When Megan and Joe Botta set out to buy their first home, they knew they wanted more than just square footage. They wanted something that felt intentional. As newlyweds, remote workers, and proud pet parents to a French bulldog named Posie, the couple was ready to plant roots.
What they didn’t expect was how quickly it would all unfold. Today, Megan and Joe are happily settled into their new home at Waterston Central, a Tri Pointe Homes® community in Gilbert. Reflecting on their home journey, they shared four takeaways every first-time homebuyer should know.
Move Fast but Stay Rooted in What Matters
Waterston Central was in high demand, and Joe came prepared. “He had a timer set on his calendar for the very moment the priority group opened,” Megan recalls. That simple act helped secure their homesite during the busy holiday season. “I was kind of laughing at him for taking it so seriously, but it paid off.”
Speed mattered, but so did clarity. Megan and Joe already knew what they were looking for: an open-concept layout, a modern minimalist aesthetic, and flexible space that allowed them both to work from home. Those non-negotiables helped them move confidently during their home search. “Tri Pointe really listened to the boundaries we wanted to stay within,” said Megan.
Don’t Be Afraid to Choose the Unmodeled Option
The couple selected the Ironwood floorplan at Waterston Central, a layout that wasn’t modeled at the time, but had everything they were looking for and needed. “Our construction manager told us nobody had bought our floorplan yet,” said Megan. “We relied on inspiration from other homes and trusted the process.”
Situated on a corner lot with an extended side yard, they’re already imagining future additions like a swing, a side patio, or more space for Posie to play.
Design for Both Now and Later
Megan and Joe knew early on that their home needed to work for their current lifestyles. When they visited Tri Pointe’s Design Studio, they decided to invest in the options and features they’d enjoy most right now, like a stunning waterfall countertop in the kitchen.
At the same time, they kept an eye on the future. “We converted part of our garage into an open office because I work from home full-time,” Megan explained. “But it’s designed so that, if our family grows, we could eventually turn it into a nursery.”
Make Space for the Emotions
Buying your first home involves many logistics, but it also comes with something more meaningful than plans and paperwork. No matter how prepared you are, it’s an adventure full of unexpected emotions. Megan and Joe experienced that firsthand.
As they were returning from their honeymoon, they received the call that they’d been selected for a homesite at Waterston. During early signing appointments, their dog tagged along because “it’s her home, too.” Move-in day was full of feelings they didn’t expect – it happened to fall on Joe’s birthday, and Tri Pointe’s construction team surprised him with a cake. For the moments that matter the most, sometimes there are no plans.
Ironwood stopped being their floorplan and it became their foundation. It’s the foundation where Megan and Joe work, and where they make future plans. It’s where their kitchen hosts friends and family, and where Posie might one day nap under a patio swing. They started with a timer on a calendar, and they ended with keys in hand and cake on the counter. “We’re just super grateful to be here,” said Megan.
For Megan and Joe, home is no longer just a dream—it’s their everyday reality, thoughtfully built around who they are and who they’re becoming. At Waterston Central, they didn’t just find a house; they found a place where life can unfold, grow, and truly feel like home. Learn more at tripointehomes.com.
