proximity to the beach, he noted that a monthly mortgage payment in an entry level Whisper Dunes home would be comparable to what a renter pays.

“Beazer is bullish on Panama City Beach and we believe this area of the state will be a large growth corridor for business and commerce, creating the need for developments like Whisper Dunes and other future Beazer communities. While others may be putting the reins on new construction during challenging market conditions, we have put Whisper Dunes on the fast track, realizing that for those who have good credit and the right down payment this is a great time to buy a new home,” said Brandman.

Geared toward those who want maintenance-free living close to the beach, shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities and entertainment, Whisper Dunes residents also will enjoy a cabana, swimming pool and network of walking trails, some of which are expected to be completed in November.

“West Back Beach Road is booming and it’s exciting to see this corridor evolve,” said Brandman. “We look forward to bringing the Beazer commitment of providing superior quality and value, along with customer and community support to Panama City Beach.”

Beazer pulled out all the stops in designing and decorating its two Whisper Dunes model town homes, Brandman said. Each was designed using protocols of the company’s trademark SMARTDESIGN® process, which ensures Beazer’s planning design team maximizes the space, functionality and livability of each home design.

Whisper Dunes is Beazer’s first venture into Panama City Beach and its second project in Northwest Florida where it is building homes in Tallahassee’s SouthWood community. As in SouthWood, Beazer purchased the land for Whisper Dunes from the St. Joe Company.

The entry to Whisper Dunes has been designed as a welcoming enclave, with a roundabout circling a lighthouse-style monument and boulevard lined with palm trees. Southern coastal architectural-style homes in pastel yellow, blue and green color schemes have been selected carefully to reflect the look of the region.

For more information, visit Beazer.com/whisper.