It’s been a good year for Fulton Homes.

The Tempe-based homebuilder has seen a 46 percent increase in sales compared to last year through the week ending Dec. 16.  Although final numbers for the calendar year won’t be calculated for a couple more weeks, Fulton Homes has sold 692 homes so far.  That compares to the 463 homes sold in all of 2011.  Fulton Homes sold 358 homes in 2010.

“The market for new homes is definitely improving,” Doug Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes, said. “We’ve seen increased sales at many of our East Valley communities, which is a testament to the housing recovery.”

Preliminary figures reveal that Fulton Homes sold more than 57 new homes per month for 2012.  The top selling developments include Ironwood Crossing (284 homes), Freeman Farms (217) and Fulton Ranch (109).  Ashcreek has sold 25 homes and Victoria Estates has sold 23 homes.

While the housing market is improving across the board, Fulton Homes set itself apart as the only homebuilder to maintain a consistent presence throughout the recession.  Fulton Homes has several communities in the East Valley, an area of the Valley that is seeing the most significant home-buying traffic.  In addition, Fulton Homes buyers have seemingly endless choices when designing their new home.  Buyers can choose from 5,000 upgrades at the Fulton Homes Design Center, and they have the ability to customize their homes at certain communities by adding a 52-foot garage, or a separate living space for extended family.