10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition period from             to             

Commission file number 1-08951

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	84-0622967
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500 Denver, Colorado	80237
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

(303) 773-1100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value	New York Stock Exchange
5 3/8% Senior Notes due December 2014	New York Stock Exchange
5 3/8% Senior Notes due July 2015	New York Stock Exchange
5 5/8% Senior Notes due January 2020	New York Stock Exchange
6% Senior Notes due January 2043	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer  x	Accelerated Filer  ¨	Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨	Smaller Reporting Company  ¨
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the Registrants’ common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrants was $1.2 billion based on the closing sales price of $32.67 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, the number of shares outstanding of Registrant’s common stock was 48,698,757.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of part III of this Form 10-K are incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s 2012 definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

FORM 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

Table of Contents

			Page No.
PART I
	ITEM 1.	Business		1
		(a) General Development of Business		1
		(b) Available Information		1
		(c) Financial Information About Industry Segments		2
		(d) Narrative Description of Business		2
	ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors		7
	ITEM 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments		14
	ITEM 2.	Properties		15
	ITEM 3.	Legal Proceedings		15
	ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		15
PART II
	ITEM 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities		16
	ITEM 6.	Selected Financial Data		18
	ITEM 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		19
	ITEM 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		44
	ITEM 8.	Consolidated Financial Statements		F-1
	ITEM 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure		46
	ITEM 9A.	Controls and Procedures		46
	ITEM 9B.	Other Information		48
PART III
	ITEM 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance		48
	ITEM 11.	Executive Compensation		48
	ITEM 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters		48
	ITEM 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence		48
	ITEM 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services		48
PART IV
	ITEM 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules		49
SIGNATURES				55

(i)

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

FORM 10-K

PART I

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as statements made by us in periodic press releases, oral statements made by our officials in the course of presentations about the Company and conference calls in connection with quarterly earnings releases, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows, strategies and prospects. These forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “likely,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this Report are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in subsequent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K should be consulted.

Item 1. Business

(a) General Development of Business

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware corporation. We refer to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. as the “Company,” “MDC,” “we” or “our” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and these designations include our subsidiaries unless we state otherwise. We have two primary operations, homebuilding and financial services. Our homebuilding operations consist of wholly-owned subsidiary companies that generally purchase finished lots or develop lots to the extent necessary for the construction and sale of primarily single-family detached homes to first-time and first-time move-up homebuyers under the name “Richmond American Homes.” Our homebuilding operations are comprised of homebuilding divisions that we consider to be our operating segments. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments as follows: (1) West (Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington); (2) Mountain (Colorado and Utah); and (3) East (Virginia, Florida, Illinois and Maryland, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey).

Our financial services operating segments are as follows: (1) HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”), which originates mortgage loans, primarily for our homebuyers; (2) Allegiant Insurance Company, Inc., A Risk Retention Group (“Allegiant”), which provides insurance coverage primarily to our homebuilding subsidiaries and certain subcontractors for homes sold by our homebuilding subsidiaries and for work performed in completed subdivisions; (3) StarAmerican Insurance Ltd. (“StarAmerican”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MDC which is a re-insurer of Allegiant claims; (4) American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (“American Home Insurance”), which offers third-party insurance products to our homebuyers; and (5) American Home Title and Escrow Company (“American Home Title”), which provides title agency services to the Company and our homebuyers in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia.

(b) Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Anyone seeking information about our business can receive copies of our 2012

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Annual Report on Form 10-K, Annual Report to Shareholders, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports and other documents filed with the SEC at the public reference section of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. These documents also may be obtained, free of charge, by: contacting our Investor Relations office at (303) 773-1100; writing to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., Investor Relations, 4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80237; or accessing our website at http://ir.richmondamerican.com. We make our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish the materials electronically with the SEC. To obtain any of this information, go to http://ir.richmondamerican.com and select “SEC Filings.” Our website also includes our: (1) Corporate Governance Guidelines; (2) Corporate Code of Conduct; (3) Rules for Senior Financial Officers; (4) Audit Committee Procedures for Handling Confidential Complaints; and (5) charters for the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees. These materials may be obtained, free of charge, at our website, http://ir.richmondamerican.com (select “Corporate Governance”).

(c) Financial Information About Industry Segments

Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contains information regarding our reportable segments for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

(d) Narrative Description of Business

Our business consists of two primary operations, homebuilding and financial services. We build and sell primarily single-family detached homes that are designed and built to meet local customer preferences. We are the general contractor for our projects and retain subcontractors for land development and home construction. We build a variety of home styles in each of our markets, targeting primarily first-time and first-time move-up homebuyers.

For 2012, the percentage of our home deliveries and home sale and land sale revenues by state were as follows:

	Percentage of Deliveries		Percentage of Home and Land Sale Revenues
Arizona		16%		11%
California		15%		16%
Nevada		16%		11%
Washington		7%		6%
West		54%		44%
Colorado		22%		25%
Utah		6%		6%
Mountain		28%		31%
Maryland		6%		9%
Virginia		7%		12%
Florida		5%		4%
East		18%		25%
Total.		100%		100%

Our financial services include subsidiary businesses that provide mortgage financing, place title insurance and homeowner insurance for our homebuyers and provide products and completed operations coverage for our subsidiaries and most of our subcontractors.

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Homebuilding Operations

Operating Divisions.  The primary functions of our homebuilding segments include land acquisition and development, home construction, sales and marketing, and customer service. Operating decisions are made by our local management teams under the oversight of our Chief Operating Decision Makers (“CODMs”), defined as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Our organizational structure (i.e., the grouping and reporting of divisions) changes based upon the current needs of the Company. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we had 10, 10 and 9 active homebuilding operating divisions, respectively.

Corporate Management.  We manage our homebuilding business primarily through members of senior management in our Corporate segment and our Asset Management Committees (“AMCs”). Each AMC is comprised of the Chief Operating Officer and three of our corporate officers. Two of the AMCs review and approve all real estate acquisition transactions in accordance with land strategies set forth by the CODMs. Land acquisition transactions may not proceed without approval by the AMC. Generally, the role of our senior management team and/or AMC includes:

• review and approval of division business plans and budgets;

• oversight of land and home inventory levels;

• review of major personnel decisions; and

• review of capital allocation decisions.

Additionally, our corporate executives and corporate departments generally are responsible for establishing and monitoring compliance with our policies and procedures. Among other things, the corporate office has primary responsibility for:

• asset management and capital allocation;

• treasury;

• risk management;

• merchandising and marketing;

• national purchasing contracts;

• accounting, tax and internal audit functions;

• legal matters;

• human resources and payroll;

• information technology; and

• training and development.

During 2011 and 2012, we reorganized our finance and accounting operations, focusing on the centralization of certain back office functions. In addition, we reorganized our sales and marketing activities to (1) better communicate the value of our homes to our prospective homebuyers, thereby giving us the opportunity to reduce incentives and increase sales absorptions, (2) better align the compensation structure for our sales organization with Company goals, and (3) simplify our processes to reduce overhead expenses.

Housing.  Generally, we build single-family detached homes in a number of standardized series, designed to provide variety in the size and style of homes for our potential homebuyers. In certain markets we build and sell attached townhome product. Within each series for our single-family detached homes, we build several different floor plans offering standard and optional features (such as upgraded appliances, cabinetry, flooring, etc.). Differences in sales prices of similar models from market-to-market depend primarily upon homebuyer demand, home prices offered by our competitors, market conditions (such as home inventory supply levels), location, optional features and design specifications. The series of homes offered at a particular location is based on perceived customer preferences, lot

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size, area demographics and, in certain cases, the requirements of major land sellers and local municipalities. We seek to maintain limited levels of inventories of unsold started homes in our markets. Unsold started homes in various stages of completion allow us to meet the immediate and near-term demands of prospective homebuyers. In our efforts to mitigate the risk of carrying excess inventory, we have developed procedures through which we attempt to control the number of our unsold started homes.

Land Acquisition and Development.  We acquire our lots with the intention of constructing and selling homes on the acquired land. Generally, we prefer to purchase finished lots using option contracts, in phases or in bulk for cash. However, under certain circumstances, we may acquire entitled land for development into finished lots when we believe that the risk is justified. In making land purchases, we consider a number of factors, including projected rates of return, estimated gross margins from home sales, sales prices of the homes to be built, population and employment growth patterns, proximity to developed areas, estimated cost and complexity of development including environmental and geological factors, quality of schools, estimated levels of competition and demographic trends. We attempt to maintain a supply of finished lots sufficient to enable us to start homes promptly after a contract for a home sale is executed. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

In our option contracts, we generally obtain the right to purchase lots in consideration for an option deposit in the form of cash or letters of credit. In the event we elect not to purchase the lots within a specified period of time, we may be required to forfeit the option deposit. Our option contracts generally do not contain provisions requiring our specific performance.

From time to time, we may own or have the right under option contracts to acquire undeveloped parcels of real estate that we intend to develop into finished lots. We generally develop our land in phases in order to limit our risk in a particular subdivision and to efficiently employ available resources. Generally, building permits and utilities are available and zoning is suitable for the current intended use of substantially all of our undeveloped land. When developed, these lots generally will be used in our homebuilding activities. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Labor and Raw Materials.  For the most part, materials used in our homebuilding operations are standard items carried by major suppliers. We generally contract for our materials and labor at a fixed price for the anticipated construction period of our homes. This allows us to mitigate the risks associated with increases in building materials and labor costs between the time construction begins on a home and the time it is closed. Increases in the cost of building materials and subcontracted labor may reduce gross margins from home sales to the extent that market conditions prevent the recovery of increased costs through higher home sales prices. From time to time and to varying degrees, we may experience shortages in the availability of building materials and/or labor in each of our markets. These shortages and delays may result in delays in the delivery of homes under construction, reduced gross margins from home sales, or both. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Warranty.  Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties that generally provide for ten years of structural coverage, two years of coverage for plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and one year of coverage for workmanship and materials. Under our agreement with the issuer of the third-party warranties, we are responsible for performing all of the work for the first two years of the warranty coverage, and paying for substantially all of the work required to be performed during years three through ten of the warranties.

Seasonal Nature of Business.  The homebuilding industry can experience noticeable seasonality and quarter-to-quarter variability in homebuilding activity levels. The seasonal nature of our business is described in more detail in our description of Risk Factors under the heading “Because of the seasonal nature of our business, our quarterly operating results can fluctuate.”

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Backlog.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, homes under contract but not yet delivered (“backlog”) totaled 1,645 and 1,043, respectively, with an estimated sales value of $579 million and $330 million, respectively. We anticipate that homes in backlog at December 31, 2012 will close during 2013 under their existing home order contracts or through the replacement of an existing contract with a new home order contract. The estimated backlog sales value at December 31, 2012 may be impacted by, among other things, subsequent home order cancellations and incentives provided, and options and upgrades selected after contract but prior to closing. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Customer Service and Quality Control.  Our homebuilding divisions are responsible for pre-closing quality control inspections and responding to customers’ post-closing needs. We have a product service and quality control program, focused on improving and/or maintaining the quality of our customers’ complete home buying and homeownership experience.

Sales and Marketing.  Our sales and marketing programs are designed to attract homebuyers in a cost effective manner. We have a centralized in-house advertising and marketing department that oversees our efforts to communicate the inherent value of our homes to our prospective homebuyers and distinguish our Richmond American Homes brand from our competitors or other home buying opportunities. The main objective of this team is to generate homebuyer leads, which are actively pursued by our community sales associates. Our in-house merchandising team furnishes our model homes and sales offices.

Another important part of our marketing presentation takes place in our design centers (also known as Home Galleries). Here, homebuyers are able to personalize their homes with a variety of options and upgrades. These locations also serve as an information center for prospective home buyers and real estate agents who may opt to receive personalized attention from one of our new home specialists, resulting in a more focused and efficient home search across all of our Richmond American communities in a given market place. We believe that the services provided by our Home Galleries represent a key competitive advantage in dealing with prospective homebuyers.

Competition.  The homebuilding industry is fragmented and highly competitive. The competitive nature of our business is described in more detail in our description of Risk Factors.

Regulation.  Our homebuilding operations are subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which are described in more detail in our description of Risk Factors.

Financial Services Operations

Mortgage Lending Operations

General.  HomeAmerican is a full-service mortgage lender and the principal originator of mortgage loans for our homebuyers. HomeAmerican has a centralized loan processing center where it originates mortgage loans, primarily for our homebuyers.

HomeAmerican is authorized to originate Federal Housing Administration-insured (“FHA”), Veterans Administration-guaranteed (“VA”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) (together “the government sponsored entities”) and private investor mortgage loans. HomeAmerican also is an authorized loan servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and, as such, is subject to the rules and regulations of these entities.

HomeAmerican uses a mortgage repurchase facility, in addition to internally generated funds, to finance the origination of mortgage loans until they are sold. HomeAmerican sells originated mortgage loans to third-party

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purchasers on either a bulk or flow basis. Mortgage loans sold on a bulk basis include the sale of a package of substantially similar originated mortgage loans, while sales of mortgage loans on a flow basis are completed as HomeAmerican originates each loan. Mortgage loans sold to third-party purchasers include HomeAmerican’s representations and warranties with respect to certain borrower payment defaults, credit quality issues and/or misrepresentations made by us or our homebuyers. Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican are sold to third-party purchasers generally between 15 to 40 days of origination.

Pipeline.  HomeAmerican’s mortgage loans in process for which a rate and price commitment had been made to a borrower that had not closed (the “Locked Pipeline”) at December 31, 2012 and 2011 had an aggregate principal balance of approximately $50.8 and $24.4 million, respectively, and were under interest rate lock commitments at an average interest rate of 3.26% and 3.93%, respectively.

Forward Sales Commitments.  HomeAmerican is exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates. HomeAmerican creates certain derivative instruments in the normal course of business, which primarily include commitments to originate mortgage loans (interest rate lock commitments or Locked Pipeline). HomeAmerican uses forward sales of mortgage-backed securities and commitments to hedge the interest rate risk inherent in the interest rate lock commitment and its loan inventory held-for-sale.

Competition.  The mortgage industry is consolidating with a handful of entities responsible for an increasing proportion of loans originated and serviced. Increasingly, HomeAmerican finds itself directly competing with the end purchasers of the loans it originates who are aggressively pursuing the Richmond American homebuyer at the time of sale. This trend has become more pronounced as the number of third party loan purchasers has decreased over time. These competitors may offer product or pricing benefits that are unavailable to HomeAmerican or may have the ability to offer mortgages with borrower credit characteristics that are less stringent than those offered by HomeAmerican. The competitive nature of our business is described in more detail in our description of Risk Factors.

Regulation.  Our mortgage lending operations are subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which are described in more detail in our description of Risk Factors.

Insurance Operations

General.  Our insurance operations consist of three business divisions: (1) Allegiant; (2) StarAmerican; and (3) American Home Insurance.

Allegiant and StarAmerican were formed to provide insurance coverage of homebuilding risks for our homebuilding subsidiaries and certain of our homebuilding subcontractors. Allegiant was organized as a risk retention group under the Federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981. Allegiant, which began operations in June of 2004, is licensed as a Class 3 Stock Insurance Company by the Division of Insurance of the State of Hawaii and is subject primarily to the regulations of its state of incorporation. StarAmerican is a single parent captive insurance company licensed by the Division of Insurance of the State of Hawaii and is a wholly owned subsidiary of MDC. Pursuant to agreements beginning in June 2004, StarAmerican re-insures Allegiant for all claims in excess of $50,000 per occurrence up to $3.0 million per occurrence, subject to various aggregate limits.

Allegiant generates premium revenue generally by providing to its customers, comprised of the Company’s hombuilding subsidiaries and certain subcontractors of the Company’s homebuilding subsidiaries, products and completed operations coverage on homes sold by our homebuilding subsidiaries and for work performed in completed subdivisions. Allegiant seeks to provide to its customers coverage and insurance rates that are competitive with other insurers. StarAmerican generates premium revenue by providing re-insurance coverage to Allegiant. Allegiant and StarAmerican incur expenses for actual losses and loss adjustment expenses and for reserves established based on

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actuarial studies including known facts, such as our experience with similar insurance cases and historical trends involving insurance claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid insurance claims, claim severity, claim frequency patterns and interpretations of circumstances including changing regulatory and legal environments.

Regulation.  Allegiant and StarAmerican are licensed in the State of Hawaii and, therefore, are subject to regulation by the Hawaii Insurance Division. This regulation includes restrictions and oversight regarding: types of insurance provided; investment options; required capital and surplus; financial and information reporting; use of auditors, actuaries and other service providers; periodic examinations; and other operational items. Additionally, as a risk retention group, Allegiant also is registered in other states where certain MDC homebuilding subsidiaries do business.

American Home Insurance is an insurance agency that sells primarily personal property and casualty insurance products in the same markets as our homebuilding subsidiaries and primarily to our homebuyers.

Title Operations

American Home Title provides title agency services to the Company and its homebuyers in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia.

Employees.

The table below summarizes the approximate number of employees for our combined Homebuilding, combined Financial Services and Corporate segments at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Homebuilding		665		585
Financial Services		84		82
Corporate		171		187
Total		920		854

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The homebuilding industry is cyclical and affected by changes in general economic, real estate and other business conditions that could adversely affect our business or financial results.

The homebuilding industry is cyclical and is significantly affected by changes in industry conditions, as well as in general and local economic conditions, such as:

• employment levels;

• availability of financing for homebuyers;

• interest rates;

• consumer confidence;

• levels of new and existing homes for sale;

• demographic trends; and

• housing demand.

These conditions may exist on a national level, like the recent downturn, or may affect some of the regions or markets in which we operate more than others. When adverse conditions affect any of our larger markets, they could have a proportionately greater impact on us than on some other homebuilding companies.

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An oversupply of alternatives to new homes, including foreclosed homes, homes held for sale by investors and speculators, other existing homes, and rental properties, can also reduce our ability to sell new homes and depress new home prices and reduce our margins on the sale of new homes. High levels of foreclosures and short-sales not only contribute to additional inventory available for sale, but also can reduce appraisal valuations for new homes, potentially resulting in lower sales prices.

Continued military deployments, terrorist attacks, other acts of violence or threats to national security, and any corresponding response by the United States or others, or related domestic or international instability, may adversely affect general economic conditions or cause a slowdown of the economy.

As a result of the foregoing matters, potential customers may be less willing or able to buy our homes. In the future, our pricing strategies may continue to be limited by market conditions. We may be unable to change the mix of our home offerings, reduce the costs of the homes we build or offer more affordable homes to maintain our gross margins or satisfactorily address changing market conditions in other ways. In addition, cancellations of home sales contracts in backlog may increase as homebuyers choose to not honor their contracts.

Our financial services business is closely related to our homebuilding business, as it originates mortgage loans principally to purchasers of the homes we build. A decrease in the demand for our homes because of the foregoing matters may also adversely affect the financial results of this segment of our business. An increase in the default rate on the mortgages we originate may adversely affect our ability to sell the mortgages or the pricing we receive upon the sale of mortgages or may increase our potential exposure regarding those mortgage loan sales.

Because of the uncertainties inherent in these matters, actual future obligations could differ significantly from our current estimates.

The homebuilding industry has recently experienced a significant downturn, and its ultimate effects are uncertain. A renewed deterioration in industry conditions or in the broader economic conditions, whether resulting from a “fiscal cliff” or otherwise, could have adverse effects on our business and financial results.

The homebuilding industry experienced a sustained downturn from 2006 through 2011, and it has been one of the most severe housing downturns in U.S. history.

Our recovery from the downturn in the housing market has been negatively impacted by its continuing effects, including difficulty in customers’ ability to qualify for mortgage loans, significant drops in home prices and land values, elevated levels of foreclosures and short-sales, all of which severely constrained demand for new homes, and resulted in significant inventory impairments and operating losses.

In the event of another downturn in the homebuilding and mortgage lending industries, or if the national economy weakens as a result of the “fiscal cliff” or other causes, we could experience declines in the market value of our inventory and demand for our homes, which could have a significant negative impact on our gross margins from home sales and financial and operating results.

Additionally, as a result of recent economic circumstances, we may be subject to increased counterparty risks, which may include, among others, banks under our letter of credit facilities and mortgage purchasers who may not be willing or able to perform on obligations to us. To the extent a third-party is unable to meet its obligations to us, our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows could be negatively impacted.

These challenging conditions are complex and interrelated. We cannot predict their occurrence or severity, nor can we provide assurance that our responses would be successful.

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Increased competition levels in the homebuilding and mortgage lending industries could result in lower net home orders, deliveries and decreases in the average selling prices of sold and delivered homes, which would have a negative impact on our home sales revenue and results of operations.

The homebuilding industry is fragmented and highly competitive. Our homebuilding subsidiaries compete with numerous public and private homebuilders, including a number that are substantially larger than us and may have greater financial resources than we do. Our homebuilding subsidiaries also compete with subdivision developers and land development companies, some of which are themselves homebuilders or affiliates of homebuilders. Homebuilders compete for customers, land, building materials, subcontractor labor and desirable financing. Competition for home orders primarily is based upon home sales price, location of property, home style, financing available to prospective homebuyers, quality of homes built, customer service and general reputation in the community, and may vary market-by-market and/or submarket-by-submarket. Additionally, competition within the homebuilding industry can be impacted through an excess supply of new and existing homes available for sale resulting from a number of factors including, among other things, increases in unsold started homes available for sale and increases in home foreclosures. Increased competition can cause us to decrease our home sales prices and/or increase home sales incentives in an effort to generate new home sales and maintain homes in backlog until they close. These competitive pressures may negatively impact our future financial and operating results.

Through our mortgage lending subsidiary, HomeAmerican, we also compete with numerous banks and other mortgage bankers and brokers, many of which are larger than us and may have greater financial resources than we do. Competitive factors include pricing, mortgage loan terms, underwriting criteria and customer service. To the extent that we are unable to adequately compete with other companies that originate mortgage loans, total revenue and the results of operations from our mortgage operations may be negatively impacted.

If land is not available at reasonable prices or terms, our homes sales revenue and results of operations could be negatively impacted and/or we could be required to scale back our operations in a given market.

Our operations depend on our homebuilding subsidiaries’ ability to obtain land for the development of our residential communities at reasonable prices and with terms that meet our underwriting criteria. Our ability to obtain land for new residential communities may be adversely affected by changes in the general availability of land, the willingness of land sellers to sell land at reasonable prices, competition for available land, availability of financing to acquire land, zoning, regulations that limit housing density, and other market conditions. If the supply of land, and especially finished lots, appropriate for development of residential communities continues to be limited because of these factors, or for any other reason, the number of homes that our homebuilding subsidiaries build and sell may decline. To the extent that we are unable to timely purchase land or enter into new contracts for the purchase of land at reasonable prices, due to the lag time between the time we acquire land and the time we begin selling homes, our home sales revenue and results of operations could be negatively impacted and/or we could be required to scale back our operations in a given market.

Supply shortages and other risks related to the demand for skilled labor and building materials could increase costs and delay deliveries.

The residential construction industry experiences labor and material shortages from time to time, including: work stoppages; labor disputes; shortages in qualified trades people; lack of availability of adequate utility infrastructure and services; our need to rely on local subcontractors who may not be adequately capitalized or insured; and delays in availability, or fluctuations in prices, of building materials. These labor and material shortages can be more severe during periods of strong demand for housing or during periods in which the markets where we operate experience natural disasters that have a significant impact on existing residential and commercial structures. Additionally, we

9

could experience labor shortages as a result of subcontractors going out of business or leaving the residential construction market due to low levels of housing production and volumes. Any of these circumstances could give rise to delays in the start or completion of our residential communities, increase the cost of developing one or more of our residential communities and increase the construction cost of our homes. To the extent that market conditions prevent the recovery of increased costs, including, among other things, subcontracted labor, finished lots, building materials, and other resources, through higher selling prices, our gross margins from home sales and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Increased costs of lumber, framing, concrete, steel and other building materials could cause increases in construction costs. We generally are unable to pass on increases in construction costs to customers who have already entered into sales contracts, as those sales contracts generally fix the price of the homes at the time the contracts are signed, which may be in advance of the construction of the home. Sustained increases in construction costs may, over time, erode our gross margins from home sales, particularly if pricing competition restricts our ability to pass on any additional costs of materials or labor, thereby decreasing our gross margins from home sales.

If mortgage interest rates rise, if mortgage financing otherwise becomes less available or if down payment requirements are increased, it could adversely affect our business, and the duration and ultimate severity of the effects are uncertain.

The mortgage lending industry continues to experience significant instability. Lenders, regulators and others have questioned the adequacy of lending standards and other credit requirements for several loan products and programs offered in prior years. Credit requirements tightened in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008, and investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities declined. The deterioration in credit quality has caused almost all lenders to eliminate subprime mortgages and most other loan products that are not eligible for sale to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or loans that do not meet FHA and VA requirements. Fewer loan products and tighter loan qualifications have made it more difficult for many homebuyers to finance the purchase of our homes. These factors have served to reduce the pool of qualified homebuyers and made it more difficult to sell to first-time and move-up buyers who have historically been our customers. These reductions in demand have adversely affected our business and financial results, and the duration and severity of the effects remain uncertain.

We believe that the liquidity provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the mortgage industry has been very important to the housing market. The future of these entities is in question. Any reduction in the availability of the financing provided by these institutions could adversely affect interest rates, mortgage availability and our sales of new homes and mortgage loans.

Because of the decline in the availability of other mortgage products, FHA and VA mortgage financing support has become a more important factor in marketing our homes. Increased demands on the FHA have resulted in a reduction of its cash reserves and additional regulations and requirements. This factor or any increases in down payment requirements or limitations or restrictions on the availability of FHA and VA financing support could adversely affect interest rates, mortgage availability and our sales of new homes and mortgage loans.

Even if potential customers do not need financing, changes in the availability of mortgage products may make it harder for them to sell their current homes to potential buyers who need financing.

If interest rates increase, the costs of owning a home will be affected and could result in further reductions in the demand for our homes. Similarly, potential changes to the tax code with respect to deduction of home mortgage interest payments or other changes may decrease affordability of and demand for homeownership.

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Expirations, amendments or changes to tax laws, incentives or credits currently available to our customers may negatively impact our business.

Many homeowners receive substantial tax benefits in the form of tax deductions against their personal taxable income for mortgage interest and property tax payments and the loss or reduction of these deductions would affect most homeowners’ net cost of owning a home. Also, federal or state governments have in the past provided for substantial benefits in the form of tax credits for buyers of new or used homes. Significant changes to existing tax laws that currently benefit homebuyers, such as the ability to deduct mortgage interest and real property taxes, may result in an increase in the total cost of home ownership and may make the purchase of a home less attractive to buyers. This could adversely impact demand for and/or sales prices of new homes, which would have a negative impact on our business.

Increases in our cancellations could have a negative impact on our gross margins from home sales and home sales revenue.

Home order cancellations can result from a number of factors, including declines in the market value of homes, increases in the supply of homes available to be purchased, increased competition, higher mortgage interest rates, homebuyers’ inability to sell their existing homes, homebuyers’ inability to obtain suitable financing, including providing sufficient down payments, and adverse changes in economic conditions.

Increased levels of home order cancellations would have a negative impact on our home sales revenue and financial and operating results in future reporting periods.

A decline in the market value of our homes or carrying value of our land would have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial position.

Our homebuilding subsidiaries acquire land for the replacement of land inventory and/or expansion within our current markets and may, from time to time, purchase land for expansion into new markets. The fair value of our land and land under development and housing completed or under construction inventory depends on market conditions. Factors that can impact our determination of the fair value of our inventory primarily include home sales prices, levels of home sales incentives and home construction and land costs. Our home sales prices and/or levels of home sales incentives can be impacted by, among other things, decreased demand for new homes, decreased home prices offered by our competitors, home foreclosure and short-sale levels, decreased ability of our homebuyers to obtain suitable mortgage loan financing and high levels of home order cancellations. Under such circumstances, we may be required to record additional impairments of our inventory. Additionally, due to the uncertainty in the homebuilding and mortgage lending industries and the overall United States economy, it is possible for us to experience declines in the market value of our homes and, as a result, additional inventory impairments could be recorded in future reporting periods. Any such additional inventory impairments would have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations in the future reporting period in which they were recorded.

Natural disasters could cause an increase in home construction costs, as well as delays, and could negatively impact our results of operations.

The climates and geology of many of the markets in which we operate present increased risks of natural disasters. To the extent that hurricanes, severe storms, earthquakes, droughts, floods, heavy or prolonged precipitation, wildfires or other natural disasters or similar events occur, the financial and operating results of our business may be negatively impacted.

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We have financial needs that we meet through the capital markets, including the debt and secondary mortgage markets, and disruptions in these markets could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and/or cash flows.

We have financial needs that we meet through the capital markets, including the debt and secondary mortgage markets. Our requirements for additional capital, whether to finance operations or to service or refinance our existing indebtedness, fluctuate as market conditions and our financial performance and operations change. We cannot provide complete assurance that we will maintain cash reserves and generate sufficient cash flow from operations in an amount to enable us to service our debt or to fund other liquidity needs.

The availability of additional capital, whether from private capital sources or the public capital markets, fluctuates as our financial condition and market conditions in general change. There may be times when the private capital markets and the public debt or equity markets lack sufficient liquidity or when our securities cannot be sold at attractive prices, in which case we would not be able to access capital from these sources. In addition, a weakening of our financial condition or deterioration in our credit ratings could adversely affect our ability to obtain necessary funds. Even if financing is available, it could be costly or have other adverse consequences.

There are a limited number of third-party purchasers of mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican. If we see third-party purchasers of mortgage loans exit the business or experience, reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities in the secondary mortgage markets or increased investor yield requirements for those loans and securities, this may have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and/or cash flows. In addition, the sources and terms and conditions of warehouse financing and mortgage repurchase arrangements and other lending arrangements for the mortgage lending industry are changing. These changes can impact, among other things, availability of capital, terms and structures for debt and line of credit agreements, collateral requirements and collateral advance rates.

Our business is subject to numerous federal, local and state laws and regulations concerning land development, construction of homes, sales, mortgage lending, environmental and other aspects of our business. These laws and regulations could give rise to additional liabilities or expenditures, or restrictions on our business.

Our operations are subject to continuing compliance requirements mandated by applicable federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, including zoning and land use ordinances, building, plumbing and electrical codes, contractors’ licensing laws, state insurance laws, federal and state human resources laws and regulations and health and safety laws and regulations. Various localities in which we operate have imposed (or may impose in the future) fees on developers to fund schools, road improvements and low and moderate-income housing.

From time to time, various municipalities in which our homebuilding subsidiaries operate restrict or place moratoria on the availability of utilities, including water and sewer taps. Additionally, certain jurisdictions in which our homebuilding subsidiaries operate have proposed or enacted “slow growth” or “no growth” initiatives and other measures that may restrict the number of building permits available in any given year. These initiatives or other slow or no growth measures could reduce our ability to open new subdivisions and build and sell homes in the affected markets and may create additional costs and administration requirements, which in turn could negatively impact our future home sales and results of operations. Although future conditions or governmental actions may impact our ability to obtain necessary permits or water and sewer taps, we currently believe that we generally have, or can obtain, water and sewer taps and building permits for our homebuilding subsidiaries’ land inventory.

Our homebuilding operations also are affected by environmental laws and regulations pertaining to availability of water, municipal sewage treatment capacity, stormwater discharges, land use, hazardous waste disposal, dust controls, building materials, population density and preservation of endangered species, natural terrain and vegetation.

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Due to these considerations, our homebuilding subsidiaries generally obtain an environmental site assessment for parcels of land that they acquire. The particular environmental laws and regulations that apply to any given homebuilding project vary greatly according to a particular site’s location, the site’s environmental conditions and the present and former uses. These environmental laws may result in project delays, cause us to incur substantial compliance and other costs and/or prohibit or severely restrict homebuilding activity in certain environmentally sensitive locations.

We also are subject to rules and regulations with respect to originating, processing, selling and servicing mortgage loans, which, among other things: prohibit discrimination and establish underwriting guidelines; provide for audits and inspections; require appraisals and/or credit reports on prospective borrowers and disclosure of certain information concerning credit and settlement costs; establish maximum loan amounts; prohibit predatory lending practices; and regulate the referral of business to affiliated entities. The turmoil caused by the increased number of defaults in subprime and other mortgages has encouraged consumer lawsuits and the investigation of financial services industry practices by governmental authorities. These investigations could include the examination of consumer lending practices, sales of mortgages to financial institutions and other investors and the practices in the financial services segments of homebuilding companies. New rules and regulations or revised interpretations of existing rules and regulations applicable to our mortgage lending operations could result in more stringent compliance standards, which may substantially increase costs of compliance. Additionally, potential changes to regulations, including but not limited to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Dodd-Frank Act could have a significant impact on the ability of our affiliated businesses to provide services to Richmond American Homes customers, which could have a significant negative impact on our financial and operating results.

In the ordinary course of business, we are required to obtain surety bonds, the unavailability of which could adversely affect our results of operations and/or cash flows.

As is customary in the homebuilding industry, we often are required to provide surety bonds to secure our performance under construction contracts, development agreements and other arrangements. Our ability to obtain surety bonds primarily depends upon our credit rating, capitalization, working capital, past performance, management expertise and certain external factors, including the overall capacity of the surety market and the underwriting practices of surety bond issuers. The ability to obtain surety bonds also can be impacted by the willingness of insurance companies to issue surety bonds. If we were unable to obtain surety bonds when required, our results of operations and/or cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Decreases in the market value of our investments in marketable securities could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

We have investments in marketable securities, the market value of which is subject to changes from period to period. Decreases in the market value of our marketable securities could have an adverse impact on our statements of financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

Product liability litigation and warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of business may be costly.

As a homebuilder, we are subject to construction defect and home warranty claims, as well as claims associated with the sale and financing of our homes arising in the ordinary course of business. These types of claims can be costly. The costs of insuring against construction defect and product liability claims can be high and the amount of coverage offered by insurance companies may be limited. If we are not able to obtain adequate insurance against these claims, we may incur additional expenses that would have a negative impact on our results of operations in future

13

reporting periods. Additionally, changes in the facts and circumstances of our pending litigation matters could have a material impact on our results of operations and cash flows in future reporting periods.

Further uncertainty in the mortgage lending industry, including repurchase requirements associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans, could negatively impact our results of operations.

We are subject to risks associated with mortgage loans, including, besides conventional mortgage loans, previously originated and sold as Alt-A loans, and sub-prime mortgage loans, second mortgage loans, high loan-to-value mortgage loans and jumbo mortgage loans (mortgage loans with principal balances that exceed various thresholds in our markets). These risks may include, among other things, compliance with mortgage loan underwriting criteria and the associated homebuyers’ performance, which could require HomeAmerican to repurchase certain of those mortgage loans or provide indemnification. Repurchased mortgage loans and/or the settlement of claims associated with such loans could have in the future a substantial impact on HomeAmerican’s results of operations, liquidity and cash flow.

Because of the seasonal nature of our business, our quarterly operating results can fluctuate.

We may experience noticeable seasonality and quarter-to-quarter variability in homebuilding activity levels. In general, the number of homes delivered and associated home sales revenue can increase during the third and fourth quarters, compared with the first and second quarters. We believe that this type of seasonality reflects the historical tendency of homebuyers to purchase new homes in the spring and summer with deliveries scheduled in the fall or winter, as well as the scheduling of construction to accommodate seasonal weather conditions in certain markets. There can be no assurance that this seasonality pattern will exist in future reporting periods.

We are dependent on the services of key employees, and the loss of their services could hurt our business.

Although we believe that we have made provision for adequately staffing current operations, because of our efforts to “right-size” our organization during the past five years, retaining our skilled people has become a critical area of focus. Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract, train and retain skilled personnel. If we are unable to retain our key employees or attract, train and retain other skilled personnel in the future, it could have an adverse impact on our financial and operating results.

The interests of certain controlling shareholders may be adverse to investors.

Larry A. Mizel, David D. Mandarich and other of our affiliates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 25% of our common stock. To the extent they and their affiliates vote their shares in the same manner, their combined stock ownership may effectively give them the power to influence the election of members of our board of directors and other matters reserved for our shareholders. Circumstances may occur in which the interest of these shareholders could be in conflict with your interests. In addition, such persons may have an interest in pursuing transactions that, in their judgment, enhance the value of their equity investment in us, even though such transactions may involve risks to you.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None

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Item 2. Properties.

Our corporate office is located at 4350 South Monaco Street, Denver, Colorado 80237, where we lease office space in a 144,000 square foot office building. Our homebuilding divisions and, in some markets, other MDC subsidiaries, including American Home Insurance and American Home Title, lease additional office space. The table below outlines the number of office facilities that are leased and the approximate square footage leased in each market at December 31, 2012. While currently we are satisfied with the suitability and capacity of our office locations, we continue to evaluate them in view of market conditions and the size of our operations.

	Number of Leased Facilities		Total Square Footage Leased
Arizona		2		18,000
California		2		34,000
Colorado		6		150,000
Florida		1		10,000
Maryland		2		18,000
Nevada		1		10,000
Utah		1		6,000
Virginia		3		20,000
Washington		2		22,000
Total		20		288,000

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

Because of the nature of the homebuilding business, we and certain of our subsidiaries and affiliates have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims and claims associated with the sale and financing of our homes. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

At December 31, 2012, MDC had 628 shareholders of record. The shares of MDC common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the closing price ranges of MDC’s common stock.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2012
High	$	27.20	$	32.67	$	40.15	$	40.62
Low		17.77		23.76		30.81		33.11
2011
High	$	31.80	$	29.19	$	26.11	$	23.09
Low		24.79		24.18		16.09		15.39

The following table sets forth the cash dividends declared and paid in 2012 and 2011.

	Date of Declaration		Date of Payment		Dividend per Share		Total Dividends Paid
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
2012
First quarter		01/23/12		02/22/12	$	0.25	$	11,994
Second quarter		04/23/12		05/23/12		0.25		11,996
Third quarter		07/24/12		08/22/12		0.25		12,056
Fourth quarter		10/22/12		11/21/12		0.25		12,172
Accelerated payment of 2013 dividends		12/13/12		12/28/12		1.00		48,697
					$	2.00	$	96,915
2011
First quarter		01/24/11		02/23/11	$	0.25	$	11,824
Second quarter		04/27/11		05/25/11		0.25		11,868
Third quarter		07/25/11		08/24/11		0.25		11,868
Fourth quarter		10/24/11		11/22/11		0.25		11,872
					$	1.00	$	47,432

There were no shares of MDC common stock repurchased during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. At December 31, 2012, we were authorized to repurchase up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock.

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Performance Graph

Set forth below is a graph comparing the yearly change in the cumulative total return of MDC’s common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and with that of a peer group of other homebuilders over the five-year period ending on December 31, 2012, weighted as of the beginning of that period.

It is assumed in the graph that $100 was invested (1) in our common stock; (2) in the stocks of the companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index; and (3) in the stocks of the peer group companies, just prior to the commencement of the period and that all dividends received within a quarter were reinvested in that quarter. The peer group index is composed of the following companies: Beazer Homes USA, Inc., D.R. Horton, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., KB Home, Lennar Corporation, M/I Homes, Inc., Meritage Homes Corporation, NVR, Inc., Pulte Homes, Inc., The Ryland Group, Inc., Standard Pacific Corp. and Toll Brothers, Inc.

The stock price performance shown on the following graph is not indicative of future price performance.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN OF MDC COMMON STOCK, THE S&P 500 STOCK INDEX AND A SELECTED PEER GROUP

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The data in these tables and related footnotes should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010			2009			2008
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Income Statement Data
Home sale and land sale revenues	$	1,156,142	$	817,023		$	926,905		$	867,784		$	1,418,198
Financial services revenues		46,881		26,086			30,473			28,318			34,211
Total revenues	$	1,203,023	$	843,109		$	957,378		$	896,102		$	1,452,409
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$	32,617	$	(110,628	)	$	(80,896	)	$	(113,289	)	$	(393,813	)
Financial services pretax income		28,498		3,156			10,295			5,954			11,678
Total pretax income (loss)	$	61,115	$	(107,472	)	$	(70,601	)	$	(107,335	)	$	(382,135	)
Net income (loss)(1)(2)(3)	$	62,699	$	(98,390	)	$	(64,770	)	$	24,679		$	(380,545	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	1.29	$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)	$	0.52		$	(8.25	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	1.28	$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)	$	0.52		$	(8.25	)
Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding:
Basic		47,660,629		46,796,334			46,627,815			46,537,092			46,158,876
Diluted		48,064,839		46,796,334			46,627,815			46,919,362			46,158,876
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents	$	160,095	$	343,361		$	572,225		$	1,234,252		$	1,304,728
Marketable securities	$	551,938	$	519,943		$	968,729		$	327,944		$	54,864
Total inventories	$	1,002,521	$	806,052		$	787,659		$	523,184		$	657,071
Total assets	$	1,945,441	$	1,858,725		$	2,547,769		$	2,429,308		$	2,474,938
Senior notes(3)	$	744,842	$	744,108		$	1,242,815		$	997,991		$	997,527
Mortgage repurchase facility	$	76,327	$	48,702		$	25,434		$	29,115		$	34,873
Stockholders’ equity	$	880,897	$	868,636		$	983,683		$	1,073,146		$	1,080,920
Stockholders’ equity per common share	$	18.09	$	18.11		$	20.87		$	22.82		$	23.16
Cash dividends declared per share(4)	$	2.00	$	1.00		$	1.00		$	1.00		$	1.00
Operational Data
Homes delivered (units)		3,740		2,762			3,245			3,013			4,488
Average selling price	$	308	$	292		$	284		$	278		$	303
Net new orders (units)		4,342		2,887			3,261			3,306			3,074
Homes in backlog at period end (units)		1,645		1,043			842			826			533
Estimated backlog sales value at period end	$	579,000	$	330,000		$	269,000		$	265,000		$	173,000
Estimated average selling price of homes in backlog	$	352	$	316		$	320		$	321		$	325
Active subdivisions at period-end		148		187			148			133			191

(1) Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes the income tax benefit of being able to carry back $142.6 million of net operating losses due to the expanded NOL carryback provisions contained in the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, signed into law on November 6, 2009.

(2) Net loss for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2008 and 2007 includes the impact of recording valuation allowances of $45.1 million, $25.1 million, $134.3 million and $160.0 million, respectively, against our deferred tax assets.

(3) During 2011, we completed a debt tender offer and redemptions of our 7% Senior Notes due 2012 and 5 ¹/₂% Senior Notes due 2013. As a result of these transactions, we paid $537.7 million to extinguish $500 million in debt principal and recorded a $38.8 million expense for loss on extinguishment of debt.

(4) Total dividends declared per share for the year ended December 31, 2012 include $1.00 per share representing the accelerated payment of dividends for 2013.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This item contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Item 1A, Risk Factors Relating to our Business.”

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Home sale revenues	$	1,150,998		$	805,164		$	921,022
Land sale revenues		5,144			11,859			5,883
Total home sale and land sale revenues		1,156,142			817,023			926,905
Home cost of sales		(973,120	)		(686,661	)		(745,085	)
Land cost of sales		(4,823	)		(10,796	)		(5,366	)
Inventory impairments		(1,105	)		(12,965	)		(21,195	)
Total cost of sales		(979,048	)		(710,422	)		(771,646	)
Gross margin		177,094			106,601			155,259
Gross margin %		15.3%			13.0%			16.8%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(167,295	)		(179,105	)		(219,685	)
Interest income		23,398			26,068			23,960
Interest expense		(808	)		(20,842	)		(38,157	)
Other income (expense)		228			(43,350	)		(2,273	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		32,617			(110,628	)		(80,896	)
Financial Services:
Revenues		46,881			26,086			30,473
Expenses		(21,645	)		(26,306	)		(23,351	)
Interest and other income		3,262			3,376			3,173
Financial services pretax income		28,498			3,156			10,295
Income (loss) before income taxes		61,115			(107,472	)		(70,601	)
Benefit from income taxes		1,584			9,082			5,831
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	(98,390	)	$	(64,770	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	1.29		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Diluted	$	1.28		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic		47,660,629			46,796,334			46,627,815
Diluted		48,064,839			46,796,334			46,627,815
Dividends declared per share	$	2.00		$	1.00		$	1.00
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	(109,213	)	$	(80,349	)	$	(209,100	)
Investing activities	$	(21,781	)	$	404,264		$	(644,466	)
Financing activities	$	(52,727	)	$	(552,779	)	$	191,539

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Overview

During 2012, we implemented various initiatives to help us achieve full-year profitability in 2012. These included reducing our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), improving our sales processes and enhancing our product offerings, which consisted of more included features and new designs, and reducing our capital costs. For a more detailed discussion of these initiatives please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition to these initiatives, we took advantage of a recovering housing market and improved overall economic conditions in most of our markets.

As a result of our strategic initiatives and a recovering housing market, we achieved full year profitability of $62.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented four consecutive quarters of operating profits and more than a $160 million improvement in our net income over 2011. Our favorable results were largely attributable to better operating profits from our homebuilding segment, which experienced significant revenue growth as well as operating margin expansion. In addition, our financial services segment profit increased considerably as we took advantage of favorable mortgage market conditions, including higher volume and margins for our mortgage loan products.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, we reported net income of $62.7 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $98.4 million, or $2.12 per diluted share for the year earlier period. The improvement in our net income was driven primarily by a 43% increase in home sale revenues, a 230 basis point improvement in our gross margin from home sales (inclusive of an $11.9 million reduction in inventory impairments), a 770 basis point reduction in our homebuilding SG&A expenses as a percentage of home sale revenues, a $20.0 million decrease in interest expense, and a $25.3 million increase in our financial services operations pretax income. Also, 2011 results were impacted by a $38.8 million charge related to the early extinguishment of $500 million of debt.

In addition to the improvement in market conditions, our efforts to improve our sales process, product offering and cancellation rate helped us drive significantly improved sales results. During 2012, net new orders increased 50% year-over-year to 4,342 homes, driven by a 48% improvement in our sales absorption pace per community which was substantially aided by a 1,300 basis point reduction in our cancellation rate. At the same time, we have worked to balance our improved absorption pace by increasing home prices and reducing incentives in many subdivisions across the country. This effort has helped us improve our gross margin from home sales year-over-year and on a sequential basis throughout the year. Our 2012 fourth quarter gross margin from home sales before impairments was 17.0% (16.7% including $1.1 million of inventory impairments), which represented a 150 basis point improvement over the 2012 third quarter gross margin from home sales and was on top of a 130 basis point improvement for the 2012 third quarter as compared to the 2012 second quarter.

Furthermore, in light of our improving sales absorption rates and improving housing market conditions, the Company accelerated its land acquisition activity during the second half of 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we owned or had under option over 11,400 lots, a 3% increase over our lot position at the end of 2011. We believe that this lot position, in addition to planned land acquisition activity going into the next fiscal year, will continue to provide us with a strong base to drive continued revenue growth in 2013.

Our financial position remained strong at the end of 2012, as evidenced by our total cash and marketable securities of $712 million, which was nearly equal to our total senior note debt of $745 million. Additionally, to further strengthen our liquidity, in January 2013 we issued $250 million of 30-year 6% senior unsecured notes due 2043. We believe that our strong financial position gives us a competitive advantage as we pursue attractive land acquisition opportunities as the housing market improves, which can help us further grow our operations in the future.

20

Homebuilding

	Year Ended December 31,									Change from 2011 to 2012		Change from 2010 to 2011
	2012			2011			2010
Homebuilding pretax income (loss):	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	27,076		$	(16,889	)	$	9,910		$	43,965	$	(26,799	)
Mountain		24,302			1,397			1,060			22,905		337
East		11,011			(7,195	)		(3,048	)		18,206		(4,147	)
Corporate		(29,772	)		(87,941	)		(88,818	)		58,169		877
Total homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$	32,617		$	(110,628	)	$	(80,896	)	$	143,245	$	(29,732	)

For the year ended December 31, 2012, we reported homebuilding pretax income of $32.6 million, compared to a pretax loss of $110.6 million for year ended December 31, 2011. The $143.2 million improvement in our homebuilding financial performance was driven primarily by a 43% increase in home sale revenues, a 230 basis point improvement in our gross margin from home sales, a 770 basis point reduction in our SG&A expenses as a percentage of home sale revenues and a $20.0 million decrease in our interest expense. In addition, the 2011 results were adversely impacted by a $38.8 million charge related to the early extinguishment of $500 million of debt.

Our West, Mountain and East segments all showed improvements in pretax results for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 2011. The improvements in each of these segments were driven by reductions in SG&A expenses and improvements in our gross margins in many markets. The improvements in pretax results were also aided by increases in our homebuilding revenues in our West, Mountain and East segments due to increases in homebuilding deliveries and average price per home delivered. Our pretax results for our non-operating Corporate segment improved $58.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 due primarily to reductions in both interest and SG&A expenses, which included a various significant legal recoveries totaling $9.8 million during 2012, and a $38.8 million reduction in loss on extinguishment of senior debt that was recorded in 2011.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we reported a homebuilding pretax loss of $110.6 million, compared to a pretax loss of $80.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $29.7 million decline in our homebuilding financial performance was driven primarily by a 13% decrease in home sale revenues, a 370 basis point decrease in gross margin from home sales and a $38.8 million charge related to the early extinguishment of debt, partially offset by a 170 basis point reduction in our homebuilding SG&A expenses as a percentage of home sale revenues.

Our West and East segments all showed declines in pretax results for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. The decline in each of these segments was driven primarily by fewer home deliveries, lower gross margins, including the impact of lower adjustments to reduce warranty accruals in 2011 when compared to 2010. These items were partially offset by decreases in SG&A expenses and impairment charges. Our Mountain segment showed an increase in pretax income of $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily resulting from declines in SG&A expenses and higher adjustments to reduce warranty reserves recorded during 2011 compared with warranty adjustment increases during 2010.

	December 31,				Change
	2012		2011
Homebuilding assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	459,807	$	346,442	$	113,365
Mountain		332,939		262,787		70,152
East		274,199		255,074		19,125
Corporate		692,500		852,561		(160,061	)
Total homebuilding assets	$	1,759,445	$	1,716,864	$	42,581

21

Homebuilding assets in the West, Mountain and East segments increased $113.4 million, $70.2 million and $19.1 million, respectively, from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, primarily due to increases in construction activity and land acquisition, both of which resulted in increased inventory balances. Homebuilding assets in the Corporate segment decreased $160.1 million from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, primarily due to a $153 million decrease in cash and marketable securities related to investments in inventories.

Revenues

	Year Ended December 31,						$  Change from 2011 to 2012		% Change from 2011 to 2012		$ Change from 2010 to 2011			% Change from 2010 to 2011
	2012		2011		2010
Home and land sale revenues	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	516,079	$	272,800	$	326,278	$	243,279		89%	$	(53,478	)		-16%
Mountain		355,368		316,189		346,289		39,179		12%		(30,100	)		-9%
East		284,695		228,034		254,338		56,661		25%		(26,304	)		-10%
Total home and land sale revenues	$	1,156,142	$	817,023	$	926,905	$	339,119		42%	$	(109,882	)		-12%

Total home and land sale revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased 42% to nearly $1.2 billion compared to $817.0 million for the prior year period. For the period ended December 31, 2011, total home and land sales revenues decreased 12% to $817.0 million compared to $926.9 million for 2010. The change in revenues for both periods was driven by changes to the number and average price of new home deliveries as shown in the tables below.

New Home Deliveries:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				% Change				2011				% Change				2010
	Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Arizona		603		131,278		43%		64%		423		80,133		-26%		-27%		571		109,149
California		543		184,490		100%		121%		272		83,488		-9%		-24%		298		110,538
Nevada		604		125,725		82%		103%		331		61,833		-39%		-39%		544		101,203
Washington		247		73,074		69%		89%		146		38,710		N/M		N/M		-		-
West		1,997		514,567		70%		95%		1,172		264,164		-17%		-18%		1,413		320,890
Colorado		807		289,416		8%		15%		748		251,935		-5%		4%		789		243,379
Utah		226		64,006		0%		4%		225		61,761		-41%		-40%		383		102,415
Mountain		1,033		353,422		6%		13%		973		313,696		-17%		-9%		1,172		345,794
Maryland		233		99,476		13%		10%		207		90,312		-10%		-10%		231		100,813
Virginia		280		135,067		33%		49%		211		90,844		-11%		-17%		236		109,338
Florida		195		47,915		3%		10%		190		43,450		-2%		-2%		193		44,187
Illinois		2		551		N/M		N/M		9		2,698		N/M		N/M		-		-
East		710		283,009		15%		25%		617		227,304		-7%		-11%		660		254,338
Total		3,740		1,150,998		35%		43%		2,762		805,164		-15%		-13%		3,245		921,022

N/M - Not meaningful

The increase in new home deliveries for the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily attributable to a 24% increase in the number of homes in backlog to start the period as compared to the prior year. The West segment was the primary driver of the increase, as beginning backlog rose 91% year-over-year due to increased demand, particularly in our Arizona, California and Nevada markets. Resale listings and the level of distressed properties in

22

many of our markets have been shrinking, particularly in the West, which has provided a boost in demand for new home sales.

Homes delivered during the year ended December 31, 2011 were down in each of our homebuilding segments. Contributing to the decline in home closings was the negative impact from the federal homebuyer tax credit, which expired during 2010. In our West segment, this impact was partially offset by closing 146 homes in our new Washington market.

Average Selling Prices:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		% Change		2011		% Change		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Arizona	$	217.7		15%	$	189.4		-1%	$	191.2
California		339.8		11%		306.9		-17%		370.9
Nevada		208.2		11%		186.8		0%		186.0
Washington		295.8		12%		265.1		N/M		-
West		257.7		14%		225.4		-1%		227.1
Colorado		358.6		6%		336.8		9%		308.5
Utah		283.2		3%		274.5		3%		267.4
Mountain		342.1		6%		322.4		9%		295.0
Maryland		426.9		-2%		436.3		0%		436.4
Virginia		482.4		12%		430.5		-7%		463.3
Florida		245.7		7%		228.7		0%		228.9
Illinois		275.5		-8%		299.8		N/M		-
East		398.6		8%		368.4		-4%		385.4
Total	$	307.8		6%	$	291.5		3%	$	283.8

N/M - Not meaningful

Our consolidated average home price increased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to increased prices and lower incentives in certain of our markets, particularly in the West segment, coupled with a shift in the mix of closings to more desirable communities within individual markets.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, our consolidated average selling price of closed homes increased by 3% as we delivered a greater percentage of our homes in the higher-priced Colorado market and delivered fewer homes in our lower-priced markets of Arizona and Nevada.

Gross Margin

Gross margin from home sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 15.4%, up 230 basis points from 13.1% for the year earlier period. The increase in gross margins was primarily due to reduced incentives and increased prices in many of our markets, particularly in Arizona and Nevada. In addition, the gross margins were impacted in part by a reduction in impairment charges from $13.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2011 to $1.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2012, which was largely offset by a $6.4 million benefit recorded in 2011 from the settlement of a construction defect claim and the impact of project close-out adjustments and a $5.5 million warranty accrual reduction in 2011, while 2012 did not include any of these significant adjustments.

Gross margin from home sales of 13.1% for the year ended December 31, 2011 was down 370 basis points from the 16.8% in 2010. The decrease was attributable to a reduction in positive adjustments to warranty reserves as there

23

was a $5.5 million benefit to gross margin from home sales from reductions to warranty accruals for the year ended December 31, 2011 versus $20.8 million in benefits for the year ended December 31, 2010. We believe the lower warranty payment experience rate in the 2011 and 2010 periods were driven by, among other things, a tighter focus and controls over our warranty expenditures, a significant drop in sales volumes over the last several years, which resulted in fewer homes under warranty, and better quality controls and construction practices. In addition, gross margins from home sales in the first half of 2011 were negatively impacted by closing a high percentage of unsold started homes under construction, which historically are less profitable than homes that are started with a buyer under contract. The increase in the percentage of unsold started homes closed was driven by a strategy of offering elevated incentives to reduce the number of unsold started homes in inventory. During the second half of 2011, gross margin from home sales began to recover as our percentage of speculative homes under construction decreased.

Excluding inventory impairments, warranty accrual adjustments and interest in cost of sales, our adjusted gross margin percentage from home sales for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 18.2%, 16.7% and 19.4%, respectively (please see table set forth below reconciling this non-GAAP measure to our gross margin from home sales). The 150 basis point year-over-year increase in adjusted gross margin from home sales for 2012 versus 2011 was positively impacted by generally improved housing market conditions and demand, a reduction in the level of incentives utilized, price increases realized in many of our communities, and delivering a higher percentage of homes started with a buyer under contract, which historically have been more profitable than homes that are started without a buyer under contract. The higher adjusted gross margin in 2010 as compared to 2011 was the result of a lower land basis expensed through cost of sales in 2010 due to previously impaired inventory as well as higher homebuyer demand in 2010 related to the impact of the federal homebuyer tax credit.

The table set forth below is a reconciliation of our gross margin and gross margin percentage, as reported, to gross margin from home sales and gross margins from home sales excluding inventory impairments, warranty adjustments and interest in home cost of sales.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			Gross Margin %		2011			Gross Margin %		2010			Gross Margin %
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross Margin	$	177,094			15.3%	$	106,601			13.0%	$	155,259			16.8%
Less: Land Sales Revenue		(5,144	)				(11,859	)				(5,883	)
Add: Land Cost of Sales		4,823					10,796					5,366
Gross Margin from Home Sales	$	176,773			15.4%	$	105,538			13.1%	$	154,742			16.8%
Add: Inventory Impairments		1,105					12,965					21,195
Gross Margin from Home Sales excluding Impairments(1)	$	177,878			15.5%	$	118,503			14.7%	$	175,937			19.1%
Add: Interest in Cost of Sales		31,106					21,152					23,812
Less: Warranty Adjustments		-					(5,478	)				(20,845	)
Adjusted Gross Margin from Home Sales(1)	$	208,984			18.2%	$	134,177			16.7%	$	178,904			19.4%

(1) Gross margin from home sales excluding impairments and adjusted gross margin from home sales are both non-GAAP financial measures. We believe this information is meaningful as it isolates the impact that inventory impairments, warranty adjustments and interest have on our gross margin from home sales and permits investors to make better comparisons with our competitors, who also break out and adjust gross margins in a similar fashion. Furthermore, the adjusted gross margin measure has been used by us as one financial metric criterion for performance-based stock options for certain executive officers.

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Inventory Impairments

Impairments recognized for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	-	$	7,270	$	14,808
Mountain		-		1,850		555
East		295		1,804		542
Subtotal		295		10,924		15,905
Land and Land Under Development:
West		-		1,499		3,163
Mountain		-		449		964
East		810		93		1,163
Subtotal		810		2,041		5,290
Inventory impairments	$	1,105	$	12,965	$	21,195

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1.1 million of inventory impairments related to two projects in our Maryland division. Based on the slow sales absorption rates experienced during 2012 and the estimated sales price reductions required to sell the remaining lots and houses in these communities, it was determined that the fair values were less than the carrying values.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded $13.0 million of inventory impairments. These impairments primarily were incurred during the 2011 second and third quarters in select subdivisions primarily in the California and Nevada markets of our West segment, and the Utah market of our Mountain segment. The impairment of these specific subdivisions, most of which were purchased during 2010, primarily resulted from lowering anticipated home sales prices from those that were expected at the time we purchased the land, based on our experience with homes sold or closed in these subdivisions. As a result of declining home sales prices, we determined based upon our impairment evaluation, that the fair market values of the land and homes in these subdivisions were less than their carrying values.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $21.2 million of impairments. The impairments were concentrated in the Arizona and Nevada markets of our West segment and primarily resulted from lowering our estimated average selling prices of homes. This was primarily due to: (1) strong competition for sales of new homes; (2) overall low economic activity combined with high unemployment levels; (3) homebuyers having difficulty qualifying for new loans; and (4) the elevated levels of foreclosure and short-sale homes driving real estate values down.

The following table shows the number of subdivisions and carrying value of the inventory we tested for impairment during each quarter in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The table also includes impairments that we recorded during such periods, as well as the quarter-end fair value, number of lots and number of subdivisions for the impaired inventories. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used a discount rates generally ranging from 13% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

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Quarter Ended	Total Subdivisions Tested for Impairment During Quarter		Value of Inventory Tested for Impairment During Quarter		Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory Before Impairment		Inventory Impairments		Fair Value of Impaired Inventory after Impairments		Number of Subdivisions Impaired During the Quarter		Number of Lots Impaired During the Quarter
	(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2012		33	$	81,492	$	-	$	-	$	-		-		-
June 30, 2012		27		63,616		-		-		-		-		-
September 30, 2012		22		62,681		-		-		-		-		-
December 31, 2012		17		62,808		3,840		1,105		2,735		2		25
Total		99	$	270,597	$	3,840	$	1,105	$	2,735		2		25
March 31, 2011		10	$	80,915	$	-	$	-	$	-		-		-
June 30, 2011		49		95,407		29,205		8,633		20,572		9		392
September 30, 2011		50		109,247		22,613		4,049		18,564		11		313
December 31, 2011		40		89,031		2,765		283		2,482		2		12
Total		149	$	374,600	$	54,583	$	12,965	$	41,618		22		717
March 31, 2010		9	$	16,879	$	-	$	-	$	-		-		-
June 30, 2010		33		54,220		-		-		-		-		-
September 30, 2010		52		82,444		11,258		3,633		7,625		8		214
December 31, 2010		53		90,138		59,765		17,562		42,203		38		964
Total		147	$	243,681	$	71,023	$	21,195	$	49,828		46		1,178

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased $11.8 million to $167.3 million, compared to $179.1 million for same period in 2011. The decrease in SG&A was attributable to reductions in salaries and other overhead costs and $9.8 million in various significant legal recoveries. These items were partially offset by a $10.7 million increase in commission expenses, which was driven by our 43% increase in home sale revenues. The decrease in SG&A expenses, combined with increased revenues, resulted in better operating leverage, with SG&A expenses as a percentage of home sale revenues decreasing to 14.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012 versus 22.2% for the same period in 2011.

Our SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased 18%, or $40.6 million, to $179.1 million, compared to $219.7 million for same period in 2010. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in commission expenses of $5.3 million, which was driven by our decrease in home sale revenues, a $6.5 million decline in legal expenses, $5.0 million in reductions to executive bonuses and reductions in salaries and other overhead costs.

Interest Income

Our interest income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $23.4 million, $26.1 million and $24.0 million, respectively. The changes in interest income over each period were attributable to the year-over-year changes in our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities balances, as well as changing yields.

Interest Expense

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we expensed $0.8 million, $20.8 million and $38.2 million of interest, respectively, related to the portion of our homebuilding debt that exceeded our qualified assets. The year-over-year decrease from 2011 to 2012 related primarily to the repayment of $500 million of senior debt during the latter half of 2011, which significantly reduced the amount by which our homebuilding debt exceeded our qualified assets combined with the increase in total inventories from 2011 to 2012.

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Other Income (Expense)

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, our other income (expense) was $0.2 million, $(43.4) million and $(2.3) million, respectively. Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was largely related to a $38.8 million charge for the early extinguishment of $500 million of debt.

Other Homebuilding Operating Data

Net New Orders:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				% Change				2011				% Change				2010
	Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Arizona		625		137,159		34%		57%		467		87,223		-15%		-17%		552		105,195
California		654		225,174		110%		143%		311		92,760		3%		-14%		301		108,061
Nevada		652		146,094		59%		95%		411		75,011		-23%		-27%		532		102,117
Washington		272		82,325		119%		153%		124		32,577		N/M		N/M		-		-
West		2,203		590,752		68%		105%		1,313		287,571		-5%		-9%		1,385		315,373
Colorado		1,044		364,056		47%		51%		708		240,671		-17%		-9%		855		265,403
Utah		239		71,080		7%		15%		224		61,760		-37%		-36%		358		96,975
Mountain		1,283		435,136		38%		44%		932		302,431		-23%		-17%		1,213		362,378
Maryland		303		129,891		56%		49%		194		87,279		-16%		-9%		231		95,631
Virginia		362		179,744		48%		65%		244		109,103		5%		8%		233		101,153
Florida		189		46,493		-4%		2%		196		45,592		-1%		0%		198		45,371
Illinois		2		550		N/M		N/M		8		2,279		N/M		N/M		1		300
East		856		356,678		33%		46%		642		244,253		-3%		1%		663		242,455
Total		4,342		1,382,566		50%		67%		2,887		839,255		-11%		-9%		3,261		920,206

N/M - Not meaningful

Average Home Order Prices:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		% Change		2011		% Change		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Arizona	$	219.5		17%	$	186.8		-2%	$	190.6
California		344.3		15%		298.3		-17%		359.0
Nevada		224.1		23%		182.5		-5%		191.9
Washington		302.7		15%		262.7		N/M		-
West		268.2		22%		219.0		-4%		227.7
Colorado		348.7		3%		339.9		10%		310.4
Utah		297.4		8%		275.7		2%		270.9
Mountain		339.2		5%		324.5		9%		298.7
Maryland		428.7		-5%		449.9		9%		414.0
Virginia		496.5		11%		447.1		3%		434.1
Florida		246.0		6%		232.6		2%		229.1
Illinois		275.0		-3%		284.9		-5%		300.0
East		416.7		10%		380.5		4%		365.7
Total	$	318.4		10%	$	289.0		2%	$	282.2

N/M - Not meaningful

27

Net new orders for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased 50% to 4,342 homes, compared with 2,887 homes for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our monthly sales absorption rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 2.09 per community compared to 1.41 per community for the year ended December 31, 2011. We experienced substantial order growth in most of our homebuilding segments due to a combination of a change in our sales processes and procedures, and the overall improvement in housing market conditions. Our West segment experienced the most significant increase due to particularly strong demand.

Net new orders for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased 11% to 2,887 homes, compared with 3,261 homes for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our monthly sales absorption rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 1.4 per community compared to 2.0 per community for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease was primarily due to significant decreases in the markets of our Mountain segment and the Arizona and Nevada markets of our West segment. The declines in those markets were driven primarily by the impact of the expiration of the 2010 federal homebuyer tax credit and increased volatility in our cancellation rates, partially offset by the 124 net orders for homes we received in our new Washington market and an increased number of active communities.

Active Subdivisions:

							% Change from 2011 to 2012		% Change from 2010 to 2011
	At December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Arizona		12		25		26		-52%		-4%
California		13		17		13		-24%		31%
Nevada		12		20		18		-40%		11%
Washington		10		9		-		11%		N/M
West		47		71		57		-34%		25%
Colorado		42		47		39		-11%		21%
Utah		14		21		19		-33%		11%
Mountain		56		68		58		-18%		17%
Maryland		18		16		14		13%		14%
Virginia		12		15		8		-20%		88%
Florida		15		17		11		-12%		55%
East		45		48		33		-6%		45%
Total		148		187		148		-21%		26%
Average for year ended		173		171		137		0%		19%

At December 31, 2012, we had 148 active subdivisions, down 21% from 187 active subdivisions at December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily caused by our decision to slow the pace of new community acquisitions during the second half of 2011 in light of uncertainties regarding future economic conditions at that time. In addition, higher than expected sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 resulted in certain subdivisions selling out more quickly than anticipated. In light of increased sales demand and higher sales absorption rates, we accelerated our land acquisition activities during the second half of 2012 in order to increase our active community count during 2013. We purchased approximately 4,450 lots during the year ended December 31, 2012, of which approximately 3,550 lots were purchased in the second half of 2012. With the significant increase in acquisition activity in the latter half of 2012, we expect our active subdivision count to increase in the first half of 2013.

Our active subdivisions at December 31, 2011 increased in each of our homebuilding segments compared with December 31, 2010 as a result of significant land acquisition activity in 2010 and the first half of 2011, including the purchase of assets to enter the Washington market.

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Cancellation Rates:

	Year Ended December 31,						Change in Percentage from 2011 to 2012		Change in Percentage from 2010 to 2011
	2012		2011		2010
Arizona		21%		34%		22%		-13%		12%
California		23%		38%		25%		-15%		13%
Nevada		17%		37%		29%		-20%		8%
Washington		20%		19%		0%		1%		19%
West		20%		35%		26%		-15%		9%
Colorado		23%		36%		32%		-13%		4%
Utah		23%		42%		35%		-19%		7%
Mountain		23%		37%		33%		-14%		4%
Maryland		34%		44%		34%		-10%		10%
Virginia		25%		31%		32%		-6%		-1%
Florida		24%		38%		36%		-14%		2%
East		28%		38%		34%		-10%		4%
Total		23%		36%		30%		-13%		6%

Our cancellation rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 23% compared to 36% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The improvement in our cancellation rate reflected the overall improvement in housing market conditions and the implementation of more strict underwriting standards for recognizing new home orders as a part of our efforts to improve our sales processes. We experienced our highest cancellation rate in the East segment, due to more cancellations in our Maryland market resulting from efforts to reduce contingent buyers in backlog, and we experienced our lowest cancellation rate in the West segment, where we experienced strong demand in each market within this segment during 2012.

Our cancellation rate during the year ended December 31, 2011 was 36% compared to 30% for the year ended December 31, 2010. Each of our homebuilding segments experienced an increase in their cancellation rates, primarily due to the expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit in 2010 and increased cancellation rate volatility following a series of large national sales campaigns in 2011.

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Backlog:

	At December 31,
	2012				% Change				2011				% Change				2010
	Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value		Homes		Dollar Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Arizona		150	$	35,064		17%		30%		128	$	26,875		52%		63%		84	$	16,469
California		229		78,400		94%		110%		118		37,341		49%		45%		79		25,743
Nevada		204		50,533		31%		69%		156		29,969		105%		88%		76		15,949
Washington		79		26,761		46%		79%		54		14,958		N/M		N/M		-		-
West		662		190,758		45%		75%		456		109,143		91%		88%		239		58,161
Colorado		470		174,280		102%		106%		233		84,519		-15%		-9%		273		92,447
Utah		81		25,058		19%		30%		68		19,253		-1%		-1%		69		19,477
Mountain		551		199,338		83%		92%		301		103,772		-12%		-7%		342		111,924
Maryland		183		79,162		62%		62%		113		48,987		-10%		-7%		126		52,832
Virginia		185		92,303		80%		85%		103		49,953		47%		62%		70		30,759
Florida		64		17,452		-9%		-3%		70		18,020		9%		21%		64		14,937
East		432		188,917		51%		62%		286		116,960		10%		19%		260		98,528
Total		1,645	$	579,013		58%		76%		1,043	$	329,875		24%		23%		841	$	268,613

N/M - Not meaningful

Average Prices of Homes in Backlog:

	At December 31,
	2012		% Change		2011		% Change		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Arizona		233.8		11%		210.0		7%		196.1
California		342.4		8%		316.4		-3%		325.9
Nevada		247.7		29%		192.1		-8%		209.9
Washington		338.7		22%		277.0		N/M		N/M
West		288.2		20%		239.3		-2%		243.4
Colorado		370.8		2%		362.7		7%		338.6
Utah		309.4		9%		283.1		0%		282.3
Mountain		361.8		5%		344.8		5%		327.3
Maryland		432.6		0%		433.5		3%		419.3
Virginia		498.9		3%		485.0		10%		439.4
Florida		272.7		6%		257.4		10%		233.4
East		437.3		7%		409.0		8%		379.0
Total		352.0		11%		316.3		-1%		319.4

N/M - Not meaningful

At December 31, 2012, we had 1,645 homes in backlog, with an estimated sales value of $579.0 million, compared with a backlog of 1,043 homes with an estimated sales value of $329.9 million at December 31, 2011. The 58% increase in the number of homes in our backlog was primarily the result of the increase in net orders during the year ended December 31, 2012. Our West and Mountain segments experienced the strongest growth in backlog due to improved market conditions, especially within each state within the West, and in Colorado in the Mountain segment.

The increase in our backlog at December 31, 2011 compared with December 31, 2010 was driven primarily by our West segment. Increases in net orders in addition to our expansion into the Seattle market drove a 91% increase in homes in backlog in our West segment.

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Homes Completed or Under Construction (WIP lots):

	At December 31,						% Change from 2011 to 2012		% Change from 2010 to 2011
	2012		2011		2010
Unsold
Completed		221		146		119		51%		23%
Under construction - frame		421		249		722		69%		-66%
Under construction - foundation		183		79		103		132%		-23%
Total unsold started homes		825		474		944		74%		-50%
Sold homes under construction or completed		1,147		638		609		80%		5%
Model homes		221		226		242		-2%		-7%
Total homes completed or under construction		2,193		1,338		1,795		64%		-25%

Our total homes completed or under construction increased to 2,193 at December 31, 2012 from 1,338 at December 31, 2011, primarily related to a higher number of sold homes started in light of our year-over-year increase in backlog. We also intentionally increased our inventory of unsold started homes based on the overall improvement in housing market conditions and increased demand for started homes.

Our total homes completed or under construction decreased by 457 to 1,338 at December 31, 2011 from 1,795 at December 31, 2010. This decrease primarily resulted from our focused efforts to reduce our inventory of unsold started homes, which had increased during 2010 in light of poor market conditions at that time.

Lots Owned and Optioned (including homes completed or under construction):

	December 31, 2012						December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Lots Owned		Lots Optioned		Total Lots Controlled		Lots Owned		Lots Optioned		Total Lots Controlled		Lots Owned		Lots Optioned		Total Lots Controlled
Arizona		1,763		80		1,843		955		77		1,032		1,521		408		1,929
California		1,080		-		1,080		1,384		-		1,384		1,396		222		1,618
Nevada		1,226		40		1,266		1,191		33		1,224		1,234		838		2,072
Washington		472		162		634		385		147		532		-		-		-
West		4,541		282		4,823		3,915		257		4,172		4,151		1,468		5,619
Colorado		3,335		508		3,843		3,220		321		3,541		3,425		688		4,113
Utah		532		13		545		607		17		624		728		393		1,121
Mountain		3,867		521		4,388		3,827		338		4,165		4,153		1,081		5,234
Maryland		577		315		892		566		596		1,162		473		745		1,218
Virginia		553		263		816		678		173		851		558		132		690
Illinois		-		-		-		125		-		125		134		-		134
Florida		365		159		524		330		340		670		362		733		1,095
East		1,495		737		2,232		1,699		1,109		2,808		1,527		1,610		3,137
Total		9,903		1,540		11,443		9,441		1,704		11,145		9,831		4,159		13,990

We increased our supply of owned and optioned lots by 3% during the year ended December 31, 2012 to 11,443 total lots, even after a 35% increase in new home deliveries in 2012 as compared to the year earlier period. Our lot supply increased most significantly in the West, particularly in the Arizona market, which was up 79%, and in our Colorado market, which was up 9%. These increases were partially offset by a 21% decline in lots in our East segment due to decreases in each market within that segment.

The decrease in total owned and optioned lots at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010, primarily resulted from electing not to enter into many option contracts during the last part of 2011, as we determined we had a sufficient lot supply to satisfy existing demand.

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Financial Services

We reported financial services pretax income of $28.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to pretax income of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in our financial services pretax income was driven primarily by a year-over-year increase of $23.5 million in our mortgage operations pretax income of $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The improvement in our mortgage operation’s profitability was driven largely by a total of $14.0 million in year-over-year increases in: (1) the marketing gains on sales of mortgage loans; (2) the corresponding servicing rights from those sales and; (3) origination income for the year ended December 31, 2012. These increases were due to favorable mortgage market conditions, increases in the volume of loans locked and originated, and a decrease in the level of special financing programs that we offered our homebuyers. Our mortgage operation’s profitability for the year ended December 31, 2012 also benefited from a year-over-year decrease in our loan loss reserve expense by $7.7 million due to reduced repurchase and indemnity claims received from third-party purchasers of our mortgage loans and reductions in settlement claims paid by HomeAmerican. During 2011, the Company’s mortgage subsidiary entered into various settlements with third parties concerning claims and potential claims to repurchase certain previously sold mortgage loans, which resulted in an increase in its loan loss reserve of $8.0 million. The balance of our financial services pretax income, which consisted of income from our insurance and title operations, was $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared with $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

We reported financial services pretax income of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to pretax income of $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $7.1 million decrease in our financial services pretax income was primarily driven by a $6.2 million decline in gains on sale of mortgage loans and a $2.8 million decline in loan origination fees, both driven by a decrease in the volume of loan originations and higher incentives on loans for customers in 2011 compared to 2010, and an $8.0 million increase to our loan loss reserve due to various settlements with third parties concerning claims and potential claims to repurchase certain previously sold mortgage loans. These amounts were partially offset by improvements in fair values on our commitments to originate loans and forward sales commitments.

The following table sets forth information relating to the sources of revenues for our financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Financial services revenue:	(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage operations	$	35,123	$	17,807	$	21,839
Other		11,758		8,279		8,634
Total financial services revenue	$	46,881	$	26,086	$	30,473

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The following table sets forth information for our mortgage operations relating to mortgage loans originated and capture rate. The “Capture Rate” is defined as the number of mortgage loans originated by our mortgage operations for our homebuyers as a percent of our total home closings.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Total Originations:	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans		2,557		2,076		2,734
Principal	$	715,542	$	556,558	$	699,951
Capture rate		66%		72%		81%
Percentage of cash buyers		7%		7%		6%
Loans Sold to Third Parties:
Loans		2,457		2,023		2,727
Principal	$	675,422	$	545,613	$	696,160
Mortgage Loan Origination Product Mix:
FHA loans		32%		40%		49%
Other government loans (VA & USDA)		30%		28%		23%
Total government loans		62%		68%		72%
Conventional loans		38%		32%		28%
		100%		100%		100%
Loan Type:
Fixed rate		99%		96%		97%
ARM		1%		4%		3%
Credit Quality:
Average FICO Score		737		736		734
Other Data:
Average Combined LTV ratio		90%		91%		90%
Full documentation loans		100%		100%		100%
Non-full documentation loans		0%		0%		0%

Income Taxes

Our income tax assets and liabilities and related effective tax rate are affected by various factors, the most significant of which is the valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. Due to the effects of the deferred tax valuation allowance and changes in unrecognized tax benefits, our effective tax rates in 2012, 2011 and 2010 are not meaningful as the income tax benefit is not directly correlated to the amount of pretax loss.

We had income tax benefits of $1.6 million, $9.1 million and $5.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The $1.6 million income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily from the release of reserves attributable to the expiration of statute of limitations periods and our 2011 settlements with various taxing authorities. The $9.1 million income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2011 resulted primarily from settlements of various state income tax matters and our settlement with the IRS on its audit of our 2004 and 2005 federal income tax returns. The $5.8 million income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2010 resulted primarily from our finalization of various state income tax examinations.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We use our liquidity and capital resources to (1) support our operations, including the purchase of land, land development and construction of homes; (2) provide working capital; and (3) provide mortgage loans for our homebuyers. Our liquidity includes our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and Mortgage Repurchase Facility (as defined below). Additionally, we have an existing effective shelf registration statement that allows us to issue equity, debt or hybrid securities up to $750 million.

Our marketable securities consist of fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt; (2) holdings in equity securities consisting of mutual funds, which primarily invest in corporate bonds and other fixed income securities; and (3) deposit securities, which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits.

Capital Resources.

Our capital structure is primarily a combination of (1) permanent financing, represented by stockholders’ equity; (2) long-term financing, represented by our publicly traded 5.375% senior notes due 2014 and 2015, 5.625% senior notes due 2020 and our 6% senior notes due 2043; (3) our Mortgage Repurchase Facility and (4) our Letter of Credit Facilities. Because of our current balance of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and available capacity under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility, we believe that our capital resources are adequate to satisfy our short and long-term capital requirements, including meeting future payments on our senior notes as they become due. See “Forward-Looking Statements” below.

We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding senior notes through cash purchases, whether in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Senior Notes, Mortgage Repurchase Facility and Letter of Credit Facilities

Senior Notes.  Our senior notes are not secured and, while the senior note indentures contain some restrictions on secured debt and other transactions, they do not contain financial covenants. Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding segment subsidiaries. We believe that we are in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants in the senior note indentures, and we are not aware of any covenant violations.

Mortgage Lending.  HomeAmerican has a Master Repurchase Agreement, (the “Mortgage Repurchase Facility”), with U.S. Bank National Association (“USBNA”) which was amended on September 21, 2012 and extended until September 20, 2013. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility provides liquidity to HomeAmerican by providing for the sale of eligible mortgage loans to USBNA with an agreement by HomeAmerican to repurchase the mortgage loans at a future date. Until such mortgage loans are transferred back to HomeAmerican, the documents relating to such loans are held by USBNA, as custodian, pursuant to the Custody Agreement (“Custody Agreement”), dated as of November 12, 2008, by and between HomeAmerican and USBNA. As of December 21, 2012, the Mortgage Repurchase Facility maximum aggregate commitment was temporarily increased to $80 million, which will return to $50 million after January 31, 2013.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $76.3 million and $48.7 million, respectively, of mortgage loans that we were obligated to repurchase under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility. Mortgage loans that we are obligated to

34

repurchase under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility are accounted for as a debt financing arrangement and are reported as mortgage repurchase facility in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Advances under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility carry a Pricing Rate equal to the greater of (i) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility) plus 2.5%, or (ii) 3.25%. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility contains various representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants customary for agreements of this type. The negative covenants include, among others, (i) an Adjusted Tangible Net Worth requirement, (ii) a minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth Ratio, (iii) an Adjusted Net Income requirement, and (iv) a minimum Liquidity requirement. The foregoing terms are defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility.

The table below sets forth the actual results of the covenant calculations and covenant requirements under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility at December 31, 2012.

	Covenant Test		Covenant Results
Adjusted Tangible Net Worth (minimum)	$	18,000,000	$	39,851,000
Adjusted Tangible Net Worth Ratio (maximum)		8.0 : 1.0		2.1 : 1.0
Adjusted Net Income (minimum)	$	1	$	14,757,000
Liquidity Test (minimum)	$	8,000,000	$	33,849,000

We believe we were in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants included in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility and we are not aware of any covenant violations as of December 31, 2012.

Letter of Credit Facilities.  At December 31, 2012, we had entered into letter of credit facilities with various lenders pursuant to which $8.0 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding. Among these facilities are three committed revolving facilities, the terms of which provide that up to $65 million of letters of credit may be issued thereunder. The facilities, which are not secured, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by all of our homebuilding subsidiaries and contain various financial and other covenants. We believe that we were in compliance with the covenants in these facilities as of December 31, 2012.

In addition, we had $6.7 million in letters of credit issued by HomeAmerican at December 31, 2012.

Dividends

For the year ended of December 31, 2012, we paid dividends of $2.00 per share. Of the $2.00 per share in dividends, $1.00 was in lieu of declaring and paying regular quarterly dividends in calendar year 2013.

MDC Common Stock Repurchase Program

At December 31, 2012, we were authorized to repurchase up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Consolidated Cash Flow

Our operating cash flows are primarily impacted by: (1) land purchases and construction of homes; (2) closing homes and the associated timing of collecting receivables from home closings; (3) sales of mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican; (4) payments on accounts payables and accrued liabilities; and (5) funding for payroll. When we close on the sale of a house, our homebuilding subsidiaries will generally receive the proceeds from the sale of the homes within one to four days after it closes. Therefore, our home sales receivable balance can increase or decrease from period to period based upon the timing of our home closings. Additionally, the amount of mortgage loans held-for-sale can be impacted period to period based upon the number of mortgage loans that were originated by HomeAmerican that have not been sold to third party purchasers and by the timing of fundings by third party mortgage purchasers. Accordingly, mortgage loans held-for-sale may increase if HomeAmerican originates more

35

homes towards the end of one reporting period when compared with the same period in the previous year. HomeAmerican will generally sell mortgage loans it originates within 15 to 40 days after origination.

Year Ended December 31, 2012.  We used $108.8 million in cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily resulting from: (1) increasing our inventory from December 31, 2011, which resulted in the use of $196.8 million in cash and (2) $41.6 million used in connection with originating mortgage loans held-for-sale. These items partially were offset by net income of $62.7 million and a $47.5 million increase in accounts payable.

We used $21.8 million in cash from investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily attributable to purchasing $478.7 million of marketable securities. These items were significantly offset by the maturity and sale of marketable securities that increased our cash by $458.2 million.

We used $52.7 million of cash from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily resulting from $96.9 million of dividend payments. This was partially offset by net cash proceeds of $27.6 million from mortgage repurchase facility activity.

Year Ended December 31, 2011.  We used $80.3 million of cash in operating activities, primarily resulting from: (1) using $65.6 million to reduce our accrued liabilities; (2) $13.2 million used in connection with originating mortgage loans; (3) $6.1 million associated with changes in our inventory levels; and (4) $5.7 million associated with net loss before non-cash items of $93.4 million. This use of cash was partially offset by generating $16.8 million in cash associated with reducing our income tax receivable.

We generated $404.3 million in cash from investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily attributable to the maturity and sale of marketable securities that increased our cash by $942.7 million, partially offset by the purchase of $506.6 million of marketable securities. In addition, we used $31.9 million in cash for the purchase of property, equipment and other.

We used $552.8 million in cash for financing activities, primarily attributable to $537.7 million used to extinguish certain of our senior notes due 2012 and 2013 and $47.4 million used to pay cash dividends during 2011. These items partially were offset by net proceeds from our mortgage repurchase facility, which resulted in a $23.3 million increase in cash, and $9.0 million in cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Year Ended December 31, 2010.  We used $209.1 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily resulting from: (1) increasing our inventory from December 31, 2009, which resulted in the use of $283.9 million in cash; (2) $27.2 million of cash used related to prepaid expenses and other assets, which was primarily driven by increases in our deferred marketing costs as we built approximately 150 new model homes during 2010; and (3) $32.2 million from a decrease in our accrued liabilities. These items were partially offset by collecting $143.1 million of our 2010 income tax receivable.

We used $644.5 million of cash in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily resulting from the purchase of $934.2 million of marketable securities and $8.1 million of property and equipment. The purchases of marketable securities were made seeking greater returns on certain securities whose original maturities to the Company were longer than three months. The purchase of property and equipment primarily related to the on-going development of our new enterprise resource planning system that began to be used at our Corporate office and certain subsidiaries during 2010. These uses of cash were partially offset by $296.2 million in sales and maturities of marketable securities.

We generated $191.5 million of cash from financing activities, due to our issuance of the 2020 Senior Notes, which generated $242.3 million in cash. This was partially offset by $47.1 million of dividend payments made during 2010.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Lot Option Purchase Contracts.  In the ordinary course of business, we enter into lot option purchase contracts in order to procure lots for the construction of homes. Lot option contracts enable us to control lot positions with a minimal capital investment, which substantially reduces the risks associated with land ownership and development. At December 31, 2012, we had deposits of $6.7 million in the form of cash and $3.3 million in the form of letters of credit that were at risk to secure option contracts to purchase 1,540 lots.

Surety Bonds and Letter of Credit Facilities.  At December 31, 2012, we had issued and outstanding surety bonds and letters of credit totaling $61.2 million and $14.7 million, respectively, including $6.7 million in letters of credit issued by HomeAmerican. The estimated cost to complete obligations related to these bonds and letters of credit was approximately $24.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Among our letter of credit facilities are three committed revolving facilities, the terms of which provide that up to $65 million of letters of credit may be issued thereunder. The facilities, which are not secured, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding subsidiaries and contain various financial and other covenants. We expect that the obligations secured by these performance bonds and letters of credit generally will be performed in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with the applicable contractual terms. To the extent that the obligations are performed, the related performance bonds and letters of credit should be released and we should not have any continuing obligations. However, in the event any such performance bonds or letters of credit are called, our indemnity obligations could require us to reimburse the issuer of the performance bond or letter of credit. We believe that we were in compliance with the covenants in these facilities as of December 31, 2012.

We have made no material guarantees with respect to third-party obligations.

Contractual Obligations.

The table below summarizes our known contractual obligations at December 31, 2012.

	Payments due by Period (in thousands)
	Total		Less than 1 Year		1 - 3 Years		4 - 5 Years		After 5 Years
Senior note debt	$	750,000	$	-	$	500,000	$	-	$	250,000
Interest on senior note debt		172,657		40,938		68,438		28,125		35,156
Operating leases		15,617		4,451		6,953		3,562		651
Total(1) (2)	$	938,274	$	45,389	$	575,391	$	31,687	$	285,807

(1) Pursuant to the employment agreements with two of our executive officers of the Company, we have accrued at December 31, 2012 the present value of the expected annual retirement benefits of $28.5 million. These estimated liabilities have been excluded from the table above as the payment date is variable based upon the date of the retirement of the named executives.

(2) The table above excludes $76.3 million of mortgage loans that we are obligated to repurchase under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility. Additionally, there were outstanding performance bonds and letters of credit totaling approximately $61.2 million and $14.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012, which have been excluded from the table above due to the uncertainty as to whether any payments may be made.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis

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for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management evaluates such estimates and judgments on an on-going basis and makes adjustments as deemed necessary. Actual results could differ from these estimates using different estimates and assumptions, or if conditions are significantly different in the future. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Listed below are those estimates and policies that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application. Our critical accounting estimates and policies are as follows and should be read in conjunction with the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Homebuilding Inventory Valuation.  Our homebuilding inventories include assets associated with subdivisions in which we intend to construct and sell homes. Homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We determine impairments on a subdivision level basis as each such subdivision represents the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. In making this determination, we review, among other things, the following for each subdivision:

• actual and trending “Operating Margin” (which is defined as home sale revenues less home cost of sales and all direct incremental costs associated with the home closing) for homes closed;

• estimated future undiscounted cash flows and Operating Margin;

• forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;

• actual and trending net and gross home orders;

• base sales price and home sales incentive information for homes closed and homes in backlog;

• market information for each sub-market, including competition levels, home foreclosure levels, the size and style of homes currently being offered for sale and lot size; and

• known or probable events indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our inventory may not be recoverable, assets are reviewed for impairment by comparing the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from an individual subdivision to its carrying value. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation. The evaluation for the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets for each individual subdivision can be impacted significantly by the following:

• estimates of future base selling prices;

• estimates of future home sales incentives; and

• estimates of future home construction and land development costs.

These estimates are dependent on specific market or sub-market conditions for each subdivision. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. Local market-specific conditions that may impact these estimates for a subdivision include:

• historical subdivision results, and actual and trending Operating Margin, base selling prices and home sales incentives;

• forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;

• the intensity of competition within a market or sub-market, including publicly available home sales prices and home sales incentives offered by our competitors;

• increased levels of home foreclosures;

• the current sales pace for active subdivisions;

• subdivision specific attributes, such as location, availability and size of lots in the sub-market, desirability and uniqueness of subdivision location and the size and style of homes currently being offered;

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• potential for alternative home styles to respond to local market conditions;

• changes by management in the sales strategy of a given subdivision; and

• current local market economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts.

These and other local market-specific conditions that may be present are considered by personnel in our homebuilding divisions as they prepare or update the forecasted assumptions for each subdivision. Quantitative and qualitative factors other than home sales prices could significantly impact the potential for future impairments. The sales objectives can differ among subdivisions, even within a given sub-market. For example, facts and circumstances in a given subdivision may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another subdivision may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our gross margins from home sales, even though this could result in a slower sales absorption pace. Furthermore, the key assumptions included in our estimated future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in home sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace. Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one subdivision that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby subdivision. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction and land development costs, absorption pace and selling strategies could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates. Due to the number of possible scenarios that would result from various changes in these factors, we do not believe it is possible to develop a sensitivity analysis with a level of precision that would be meaningful to an investor.

If the undiscounted future cash flows of a subdivision are less than its carrying value, the carrying value of the subdivision is written down to its then estimated fair value.

We determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision either: (1) by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation; or (2) assessing the market value of the land in its current condition by considering the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced liquidation), and recent land purchase transactions that we believe are indicators of fair value. The estimated future cash flows are the same for both our recoverability and fair value assessments. Factors we consider when determining the discount rate to be used for each subdivision include, among others:

• the number of lots in a given subdivision;

• the amount of future land development costs to be incurred;

• risks associated with the home construction process, including the stage of completion for the entire subdivision and the number of owned lots under construction; and

• the estimated remaining lifespan of the subdivision.

We allocate the impairments recorded between housing completed or under construction and land and land under development for each impaired subdivision based upon the status of construction of a home on each lot (i.e., if the lot is in housing completed or under construction, the impairment for that lot is recorded against housing completed or under construction). The allocation of impairment is the same with respect to each lot in a given subdivision. Changes in management’s estimates, particularly the timing and amount of the estimated future cash inflows and outflows and forecasted average selling prices of homes to be sold and closed can materially affect any impairment calculation. Because our forecasted cash flows are impacted significantly by changes in market conditions, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Please see the “Inventory Impairments” section for a detailed discussion and analysis of our asset impairments.

Warranty Reserves.  Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties. We record expenses and warranty reserves for general and structural warranty claims, as well as reserves for known, unusual warranty-related

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expenditures. Warranty reserves are established based upon historical payment experience in an amount estimated to be adequate to cover expected costs of materials and outside labor during warranty periods. The establishment of warranty reserves for closed homes and the evaluation of our warranty reserve balance is based on an internally developed analysis that includes known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including, among other things, our trends in historical warranty payment levels and warranty payments for claims not considered to be normal and recurring.

Warranty reserves are included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to our warranty reserves are recorded as an increase or reduction to home cost of sales in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, it is possible that changes in the warranty payment experience used in estimating our ultimate warranty losses could have a material impact on our warranty reserve balances. Please see further discussion on the adjustments to our warranty accrual within our discussion of gross margin from home sales in the “Gross Margin” section. Also see “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Insurance Reserves.  We record expenses and liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims associated with: (1) insurance policies or contracts issued by StarAmerican and Allegiant; (2) self-insurance; and (3) deductible amounts under our insurance policies. The establishment of the provisions for outstanding losses and loss adjustment expenses is based on actuarial studies that include known facts and interpretation of circumstances, including our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claim severity, frequency patterns (such as those caused by natural disasters), fires or accidents, depending on the business conducted and changing regulatory and legal environments. The process of determining our insurance reserve balances necessarily requires estimates associated with various assumptions, each of which can positively or negatively impact our insurance reserve balances. Additionally, it is possible that changes in the claim rate or the average cost per claim used to estimate the self-insured reserves could have a material impact on our insurance reserve balances.

Litigation Accruals.  In the normal course of business, we are a defendant in claims primarily relating to construction defects, product liability and personal injury claims. These claims seek relief from us under various theories, including breach of implied and express warranty, negligence, strict liability, misrepresentation and violation of consumer protection statutes. We have accrued for losses that may be incurred with respect to legal claims based upon information provided by our legal counsel, including counsel’s on-going evaluation of the merits of the claims and defenses and the level of estimated insurance coverage. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, actual results could vary from those accruals and could have a material impact on our results of operations.

Income Taxes—Valuation Allowance.  A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The realization of a deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carryback or carryforward periods under tax law (generally 2 and 20 years, respectively). The four sources of taxable income to be considered in determining whether a valuation allowance is required include:

• future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;

• taxable income in prior carryback years;

• tax planning strategies; and

• future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.

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Determining whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is necessary requires an analysis of both positive and negative evidence regarding realization of the deferred tax assets. Examples of positive evidence may include:

• a strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the deductible temporary differences, coupled with evidence indicating that the loss is the result of an aberration rather than a continuing condition;

• an excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of a company’s net assets in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred tax asset; and

• existing backlog that will produce sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales prices and cost structures.

Examples of negative evidence may include:

• the existence of “cumulative losses” (generally defined as a pretax cumulative loss for the current and previous two years);

• an expectation of being in a cumulative loss position in a future reporting period;

• a carryback or carryforward period that is so brief that it would limit the realization of tax benefits;

• a history of operating loss or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused; and

• unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels on a continuing basis.

The weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence should be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. A company must use judgment in considering the relative impact of positive and negative evidence. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had a full valuation allowance of $248.3 and $281.2 million, respectively, recorded against our net deferred tax asset, primarily due to our experiencing a three-year cumulative operating loss as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Future adjustments to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be determined based upon changes in the expected realization of our net deferred tax assets.

In the future, changes in our valuation allowance may result from, among other things, additional pretax operating losses resulting in increases in our valuation allowance or pretax operating income resulting in decreases in our valuation allowance.

Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue from home deliveries and land sales when: (1) the closing has occurred; (2) title has passed to the buyer; (3) possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer; (4) we are not obligated to perform significant additional activities after closing and delivery; and (5) the buyer demonstrates a commitment to pay for the property through an adequate initial and continuing investment. The buyer’s initial investment shall include: (1) cash paid as a down payment; (2) the buyer’s notes supported by irrevocable letters of credit; (3) payments made by the buyer to third-parties to reduce existing indebtedness on the property; and (4) other amounts paid by the buyer that are part of the sales value of the property. Revenue from a home delivery includes the base sales price and any purchased options and upgrades and is reduced for any sales price incentives.

Revenues recorded by HomeAmerican primarily include origination fees and the corresponding sale of a loan and its servicing rights. Origination fees are recognized when a loan is originated. When an interest rate lock commitment is made to a customer, we record the expected gain on sale of the mortgage including servicing rights, adjusted for a pull-through percentage (which is defined as the likelihood that an interest rate lock commitment will be originated), as revenue. As the interest rate lock commitment gets closer to being originated, the expected gain on the sale of that loan plus servicing rights is updated to reflect current market value and the increase or decrease in the fair value of that interest rate lock commitment is recorded through revenues. At the same time, as the likelihood of the interest rate lock commitment being originated increases resulting in an improvement to the expected pull-through

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percentage, additional revenues are recognized. After origination, our mortgage loans generally are transferred to third-party purchasers in accordance with sale agreements entered into by us with a third party purchaser of the loans. We make representations and warranties with respect to the status of loans transferred in the sale agreements. The sale agreements generally include statements acknowledging the transfer of the loans is intended by both parties to constitute a sale. Sale of a mortgage loan has occurred when the following criteria, among others, have been met: (1) fair consideration has been paid for transfer of the loan by a third party in an arms-length transaction, (2) all the usual risks and rewards of ownership that are in substance a sale have been transferred by us to the third party purchaser; and (3) we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the mortgage loan. The related servicing rights are generally transferred by us to the third party purchaser for additional consideration. Revenue from the sale of mortgage loan servicing is recognized upon the exchange of consideration for the mortgage loans and related servicing rights between us and the third-party purchaser.

We carry interest rate lock commitments and mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value.

Home Cost of Sales.  Home cost of sales includes the specific construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, land development and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred, warranty costs and finance and closing costs. We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating home construction costs and allocate costs to each lot within a subdivision associated with land acquisition and land development based upon relative fair value of the lots prior to home construction. Lots within a subdivision typically have comparable fair values, and, as such, we generally allocate costs equally to each lot within a subdivision. We record all home cost of sales when a home is closed on a house-by-house basis.

When a home is closed, we generally have not yet paid or incurred all costs necessary to complete the construction of the home and certain land development costs. At the time of a home closing, we compare the home construction budgets to actual recorded costs to determine the additional estimated costs remaining to be paid on each closed home. For amounts not incurred or paid as of the time of closing a home, we record an estimated accrual associated with certain home construction and land development costs. Generally, these accruals are established based upon contracted work that has yet to be paid, open work orders not paid at the time of home closing, as well as land completion costs more likely than not to be incurred, and represent estimates believed to be adequate to cover the expected remaining home construction and land development costs. We monitor the adequacy of these accruals on a house-by-house basis and in the aggregate on both a market-by-market and consolidated basis.

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan. These reserves are based upon, among other matters: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of homebuyer fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods; and (3) historical loss experience. Significant changes in the number and magnitude of claims to repurchase previously sold mortgage loans could have a material impact on our results of operations. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in Expenses in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation.  Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 (“ASC 718”) requires that share-based compensation expense be measured and recognized at an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted under compensation arrangements. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock option awards requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, annual forfeiture rates

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and the expected life of an award. We estimate the fair value for stock options granted using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model calculates the estimated fair value of stock options based upon the following inputs: (1) closing price of our common stock on the measurement date (generally the date of grant); (2) exercise price; (3) expected stock option life; (4) expected volatility; (5) risk-free interest rate; and (6) expected dividend yield rate. The expected life of employee stock options represents the period for which the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is derived primarily from historical exercise patterns. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility in the price of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of our employee stock options, adjusted for the impact of unusual fluctuations not reasonably expected to recur and other relevant factors. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected term of our employee stock options. The expected dividend yield assumption is based on our historical dividend payouts. We determine the estimated fair value of the stock option awards on the date they were granted. The fair values of previously granted stock option awards are not adjusted as subsequent changes in the foregoing assumptions occur; for example, an increase or decrease in the price of our common stock. However, changes in the foregoing inputs, particularly the price of our common stock, expected stock option life and expected volatility, significantly change the estimated fair value of future grants of stock options.

An annual forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant, and revised if necessary, in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from our estimate.

Segment Reporting.  The application of segment reporting requires significant judgment in determining our operating segments. Operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. We have identified our chief operating decision-makers as two key executives—the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

We have identified each homebuilding division as an operating segment as each homebuilding division engages in business activities from which it earns revenue, primarily from the sale of single-family detached homes, generally to first-time and first-time move-up homebuyers. Divisions in the reportable segments noted below have been aggregated because they are similar in the following regards: (1) economic characteristics; (2) housing products; (3) class of homebuyer; (4) regulatory environments; and (5) methods used to manage the construction and sale of homes. In making the determination of whether or not our markets demonstrate similar economic characteristics, we review, among other things, actual and trending gross margins from home sales for homes closed within each market and forecasted gross margins from home sales. Accordingly, we may be required to reclassify our reportable segments if markets that currently are being aggregated do not continue to demonstrate similar economic characteristics.

Our homebuilding reportable segments are as follows:

• West (Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington);

• Mountain (Colorado and Utah); and

• East (Virginia, Florida, Illinois and Maryland, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey)

Our financial services operating segments are as follows: (1) HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”); (2) Allegiant Insurance Company, Inc., A Risk Retention Group (“Allegiant”); (3) StarAmerican Insurance Ltd. (“StarAmerican”); (4) American Home Insurance Agency, Inc.; and (5) American Home Title and Escrow Company. Due to HomeAmerican’s substantial contributions to consolidated pretax income during 2012, HomeAmerican is considered to be a reportable segment (“Mortgage operations”). The remaining operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment (“Other”) because they do not individually exceed 10 percent of: (1) consolidated revenue; (2) the greater of (A) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or (B) the positive value of the combined reported loss of all operating segments that reported losses; or (3) consolidated assets.

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RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1 in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Investment Risk. Our cash and investment policy and strategy is to achieve an appropriate investment return while preserving principal and managing risk. Accordingly, our cash and cash equivalents are invested primarily in funds in highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less and our marketable securities which include short-term securities (original maturities to the Company of less than 1 year) and long-term securities (original maturities to the Company of greater than 1 year).

Our cash and cash equivalents may include immediately available commercial bank deposits, commercial paper, money market funds, certificates of deposit and time deposits. Our marketable securities consist of available-for-sale securities that are invested in, fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt, corporate debt and bankers’ acceptances; and (2) deposit securities which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits. Our marketable securities also include investments in mutual funds, which holds predominately fixed income securities.

Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than predicted if interest rates fall.

During 2012, we increased the amount of marketable securities that were invested in equity securities from $160.0 million at December 31, 2011 to $208.8 million at December 31, 2012. Because our equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale, changes in the market value are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). During 2012, we experienced increases of $12.1 million in the market value of equity securities. Of these equity securities, one security is in a loss position at year end. However, the unrealized loss related to that security has improved in value by $4.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2011. While we believe that the ultimate cost basis of this security should be recovered in the future, there can be no assurances to that effect. If we elect to sell, or are otherwise were required to sell this security, we could be required to record losses if the market value does not increase prior to any sale. Such losses, if any, would be recorded as a component of our results of operations.

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on mortgage loans held-for-sale and debt. Derivative instruments utilized in the normal course of business by HomeAmerican include forward sales securities, private investor sales commitments and commitments to originate mortgage loans. We utilize these commitments to manage the price risk on fluctuations in interest rates on our mortgage loans owned and commitments to originate mortgage loans. Such contracts are the only significant financial derivative instruments utilized by MDC. HomeAmerican’s mortgage loans in process for which a rate and price commitment had been made to a borrower that had not closed at December 31, 2012 had an aggregate principal balance of approximately $50.8 million, all of which were under interest rate lock commitments at an average interest rate of 3.26%. In addition, HomeAmerican had $120.0 million of mortgage loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2012, of which $11.7 million had not yet been committed to a mortgage purchaser and had an average interest rate of 3.26%.

HomeAmerican provides mortgage loans that generally are sold forward and subsequently delivered to a third-party purchaser generally between 15 and 40 days. Forward commitments are used for non-trading purposes to sell mortgage loans and hedge price risk due to fluctuations in interest rates on rate-locked mortgage loans in process that have not closed. Due to this economic hedging philosophy, the market risk associated with these mortgages is limited.

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For forward sales commitments, as well as commitments to originate mortgage loans that are still outstanding at the end of a reporting period, we record the fair value of the derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations with an offset to either derivative assets or liabilities, depending on the nature of the change.

We utilize our Mortgage Repurchase Facility and senior notes in our financing strategy. For fixed rate debt, changes in interest rates generally affect the fair value of the debt instrument, but not our earnings or cash flows. We do not have an obligation to prepay our senior notes prior to maturity and, as a result, interest rate risk and changes in fair value do not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

At December 31, 2012, we had $76.3 million of mortgage loans that we are obligated to repurchase under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility. Mortgage loans that we are obligated to repurchase under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility are accounted for as a debt financing arrangement and are reported under mortgage repurchase facility in the consolidated balance sheets. Long-term debt outstanding under our senior notes, their maturities and estimated fair value at December 31, 2012 are as follows:

	Maturities through December 31,												Total		Estimated Fair Value
	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		Thereafter
	(Dollar in thousand)
Assets:
Mortgage loans held for sale(1)	$	119,953	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	119,953	$	119,953
Average Interest Rate		3.25%												3.25%
Liabilities:
Fixed Rate Debt	$	-	$	250,000	$	250,000	$	-	$	-	$	250,000	$	750,000	$	809,200
Average Interest Rate				5.38%		5.38%						5.63%		5.46%
Mortgage Facility	$	76,327	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	76,327	$	76,327
Average Interest Rate		3.25%												3.25%
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to originate mortgage loans
Notional amount	$	50,753	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	50,753	$	50,753
Average Interest Rate		3.26%												3.26%

(1) All the amounts in this line reflect the expected 2013 disposition of these loans rather than the actual scheduled maturity dates of these mortgages.

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Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements.

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	Page
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011		F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2012		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2012		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December  31, 2012		F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-7

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 31, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado

January 31, 2013

F-2

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	December 31,
	2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	129,535		$	316,418
Marketable securities		519,465			485,434
Restricted cash		1,859			667
Trade and other receivables		28,163			21,593
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		512,949			300,714
Land and land under development		489,572			505,338
Total inventories		1,002,521			806,052
Property and equipment, net		33,125			36,277
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance of $248,306 and $281,178 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively		-			-
Prepaid expenses and other assets		44,777			50,423
Total homebuilding assets		1,759,445			1,716,864
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		30,560			26,943
Marketable securities		32,473			34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		119,953			78,335
Prepaid expenses and other assets		3,010			2,074
Total financial services assets		185,996			141,861
Total Assets	$	1,945,441		$	1,858,725
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	73,055		$	25,645
Accrued liabilities		118,456			119,188
Senior notes, net		744,842			744,108
Total homebuilding liabilities		936,353			888,941
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		51,864			52,446
Mortgage repurchase facility		76,327			48,702
Total financial services liabilities		128,191			101,148
Total Liabilities		1,064,544			990,089
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding		-			-
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 48,698,757 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 48,017,108 and 47,957,196 issued and outstanding, respectively, at December 31, 2011		487			480
Additional paid-in-capital		896,861			863,128
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)		(21,289	)		12,927
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		4,838			(7,240	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 0 and 59,912 shares at
December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively		-			(659	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		880,897			868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,945,441		$	1,858,725

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-3

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Homebuilding:
Home sale revenues	$	1,150,998		$	805,164		$	921,022
Land sale revenues		5,144			11,859			5,883
Total home sale and land revenues		1,156,142			817,023			926,905
Home cost of sales		(973,120	)		(686,661	)		(745,085	)
Land cost of sales		(4,823	)		(10,796	)		(5,366	)
Inventory impairments		(1,105	)		(12,965	)		(21,195	)
Total cost of sales		(979,048	)		(710,422	)		(771,646	)
Gross margin		177,094			106,601			155,259
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(167,295	)		(179,105	)		(219,685	)
Interest income		23,398			26,068			23,960
Interest expense		(808	)		(20,842	)		(38,157	)
Other income (expense)		228			(43,350	)		(2,273	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		32,617			(110,628	)		(80,896	)
Financial Services:
Revenues		46,881			26,086			30,473
Expenses		(21,645	)		(26,306	)		(23,351	)
Interest and other income		3,262			3,376			3,173
Financial services pretax income (loss)		28,498			3,156			10,295
Income (loss) before income taxes		61,115			(107,472	)		(70,601	)
Benefit from income taxes		1,584			9,082			5,831
Net income (loss)		62,699			(98,390	)		(64,770	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) related to available-for-sale securities		12,078			(12,124	)		4,884
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	74,777		$	(110,514	)	$	(59,886	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	1.29		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Diluted	$	1.28		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic		47,660,629			46,796,334			46,627,815
Diluted		48,064,839			46,796,334			46,627,815
Dividends declared per share	$	2.00		$	1.00		$	1.00

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-4

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

	Common Stock						Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock
	Shares			Amount												Shares			Amount			Total
Balances at December 31, 2009		47,069,561		$	471		$	802,675		$	270,659		$	-			(52,789	)	$	(659	)	$	1,073,146
Net loss		-			-			-			(64,770	)		-			-			-			(64,770	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments		-			-			-			-			4,884									4,884
Total comprehensive loss																							(59,886	)
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock		128,520			1			52			-			-			-			-			53
Cash dividends paid		-			-			-			(47,140	)		-			-			-			(47,140	)
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-			17,510			-			-			-			-			17,510
Forfeitures of restricted stock		-			-			-			-			-			(2,834	)		-			-
Balances at December 31, 2010		47,198,081			472			820,237			158,749			4,884			(55,623	)		(659	)		983,683
Net loss		-			-			-			(98,390	)		-			-			-			(98,390	)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments		-			-			-			-			(12,124	)		-			-			(12,124	)
Total comprehensive loss																							(110,514	)
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock		819,027			8			9,036			-			-			-			-			9,044
Cash dividends paid		-			-			-			(47,432	)		-			-			-			(47,432	)
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-			15,432			-			-			-			-			15,432
Forfeitures of restricted stock		-			-			-			-			-			(4,289	)		-			-
Reinstatement of tax benefits on non-qualified stock options exercised in previous years (Footnote 13)								18,423															18,423
Balances at December 31, 2011		48,017,108			480			863,128			12,927			(7,240	)		(59,912	)		(659	)		868,636
Net income		-			-			-			62,699			-			-			-			62,699
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments		-			-			-			-			12,078			-			-			12,078
Total comprehensive income																							74,777
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock		752,855			8			16,616			-			-			-			-			16,624
Cash dividends paid		-			-			-			(96,915	)		-			-			-			(96,915	)
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-			16,225			-			-			-			-			16,225
Reversal of uncertain tax positions due to statute of limitations		-			-			1,551			-			-			-			-			1,551
Retirement of treasury stock		(62,230	)		(1	)		(659	)		-			-			62,230			659			(1	)
Forfeitures of restricted stock		(8,976	)		-			-			-			-			(2,318	)		-			-
Balances at December 31, 2012		48,698,757		$	487		$	896,861		$	(21,289	)	$	4,838			-		$	-		$	880,897

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-5

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	(98,390	)	$	(64,770	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes		-			38,795			-
Stock-based compensation expense		16,225			15,432			17,510
Depreciation and amortization		4,766			6,371			5,759
Inventory impairments and write-offs of land option deposits		1,843			20,009			24,297
Amortization of discount on marketable debt securities		596			1,271			2,557
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash		(1,192	)		(247	)		56
Trade and other receivables		(6,223	)		12,078			141,034
Mortgage loans held-for-sale		(41,618	)		(13,221	)		(2,799	)
Housing completed or under construction		(212,154	)		86,477			(116,960	)
Land and land under development		15,314			(93,381	)		(166,526	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		3,650			10,119			(15,054	)
Accounts payable		47,473			(9,012	)		(1,069	)
Accrued liabilities		(198	)		(56,585	)		(33,116	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(108,819	)		(80,284	)		(209,081	)
Investing Activities:
Purchase of marketable securities		(478,701	)		(330,968	)		(934,240	)
Maturity of marketable securities		108,250			492,051			138,042
Sale of marketable securities		349,938			275,038			159,881
Purchase of property and equipment and other		(1,268	)		(31,857	)		(8,149	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(21,781	)		404,264			(644,466	)
Financing Activities:
Extinguishment of senior notes		-			(537,724	)		-
Payments on mortgage repurchase facility		(196,402	)		(91,372	)		(152,951	)
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility		224,027			114,640			149,270
Dividend payments		(96,915	)		(47,432	)		(47,140	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		-			-			242,288
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		16,624			9,044			53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(52,666	)		(552,844	)		191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(183,266	)		(228,864	)		(662,027	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		343,361			572,225			1,234,252
End of period	$	160,095		$	343,361		$	572,225

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-6

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (“MDC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” which refers to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries) include the accounts of MDC and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Description of Business.  Our homebuilding segments have operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, (which includes Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey), Nevada, Utah, Virginia and Washington. The primary functions of our homebuilding segments include land acquisition and development, home construction, purchasing, marketing, merchandising, sales and customer service. We build and sell primarily single-family detached homes, which are designed and built to meet local customer preferences. We are the general contractor for all of our projects and retain subcontractors for site development and home construction.

Our financial services operations consist of HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”), which originates mortgage loans, primarily for our homebuyers, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (“American Home Insurance”), which offers third-party insurance products to our homebuyers, and American Home Title and Escrow Company (“American Home Title”), which provides title agency services to the Company and our homebuyers in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia. The financial services operations also include Allegiant Insurance Company, Inc., A Risk Retention Group (“Allegiant”), which provides insurance coverage primarily to our homebuilding subsidiaries and certain subcontractors for homes sold by our homebuilding subsidiaries and for work performed in completed subdivisions, and StarAmerican Insurance Ltd. (“StarAmerican”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MDC which is a re-insurer of Allegiant claims.

Presentation.  Our balance sheet presentation is unclassified due to the fact that certain assets and liabilities have both short and long-term characteristics.

Use of Accounting Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk.  There are a limited number of third-party purchasers of mortgage loans and, at any given point in time, our business may be impacted adversely if one of them were no longer able or willing to purchase mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican. On August 31, 2011, Bank of America, one of our former primary third-party purchasers, announced its intention to sell its third-party mortgage operation and exit its correspondent mortgage lending business. Subsequently, Bank of America amended its prior announcement and indicated that no sale of the third-party mortgage operation was forthcoming, but that it would proceed with its original plan to exit its correspondent mortgage lending business, with the last date that they would purchase a mortgage being December 15, 2011. The following table sets forth the percent of mortgage loans sold by HomeAmerican to its primary third party purchasers during 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Wells Fargo Funding, Inc.		58%		52%		44%
Bank of America, N.A.		0%		17%		38%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.		36%		29%		16%

F-7

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company periodically invests funds in highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, such as commercial paper, money market funds and time deposits, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows.

Marketable Securities.  Our marketable securities consist of fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt; (2) holdings in mutual fund equity securities and (3) deposit securities, which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits. As of December 31, 2012, all of our marketable securities are treated as available-for-sale investments and, as such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2012.

Restricted Cash.  We receive cash earnest money deposits from our customers who enter into home sale contracts. In certain states we are restricted from using such deposits for general purposes, unless we take measures to release state imposed restrictions on such deposits received from homebuyers, which may include posting blanket security bonds. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $2.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, outstanding in blanket security bonds used to release restrictions on certain homebuyer deposits. We had $1.9 million and $0.7 million in restricted cash related to homebuyer deposits at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Home Sales Receivables.  Home sales receivables primarily consist of cash to be received from title companies or outside brokers associated with closed homes. Generally, we will receive cash from title companies and outside brokers within a few days of the home being closed.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net.  Mortgage loans held-for-sale are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and estimated market prices received from an outside third-party. Using fair value allows an offset of the changes in fair values of the mortgage loans and the derivative instruments used to hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.

Inventories.  Our inventories consist of housing completed or under construction and land and land under development in the consolidated balance sheets. Our inventories are primarily associated with subdivisions where we intend to construct and sell homes on the land, including model and unsold started homes. Components of housing completed or under construction primarily include: (1) land costs transferred from land and land under development; (2) direct construction costs associated with a house; (3) real property taxes, engineering fees, permits and other fees; (4) capitalized interest; and (5) indirect construction costs, which include field construction management salaries and benefits, utilities and other construction related costs. Land costs are transferred from land and land under development to housing completed or under construction at the point in time that construction of a home on an owned lot begins. Costs capitalized to land and land under development primarily include: (1) land costs; (2) land development costs; (3) entitlement costs; (4) capitalized interest; (5) engineering fees; and (6) title insurance, real property taxes and closing costs directly related to the purchase of the land parcel.

Homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We determine impairments on a subdivision level basis as each

F-8

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

such subdivision represents the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. In making this determination, we review, among other things, the following for each subdivision:

• actual and trending “Operating Margin” (which is defined as home sale revenues less home cost of sales and all direct incremental costs associated with the home closing) for homes closed;

• estimated future undiscounted cash flows and Operating Margin;

• forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;

• actual and trending net and gross home orders;

• base sales price and home sales incentive information for homes closed and homes in backlog;

• market information for each sub-market, including competition levels, home foreclosure levels, the size and style of homes currently being offered for sale and lot size; and

• known or probable events indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our inventory may not be recoverable, assets are reviewed for impairment by comparing the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from an individual subdivision to its carrying value. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the subdivision’s carrying value, the carrying value of the subdivision is written down to its then estimated fair value. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used discount rates generally ranging from 13% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

Property and Equipment, net.  Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 2 to 29 years. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $4.4 million, $6.1 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

F-9

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table sets forth the cost and carrying value of our property and equipment by major asset category.

	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		Carrying Value
December 31, 2012:	(Dollars in thousands)
Airplane	$	28,997	$	6,055	$	22,942
Computer software and equipment		17.905		9,513		8,392
Leasehold improvements		7,623		6,066		1,557
Other		1,991		1,757		234
Total		56,516	$	23,391	$	33,125
December 31, 2011:
Airplane	$	28,997	$	5,506	$	23,491
Computer software and equipment		17,470		6,339		11,131
Leasehold improvements		6,881		5,471		1,410
Other		1,891		1,646		245
Total	$	55,239	$	18,962	$	36,277

Deferred Tax Asset, net.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, based upon current facts and circumstances, we had recorded a valuation allowance of $248.3 million and $281.2 million, respectively, against our deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities).

Deferred Marketing Costs.  Certain marketing costs related to model homes and sales offices are capitalized as they are: (1) reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project; and (2) incurred for (A) tangible assets that are used directly throughout the selling period to aid in the sale of the project or (B) services that have been performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Capitalized marketing costs are included in prepaid and other assets in the Homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the associated amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) in the Homebulding section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as the homes in the related subdivision are delivered. We allocate all capitalized marketing costs equally to each house within a subdivision and record expense as homes close over the life of a subdivision. All other marketing costs are expensed as incurred.

Variable Interest Entities.  In accordance with ASC 810 “Consolidation”, we analyze our land option contracts and other contractual arrangements to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, ASC 810 requires a company to consolidate a VIE if the company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact VIE’s economic performance, including, but not limited to, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the

F-10

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. We also consider whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we are purchasing land under land option contracts.

Related Party Assets.  Our related party assets are debt security bonds acquired from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado. (See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Goodwill.  We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill based on recently adopted accounting guidance. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.

If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.

Based on our analysis, we have concluded as of December 31, 2012, our goodwill was not impaired.

Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits.  Accounting literature regarding liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits provides guidance for the recognition and measurement in financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements.

The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $0.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively, which is included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets.

Warranty Reserves.  Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties. We record expenses and warranty reserves for general and structural warranty claims, as well as reserves for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures. Warranty reserves are established based upon historical payment experience in an amount estimated to

F-11

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

be adequate to cover expected costs of materials and outside labor during warranty periods. The establishment of warranty reserves for closed homes and the evaluation of our warranty reserve balance is based on an internally developed analysis that includes known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including, among other things, our trends in historical warranty payment levels and warranty payments for claims not considered to be normal and recurring.

Warranty payments are recorded against the warranty reserve. Additional reserves may be established for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures not covered through the independent warranty reserve analysis performed by us. Warranty payments incurred for an individual house may differ from the related reserve established for the home at the time it was closed. The actual disbursements for warranty claims are evaluated in the aggregate to determine if an adjustment to the historical warranty reserve should be recorded.

Generally, warranty reserves are reviewed quarterly, using historical payment data and other relevant information, to determine the reasonableness and adequacy of both the reserve and the per-unit reserve amount originally included in home cost of sales, as well as the timing of the reversal of any excess reserve. Warranty reserves are included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to our warranty reserves are recorded as an increase or reduction to home cost of sales in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations.

Insurance Reserves.  We record expenses and liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims associated with: (1) insurance policies issued by Allegiant and re-insurance agreements issued by StarAmerican; (2) self-insurance, including workers compensation; and (3) deductible amounts under our insurance policies. The establishment of the provisions for outstanding losses and loss adjustment expenses is based on actuarial or internally developed studies that include known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claim severity, frequency patterns such as those caused by natural disasters, fires, or accidents, depending on the business conducted, and changing regulatory and legal environments.

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan. These reserves are based upon, among other things: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; and (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in Expenses in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Litigation Reserves.  We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various cases. We reserve for estimated exposure with respect to these cases based upon currently available information on each case.

Revenue Recognition for Homebuilding Segments.  Revenue from home closings and land sales is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, adequate initial and continuing investment by the buyer is received, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and we are not obligated to perform

F-12

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

significant additional activities after closing and delivery. If the buyer has provided sufficient initial and continuing investment, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, revenue is recognized on the date of closing. Revenue from a home closing includes the base sales price and any purchased options and upgrades and is reduced for any sales price incentives.

We defer Operating Margin related to the sale of a home if all of the following criteria are present: (1) HomeAmerican originates the mortgage loan; (2) HomeAmerican has not sold the mortgage loan, or loans, as of the end of the pertinent reporting period; and (3) the homebuyer’s down payment does not meet the initial or continuing investment criteria. The deferral is subsequently recognized at the time HomeAmerican sells the homebuyer’s mortgage loan, or loans, to a third-party purchaser. In the event the Operating Margin is a loss, we recognize such loss at the time the home is closed. We did not have any homes that closed during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010 that failed to meet the continuing investment criteria.

Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican.  Revenues recorded by HomeAmerican primarily include origination fees and the corresponding sale of a loan and its servicing rights. Origination fees are recognized when a loan is originated. When an interest rate lock commitment is made to a customer, we record the expected gain on sale of the mortgage including servicing rights, adjusted for a pull-through percentage (which is defined as the likelihood that an interest rate lock commitment will be originated), as revenue. As the interest rate lock commitment gets closer to being originated, the expected gain on the sale of that loan plus servicing rights is updated to reflect current market value and the increase or decrease in the fair value of that interest rate lock commitment is recorded through revenues. At the same time, as the likelihood of the interest rate lock commitment being originated increases resulting in an improvement to the expected pull-through percentage, additional revenues are recognized. After origination, our mortgage loans generally are transferred to third-party purchasers in accordance with sale agreements entered into by us with a third party purchaser of the loans. We make representations and warranties with respect to the status of loans transferred in the sale agreements. The sale agreements generally include statements acknowledging the transfer of the loans is intended by both parties to constitute a sale. Sale of a mortgage loan has occurred when the following criteria, among others, have been met: (1) fair consideration has been paid for transfer of the loan by a third party in an arms-length transaction, (2) all the usual risks and rewards of ownership that are in substance a sale have been transferred by us to the third party purchaser; and (3) we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the mortgage loan. The related servicing rights are generally transferred by us to the third party purchaser for additional consideration. Revenue from the sale of mortgage loan servicing is recognized upon the exchange of consideration for the mortgage loans and related servicing rights between us and the third-party purchaser.

We measure mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value with the changes in fair value being reported in earnings at each reporting date. The impact of recording changes in fair value to earnings did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net, were $21.7 million, $10.0 million and $16.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included as a component of revenues in the Financial Services section of the consolidated statements of operations.

Home Cost of Sales.  Home cost of sales includes the specific construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, land development and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred, warranty costs and finance and closing costs, including closing cost incentives. We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating home construction costs and allocate costs to each lot within a subdivision associated with land acquisition and land development based upon relative fair value of the lots prior to home construction. Lots within a subdivision typically have comparable fair values, and, as such, we generally allocate costs equally to each lot within a subdivision. We record all home cost of sales when a home is closed on a house-by-house basis.

F-13

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

When a home is closed, we generally have not yet paid and recorded all costs necessary to complete the construction of the home and certain land development costs. At the time of a home closing, we compare the home construction budgets to actual recorded costs to determine the additional costs remaining to be paid on each closed home. For amounts not incurred or paid as of the time of closing a home, we record an estimated accrual associated with certain home construction and land development costs. Generally, these accruals are established based upon contracted work which has yet to be paid, open work orders not paid at the time of home closing, as well as land completion costs more likely than not to be incurred, and represent estimates believed to be adequate to cover the expected remaining home construction and land development costs. We monitor the adequacy of these accruals on a house-by-house basis and in the aggregate on both a market-by-market and consolidated basis. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $9.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of land development and home construction accruals for closed homes. Actual results could differ from such estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense.  Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is based on the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the grant date fair value for restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures. For stock option awards with service conditions only, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is currently the vesting term of up to seven years. For our stock option awards with performance conditions, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis for each performance criteria tranche (if applicable) over the period between the date that it is determined the performance conditions related to each tranche (if applicable) are probable to be met and the date the option vests.

Derivative Financial Instruments.  We utilize certain derivative instruments in the normal course of business, which primarily include interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, both of which typically are short-term in nature. Forward sales of securities and private investor sales commitments are utilized to hedge changes in fair value of mortgage loan inventory and interest rate lock commitments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had an aggregate principal balance of approximately $50.8 and $24.4 million, respectively, and were under interest rate lock commitments at an average interest rate of 3.26% and 3.93%, respectively.

For forward sales of securities, as well as interest rate lock commitments that are still outstanding at the end of a reporting period, we record the changes in fair value of the derivatives in revenues in the Financial Services section of our consolidated statements of operations with an offset to prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, depending on the nature of the change. For further discussion of our policies regarding interest rate lock commitments, see our “Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican” accounting policy section above.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.  For purposes of calculating earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”), a company that has participating security holders (for example, unvested restricted stock that has nonforfeitable dividend rights) is required to utilize the two-class method for calculating earnings per share. The two-class method is an allocation of earnings/(loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Under the two-class method, earnings/(loss) for the reporting period are allocated between common shareholders and other security holders, based on their respective rights to receive distributed earnings (i.e., dividends) and undistributed earnings (i.e., net income (loss) less dividends). Currently, we have one class of security and we have participating security holders consisting of shareholders of unvested restricted stock. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.

F-14

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For purposes of calculating diluted EPS, basic EPS is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive shares outstanding, including stock options and unvested restricted stock using the treasury stock method.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards.  In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), providing a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and expands the ASC 820 disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 was effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, (“ASU 2011-05”), which improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) by eliminating the option to present components of OCI as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in this standard require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this standard do not change the items that must be reported in OCI, when an item of OCI must be reclassified to net income, or change the option for an entity to present components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 were effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012 and were applied retrospectively. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. Previous guidance under ASC 350 required an entity to test goodwill for impairment using a two-step process on at least an annual basis. First, the fair value of a reporting unit was calculated and compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Second, if the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, the amount of impairment loss, if any, was required to be measured. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads the entity to determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to test goodwill for impairment under the two-step process as described under ASC 350. The amendments were effective for us for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2012. We adopted this standard in the 2012 first quarter. The adoption of the amended provisions of ASC 350 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

F-15

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure

The table below sets forth supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands).

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of interest capitalized	$	1,083	$	25,190		$	32,824
Income taxes	$	577	$	3,532		$	271
Non-cash investing and financing activities Unrealized holding (losses) gains on marketable securities	$	12,078	$	(12,124	)	$	4,884

3. Segment Reporting

Our operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. We have identified our chief operating decision-makers (“CODMs”) as two key executives—the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer.

We have identified each homebuilding division as an operating segment. Our operating segments have been aggregated into the reportable segments noted below because they are similar in the following regards: (1) economic characteristics; (2) housing products; (3) class of homebuyer; (4) regulatory environments; and (5) methods used to construct and sell homes. Our homebuilding reportable segments are as follows:

• West (Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington)

• Mountain (Colorado and Utah)

• East (Virginia, Florida, Illinois and Maryland, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey)

In 2012, we combined our Florida and Illinois divisions into our East reportable segment as they exhibit similar criteria discussed above, including similar economic characteristics, with those divisions in our East reportable segment. As such, all years presented with segment data have been revised to reflect this new presentation.

Our Financial Services business consists of the operations of the following operating segments: (1) HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”); (2) Allegiant; (3) StarAmerican; (4) American Home Insurance Agency, Inc.; and (5) American Home Title and Escrow Company. Due to its contributions to consolidated pretax income during the year ended December 31, 2012, HomeAmerican is now considered to be a reportable segment (“Mortgage operations”). All years presented with segment data have been revised to reflect this new presentation. The remaining operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment (“Other”) because they do not individually exceed 10 percent of: (1) consolidated revenue; (2) the greater of (A) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or (B) the positive value of the combined reported loss of all operating segments that reported losses; or (3) consolidated assets.

F-16

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Corporate is a non-operating segment that develops and implements strategic initiatives and supports our operating divisions by centralizing key administrative functions such as finance and treasury, information technology, insurance and risk management, litigation and human resources. Corporate also provides the necessary administrative functions to support MDC as a publicly traded company. A portion of the expenses incurred by Corporate are allocated to the homebuilding operating segments based on their respective percentages of assets, and to a lesser degree, a portion of Corporate expenses are allocated to the financial services segments. A majority of Corporate’s personnel and resources are primarily dedicated to activities relating to the homebuilding segments, and, therefore, the balance of any unallocated Corporate expenses is included in the homebuilding segment.

The following table summarizes home and land sale revenues for our homebuilding operations and revenues for our financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Homebuilding	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	516,079	$	272,800	$	326,278
Mountain		355,368		316,189		345,794
East		284,695		228,034		254,833
Total home and land sale revenues	$	1,156,142	$	817,023	$	926,905
Financial Services
Mortgage operations	$	35,123	$	17,807	$	21,839
Other		11,758		8,279		8,634
Total financial services revenues	$	46,881	$	26,086	$	30,473

The following table summarizes pretax income (loss) for our homebuilding and financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Homebuilding	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	27,076		$	(16,889	)	$	9,910
Mountain		24,302			1,397			1,060
East		11,011			(7,195	)		(3,048	)
Corporate		(29,772	)		(87,941	)		(88,818	)
Total homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$	32,617		$	(110,628	)	$	(80,896	)
Financial Services
Mortgage operations	$	23,939		$	394		$	10,979
Other		4,559			2,762			(684	)
Total financial services pretax income (loss)	$	28,498		$	3,156		$	10,295

F-17

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table summarizes total assets for our homebuilding and financial services operations. The assets in our Corporate segment primarily include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and property and equipment.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Homebuilding assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	459,807	$	346,442
Mountain		332,939		262,787
East		274,199		255,074
Corporate		692,500		852,561
Total homebuilding assets	$	1,759,445	$	1,716,864
Financial services assets:
Mortgage operations	$	122,941	$	80,097
Other		63,055		61,764
Total financial services assets	$	185,996	$	141,861

4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table shows our basic and diluted EPS calculations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	(98,390	)	$	(64,770	)
Less: distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,101	)		(711	)		(523	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	61,598		$	(99,101	)	$	(65,293	)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		47,660,629			46,796,334			46,627,815
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		173,527			-			-
Restricted stock awards		230,683			-			-
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		48,064,839			46,796,334			46,627,815
Basic earnings (loss) per common share		1.29		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.28		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)

F-18

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2012 excluded options to purchase approximately 4.8 million shares of common stock because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

There was no dilutive effect of common stock equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010 because the effect of their inclusion would decrease the reported loss per share. Using the treasury stock method, the weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from diluted EPS were 0.3 million shares and 0.4 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

5. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, as updated and amended by ASU 2011-04, defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table sets forth the fair values and methods used for measuring the fair values of financial instruments on a recurring basis:

		Fair Value
Financial Instrument	Hierarchy	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Marketable Securities (available-for-sale)
Equity securities	Level 1	$	208,818	$	160,021
Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	Level 2	$	54,388	$	157,685
Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	Level 2	$	277,514	$	202,237
Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	Level 2		11,218		-
Total available-for-sale securities		$	551,938	$	519,943
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	Level 2	$	119,953	$	78,335

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  For cash and cash equivalents, the fair value approximates carrying value.

Marketable Securities.  Our marketable securities consist of fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt; (2) holdings in mutual fund equity securities, which invest primarily in corporate bonds and other fixed income securities; and (3) deposit securities, which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of our marketable securities were treated as available-for-sale investments and, as such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

F-19

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables set forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale marketable securities.

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Equity security	$	208,279	$	208,818	$	169,565	$	160,021
Debt securities		306,793		310,647		323,454		325,413
Total homebuilding available-for-sale securities	$	515,072	$	519,465	$	493,019	$	485,434
Financial Services:
Total financial services available-for-sale debt securities	$	32,028	$	32,473	$	34,164	$	34,509
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	547,100	$	551,938	$	527,183	$	519,943

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our marketable securities in homebuilding and financial services in the aggregate were in an unrealized gain position of $4.8 million and an unrealized loss position of $7.2 million, respectively. Of our four mutual fund equity securities, we had one which was in an unrealized loss position of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2012. Management currently has the ability and intent to hold this security before the anticipated recovery of its cost basis occurs. The unrealized loss related to this equity security at December 31, 2011 was $6.5 million. Given the significant improvement in the unrealized loss since December, 31, 2011 and the fact that the decline in market value occurred during a period of overall decline in market values, the unrealized loss is believed to be temporary and therefore the unrealized loss was not recognized in our consolidated statements of operations.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, Net.  As of December 31, 2012, the primary components of our mortgage loans held-for-sale that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are: (1) mortgage loans held-for-sale under commitments to sell; and (2) mortgage loans held-for-sale not under commitments to sell. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $108.3 million and $77.5 million, respectively, of mortgage loans held-for-sale under commitments to sell for which fair value was based upon Level 2 inputs, which were the quoted market prices for those mortgage loans. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $11.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of mortgage loans held-for-sale that were not under commitments to sell. The fair value for those loans was primarily based upon the estimated market price received from an outside party which is a Level 2 fair value input.

Metro District Bond Securities (Related Party).  The Metro District Bond Securities are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Homebuilding section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We acquired the Metro District Bond Securities from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado (see Note 14 for further discussion related to the acquisition of these securities). Because these assets are accounted for under the cost-recovery method, they are not carried at fair value. We estimated the fair value of the bonds based upon discounted cash flows as we do not believe there is a readily available market for such assets. The estimated cash flows from the bonds are ultimately based upon our estimated cash flows associated with building, selling and closing

F-20

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

homes in one of our Colorado communities. The estimated fair values of these assets are based upon Level 3 cash flow inputs. Based upon this evaluation, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the bonds at December 31, 2012 was $5.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the bonds approximated its carrying value which was $6.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The increase in fair value of the bonds from 2011 to 2012 was due to an increase in guaranteed future cash flows in our future cash flow model as they are no longer dependent on future closings of homes in one of our Colorado communities.

Mortgage Repurchase Facility.  Our Mortgage Repurchase Facility is at floating rates or at fixed rates that approximate current market rates and have relatively short-term maturities, generally between 15 to 40 days. The fair value approximates carrying value.

Senior Notes.  The estimated values of the senior notes in the following table are based on Level 2 inputs, including market prices of other homebuilder bonds.

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
5.375% Senior Notes due 2014	$	249,621	$	267,208	$	249,438	$	254,667
5.375% Senior Notes due 2015		249,895		268,867		249,857		252,083
5.625% Senior Notes due 2020		245,326		273,125		244,813		227,467
Total	$	744,842	$	809,200	$	744,108	$	734,217

Inventories.  The table below shows the carrying value, at each year end, of all inventories that were impaired during each year presented.

	Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory at December 31, 2012						Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory at December 31, 2011
	Land and Land Under Development		Housing Completed or Under Construction		Total Inventory		Land and Land Under Development		Housing Completed or Under Construction		Total Inventory
West	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	12,904	$	6,517	$	19,421
Mountain		-		-		-		1,000		466		1,466
East		1,100		1,635		2,735		1,225		2,309		3,534
Total	$	1,100	$	1,635	$	2,735	$	15,129	$	9,292	$	24,421

F-21

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Inventories with a carrying value of $3.8 million and $54.6 million were determined to be impaired during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The carrying value for some of these inventories at their respective year ends may not represent the fair value they were impaired to due to activities that occurred subsequent to the measurement date. The fair values of impaired inventories were determined using Level 3 inputs. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation.

6. Inventories

The following table sets forth, by reportable segment, information relating to our homebuilding inventories:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	200,858	$	121,343
Mountain		183,522		80,964
East		128,569		98,407
Subtotal		512,949		300,714
Land and Land Under Development:
West		230,344		199,941
Mountain		137,221		164,961
East		122,007		140,436
Subtotal		489,572		505,338
Total Inventories	$	1,002,521	$	806,052

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We evaluate inventories for impairment at each quarter end. Please see “Inventories” in Note 1 for more detail on the methods and assumptions that were used to estimate the fair value of our inventories.

F-22

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Inventory impairments recognized by segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	-	$	7,270	$	14,808
Mountain		-		1,850		555
East		295		1,804		542
Subtotal		295		10,924		15,905
Land and Land Under Development:
West		-		1,499		3,163
Mountain		-		449		964
East		810		93		1,163
Subtotal		810		2,041		5,290
Inventory Impairments	$	1,105	$	12,965	$	21,195

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1.1 million of inventory impairments related to two projects in our Maryland division. Based on the slow sales absorption rates experienced during 2012 and the estimated sales price reductions required to sell the remaining lots and houses in these communities, it was determined that the fair values were less than the carrying values.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded $13.0 million of asset impairments. These impairments primarily were incurred during the 2011 second and third quarters in select subdivisions primarily in the California and Nevada markets of our West segment, and the Utah market of our Mountain segment. The impairment of these specific subdivisions, most of which were purchased during 2010, primarily resulted from lowering anticipated home sales prices from those that were expected at the time we purchased the land, based on our experience with homes sold or closed in these subdivisions.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $21.2 million of impairments. The impairments were concentrated in the Arizona and Nevada markets of our West segment and primarily resulted from lowering our estimated average selling prices of homes. This was primarily due to: (1) strong competition for sales of new homes; (2) overall low economic activity combined with high unemployment levels; (3) homebuyers having difficulty qualifying for new loans; and (4) the elevated levels of foreclosures and short sales of homes driving real estate values down.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used discount rates generally ranging from 13% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

F-23

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7. Capitalization of Interest

We capitalize interest on our senior notes associated with our qualified assets, which includes land and land under development that is actively being developed and homes under construction through the completion of construction. When construction of an unsold home is complete, such home is no longer considered to be a qualified asset and interest is no longer capitalized on that home. We expensed $0.8 million, $20.8 million and $38.2 million of interest for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, primarily associated with interest incurred on our homebuilding debt during the same periods. The table set forth below summarizes homebuilding interest activity.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding interest incurred	$	42,315		$	62,290		$	72,076
Less: Interest capitalized		(41,507	)		(41,448	)		(33,919	)
Homebuilding interest expense	$	808		$	20,842		$	38,157
Interest capitalized, beginning of period	$	58,742		$	38,446		$	28,339
Interest capitalized during period		41,507			41,448			33,919
Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales		(31,106	)		(21,152	)		(23,812	)
Interest capitalized, end of period	$	69,143		$	58,742		$	38,446

8. Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

The following table sets forth the information relating to prepaid expenses and other assets, net.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred marketing costs	$	13,874	$	20,786
Land option deposits		8,246		6,952
Deferred debt issuance costs, net		2,641		3,235
Prepaid expenses		5,575		4,376
Metro district bond securities (related party)		5,818		6,663
Goodwill		6,008		6,008
Other		2,615		2,403
Total	$	44,777	$	50,423

F-24

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9. Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

The following table sets forth information relating to homebuilding accrued liabilities.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Warranty reserves	$	23,151	$	25,525
Accrued interest payable		13,698		13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation (note 12)		28,475		24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits		835		3,303
Legal accruals		2,250		9,360
Land development and home construction accruals		9,545		10,619
Accrued compensation and related expenses		16,864		11,350
Customer and escrow deposits		9,413		5,468
Other accrued liabilities		14,225		15,729
Total accrued liabilities	$	118,456	$	119,188

The following table sets forth information relating to financial services accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Insurance reserves	$	47,852	$	49,376
Other accrued liabilities		4,012		3,070
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	51,864	$	52,446

10. Warranty Accrual

The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	25,525		$	34,704		$	59,022
Expense provisions		4,216			4,224			5,320
Cash payments		(6,590	)		(7,925	)		(8,793	)
Adjustments		-			(5,478	)		(20,845	)
Balance at end of period	$	23,151		$	25,525		$	34,704

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we continued to experience lower than anticipated warranty payments on previously closed homes. We believe the lower warranty payment experience rate in the 2011 and 2010 periods were driven by, among other things, tighter focus and controls over our warranty expenditures, a significant drop in sales volumes over the last several years, which resulted in fewer homes under warranty, and better quality controls and construction practices. As a result of favorable warranty payment experience relative to our

F-25

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

estimates at the time of home closing, partially offset by increases in specific warranty reserves established for warranty-related issues in a limited number of subdivisions, we recorded adjustments to reduce our warranty reserve by $5.5 million and $20.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

11. Insurance Reserves

The following table summarizes the insurance reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The insurance reserve is included as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	49,376		$	51,576		$	49,631
Expense provisions		4,565			2,506			3,688
Cash payments		(8,020	)		(7,115	)		(5,959	)
Adjustments		1,931			2,409			4,216
Balance at end of period	$	47,852		$	49,376		$	51,576

The $1.9 million, $2.4 million and $4.2 million of adjustments to increase our insurance reserves during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, primarily resulted from increases in the severity and frequency of insurance claim experience relative to prior period estimates.

In the ordinary course of business, we make payments from our insurance reserves to settle litigation claims arising primarily from our homebuilding activities. These payments are unpredictable in both their timing and their magnitude. As a result, the cash payments shown for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of what future cash payments will be for subsequent periods.

12. Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans

During 2008, the Company entered into amended and restated employment agreements with Larry A. Mizel, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and David D. Mandarich, President and Chief Operating Officer. The annual retirement benefit in which Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich currently are fully vested is $1,333,333 and $1,214,333, respectively. Under the provisions of the employment agreements, the annual retirement benefit will be increased to $1,666,666 for Mr. Mizel and $1,547,666 for Mr. Mandarich on December 31, 2014 and will reach the maximum amount at $2,000,000 for Mr. Mizel and $1,881,000 for Mr. Mandarich on December 31, 2016 pending successful completion of employment through that date. However, the annual retirement benefit will increase to $2,000,000 for Mr. Mizel and $1,881,000 for Mr. Mandarich prior to that date in the event of: (1) the executive’s death or total disability; (2) a termination by the Company without cause; or (3) the executive’s election to terminate his employment in the event of a change in control or material change in his employment.

We have accrued for the present value of the expected future retirement benefits to be paid to Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich pursuant to their employment agreements with the Company. Our accrued liabilities for the deferred compensation retirement plans are included as accrued executive deferred compensation in the table in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We estimate the present value of the future retirement benefits based upon

F-26

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

discount rates of high quality corporate bonds with a similar maturity as the estimated period of retirement benefits. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the discount rate used in our present value calculation was 5.0% and 5.5%, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company accrued $4.3 million, $3.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of expense associated with the deferred compensation components of Mr. Mizel’s and Mr. Mandarich’s employment agreements.

13. Income Taxes

Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Current tax benefit:	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal	$	(374	)	$	(3,652	)	$	(481	)
State		(1,210	)		(5,430	)		(5,350	)
Total current		(1,584	)		(9,082	)		(5,831	)
Deferred tax expense:
Federal		-			-			-
State		-			-			-
Total deferred		-			-			-
Benefit from income taxes	$	(1,584	)	$	(9,082	)	$	(5,831	)

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense(benefit) computed at federal statutory rate	$	21,390		$	(37,615	)	$	(24,711	)
State income tax expense(benefit), net of federal benefit		2,139			(3,762	)		(2,471	)
Permanent differences		1,771			93			319
Expiration of statute, Arizona net operating loss		2,634			-			-
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits		(1,857	)		(9,173	)		(4,082	)
Change in valuation allowance		(27,661	)		41,375			25,114
Benefit from income taxes	$	(1,584	)	$	(9,082	)	$	(5,831	)
Effective tax rate		2.6%			8.5%			8.3%

During 2012, the Company recorded a $1.6 million benefit from income taxes, primarily from the release of reserves attributable to the expiration of the statute of limitation periods and refunds from various states relating to and our settlement with the IRS on its audit of the 2004 and 2005.

F-27

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

During 2011, the Company recorded a $9.1 million benefit from income taxes, primarily related to the settlements of various state income tax matters and our settlement with the IRS on its audit of the 2004 and 2005 federal income tax returns.

During 2010, the Company recorded a $5.8 million benefit from income taxes, primarily from our finalization of various state income tax examinations.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax asset are as follows:

	December 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal net operating loss carryforward	$	129,695		$	133,454
State net operating loss carryforward		49,551			53,350
Asset impairment charges		14,080			31,137
Stock-based compensation expense		29,196			26,771
Warranty, litigation and other reserves		14,556			18,933
Accrued liabilities		12,166			10,667
Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carry forwards		10,988			10,296
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes		3,930			3,466
Unrealized loss on marketable securities		-			2,787
Charitable contribution on carryforward		520			942
Deferred revenue		629			580
Total deferred tax assets		265,311			292,383
Valuation allowance		(248,306	)		(281,178	)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		17,005			11,205
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue		3,796			5,589
Property, equipment and other assets		5,753			706
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for financial statement purposes		450			542
Accrued liabilities		758			32
Unrealized gain on marketable securities		1,863			-
Other, net		4,385			4,336
Total deferred tax liabilities		17,005			11,205
Net deferred tax asset	$	-		$	-

At December 31, 2012, we had $129.7 million in tax effected federal net operating loss carryforwards. These operating loss carryforwards, if unused, will begin to expire in 2028. Additionally, we had $49.6 million in tax effected state net operating loss carryforwards. These operating loss carryforwards, if unused, will begin to expire in 2013.

F-28

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The decrease in our valuation allowance between December 31, 2012 and 2011 was primarily due to income generated the Company during 2012. Our future realization of its deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the carryforward periods under the tax laws. We will continue analyzing, in subsequent reporting periods, the positive and negative evidence in determining the expected realization of its deferred tax assets.

The following table summarizes our liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	2,712		$	48,963		$	52,837
Increases related to prior year tax positions		63			-			13
Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(84	)		(286	)		(2,323	)
Increases related to current year tax positions		-			85			385
Decreases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
Settlements with taxing authorities		-			(38,543	)		(1,414	)
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(2,116	)		(7,507	)		(535	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	575		$	2,712		$	48,963

Our liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits was $0.6 million and $2.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This decrease resulted primarily from the expiration of statutes of limitations.

In addition to unrecognized tax benefit activity noted above, additional paid-in-capital increased by $1.6 million and $18.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 2012 increase was due to the expiration of various statutes of limitations while the 2011 increase was due to a settlement with the IRS and the expiration of various statutes of limitations. Finally, since we settled with the IRS for an amount less than the $35.6 million deposit we made with the IRS during 2008, the settlement resulted in an increase of $11.1 million to income taxes receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. We received payment from the IRS during the 2011 second quarter.

The total liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rates in our consolidated statements of operations is $0.5 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We accrue interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and the corresponding liability in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets. The expense (benefit) for interest and penalties reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $(0.4) million, ($4.8) million and ($1.8) million (interest net of related tax benefits), respectively. The corresponding liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets were $0.4 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We have taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next twelve months. The possible decrease could result from the

F-29

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

expiration of various statutes of limitation and the finalization of various state income tax matters. The estimated range of the reasonably possible decrease is $0 to $1.0 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for calendar tax years ending 2009 through 2012. Additionally, we are subject to various state income tax examinations for the 2001 through 2012 calendar tax years. The Company currently is under state income tax examination in the states of California and Utah for various tax years.

14. Related Party Transactions

We previously entered into a transaction (the “Transaction”) with the Villages at Castle Rock Metropolitan District No. 6 (the “District”). The District is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The Board of Directors of the District currently is comprised of employees of the Company. The District was formed to provide funding for certain land development costs associated with the construction of homes in our Cobblestone subdivision. Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, the District sold to the Company approximately $22.5 million in Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Appreciation Bonds Series 2007 (the “2007 Bonds”) and a $1.6 million Limited Tax General Obligation Subordinate Bond (the “Subordinate Bond”) in exchange for title to approximately $28.6 million in land development improvements to the District.

We recorded the 2007 Bonds and Subordinate Bond at an estimated $8.9 million and $0 fair value, respectively, based upon discounted cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we updated our evaluation of the estimated fair value of the 2007 Bonds and through this evaluation, we determined there was a decrease in the estimated cash flows from this asset and, as a result, recorded a $1.0 million other-than-temporary-impairment associated with the 2007 Bonds in 2009. As discussed in Note 5, the fair value of 2007 Bonds as of December 31, 2012 was $12.9 million. However, as the 2007 Bonds are accounted for under the cost-recovery method, they are not carried at fair value and therefore no upward adjustment to the carrying value was recorded.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we received payments from the District in the amount of $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the 2007 Bonds and Subordinate Bond.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we contributed $1 million in cash to the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation (the “Foundation”), a Delaware non-profit corporation that was incorporated on September 30, 1999. We did not make any contributions to the foundation during the years ended December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

F-30

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Foundation is a non-profit organization operated exclusively for charitable, educational and other purposes beneficial to social welfare within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The following Directors and/or officers of the Company are the trustees of the Foundation at December 31, 2012, all of whom serve without compensation:

Name	Title
Larry A. Mizel	Trustee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
David D. Mandarich	Trustee, President
Raymond T. Baker	Trustee

15. Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations

Mortgage Lending.  HomeAmerican has a Master Repurchase Agreement (the “Mortgage Repurchase Facility”) with U.S. Bank National Association (“USBNA”). This agreement was amended on September 21, 2012 and extended until September 20, 2013. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility provides liquidity to HomeAmerican by providing for the sale of eligible mortgage loans to USBNA with an agreement by HomeAmerican to repurchase the mortgage loans at a future date. Until such mortgage loans are transferred back to HomeAmerican, the documents relating to such loans are held by USBNA, as custodian, pursuant to the Custody Agreement (“Custody Agreement”), dated as of November 12, 2008, by and between HomeAmerican and USBNA. As of December 31, 2012, the Mortgage Repurchase Facility had a temporary maximum aggregate commitment of $80 million which will return to $50 million after January 31, 2013. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $76.3 million and $48.7 million, respectively, of mortgage loans that we were obligated to repurchase under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility. Mortgage loans that we are obligated to repurchase under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility are accounted for as a debt financing arrangement and are reported as mortgage repurchase facility on the consolidated balance sheets. Advances under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility carry a Pricing Rate equal to the greater of (i) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility) plus 2.5%, or (ii) 3.25%. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility contains various representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants customary for agreements of this type. The negative covenants include, among others, (i) an Adjusted Tangible Net Worth requirement, (ii) a minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth Ratio, (iii) an Adjusted Net Income requirement, and (iv) a minimum Liquidity requirement. The foregoing terms are defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility. We believe we were in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants included in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility as of December 31, 2012.

Senior Notes.  Our senior notes are not secured and, while the senior note indentures contain some restrictions on secured debt and other transactions, they do not contain financial covenants. Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding segment subsidiaries.

During 2011, we completed a debt tender offer and redemptions of our 7% Senior Notes due 2012 and 5 ¹/₂% Senior Notes due 2013. As a result of these transactions, we paid $537.7 million to extinguish $500 million in debt principal with a carrying amount of $498.9 million and recorded a $38.8 million expense for loss on extinguishment of debt.

F-31

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Our debt obligations at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014, net		249,621		249,438
5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2015, net		249,895		249,857
5 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020, net		245,326		244,813
Total Senior Notes, net	$	744,842	$	744,108

16. Commitments and Contingencies

Surety Bonds and Letters of Credit.  We are required to obtain surety bonds and letters of credit in support of our obligations for land development and subdivision improvements, homeowner association dues, warranty work, contractor license fees and earnest money deposits. At December 31, 2012, we had issued and outstanding surety bonds and letters of credit totaling $61.2 million and $14.7 million, respectively, including $6.7 million in letters of credit issued by HomeAmerican. The estimated cost to complete obligations related to these bonds and letters of credit was approximately $24.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Among our letter of credit facilities are three committed revolving facilities, the terms of which provide that up to $65 million of letters of credit may be issued thereunder. In the event any such surety bonds or letters of credit issued by third parties are called, MDC could be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the bond or letter of credit. We believe that we were in compliance with the covenants in the letter of credit facilities at December 31, 2012.

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan. These reserves are based upon, among other things: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; and (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in expenses in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan loss reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	442		$	6,881		$	9,641
Expense provisions		589			-			-
Cash payments		(226	)		(14,450	)		(2,760	)
Adjustments		-			8,011			-
Balance at end of period	$	805		$	442		$	6,881

F-32

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

During 2011, HomeAmerican reached settlements with third parties concerning claims and potential claims to repurchase certain previously sold mortgage loans, including a comprehensive settlement with Bank of America. As a result of these settlements, we increased our loan loss reserve $8.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. We made payments of $14.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily associated with the foregoing settlements. We believe that those settlements substantially reduced our future exposure to liabilities associated with previously sold mortgage loans.

Legal Reserves.  Because of the nature of the homebuilding business, we have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims and claims associated with the sale and financing of homes. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, we had $2.3 and $9.4 million of legal accruals.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, we had various significant legal recoveries totaling $9.8 million, respectively, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations. These recoveries were realized primarily from prior claims we had made in connection with various construction defect cases.

Operating Leases.  We have non-cancelable operating leases primarily associated with our office facilities. Rent expense under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases totaled $6.6 million, $7.7 million and $8.7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in either selling, general and administrative expenses in the Homebuilding section or expenses in the Financial Services section of our consolidated statements of operations. The table below shows the future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2012.

	Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)
2013	$	4,451
2014		3,464
2015		3,489
2016		2,864
2017		698
Thereafter		651
Total	$	15,617

17. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock Repurchase Program.  At December 31, 2012, we were authorized to repurchase up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. We did not hold any treasury stock at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, we held 59,912 shares of treasury stock with an average cost of $11.00.

F-33

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

18. Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans

A summary of our equity incentive plans follows.

Employee Equity Incentive Plans.  Effective March 2001, we adopted the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Equity Incentive Plan”). On March 26, 2011, the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan terminated and all stock option grants and restricted stock awards outstanding at the time of the plan termination may continue to be exercised, or become free of restrictions, in accordance with their terms. Non-qualified option awards previously granted generally vest over periods of up to seven years and expire ten years after the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally were granted with vesting terms of up to five years. A total of 3.6 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2012.

On April 27, 2011, our shareholders approved the M.D.C Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Equity Incentive Plan”), which provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity awards to employees of the Company. Stock options granted under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan have an exercise price that is at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock option is granted, generally vest in periods up to five years and expire ten years after the date of grant. At December 31, 2012, a total of 1.6 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, of which 0.3 million shares remained available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2012.

Director Equity Incentive Plans.  Effective March 2001, we adopted the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2001 Director Stock Option Plan”). The 2001 Director Stock Option Plan terminated on May 21, 2011 and stock options outstanding at the time of plan termination may continue to be exercised in accordance with their terms. Each option granted under the Director Stock Option Plan vested immediately and expires ten years from the date of grant. A total of 0.9 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the Director Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2012.

Effective April 27, 2011, our shareholders approved the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2011 Director Stock Option Plan”). Under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan, non-employee directors of the Company are granted non-qualified stock options. Pursuant to the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan, on August 1 of each year, each non-employee director is granted options to purchase 25,000 shares of MDC common stock. Each option granted under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan vests immediately, becomes exercisable six months after grant, and expires ten years from the date of grant. The option exercise price must be equal to the fair market value (as defined in the plan) of our common stock on the date of grant of the option. At December 31, 2012, a total of 0.9 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan and 0.7 million shares remained available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2012.

Employee Benefit Plan.  We have a defined contribution plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the internal Revenue Code where each employee may elect to make before-tax contributions up to the current tax limits. We match employee contributions on a discretionary basis and our contribution for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.2 million. We did not make any matching contributions during the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010.

F-34

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

19. Stock-Based Compensation

Determining Fair Value of Share-Based Payment Awards.  We examine our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there are any discernable activity patterns based on certain employee and non-employee populations. Based upon this evaluation, we have identified three distinct populations: (1) executives currently consisting of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel (collectively, the “Executives”); (2) Non-Executive employees (“Non-Executives”); and (3) non-employee members of our board of directors (“Directors”). Accordingly, during 2012, 2011 and 2010 the Company used separate Black-Scholes option pricing model assumptions for each of the aforementioned employee and non-employee populations. The fair values for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Weighted-average expected lives of options		7.8 yrs.		4.6 yrs.		7.6 yrs.
Expected volatility		44.6%		47.8%		44.2%
Risk free interest rate		1.7%		1.3%		2.8%
Dividend yield rate		4.0%		4.1%		3.5%

Based on calculations using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the weighted-average grant date fair values of stock options granted during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $7.54, $3.76 and $9.19, respectively. No stock options were granted to our Executives during the year ended December 31, 2011. As a result, the weighted average expected life of our options are higher in 2012 and 2010 when compared to 2011 as options were granted to Executives in 2012 and 2010.

The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period for which the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and are derived primarily from historical exercise patterns. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility in the price of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of our stock options. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected term of our employee stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of dividend payouts.

An annual forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant for all share-based payment awards with service conditions only. That rate is revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from our estimate. For grants made in the year ended December 31, 2012, we estimated an forfeiture rate between 20% and 45% for those share-based payment awards granted to Non-Executives. We estimate the annual forfeiture rate to be 0% for share-based payment awards with service conditions only granted to our Executives.

F-35

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Stock Option Award Activity. Stock option activity under our option plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding Stock Option Activity
Outstanding, beginning of year		5,306,506		$	42.69		6,002,174		$	40.72		5,640,619		$	41.53
Granted - at fair market value(1)		1,382,500			25.33		265,000			25.07		376,500			29.37
Granted - above fair market value		-			-		-			-		180,000			31.75
Exercised		(704,242	)		23.69		(489,324	)		18.47		(2,894	)		18.47
Forfeited		(55,710	)		27.46		(124,710	)		32.20		(177,321	)		32.62
Cancelled		(49,481	)		44.75		(346,634	)		33.87		(14,730	)		44.94
Outstanding, end of year		5,879,573		$	41.29		5,306,506		$	42.69		6,002,174		$	40.72

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value
Unvested Stock Option Activity
Unvested, beginning of year		1,251,328		$	14.99		1,790,425		$	13.50		2,233,717		$	13.88
Granted - at fair market value(1)		1,382,500			7.54		265,000			7.42		376,500			8.99
Granted - above fair market value		-			-		-			-		180,000			9.45
Vested		(533,118	)		8.61		(679,387	)		14.76		(822,471	)		19.19
Forfeited		(55,710	)		8.45		(124,710	)		10.13		(177,321	)		11.59
Unvested, end of year		2,045,000		$	13.99		1,251,328		$	14.99		1,790,425		$	13.50

(1) Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the “Performance Based Stock Award Activity” section below.

F-36

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $7.0 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The following table provides outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest in future reporting periods data for our stock options granted to Executives, Non-Executives and Directors as of December 31, 2012.

	Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding
Executives		4,475,604	$	41.03
Directors		1,044,000		46.84
Non-Executives		359,969		33.03
Total		5,879,573	$	41.29		5.40	$	23,750
Exerciseable
Executives		2,600,604	$	51.11
Directors		1,044,000		48.47
Non-Executives		189,969		36.80
Total		3,834,573	$	48.83		3.76	$	4,042
Exerciseable or expected to vest in the future
Executives		4,475,604	$	41.03
Directors		1,044,000		44.46
Non-Executives		279,193		37.36
Total		5,798,797	$	41.47		8.23	$	3,669

The aggregate intrinsic values in the tables above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic values (the difference between the closing price of MDC’s common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2012 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock option shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all in-the-money outstanding stock options been exercised on December 31, 2012.

F-37

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table summarizes information associated with outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2012.

	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	Number Outstanding		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$15.84 - $ 23.77		180,000		8.99	$	20.91		30,000		8.98	$	22.12
$23.78 - $ 39.61		2,955,830		7.75	$	29.79		1,060,830		6.86	$	33.61
$39.62 - $ 47.53		1,234,243		2.46	$	43.84		1,234,243		2.52	$	43.84
$47.54 - $ 63.38		892,500		3.06	$	60.41		892,500		2.85	$	60.41
$63.39 - $ 71.30		492,000		2.30	$	67.17		492,000		2.26	$	67.17
$71.31 - $ 78.89		125,000		2.75	$	78.89		125,000		2.75	$	78.89
Total		5,879,573		5.40	$	41.29		3,834,573		3.76	$	48.83

Total stock-based compensation expense relating to stock options granted by the Company was $10.6 million, $9.0 million and $12.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, $6.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized as an expense by the Company in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.3 years.

We received cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $16.6 million, $9.0 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We did not have any net tax benefit realized for stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. We will will issue previously unissued shares and/or treasury stock upon the exercise of stock options.

Performance Based Stock Award Activity.  On March 8, 2012, we granted a long term performance-based non-qualified stock option to each of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer for 500,000 shares of common stock under our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. The terms of the performance-based options provide that, over a three year period, one third of the option shares would vest as of March 1 following any fiscal year in which, in addition to the Company achieving a gross margin from home sales of at least 16.7% (as calculated in our 2011 Form 10-K, excluding warranty adjustments and interest), the Company achieved: (1) at least a 10% increase in total revenue over 2011 (166,667 option shares vest); (2) at least a 15% increase in total revenue over 2011 (166,667 option shares vest); or (3) at least a 20% increase in total revenue over 2011 (166,666 option shares vest). Any of the three tranches of option shares that are not performance vested by March 1, 2015 would be forfeited. ASC 718 prohibits recognition of expense associated with performance based stock awards until achievement of the performance targets are probable of occurring.

In accordance with ASC 718, the performance-based awards were valued at the fair value on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of these awards was $7.42 per share. The maximum potential expense that would be recognized by the Company if all of the performance targets were met is approximately $7.4 million. At December 31, 2012 all performance targets have been achieved. As such, $6.2 million of compensation expense was recognized related to the grant of these awards during the year ended December 31, 2012. The balance of the unamortized stock-based compensation expense is anticipated to be amortized during the first two months of 2013.

F-38

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity.  Non-vested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and changes during those years were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of year		667,849		$	33.19		443,112		$	36.15		420,862		$	36.84
Granted		48,613			27.85		329,703			30.24		125,626			34.49
Vested		(197,801	)		35.88		(100,677	)		36.34		(100,542	)		37.02
Forfeited		(11,294	)		30.62		(4,289	)		38.88		(2,834	)		42.38
Unvested, end of year		507,367		$	31.69		667,849		$	33.19		443,112		$	36.10

Total stock-based compensation expense relating to restricted stock awards was $5.6 million, $6.4 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2012, there was $9.6 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized as an expense by us in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.4 years. The total intrinsic value of unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2012 was $18.7 million. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock which vested during each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $5.9 million, $1.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

20. Subsequent Events

On January 10, 2013, we completed a public offering of $250 million principal amount of 6% senior notes due 2043 (the “6% Notes”). The 6% Notes, which pay interest semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing July 15, 2013, are general unsecured obligations of MDC and rank equally and ratably with our other general unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. In addition, the 6% Notes are fully guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding subsidiaries. We received proceeds of $247.8 million, net of underwriting fees of $2.2 million. We will use the proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.

F-39

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

21. Results of Quarterly Operations (Unaudited)

	Quarter
	First			Second			Third			Fourth
2012		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Home sales revenue	$	184,678		$	256,532		$	320,647		$	389,141
Total revenue		193,987			268,934			334,329			405,773
Asset impairments		-			-			-			1,105
Gross margin from home sales		14.1%			14.2%			15.5%			16.7%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses		34,124			39,223			44,788			49,160
Earnings before income taxes		2,125			9,655			19,484			29,851
Net income (loss)		2,265			10,638			20,126			29,670
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.22		$	0.42		$	0.60
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.22		$	0.41		$	0.59
2011
Home sales revenue	$	163,383		$	206,163		$	204,886		$	230,732
Total revenue		169,290			215,459			211,157			247,203
Asset impairments		279			9,119			4,692			811
Gross margin from home sales		13.5%			8.9%			14.8%			15.0%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses		47,654			49,158			46,360			35,933
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes		-			-			17,268			21,527
Loss before income taxes		(23,704	)		(29,803	)		(34,189	)		(19,776	)
Net income (loss)		(19,879	)		(27,980	)		(31,710	)		(18,821	)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.60	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.40	)
Diluted	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.60	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.40	)

F-40

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

22. Supplemental Guarantor Information

Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by the following subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), which are 100%-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

• M.D.C. Land Corporation

• RAH of Florida, Inc.

• Richmond American Construction, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP

• Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc.

We added the following subsidiary as a Guarantor subsidiary as of January 3, 2013

• Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc.

Subsidiaries that do not guarantee our senior notes (collectively, the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) primarily include:

• American Home Insurance

• American Home Title

• HomeAmerican

• StarAmerican

• Allegiant

• Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc.

We have determined that separate, full financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries would not be material to investors and, accordingly, supplemental financial information for the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is presented below.

F-41

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet

	December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
ASSETS	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	125,904		$	3,308	$	323		$	-		$	129,535
Marketable securities		519,465			-		-						519,465
Restricted cash		-			1,859		-						1,859
Trade and other receivables		6,563			18,846		2,754						28,163
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		-			469,495		43,454						512,949
Land and land under development		-			467,915		21,657						489,572
Investment in subsidiaries		198,465			-		-			(198,465	)		-
Other assets, net		40,565			28,524		8,813			-			77,902
Total homebuilding assets		890,962			989,947		77,001			(198,465	)		1,759,445
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-		30,560			-			30,560
Marketable securities		-			-		32,473			-			32,473
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-		119,953			-			119,953
Prepaid expenses and other assets		-			-		4,710			(1,700	)		3,010
Total financial services assets		-			-		187,696			(1,700	)		185,996
Total Assets	$	890,962		$	989,947	$	264,697		$	(200,165	)	$	1,945,441
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	-		$	67,257	$	5,798			-		$	73,055
Accrued liabilities		63,886			46,761		7,809			-			118,456
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		(798,663	)		755,566		52,839			(9,742	)		-
Senior notes, net		744,842			-		-			-			744,842
Total homebuilding liabilities		10,065			869,584		66,446			(9,742	)		936,353
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities		-			-		51,864			-			51,864
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-		(8,042	)		8,042			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-		76,327			-			76,327
Total financial services liabilities		-			-		120,149			8,042			128,191
Total Liabilities		10,065			869,584		186,595			(1,700	)		1,064,544
Equity:
Total Stockholder’s Equity		880,897			120,363		78,102			(198,465	)		880,897
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	890,962		$	989,947	$	264,697		$	(200,165	)	$	1,945,441

F-42

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet

	December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
ASSETS	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	313,566		$	2,771	$	81		$	-		$	316,418
Marketable securities		485,434			-		-			-			485,434
Restricted cash		-			667		-			-			667
Trade and other receivables		8,368			12,740		485			-			21,593
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		-			280,932		19,782			-			300,714
Land and land under development		-			489,305		16,033			-			505,338
Investment in subsidiaries		126,768			-		-			(126,768	)		-
Other assets, net		45,287			33,074		8,435			(96	)		86,700
Total homebuilding assets		979,423			819,489		44,816			(126,864	)		1,716,864
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-		26,943			-			26,943
Marketable securities		-			-		34,509			-			34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-		78,335			-			78,335
Prepaid expenses and other assets		-			-		3,774			(1,700	)		2,074
Total financial services assets		-			-		143,561			(1,700	)		141,861
Total Assets	$	979,423		$	819,489	$	188,377		$	(128,564	)	$	1,858,725
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	-		$	23,409	$	2,236			-		$	25,645
Accrued liabilities		67,199			50,271		1,814			(96	)		119,188
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		(700,520	)		682,088		21,998			(3,566	)		-
Senior notes, net		744,108			-		-			-			744,108
Total homebuilding liabilities		110,787			755,768		26,048			(3,662	)		888,941
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities		-			-		52,446			-			52,446
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-		(1,866	)		1,866			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-		48,702			-			48,702
Total financial services liabilities		-			-		99,282			1,866			101,148
Total Liabilities		110,787			755,768		125,330			(1,796	)		990,089
Equity:
Total Stockholder’s Equity		868,636			63,721		63,047			(126,768	)		868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	979,423		$	819,489	$	188,377		$	(128,564	)	$	1,858,725

F-43

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	1,087,957		$	74,719		$	(6,534	)	$	1,156,142
Cost of Sales		-			(922,774	)		(61,703	)		6,534			(977,943	)
Inventory impairments		-			(1,105	)		-			-			(1,105	)
Gross margin		-			164,078			13,016			-			177,094
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(52,880	)		(108,873	)		(5,542	)		-			(167,295	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		81,836			-			-			(81,836	)		-
Interest income		23,381			16			1			-			23,398
Interest expense		(778	)		(30	)		-			-			(808	)
Other income (expense)		528			15			(315	)		-			228
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		52,087			55,206			7,160			(81,836	)		32,617
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			28,498			-			28,498
Income (loss) before income taxes		52,087			55,206			35,658			(81,836	)		61,115
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		10,612			1,435			(10,463	)		-			1,584
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	56,641		$	25,195		$	(81,836	)	$	62,699

F-44

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	787,874		$	38,782		$	(9,633	)	$	817,023
Cost of Sales		-			(674,335	)		(32,755	)		9,633			(697,457	)
Inventory impairments		-			(12,965	)		-			-			(12,965	)
Gross margin		-			100,574			6,027			-			106,601
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(57,811	)		(116,494	)		(4,800	)		-			(179,105	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		(18,966	)		-			-			18,966			-
Interest income		26,039			29			-			-			26,068
Interest expense		(20,687	)		(155	)		-			-			(20,842	)
Other income (expense)		(35,479	)		(7,934	)		63			-			(43,350	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		(106,904	)		(23,980	)		1,290			18,966			(110,628	)
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			3,156			-			3,156
Income (loss) before income taxes		(106,904	)		(23,980	)		4,446			18,966			(107,472	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		8,514			2,027			(1,459	)		-			9,082
Net income (loss)	$	(98,390	)	$	(21,953	)	$	2,987		$	18,966		$	(98,390	)

F-45

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	942,693		$	-		$	(15,788	)	$	926,905
Cost of Sales		-			(765,749	)		(490	)		15,788			(750,451	)
Inventory impairments		-			(21,195	)		-			-			(21,195	)
Gross margin		-			155,749			(490	)		-			155,259
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(74,626	)		(141,349	)		(3,710	)					(219,685	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		14,653			-			-			(14,653	)		-
Interest income		23,830			130			-			-			23,960
Interest expense		(38,157	)		-			-			-			(38,157	)
Other income (expense)		111			(2,434	)		50			-			(2,273	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		(74,189	)		12,096			(4,150	)		(14,653	)		(80,896	)
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			10,295			-			10,295
Income (loss) before income taxes		(74,189	)		12,096			6,145			(14,653	)		(70,601	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		9,419			992			(4,580	)		-			5,831
Net income (loss)	$	(64,770	)	$	13,088		$	1,565		$	(14,653	)	$	(64,770	)

F-46

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	83,797		$	(71,674	)	$	(39,106	)	$	(81,836	)	$	(108,819	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(22,999	)		(823	)		2,041			-			(21,781	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(168,169	)		73,034			13,299			81,836			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			27,625			-			27,625
Dividend payments		(96,915	)		-			-			-			(96,915	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		16,624			-			-			-			16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(248,460	)		73,034			40,924			81,836			(52,666	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(187,662	)		537			3,859			-			(183,266	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		313,566			2,771			27,024			-			343,361
End of period	$	125,904		$	3,308		$	30,883		$	-		$	160,095

F-47

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(39,462	)	$	(26,663	)	$	(33,125	)	$	18,966		$	(80,284	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		439,066			(71	)		(34,731	)		-			404,264
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(44,961	)		25,218			38,709			(18,966	)		-
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724	)		-			-						(537,724	)
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			23,268			-			23,268
Dividend payments		(47,432	)		-			-			-			(47,432	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		9,044			-			-			-			9,044
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(621,073	)		25,218			61,977			(18,966	)		(552,844	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(221,469	)		(1,516	)		(5,879	)		-			(228,864	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		535,035			4,287			32,903			-			572,225
End of period	$	313,566		$	2,771		$	27,024		$	-		$	343,361

F-48

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	36,971		$	(275,822	)	$	1,123		$	28,647		$	(209,081	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(613,377	)		(1,046	)		(30,043	)		-			(644,466	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(293,883	)		277,897			44,633			(28,647	)		-
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		242,288			-			-						242,288
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			(3,681	)		-			(3,681	)
Dividend payments		(47,140	)		-			-			-			(47,140	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		53			-			-			-			53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(98,682	)		277,897			40,952			(28,647	)		191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(675,088	)		1,029			12,032			-			(662,027	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		1,210,123			3,258			20,871			-			1,234,252
End of period	$	535,035		$	4,287		$	32,903		$	-		$	572,225

F-49

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures was performed under the supervision, and with the participation, of our management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2012.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In several of our homebuilding divisions, we began operating under our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system during 2011 and 2010. As a result, our financial and operating transactions in these divisions now utilize the functionality provided by the new ERP system with oversight as to the completeness and accuracy of the information being performed through the ERP system. The full implementation of the ERP system in the one remaining homebuilding division is scheduled to take place in 2013. There was no other change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

46

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

We have audited M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated January 31, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado

January 31, 2013

47

Item 9B. Other Information.

None

PART III

Item 10. Directors. Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Information not disclosed below that is required with respect to directors, executive officers, filings under Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference, when filed, from our proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on or about March 18, 2013, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

We will provide to any shareholders or other person without charge, upon request, a copy of our Corporate Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, code of ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (collectively “senior financial officers”) and the charters for our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. You may obtain these documents on our website at http://www.richmondamerican.com, under our Investor Relations section or by contacting our Investor Relations department at 303-977-3451. Our intention is to post on our website any amendments to or waivers from our code of ethics applicable to our senior financial officers if such disclosure is required.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Information required to be set forth hereunder has been omitted and will be incorporated by reference, when filed, from our Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Information required to be set forth hereunder has been omitted and will be incorporated by reference, when filed, from our Proxy Statement

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Information required to be set forth hereunder has been omitted and will be incorporated by reference, when filed, from our Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Information required to be set forth hereunder has been omitted and will be incorporated by reference, when filed, from our Proxy Statement.

48

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements.

The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are included in Part II, Item 8.

	Page
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2012	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2012	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2012	F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-7

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not material, not required or the required information is included in the applicable Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

(a)(3) Exhibits.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description
3.1	Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “MDC”, the “Company” or the “Registrant”), filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 27, 2006, and Certificate of Incorporation, dated May 17, 1985, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2006). *
3.2	Form of Bylaws of MDC, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(b) of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 1987). *
3.3	Form of Amendment to the Bylaws of MDC regarding indemnification adopted by its board of directors and effective as of March 20, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(a) of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 1987). *
4.1	Indenture dated as of December 3, 2002, by and among MDC and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-3/A filed September 1, 2004). *
4.2	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2004, by and among MDC, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to MDC’s Medium-Term Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 7, 2004). *

49

Exhibit Number	Description
4.3	Pricing Supplement No. 1, dated December 6, 2004, with respect to MDC’s 5.375% Medium-Term Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Rule 424(b)(2) filing on December 8, 2004). *
4.4	Pricing Supplement No. 2, dated June 28, 2005, with respect to MDC’s 5.375% Medium-Term Senior Notes due July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Rule 424(b)(2) filing on June 29, 2005). *
4.5	Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 20, 2005 to Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 6, 2004, with respect to MDC’s Medium-Term Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 20, 2005). *
4.6	Amendment No. 2 dated as of January 9, 2006 to Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 6, 2004, with respect to MDC’s Medium-Term Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 9, 2006). *
4.7	Second Supplemental Indenture (5.375% Senior Notes due 2014 and 2015), dated as of January 3, 2013, by and among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as Additional Guarantor, including the form of Guaranty signed by the Additional Guarantor.
4.8	Supplemental Indenture (5.625% Senior Notes due 2020) dated as of January 15, 2010, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010). *
4.9	Second Supplemental Indenture (5.625% Senior Notes due 2020), dated as of January 3, 2013, by and among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as Additional Guarantor, including the form of Guaranty signed by the Additional Guarantor.
4.10	Supplemental Indenture (6.000% Senior Notes due 2043) dated as of January 10, 2013, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 10, 2013). *
10.1	Master Repurchase Agreement among HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association as Agent, and the other Buyers party thereto, dated as of November 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed November 17, 2008). *
10.2	First Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of October 29, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2009). *
10.3	Second Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of October 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 25, 2010). *
10.4	Third Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of September 14, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2011). *

50

Exhibit Number	Description
10.5	Fourth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of September 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 30, 2011).*
10.6	Fifth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of January 31, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2012). *
10.7	Sixth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of September 21, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 24, 2012).*
10.8	Seventh Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of December 21, 2012.
10.9	Custody Agreement by and between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association as Agent and Custodian, dated as of November 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed November 17, 2008). *
10.10	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan Effective March 26, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2001 relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). *
10.11	First Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 28, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2003). *
10.12	Second Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 1, 2008). *
10.13	Third Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 1, 2008). *
10.14	Fourth Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, dated December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2008). *
10.15	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Certificate (2001 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.16	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (2001 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.17	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors Effective March 26, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit C of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2001 relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). *
10.18	First Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, October 20, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *

51

Exhibit Number	Description
10.19	Second Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated December 16, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2008). *
10.20	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.21	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 29, 2011). *
10.22	Form of 2011 Stock Option Agreement (2011 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.23	Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Agreement (2011 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.24	Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.25	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors effective April 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 29, 2011). *
10.26	Form of 2011 Stock Option Agreement (2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.27	Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and members of its Board of Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 26, 2006).*
10.28	Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and certain of its officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 26, 2006).*
10.29	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, approved April 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 1, 2008). *
10.30	First Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, dated December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2008). *
10.31	Second Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, dated as of June 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.32	Third Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, dated March 8, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.33	Fourth Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, executed May 21, 2012 effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 22, 2012).*
10.34	Waiver Agreement among M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., Larry A. Mizel and David D. Mandarich, dated as of October 13, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 13, 2011).*

52

Exhibit Number	Description
10.35	Employment Agreement, Larry A. Mizel, amended and restated as of August 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 26, 2008). *
10.36	Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry A. Mizel, dated March 8, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.37	Employment Agreement, David D. Mandarich, amended and restated as of August 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 26, 2008). *
10.38	Amendment to Employment Agreement of David D. Mandarich, dated March 8, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.39	Employment offer letter by the Company to John M. Stephens, dated January 27, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2012). *
10.40	Lease Agreement among MDC, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc. and Larry A. Mizel, August 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2007). *
10.41	Lease Agreement among MDC, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc. and David D. Mandarich, August 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2007). *
10.42	Change in Control and Separation Agreement between the Company and John M. Stephens, dated as of February 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2012).*
10.43	Change in Control and Separation Agreement between the Company and Michael Touff, dated as of July 30, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 31, 2008). *
10.44	Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Company and certain employees of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 27, 1998). *
10.45	Independent Contractor Agreement between Mizel Design and Decorating Company and the Company effective as of January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.46	Sub-Sublease agreement between MDC and CVentures, Inc., executed July 25, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2005). *
10.47	First Amendment to Sub-Sublease agreement between MDC and CVentures, Inc., executed on March 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 29, 2006). *
12	Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Schedule.
21	Subsidiaries of the Company.
23	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
31.1	Certification of principal executive officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

53

Exhibit Number	Description
31.2	Certification of principal financial officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of principal executive officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b), pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of principal financial officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b), pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101	The following financial statements filed on January 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012; and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

* Incorporated by reference.

54

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC. (Registrant)
Date: January 31, 2013	By:	/s/ John M. Stephens
		John M. Stephens
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (duly authorized officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officers and/or directors of the Registrant, by virtue of their signatures to this report, appearing below, hereby constitute and appoint Larry A. Mizel and David D. Mandarich, or any one of them, with full power of substitution, as attorneys-in-fact in their names, places and steads to execute any and all amendments to this report in the capacities set forth opposite their names and hereby ratify all that said attorneys-in-fact do by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/    Larry A. Mizel         Larry A. Mizel	Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief     Executive Officer (principal executive     officer)	January 31, 2013
/s/    David D. Mandarich         David D. Mandarich	Director, President and Chief Operating     Officer	January 31, 2013
/s/    John M. Stephens         John M. Stephens	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer     & Principal Accounting Officer (principal     financial officer and principal     accounting officer)	January 31, 2013
/s/    Raymond T. Baker         Raymond T. Baker	Director	January 31, 2013
/s/    Herbert T. Buchwald         Herbert T. Buchwald	Director	January 31, 2013
/s/    David E. Blackford         David E. Blackford	Director	January 31, 2013
/s/    Michael A. Berman         Michael A. Berman	Director	January 31, 2013
/s/    David Siegel         David Siegel	Director	January 31, 2013

55

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description
3.1	Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “MDC”, the “Company” or the “Registrant”), filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 27, 2006, and Certificate of Incorporation, dated May 17, 1985, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2006). *
3.2	Form of Bylaws of MDC, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(b) of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 1987). *
3.3	Form of Amendment to the Bylaws of MDC regarding indemnification adopted by its board of directors and effective as of March 20, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(a) of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 1987). *
4.1	Indenture dated as of December 3, 2002, by and among MDC and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-3/A filed September 1, 2004). *
4.2	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2004, by and among MDC, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to MDC’s Medium-Term Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 7, 2004). *
4.3	Pricing Supplement No. 1, dated December 6, 2004, with respect to MDC’s 5.375% Medium-Term Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Rule 424(b)(2) filing on December 8, 2004). *
4.4	Pricing Supplement No. 2, dated June 28, 2005, with respect to MDC’s 5.375% Medium-Term Senior Notes due July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Rule 424(b)(2) filing on June 29, 2005). *
4.5	Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 20, 2005 to Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 6, 2004, with respect to MDC’s Medium-Term Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 20, 2005). *
4.6	Amendment No. 2 dated as of January 9, 2006 to Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 6, 2004, with respect to MDC’s Medium-Term Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 9, 2006). *
4.7	Second Supplemental Indenture (5.375% Senior Notes due 2014 and 2015), dated as of January 3, 2013, by and among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as Additional Guarantor, including the form of Guaranty signed by the Additional Guarantor.
4.8	Supplemental Indenture (5.625% Senior Notes due 2020) dated as of January 15, 2010, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010). *
4.9	Second Supplemental Indenture (5.625% Senior Notes due 2020), dated as of January 3, 2013, by and among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as Additional Guarantor, including the form of Guaranty signed by the Additional Guarantor.
4.10	Supplemental Indenture (6.000% Senior Notes due 2043) dated as of January 10, 2013, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 10, 2013). *

56

Exhibit Number	Description
10.1	Master Repurchase Agreement among HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association as Agent, and the other Buyers party thereto, dated as of November 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed November 17, 2008). *
10.2	First Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of October 29, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2009). *
10.3	Second Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of October 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 25, 2010). *
10.4	Third Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of September 14, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2011). *
10.5	Fourth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of September 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 30, 2011).*
10.6	Fifth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of January 31, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2012). *
10.7	Sixth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of September 21, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 24, 2012).*
10.8	Seventh Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, as Seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent and Buyer, dated as of December 21, 2012.
10.9	Custody Agreement by and between HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association as Agent and Custodian, dated as of November 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed November 17, 2008). *
10.10	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan Effective March 26, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2001 relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). *
10.11	First Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 28, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2003). *
10.12	Second Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 1, 2008). *
10.13	Third Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 1, 2008). *

57

Exhibit Number	Description
10.14	Fourth Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, dated December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2008). *
10.15	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Certificate (2001 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.16	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (2001 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.17	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors Effective March 26, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit C of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2001 relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). *
10.18	First Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, October 20, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.19	Second Amendment to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated December 16, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2008). *
10.20	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.21	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 29, 2011). *
10.22	Form of 2011 Stock Option Agreement (2011 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.23	Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Agreement (2011 Equity Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.24	Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.25	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors effective April 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 29, 2011). *
10.26	Form of 2011 Stock Option Agreement (2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.27	Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and members of its Board of Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 26, 2006).*
10.28	Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and certain of its officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 26, 2006).*
10.29	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, approved April 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 1, 2008). *

58

Exhibit Number	Description
10.30	First Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, dated December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2008). *
10.31	Second Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, dated as of June 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011). *
10.32	Third Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, dated March 8, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.33	Fourth Amendment to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Amended Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan, executed May 21, 2012 effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 22, 2012).*
10.34	Waiver Agreement among M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., Larry A. Mizel and David D. Mandarich, dated as of October 13, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 13, 2011).*
10.35	Employment Agreement, Larry A. Mizel, amended and restated as of August 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 26, 2008). *
10.36	Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry A. Mizel, dated March 8, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.37	Employment Agreement, David D. Mandarich, amended and restated as of August 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 26, 2008). *
10.38	Amendment to Employment Agreement of David D. Mandarich, dated March 8, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2012).*
10.39	Employment offer letter by the Company to John M. Stephens, dated January 27, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2012). *
10.40	Lease Agreement among MDC, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc. and Larry A. Mizel, August 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2007). *
10.41	Lease Agreement among MDC, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc. and David D. Mandarich, August 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2007). *
10.42	Change in Control and Separation Agreement between the Company and John M. Stephens, dated as of February 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2012).*
10.43	Change in Control and Separation Agreement between the Company and Michael Touff, dated as of July 30, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 31, 2008). *
10.44	Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Company and certain employees of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 27, 1998). *

59

Exhibit Number	Description
10.45	Independent Contractor Agreement between Mizel Design and Decorating Company and the Company effective as of January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2004). *
10.46	Sub-Sublease agreement between MDC and CVentures, Inc., executed July 25, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2005). *
10.47	First Amendment to Sub-Sublease agreement between MDC and CVentures, Inc., executed on March 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 29, 2006). *
12	Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Schedule.
21	Subsidiaries of the Company.
23	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
31.1	Certification of principal executive officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of principal financial officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of principal executive officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b), pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of principal financial officer required by 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b), pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101	The following financial statements filed on January 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012; and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

* Incorporated by reference.

60

EX-4.7

Exhibit 4.7

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

5.375% Senior Notes Due 2014

5.375% Senior Notes Due 2015

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of January 3, 2013, (this “Second Supplemental Indenture”), by and among M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), and Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc., a Colorado corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Additional Guarantor”, and together with the Current Guarantors, as defined below, the “Guarantors”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture (as defined below).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed a Senior Debt Securities Indenture dated as of December 3, 2002 (the “Base Indenture”), to provide for the issuance of the Company’s Senior Debt Securities (the “Notes”);

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2004 (as amended, the “First Supplemental Indenture,” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), among themselves and each of the following wholly owned Subsidiaries of the Company: M.D.C. Land Corporation, a Colorado corporation, RAH of Florida, Inc., a Colorado corporation, RAH of Texas, LP, a Colorado limited partnership, RAH Texas Holdings, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, Richmond American Construction, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of California, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP, a Colorado limited partnership, Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc., a Maryland corporation, Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Texas, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc., a Virginia corporation, and Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc., a Colorado corporation;

WHEREAS, on January 29, 2007, RAH of Texas, LP, a Colorado limited partnership, RAH Texas Holdings, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, and Richmond American Homes of Texas, Inc., a Colorado corporation, were released as guarantors under the Indenture;

WHEREAS, on May 5, 2008, Richmond American Homes of California, Inc., a Colorado corporation, merged into Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc., a Maryland corporation, which survived the merger and continued under the name Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc.;

WHEREAS, on September 30, 2010, Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc., a Colorado corporation, was released as a guarantor under the Indenture;

WHEREAS, the following wholly owned Subsidiaries of the Company continue as guarantors under the Indenture (the “Current Guarantors”): M.D.C. Land Corporation, a Colorado corporation, RAH of Florida, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Construction, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP, a Colorado limited partnership, Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc., a Maryland corporation, Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc., a Colorado corporation, and Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc., a Virginia corporation;

WHEREAS, the Additional Guarantor wishes to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Notes on the same terms that the Current Guarantors have guaranteed the obligations of the Company under the Notes;

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver this Second Supplemental Indenture pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture; and

WHEREAS, all requirements necessary to make this Second Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument in accordance with its terms have been performed and the execution and delivery of this Second Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized in all respects by the Company and the Additional Guarantor.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Additional Guarantor covenant and agree with the Trustee as follows:

ARTICLE I

GUARANTEE OF NOTES AND RELATED PROVISIONS

SECTION 1.01. Unconditional Guarantee. The Additional Guarantor shall execute and deliver to the Trustee the following Guarantee, and shall be jointly and severally liable with any other Guarantor for their obligations under such Guarantee.

(FORM OF GUARANTEE)

Each of the undersigned (the “Guarantors”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally (such guarantee by each Guarantor being referred to herein as the “Guarantee”) (i) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Notes, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal and interest, if any, on the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms set forth in Article Six of the Supplemental Indenture and (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.

No past, present or future stockholder, officer, director, employee or incorporator, as such, of any of the Guarantors shall have any liability under the Guarantee by reason of such person’s status as stockholder, officer, director, employee or incorporator. Each holder of a Note by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Guarantees.

Each holder of a Note by accepting a Note agrees that any Guarantor named below shall have no further liability with respect to its Guarantee if such Guarantor otherwise ceases to be liable in respect of its Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture.

The Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Securities upon which the Guarantee is noted shall have been executed by the Trustee under the Supplemental Indenture by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers.

SECTION 1.02. Execution of Guarantee. To evidence the Guarantee specified in Section 1.01, the Additional Guarantor hereby agrees to execute the Guarantee in substantially the form set forth above, and to deliver such Guarantee to the Trustee, which shall deliver such Guarantee to each Holder as an endorsement to the Notes held by such Holder, or alternatively hold such Guarantee on behalf of each such Holder.

ARTICLE II

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 2.01. Confirmation of Indenture. The Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this Second Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture, this Second Supplemental Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

SECTION 2.02. Concerning the Trustee. The rights and duties of the Trustee set forth in the Indenture shall not be modified by reason of this Second Supplemental Indenture.

SECTION 2.03. Governing Law. This Second Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture, the Notes, and the Guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

SECTION 2.04. Separability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Second Supplemental Indenture shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Second Supplemental Indenture, but this Second Supplemental Indenture shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

SECTION 2.05. Counterparts. This Second Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

By:	/s/ John J. Heaney
Name:	John J. Heaney
Title:	Senior Vice President and Treasurer
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
By:	/s/ K. Wendy Kumar
Name:	K. Wendy Kumar
Title:	Vice President
RICHMOND AMERICAN HOMES OF WASHINGTON, INC.
By:	/s/ John J. Heaney
Name:	John J. Heaney
Title:	Vice President and Treasurer

EX-4.9

Exhibit 4.9

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of January 3, 2013, (this “Second Supplemental Indenture”), by and among M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), and Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc., a Colorado corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Additional Guarantor”, and together with the Current Guarantors, as defined below, the “Guarantors”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture (as defined below).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed a Senior Debt Securities Indenture dated as of December 3, 2002 (the “Base Indenture”), to provide for the issuance of the Company’s Senior Debt Securities (the “Notes”);

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 15, 2010 (the “First Supplemental Indenture,” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), among themselves and each of the following wholly owned Subsidiaries of the Company: M.D.C. Land Corporation, a Colorado corporation, RAH of Florida, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Construction, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP, a Colorado limited partnership, Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc., a Maryland corporation, Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc., a Virginia corporation, and Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc., a Colorado corporation;

WHEREAS, on September 30, 2010, Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc., a Colorado corporation, was released as a guarantor under the Indenture;

WHEREAS, the following wholly owned Subsidiaries of the Company continue as guarantors under the Indenture (the “Current Guarantors”): M.D.C. Land Corporation, a Colorado corporation, RAH of Florida, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Construction, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP, a Colorado limited partnership, Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc., a Maryland corporation, Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc., a Colorado corporation, and Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc., a Virginia corporation;

WHEREAS, the Additional Guarantor wishes to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Notes on the same terms that the Current Guarantors have guaranteed the obligations of the Company under the Notes;

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver this Second Supplemental Indenture pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture; and

WHEREAS, all requirements necessary to make this Second Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument in accordance with its terms have been performed and the execution and delivery of this Second Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized in all respects by the Company and the Additional Guarantor.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Additional Guarantor covenant and agree with the Trustee as follows:

ARTICLE I

GUARANTEE OF NOTES AND RELATED PROVISIONS

SECTION 1.01. Unconditional Guarantee. The Additional Guarantor shall execute and deliver to the Trustee the following Guarantee, and shall be jointly and severally liable with any other Guarantor for their obligations under such Guarantee.

(FORM OF GUARANTEE)

Each of the undersigned (the “Guarantors”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally (such guarantee by each Guarantor being referred to herein as the “Guarantee”) (i) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Notes, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal and interest, if any, on the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms set forth in Article Six of the Supplemental Indenture and (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.

No past, present or future stockholder, officer, director, employee or incorporator, as such, of any of the Guarantors shall have any liability under the Guarantee by reason of such person’s status as stockholder, officer, director, employee or incorporator. Each holder of a Note by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Guarantees.

Each holder of a Note by accepting a Note agrees that any Guarantor named below shall have no further liability with respect to its Guarantee if such Guarantor otherwise ceases to be liable in respect of its Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture.

The Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Securities upon which the Guarantee is noted shall have been executed by the Trustee under the Supplemental Indenture by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers.

SECTION 1.02. Execution of Guarantee. To evidence the Guarantee specified in Section 1.01, the Additional Guarantor hereby agrees to execute the Guarantee in substantially the form set forth above, and to deliver such Guarantee to the Trustee, which shall deliver such Guarantee to each Holder as an endorsement to the Notes held by such Holder, or alternatively hold such Guarantee on behalf of each such Holder.

ARTICLE II

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 2.01. Confirmation of Indenture. The Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this Second Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture, this Second Supplemental Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

SECTION 2.02. Concerning the Trustee. The rights and duties of the Trustee set forth in the Indenture shall not be modified by reason of this Second Supplemental Indenture.

SECTION 2.03. Governing Law. This Second Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture, the Notes, and the Guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

SECTION 2.04. Separability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Second Supplemental Indenture shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Second Supplemental Indenture, but this Second Supplemental Indenture shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

SECTION 2.05. Counterparts. This Second Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

By: /s/ John J. Heaney                                                                 

Name: John J. Heaney

Title: Senior Vice President and Treasurer

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee

By: /s/ Donald T. Hurrelbrink                                                         

Name: Donald T. Hurrelbrink

Title: Vice President

RICHMOND AMERICAN HOMES OF WASHINGTON, INC.

By: /s/ John J. Heaney                                                                 

Name: John J. Heaney

Title: Vice President and Treasurer

EX-10.8

Exhibit 10.8

SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of December 21, 2012, is made and entered into between and among HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, a Colorado corporation (the “Seller”), and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and representative of itself as a Buyer and the other Buyers (in such capacity, the “Agent”) and as a Buyer (in such capacity, “U.S. Bank”).

RECITALS:

A. The Seller, U.S. Bank, and the Agent are parties to a Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of November 12, 2008, as amended by a First Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 2009, a Second Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2010, a Third Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of September 14, 2011, a Fourth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of September 29, 2011, a Fifth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of January 31, 2012, and a Sixth Amendment to Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of September 21, 2012 (as so amended, the “Repurchase Agreement”).

B. The Seller and the Agent now desire to amend certain provisions of the Repurchase Agreement as set forth herein.

AGREEMENT:

In consideration of the premises herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment have the meanings specified in the Repurchase Agreement.

Section 2. Amendment. Schedule BC to the Repurchase Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety as set forth on Exhibit A to this Amendment.

Section 3. Conditions Precedent and Effectiveness. This Amendment shall be effective as of the date first above written, upon the occurrence of the following events:

3.1 delivery to the Agent of this Amendment duly executed by the Seller in a quantity sufficient that the Agent and the Seller may each have a fully executed original;

3.2 delivery to the Agent of a certificate of the corporate secretary of the Seller certifying (a) that the resolutions adopted by the Seller’s board of directors on November 18, 2005, authorizing execution, delivery and performance of the credit facilities, remain in full force and effect and that no further approval of the Seller’s board of directors is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance of this Amendment, (b) as to the incumbency of the officers executing this Amendment on behalf of the Seller, and (c) that there has been no change to the Seller’s articles of incorporation or bylaws since copies of the same were delivered to the Agent on or about November 12, 2008; and

3.3 delivery to the Agent of such other documents as it may reasonably request.

Section 4. Miscellaneous.

4.1. Ratifications. The terms and provisions of this Amendment shall modify and supersede all inconsistent terms and provisions of the Repurchase Agreement and the other Repurchase Documents, and, except as expressly modified and superseded by this Amendment, the terms and provisions of the Repurchase Agreement and each other Repurchase Document are ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect.

4.2. Seller Representations and Warranties. The Seller hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in Article 15 of the Repurchase Agreement and in the other Repurchase Documents are true and correct in all material respects with the same force and effect on and as of the date hereof as though made as of the date hereof, and (b) after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

4.3. Survival. The representations and warranties made by the Seller in this Amendment shall survive the execution and delivery of this Amendment.

4.4. Reference to Repurchase Agreement. Each of the Repurchase Documents, including the Repurchase Agreement and any and all other agreements, documents, or instruments now or hereafter executed and delivered pursuant to the terms hereof or pursuant to the terms of the Repurchase Agreement as amended hereby, is hereby amended so that any reference in such Repurchase Document to the Repurchase Agreement refers to the Repurchase Agreement as amended and modified hereby.

4.5. Applicable Law. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

4.6. Successors and Assigns. This Amendment is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Agent, the Buyers, the Seller, and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Seller may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Agent.

4.7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.8. Headings. The headings, captions, and arrangements used in this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Amendment.

4.9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AMENDMENT AND THE OTHER REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND THEREOF AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR THERETO.

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the date first written above.

SELLER AND SERVICER:

	HOMEAMERICAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as Seller and Servicer
	By:	/s/ John J. Heaney
	Name:	John J. Heaney
	Title:	Senior Vice President and Treasurer
	Date:	December 20, 2012
AGENT AND BUYER:
	U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent and Buyer
	By:	/s/ Edwin D. Jenkins
	Name:	Edwin D. Jenkins
	Title:	Senior Vice President
	Date:	December 20, 2012

EXHIBIT A TO SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO

MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE BC

TO MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

THE BUYERS’ COMMITTED SUMS

(IN DOLLARS)

Buyer	Committed Sum
U.S. Bank National Association	Through January 31, 2013: $80,000,000 After January 31, 2013: $50,000,000
Maximum Aggregate Commitment	Through January 31, 2013: $80,000,000 After January 31, 2013: $50,000,000

EX-12

Exhibit 12

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

RATIO OF (LOSS) EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(Dollars in thousands)
Earnings (Loss)	$	95,914		$	(62,329	)	$	(5,268	)	$	(28,481	)	$	(299,317	)
Fixed Charges	$	45,200		$	65,439		$	75,440		$	67,954		$	68,570
(Loss) Earnings to Fixed Charges	$	2.12		$	(0.95	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.42	)	$	(4.37	)
Earnings (Loss):
Income (Loss) before income taxes	$	61,115		$	(107,472	)	$	(70,601	)	$	(107,335	)	$	(382,135	)
Add: Fixed Charges		45,200			65,439			75,440			67,954			68,570
Less: Capitalized Interest		(41,507	)		(41,448	)		(33,919	)		(19,810	)		(39,852	)
Add: Amortization of Previously Capitalized Interest		31,106			21,152			23,812			30,710			54,100
Total (Loss) Earnings	$	95,914		$	(62,329	)	$	(5,268	)	$	(28,481	)	$	(299,317	)
Fixed Charges:
Homebuilding and corporate interest expense (1)	$	808		$	20,842		$	38,157		$	44,436		$	24,027
Mortgage lending interest expense		607			442			466			451			329
Interest component of rent expense		2,278			2,707			2,898			3,257			4,362
Capitalized interest		41,507			41,448			33,919			19,810			39,852
Total Fixed Charges	$	45,200		$	65,439		$	75,440		$	67,954		$	68,570

(1) Includes the amortization and expensing of debt expenses that were not capitalized during period

In computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, fixed charges consist of homebuilding and corporate interest expense which includes the amortization and expensing of debt expenses that were not capitalized during period, mortgage lending interest expense, interest component of rent expense, and capitalized interest. Earnings are computed by adding fixed charges (except capitalized interest) and amortization of previously capitalized interest during the period to (loss) earnings before income taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company generated losses which exceeded fixed charges of $127.8 million, $80.7 million, $96.4 million and $367.9 million, respectively.

EX-21

Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

Name	State of Organization	Doing Business As
Allegiant Insurance Company, Inc., A Risk Retention Group	Hawaii
American Home Insurance Agency, Inc.	Colorado	AHI Insurance Agency AH Insurance Agency, Inc.
American Home Title and Escrow Company	Colorado	AHT Title Company of Texas
ASFC-W, Inc.	Arizona
ASW Finance Company	Arizona
HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation	Colorado	Home American Mortgage Corporation
M.D.C. Land Corporation	Colorado	MDC Land Flight Operations Co. Richmond Developments Limited
M.D.C. Residual Holdings, Inc.	Colorado
MDC/Wood, Inc.	Delaware
Monaco Street Financial I, Inc.	Colorado
Monaco Street Financial II, Inc.	Colorado
NDC HVAC, Inc.	Colorado
RAH of Florida, Inc.	Colorado
RAH of Texas, LP	Colorado	Richmond American Homes of Texas
RAH Texas Holdings, LLC	Colorado
Richmond American Construction, Inc.	Delaware
Richmond American Homes Corporation	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc.	Delaware
Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc.	Delaware
Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc.	Maryland	Richmond American Homes of California, Inc.
Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Texas, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc.	Virginia
Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes Three, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes Four, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes Five, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes Six, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond American Homes Seven, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond Realty, Inc.	Colorado
Richmond Realty of Washington, Inc.	Colorado
StarAmerican Insurance Ltd.	Hawaii
Yosemite Financial, Inc.	Colorado

EX-23

Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No 333-177680) of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and related Prospectus for the registration of $1,000,000,000 in common stock, preferred stock, and debt securities, and;

(2) Registration Statements (Form S-8 No. 333-67894, Form S-8 No. 333-103192 and Form S-8 No. 333-145066) pertaining to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors; and;

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No 333-174110) pertaining to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors;

of our reports dated January 31, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado

January 31, 2013

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Larry A. Mizel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 31, 2013	/s/ Larry A. Mizel
	Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, John M. Stephens, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 31, 2013	/s/ John M. Stephens
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
	and Principal Accounting Officer
	(principal financial officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2012 accompanying this certification, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: January 31, 2013	/s/ Larry A. Mizel
	Larry A. Mizel
	Chief Executive Officer             (principal executive officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Title 18, United States Code, and is not being filed as part of the report or as a separate disclosure document.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2012 accompanying this certification, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: January 31, 2013	/s/ John M. Stephens
	John M. Stephens
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial             Officer and Principal Accounting Officer              (principal financial officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Title 18, United States Code, and is not being filed as part of the report or as a separate disclosure document.

XML

Warranty Accrual (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Warranty Accrual and Payment Activity

The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	25,525		$	34,704		$	59,022
Expense provisions		4,216			4,224			5,320
Cash payments		(6,590	)		(7,925	)		(8,793	)
Adjustments		-			(5,478	)		(20,845	)
Balance at end of period	$	23,151		$	25,525		$	34,704

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Basic and Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share
Net income (loss)	$ 29,932	$ 20,126	$ 10,638	$ 2,265	$ (18,821)	$ (31,710)	$ (27,980)	$ (19,879)	$ 62,699	$ (98,390)	$ (64,770)
Less: distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities									(1,101)	(711)	(523)
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders									$ 61,598	$ (99,101)	$ (65,293)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding									47,660,629	46,796,334	46,627,815
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive weighted-average common shares outstanding									48,064,839	46,796,334	46,627,815
Basic (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share	$ 0.63	$ 0.42	$ 0.22	$ 0.04	$ (0.40)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.60)	$ (0.43)	$ 1.29	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Dilutive (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share	$ 0.62	$ 0.41	$ 0.22	$ 0.04	$ (0.40)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.60)	$ (0.43)	$ 1.28	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Stock Option [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock option and restricted stock awards									173,527
Restricted Stock [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock option and restricted stock awards									230,683

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Blanket security bonds	$ 2,500,000	$ 2,500,000
Restricted cash relating to deposits	1,900,000	667,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization expense	23,391,000	18,962,000
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities)	248,306,000	281,178,000
Deferred tax assets, tax deferred expense, reserves and accruals, impairment losses	800,000	3,300,000
Gain on sale of mortgage loans, net	21,700,000	10,000,000	16,100,000
Land development and home construction accruals	9,500,000	10,600,000
Vesting period, expiration, years	7 years
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	50.8	24.4
Average interest rate on interest rate lock commitments	326.00%	393.00%
Property And Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation and amortization expense	$ 4,400,000	$ 6,100,000	$ 5,600,000
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated discounted cash flows rate	13.00%
Property and equipment useful life in years	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated discounted cash flows rate	18.00%
Property and equipment useful life in years	29 years

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Warranty Accrual - Warranty Accrual Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 25,525	$ 34,704	$ 59,022
Expense provisions	4,216	4,224	5,320
Cash payments	(6,590)	(7,925)	(8,793)
Adjustments		(5,478)	(20,845)
Ending Balance	$ 23,151	$ 25,525	$ 34,704

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011 Treasury Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Treasury Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock equivalents excluded in diluted earnings per share	4.8	0.3	0.4

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Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss carryforward	$ 129,695	$ 133,454
State net operating loss carryforward	49,551	53,350
Asset impairment charges	14,080	31,137
Stock-based compensation expense	29,196	26,771
Warranty, litigation and other reserves	14,556	18,933
Accrued liabilities	12,166	10,667
Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carry forwards	10,988	10,296
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes	3,930	3,466
Unrealized loss on marketable securities		2,787
Charitable contribution on carryforward	520	942
Deferred revenue	629	580
Total deferred tax assets	265,311	292,383
Valuation allowance	(248,306)	(281,178)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	17,005	11,205
Deferred revenue	3,796	5,589
Property, equipment and other assets	5,753	706
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for financial statement purposes	450	542
Accrued liabilities	758	32
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	1,863
Other, net	4,385	4,336
Total deferred tax liabilities	17,005	11,205
Net deferred tax asset

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Supplemental Guarantor Information - Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ (108,819)	$ (80,284)	$ (209,081)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(21,781)	404,264	(644,466)
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior notes			242,288
Mortgage repurchase facility	27,625	23,268	(3,681)
Dividend payments	(96,915)	(47,432)	(47,140)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	16,624	9,044	53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(52,666)	(552,844)	191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(183,266)	(228,864)	(662,027)
Beginning of period	343,361	572,225	1,234,252
End of period	160,095	343,361	572,225
M D C Holdings [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	83,797	(39,462)	36,971
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(22,999)	439,066	(613,377)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	(168,169)	(44,961)	(293,883)
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior notes			242,288
Dividend payments	(96,915)	(47,432)	(47,140)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	16,624	9,044	53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(248,460)	(621,073)	(98,682)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(187,662)	(221,469)	(675,088)
Beginning of period	313,566	535,035	1,210,123
End of period	125,904	313,566	535,035
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(71,674)	(26,663)	(275,822)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(823)	(71)	(1,046)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	73,034	25,218	277,897
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	73,034	25,218	277,897
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	537	(1,516)	1,029
Beginning of period	2,771	4,287	3,258
End of period	3,308	2,771	4,287
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(39,106)	(33,125)	1,123
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,041	(34,731)	(30,043)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	13,299	38,709	44,633
Mortgage repurchase facility	27,625	23,268	(3,681)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	40,924	61,977	40,952
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,859	(5,879)	12,032
Beginning of period	27,024	32,903	20,871
End of period	30,883	27,024	32,903
Eliminations Entries [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(81,836)	18,966	28,647
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	81,836	(18,966)	(28,647)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$ 81,836	$ (18,966)	$ (28,647)

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Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheets

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet

	December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
ASSETS	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	125,904		$	3,308	$	323		$	-		$	129,535
Marketable securities		519,465			-		-						519,465
Restricted cash		-			1,859		-						1,859
Trade and other receivables		6,563			18,846		2,754						28,163
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		-			469,495		43,454						512,949
Land and land under development		-			467,915		21,657						489,572
Investment in subsidiaries		198,465			-		-			(198,465	)		-
Other assets, net		40,565			28,524		8,813			-			77,902
Total homebuilding assets		890,962			989,947		77,001			(198,465	)		1,759,445
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-		30,560			-			30,560
Marketable securities		-			-		32,473			-			32,473
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-		119,953			-			119,953
Prepaid expenses and other assets		-			-		4,710			(1,700	)		3,010
Total financial services assets		-			-		187,696			(1,700	)		185,996
Total Assets	$	890,962		$	989,947	$	264,697		$	(200,165	)	$	1,945,441
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	-		$	67,257	$	5,798			-		$	73,055
Accrued liabilities		63,886			46,761		7,809			-			118,456
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		(798,663	)		755,566		52,839			(9,742	)		-
Senior notes, net		744,842			-		-			-			744,842
Total homebuilding liabilities		10,065			869,584		66,446			(9,742	)		936,353
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities		-			-		51,864			-			51,864
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-		(8,042	)		8,042			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-		76,327			-			76,327
Total financial services liabilities		-			-		120,149			8,042			128,191
Total Liabilities		10,065			869,584		186,595			(1,700	)		1,064,544
Equity:
Total Stockholder’s Equity		880,897			120,363		78,102			(198,465	)		880,897
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	890,962		$	989,947	$	264,697		$	(200,165	)	$	1,945,441

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet

	December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
ASSETS	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	313,566		$	2,771	$	81		$	-		$	316,418
Marketable securities		485,434			-		-			-			485,434
Restricted cash		-			667		-			-			667
Trade and other receivables		8,368			12,740		485			-			21,593
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		-			280,932		19,782			-			300,714
Land and land under development		-			489,305		16,033			-			505,338
Investment in subsidiaries		126,768			-		-			(126,768	)		-
Other assets, net		45,287			33,074		8,435			(96	)		86,700
Total homebuilding assets		979,423			819,489		44,816			(126,864	)		1,716,864
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-		26,943			-			26,943
Marketable securities		-			-		34,509			-			34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-		78,335			-			78,335
Prepaid expenses and other assets		-			-		3,774			(1,700	)		2,074
Total financial services assets		-			-		143,561			(1,700	)		141,861
Total Assets	$	979,423		$	819,489	$	188,377		$	(128,564	)	$	1,858,725
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	-		$	23,409	$	2,236			-		$	25,645
Accrued liabilities		67,199			50,271		1,814			(96	)		119,188
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		(700,520	)		682,088		21,998			(3,566	)		-
Senior notes, net		744,108			-		-			-			744,108
Total homebuilding liabilities		110,787			755,768		26,048			(3,662	)		888,941
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities		-			-		52,446			-			52,446
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-		(1,866	)		1,866			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-		48,702			-			48,702
Total financial services liabilities		-			-		99,282			1,866			101,148
Total Liabilities		110,787			755,768		125,330			(1,796	)		990,089
Equity:
Total Stockholder’s Equity		868,636			63,721		63,047			(126,768	)		868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	979,423		$	819,489	$	188,377		$	(128,564	)	$	1,858,725

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	1,087,957		$	74,719		$	(6,534	)	$	1,156,142
Cost of Sales		-			(922,774	)		(61,703	)		6,534			(977,943	)
Inventory impairments		-			(1,105	)		-			-			(1,105	)
Gross margin		-			164,078			13,016			-			177,094
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(52,880	)		(108,873	)		(5,542	)		-			(167,295	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		81,836			-			-			(81,836	)		-
Interest income		23,381			16			1			-			23,398
Interest expense		(778	)		(30	)		-			-			(808	)
Other income (expense)		528			15			(315	)		-			228
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		52,087			55,206			7,160			(81,836	)		32,617
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			28,498			-			28,498
Income (loss) before income taxes		52,087			55,206			35,658			(81,836	)		61,115
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		10,612			1,435			(10,463	)		-			1,584
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	56,641		$	25,195		$	(81,836	)	$	62,699

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	787,874		$	38,782		$	(9,633	)	$	817,023
Cost of Sales		-			(674,335	)		(32,755	)		9,633			(697,457	)
Inventory impairments		-			(12,965	)		-			-			(12,965	)
Gross margin		-			100,574			6,027			-			106,601
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(57,811	)		(116,494	)		(4,800	)		-			(179,105	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		(18,966	)		-			-			18,966			-
Interest income		26,039			29			-			-			26,068
Interest expense		(20,687	)		(155	)		-			-			(20,842	)
Other income (expense)		(35,479	)		(7,934	)		63			-			(43,350	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		(106,904	)		(23,980	)		1,290			18,966			(110,628	)
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			3,156			-			3,156
Income (loss) before income taxes		(106,904	)		(23,980	)		4,446			18,966			(107,472	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		8,514			2,027			(1,459	)		-			9,082
Net income (loss)	$	(98,390	)	$	(21,953	)	$	2,987		$	18,966		$	(98,390	)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	942,693		$	-		$	(15,788	)	$	926,905
Cost of Sales		-			(765,749	)		(490	)		15,788			(750,451	)
Inventory impairments		-			(21,195	)		-			-			(21,195	)
Gross margin		-			155,749			(490	)		-			155,259
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(74,626	)		(141,349	)		(3,710	)					(219,685	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		14,653			-			-			(14,653	)		-
Interest income		23,830			130			-			-			23,960
Interest expense		(38,157	)		-			-			-			(38,157	)
Other income (expense)		111			(2,434	)		50			-			(2,273	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		(74,189	)		12,096			(4,150	)		(14,653	)		(80,896	)
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			10,295			-			10,295
Income (loss) before income taxes		(74,189	)		12,096			6,145			(14,653	)		(70,601	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		9,419			992			(4,580	)		-			5,831
Net income (loss)	$	(64,770	)	$	13,088		$	1,565		$	(14,653	)	$	(64,770	)

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	83,797		$	(71,674	)	$	(39,106	)	$	(81,836	)	$	(108,819	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(22,999	)		(823	)		2,041			-			(21,781	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(168,169	)		73,034			13,299			81,836			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			27,625			-			27,625
Dividend payments		(96,915	)		-			-			-			(96,915	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		16,624			-			-			-			16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(248,460	)		73,034			40,924			81,836			(52,666	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(187,662	)		537			3,859			-			(183,266	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		313,566			2,771			27,024			-			343,361
End of period	$	125,904		$	3,308		$	30,883		$	-		$	160,095

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(39,462	)	$	(26,663	)	$	(33,125	)	$	18,966		$	(80,284	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		439,066			(71	)		(34,731	)		-			404,264
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(44,961	)		25,218			38,709			(18,966	)		-
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724	)		-			-						(537,724	)
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			23,268			-			23,268
Dividend payments		(47,432	)		-			-			-			(47,432	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		9,044			-			-			-			9,044
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(621,073	)		25,218			61,977			(18,966	)		(552,844	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(221,469	)		(1,516	)		(5,879	)		-			(228,864	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		535,035			4,287			32,903			-			572,225
End of period	$	313,566		$	2,771		$	27,024		$	-		$	343,361

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	36,971		$	(275,822	)	$	1,123		$	28,647		$	(209,081	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(613,377	)		(1,046	)		(30,043	)		-			(644,466	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(293,883	)		277,897			44,633			(28,647	)		-
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		242,288			-			-						242,288
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			(3,681	)		-			(3,681	)
Dividend payments		(47,140	)		-			-			-			(47,140	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		53			-			-			-			53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(98,682	)		277,897			40,952			(28,647	)		191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(675,088	)		1,029			12,032			-			(662,027	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		1,210,123			3,258			20,871			-			1,234,252
End of period	$	535,035		$	4,287		$	32,903		$	-		$	572,225

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share

The following table shows our basic and diluted EPS calculations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2011			2010
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	(98,390	)	$	(64,770	)
Less: distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,101	)		(711	)		(523	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	61,598		$	(99,101	)	$	(65,293	)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		47,660,629			46,796,334			46,627,815
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		173,527			-			-
Restricted stock awards		230,683			-			-
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		48,064,839			46,796,334			46,627,815
Basic earnings (loss) per common share		1.29		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.28		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)

XML

Income Taxes - Liability Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 2,712	$ 48,963	$ 52,837
Increases related to prior year tax positions	63		13
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(84)	(286)	(2,323)
Increases related to current year tax positions		85	385
Decreases related to current year tax positions
Settlements with taxing authorities		(38,543)	(1,414)
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(2,116)	(7,507)	(535)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 575	$ 2,712	$ 48,963

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Insurance Reserves - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Insured Financial Obligations with Credit Deterioration [Line Items]
Adjustments	$ 1,931	$ 2,409	$ 4,216

XML

Stock Based Compensation - Fair Value of Share Based Payment Awards (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average expected lives of options, years	7 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 7 months 6 days	7 years 7 months 6 days
Expected volatility	44.60%	47.80%	44.20%
Risk free interest rate	1.70%	1.30%	2.80%
Dividend yield rate	4.00%	4.10%	3.50%

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities (Detail) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$ 551,938	$ 519,943
Amortized Cost [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	547,100	527,183
Amortized Cost [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity security	208,279	169,565
Debt securities	306,793	323,454
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	515,072	493,019
Amortized Cost [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	32,028	34,164
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	551,938	519,943
Fair Value [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity security	208,818	160,021
Debt securities	310,647	325,413
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	519,465	485,434
Fair Value [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$ 32,473	$ 34,509

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%
Benefit for income taxes	$ 1,584,000	$ 9,082,000	$ 5,831,000
Federal net operating loss carryforward	129,695,000	133,454,000
State net operating loss carryforward	49,551,000	53,350,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	575,000	2,712,000	48,963,000		52,837,000
Increase in additional paid-in-capital from certain tax events	1,600,000	18,400,000
2008 IRS deposits		35,600,000
Benefit received in 2011 from settlement of 2008 IRS deposit				11,100,000
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	800,000	3,300,000
Expense (benefit) for interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits	(400,000)	(4,800,000)	(1,800,000)
Interest and penalties component of liability for unrecognized tax benefits	400,000	800,000
Lower bound of reasonably possible decrease to unrecognized tax benefits	0
Upper bound of reasonably possible decrease to unrecognized tax benefits	1,000,000
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration dates	2028
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration dates	2013
Settlements Of State Income Tax Matters [Member] | Operating Loss Carryback [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Benefit for income taxes	$ 1,600,000	$ 9,100,000	$ 5,800,000

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Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Non Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	$ 4,451
2014	3,464
2015	3,489
2016	2,864
2017	698
Thereafter	651
Total	$ 15,617

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Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2013
Lines Of Credit And Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate commitment			$ 80,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Mortgage repurchase facility	48,700,000		76,300,000	48,700,000
Line of Credit facility, Interest Rate Description			Advances under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility carry a Pricing Rate equal to the greater of (i) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility) plus 2.5%, or (ii) 3.25%. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility contains various representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants customary for agreements of this type. The negative covenants include, among others, (i) an Adjusted Tangible Net Worth requirement, (ii) a minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth Ratio, (iii) an Adjusted Net Income requirement, and (iv) a minimum Liquidity requirement. The foregoing terms are defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility.
Extinguishment of debt				537,700,000
Carrying Amount	744,108,000		744,842,000	744,108,000
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes	21,527,000	17,268,000		(38,795,000)
7% Senior Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Lines Of Credit And Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate percentage of debt instruments	7.00%			7.00%
Senior notes principal	$ 500,000,000			$ 500,000,000
5 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]
Lines Of Credit And Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate percentage of debt instruments	5.50%			5.50%

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Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Authorized number of common shares to purchase, maximum	4,000,000
Shares repurchased during period	0	0	0
Number of treasury shares held		59,912
Average cost of treasury stock, per share		$ 11.00

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Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Tax benefit computed at federal statutory rate	$ 21,390	$ (37,615)	$ (24,711)
State income tax benefit, net of federal benefit	2,139	(3,762)	(2,471)
Permanent differences	1,771	93	319
Change in state tax rate on temporary differences	2,634
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	(1,857)	(9,173)	(4,082)
Change in valuation allowance	(27,661)	41,375	25,114
Benefit for income taxes	$ (1,584)	$ (9,082)	$ (5,831)
Effective tax rate	2.60%	8.50%	8.30%

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Warranty Accrual - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Adjustments to warranty reserve	$ 5.5	$ 20.8

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Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation

19. Stock-Based Compensation

Determining Fair Value of Share-Based Payment Awards.  We examine our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there are any discernable activity patterns based on certain employee and non-employee populations. Based upon this evaluation, we have identified three distinct populations: (1) executives currently consisting of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel (collectively, the “Executives”); (2) Non-Executive employees (“Non-Executives”); and (3) non-employee members of our board of directors (“Directors”). Accordingly, during 2012, 2011 and 2010 the Company used separate Black-Scholes option pricing model assumptions for each of the aforementioned employee and non-employee populations. The fair values for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Weighted-average expected lives of options		7.8 yrs.		4.6 yrs.		7.6 yrs.
Expected volatility		44.6%		47.8%		44.2%
Risk free interest rate		1.7%		1.3%		2.8%
Dividend yield rate		4.0%		4.1%		3.5%

Based on calculations using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the weighted-average grant date fair values of stock options granted during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $7.54, $3.76 and $9.19, respectively. No stock options were granted to our Executives during the year ended December 31, 2011. As a result, the weighted average expected life of our options are higher in 2012 and 2010 when compared to 2011 as options were granted to Executives in 2012 and 2010.

The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period for which the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and are derived primarily from historical exercise patterns. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility in the price of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of our stock options. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected term of our employee stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of dividend payouts.

An annual forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant for all share-based payment awards with service conditions only. That rate is revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from our estimate. For grants made in the year ended December 31, 2012, we estimated an forfeiture rate between 20% and 45% for those share-based payment awards granted to Non-Executives. We estimate the annual forfeiture rate to be 0% for share-based payment awards with service conditions only granted to our Executives.

Stock Option Award Activity. Stock option activity under our option plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding Stock Option Activity
Outstanding, beginning of year		5,306,506		$	42.69		6,002,174		$	40.72		5,640,619		$	41.53
Granted - at fair market value(1)		1,382,500			25.33		265,000			25.07		376,500			29.37
Granted - above fair market value		-			-		-			-		180,000			31.75
Exercised		(704,242	)		23.69		(489,324	)		18.47		(2,894	)		18.47
Forfeited		(55,710	)		27.46		(124,710	)		32.20		(177,321	)		32.62
Cancelled		(49,481	)		44.75		(346,634	)		33.87		(14,730	)		44.94
Outstanding, end of year		5,879,573		$	41.29		5,306,506		$	42.69		6,002,174		$	40.72

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value
Unvested Stock Option Activity
Unvested, beginning of year		1,251,328		$	14.99		1,790,425		$	13.50		2,233,717		$	13.88
Granted - at fair market value(1)		1,382,500			7.54		265,000			7.42		376,500			8.99
Granted - above fair market value		-			-		-			-		180,000			9.45
Vested		(533,118	)		8.61		(679,387	)		14.76		(822,471	)		19.19
Forfeited		(55,710	)		8.45		(124,710	)		10.13		(177,321	)		11.59
Unvested, end of year		2,045,000		$	13.99		1,251,328		$	14.99		1,790,425		$	13.50

(1) Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the “Performance Based Stock Award Activity” section below.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $7.0 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The following table provides outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest in future reporting periods data for our stock options granted to Executives, Non-Executives and Directors as of December 31, 2012.

	Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding
Executives		4,475,604	$	41.03
Directors		1,044,000		46.84
Non-Executives		359,969		33.03
Total		5,879,573	$	41.29		5.40	$	23,750
Exerciseable
Executives		2,600,604	$	51.11
Directors		1,044,000		48.47
Non-Executives		189,969		36.80
Total		3,834,573	$	48.83		3.76	$	4,042
Exerciseable or expected to vest in the future
Executives		4,475,604	$	41.03
Directors		1,044,000		44.46
Non-Executives		279,193		37.36
Total		5,798,797	$	41.47		8.23	$	3,669

The aggregate intrinsic values in the tables above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic values (the difference between the closing price of MDC’s common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2012 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock option shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all in-the-money outstanding stock options been exercised on December 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes information associated with outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2012.

	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	Number Outstanding		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$15.84 - $ 23.77		180,000		8.99	$	20.91		30,000		8.98	$	22.12
$23.78 - $ 39.61		2,955,830		7.75	$	29.79		1,060,830		6.86	$	33.61
$39.62 - $ 47.53		1,234,243		2.46	$	43.84		1,234,243		2.52	$	43.84
$47.54 - $ 63.38		892,500		3.06	$	60.41		892,500		2.85	$	60.41
$63.39 - $ 71.30		492,000		2.30	$	67.17		492,000		2.26	$	67.17
$71.31 - $ 78.89		125,000		2.75	$	78.89		125,000		2.75	$	78.89
Total		5,879,573		5.40	$	41.29		3,834,573		3.76	$	48.83

Total stock-based compensation expense relating to stock options granted by the Company was $10.6 million, $9.0 million and $12.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, $6.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized as an expense by the Company in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.3 years.

We received cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $16.6 million, $9.0 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We did not have any net tax benefit realized for stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. We will will issue previously unissued shares and/or treasury stock upon the exercise of stock options.

Performance Based Stock Award Activity.  On March 8, 2012, we granted a long term performance-based non-qualified stock option to each of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer for 500,000 shares of common stock under our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. The terms of the performance-based options provide that, over a three year period, one third of the option shares would vest as of March 1 following any fiscal year in which, in addition to the Company achieving a gross margin from home sales of at least 16.7% (as calculated in our 2011 Form 10-K, excluding warranty adjustments and interest), the Company achieved: (1) at least a 10% increase in total revenue over 2011 (166,667 option shares vest); (2) at least a 15% increase in total revenue over 2011 (166,667 option shares vest); or (3) at least a 20% increase in total revenue over 2011 (166,666 option shares vest). Any of the three tranches of option shares that are not performance vested by March 1, 2015 would be forfeited. ASC 718 prohibits recognition of expense associated with performance based stock awards until achievement of the performance targets are probable of occurring.

In accordance with ASC 718, the performance-based awards were valued at the fair value on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of these awards was $7.42 per share. The maximum potential expense that would be recognized by the Company if all of the performance targets were met is approximately $7.4 million. At December 31, 2012 all performance targets have been achieved. As such, $6.2 million of compensation expense was recognized related to the grant of these awards during the year ended December 31, 2012. The balance of the unamortized stock-based compensation expense is anticipated to be amortized during the first two months of 2013.

Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity.  Non-vested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and changes during those years were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of year		667,849		$	33.19		443,112		$	36.15		420,862		$	36.84
Granted		48,613			27.85		329,703			30.24		125,626			34.49
Vested		(197,801	)		35.88		(100,677	)		36.34		(100,542	)		37.02
Forfeited		(11,294	)		30.62		(4,289	)		38.88		(2,834	)		42.38
Unvested, end of year		507,367		$	31.69		667,849		$	33.19		443,112		$	36.10

Total stock-based compensation expense relating to restricted stock awards was $5.6 million, $6.4 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2012, there was $9.6 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized as an expense by us in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.4 years. The total intrinsic value of unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2012 was $18.7 million. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock which vested during each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $5.9 million, $1.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash and Non-Cash Financing Activities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Interest, net of interest capitalized	$ 1,083	$ 25,190	$ 32,824
Income taxes	577	3,532	271
Non-cash investing and financing activities Unrealized holding (losses) gains on marketable securities	$ 12,078	$ (12,124)	$ 4,884

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Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt obligations

Our debt obligations at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014, net		249,621		249,438
5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2015, net		249,895		249,857
5 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020, net		245,326		244,813
Total Senior Notes, net	$	744,842	$	744,108

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Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit [Line Items]
Current Federal	$ (374)	$ (3,652)	$ (481)
Current State	(1,210)	(5,430)	(5,350)
Total current	(1,584)	(9,082)	(5,831)
Deferred Federal
Deferred State
Total deferred
Benefit for income taxes	$ (1,584)	$ (9,082)	$ (5,831)

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Stock Based Compensation - Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number Outstanding	1,382,500
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 41.29
Number Exercisable	3,834,573
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 years 9 months 4 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 48.83
Exercise Price Range of $15.84 - $23.77 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 15.84
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 23.77
Number Outstanding	180,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	8 years 11 months 27 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 20.91
Number Exercisable	30,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	8 years 11 months 23 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 22.12
Exercise Price Range of $23.78 - $39.61 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 23.78
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 39.61
Number Outstanding	2,955,830
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 9 months
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 29.79
Number Exercisable	1,060,830
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 10 months 10 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 33.61
Exercise Price Range of $39.62 - $47.53 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 39.62
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 47.53
Number Outstanding	1,234,243
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 5 months 16 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 43.84
Number Exercisable	1,234,243
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 6 months 7 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 43.84
Exercise Price Range of $47.54 - $63.38 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 47.54
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 63.38
Number Outstanding	892,500
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 years 22 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 60.41
Number Exercisable	892,500
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 10 months 6 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 60.41
Exercise Price Range of $63.39 - $71.30 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 63.39
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 71.30
Number Outstanding	492,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 67.17
Number Exercisable	492,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 3 months 4 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 67.17
Exercise Price Range of $71.31 - $78.89 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 71.31
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 78.89
Number Outstanding	125,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 9 months
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 78.89
Number Exercisable	125,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 9 months
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 78.89

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Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

The following table sets forth the information relating to prepaid expenses and other assets, net.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred marketing costs	$	13,874	$	20,786
Land option deposits		8,246		6,952
Deferred debt issuance costs, net		2,641		3,235
Prepaid expenses		5,575		4,376
Metro district bond securities (related party)		5,818		6,663
Goodwill		6,008		6,008
Other		2,615		2,403
Total	$	44,777	$	50,423

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Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 29,851	$ 19,484	$ 9,655	$ 2,125	$ (19,776)	$ (34,189)	$ (29,803)	$ (23,704)	$ 61,115	$ (107,472)	$ (70,601)
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									27,076	(16,889)	9,910
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									24,302	1,397	1,060
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									11,011	(7,195)	(3,048)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									(29,772)	(87,941)	(88,818)
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									32,617	(110,628)	(80,896)
Mortgage operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									23,939	394	10,979
Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									4,559	2,762	(684)
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									$ 28,498	$ 3,156	$ 10,295

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Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets - Schedule of Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred marketing costs	$ 13,874	$ 20,786
Land option deposits	8,246	6,952
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	2,641	3,235
Prepaid expenses	5,575	4,376
Metro district bond securities (related party)	5,818	6,663
Goodwill	6,008	6,008
Other	2,615	2,403
Total	$ 44,777	$ 50,423

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Fair Value Measurements - Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$ 2,735	$ 24,421
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		19,421
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		1,466
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	2,735	3,534
Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	1,100	15,129
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		12,904
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		1,000
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	1,100	1,225
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	1,635	9,292
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		6,517
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		466
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$ 1,635	$ 2,309

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Wells Fargo Funding, Inc. [Member]
Concentration of credit risk	58.00%	52.00%	44.00%
Bank of America, N.A. [Member]
Concentration of credit risk	0.00%	17.00%	38.00%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. [Member]
Concentration of credit risk	36.00%	29.00%	16.00%

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Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting

3. Segment Reporting

Our operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. We have identified our chief operating decision-makers (“CODMs”) as two key executives—the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer.

We have identified each homebuilding division as an operating segment. Our operating segments have been aggregated into the reportable segments noted below because they are similar in the following regards: (1) economic characteristics; (2) housing products; (3) class of homebuyer; (4) regulatory environments; and (5) methods used to construct and sell homes. Our homebuilding reportable segments are as follows:

• West (Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington)

• Mountain (Colorado and Utah)

• East (Virginia, Florida, Illinois and Maryland, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey)

In 2012, we combined our Florida and Illinois divisions into our East reportable segment as they exhibit similar criteria discussed above, including similar economic characteristics, with those divisions in our East reportable segment. As such, all years presented with segment data have been revised to reflect this new presentation.

Our Financial Services business consists of the operations of the following operating segments: (1) HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”); (2) Allegiant; (3) StarAmerican; (4) American Home Insurance Agency, Inc.; and (5) American Home Title and Escrow Company. Due to its contributions to consolidated pretax income during the year ended December 31, 2012, HomeAmerican is now considered to be a reportable segment (“Mortgage operations”). All years presented with segment data have been revised to reflect this new presentation. The remaining operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment (“Other”) because they do not individually exceed 10 percent of: (1) consolidated revenue; (2) the greater of (A) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or (B) the positive value of the combined reported loss of all operating segments that reported losses; or (3) consolidated assets.

Corporate is a non-operating segment that develops and implements strategic initiatives and supports our operating divisions by centralizing key administrative functions such as finance and treasury, information technology, insurance and risk management, litigation and human resources. Corporate also provides the necessary administrative functions to support MDC as a publicly traded company. A portion of the expenses incurred by Corporate are allocated to the homebuilding operating segments based on their respective percentages of assets, and to a lesser degree, a portion of Corporate expenses are allocated to the financial services segments. A majority of Corporate’s personnel and resources are primarily dedicated to activities relating to the homebuilding segments, and, therefore, the balance of any unallocated Corporate expenses is included in the homebuilding segment.

The following table summarizes home and land sale revenues for our homebuilding operations and revenues for our financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Homebuilding	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	516,079	$	272,800	$	326,278
Mountain		355,368		316,189		345,794
East		284,695		228,034		254,833
Total home and land sale revenues	$	1,156,142	$	817,023	$	926,905
Financial Services
Mortgage operations	$	35,123	$	17,807	$	21,839
Other		11,758		8,279		8,634
Total financial services revenues	$	46,881	$	26,086	$	30,473

The following table summarizes pretax income (loss) for our homebuilding and financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Homebuilding	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	27,076		$	(16,889	)	$	9,910
Mountain		24,302			1,397			1,060
East		11,011			(7,195	)		(3,048	)
Corporate		(29,772	)		(87,941	)		(88,818	)
Total homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$	32,617		$	(110,628	)	$	(80,896	)
Financial Services
Mortgage operations	$	23,939		$	394		$	10,979
Other		4,559			2,762			(684	)
Total financial services pretax income (loss)	$	28,498		$	3,156		$	10,295

The following table summarizes total assets for our homebuilding and financial services operations. The assets in our Corporate segment primarily include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and property and equipment.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Homebuilding assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	459,807	$	346,442
Mountain		332,939		262,787
East		274,199		255,074
Corporate		692,500		852,561
Total homebuilding assets	$	1,759,445	$	1,716,864
Financial services assets:
Mortgage operations	$	122,941	$	80,097
Other		63,055		61,764
Total financial services assets	$	185,996	$	141,861

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Inventories - Schedule of Inventory Table (Detail) (Homebuilding [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories [Line Items]
Total Inventories	$ 1,002,521	$ 806,052
West [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Housing completed or under construction	200,858	121,343
Land and land under development	230,344	199,941
Mountain [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Housing completed or under construction	183,522	80,964
Land and land under development	137,221	164,961
East [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Housing completed or under construction	128,569	98,407
Land and land under development	122,007	140,436
Subtotal [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Housing completed or under construction	512,949	300,714
Land and land under development	$ 489,572	$ 505,338

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserve Activity

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan loss reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	442		$	6,881		$	9,641
Expense provisions		589			-			-
Cash payments		(226	)		(14,450	)		(2,760	)
Adjustments		-			8,011			-
Balance at end of period	$	805		$	442		$	6,881

Summary of Non-Cancelable Operating Leases

The table below shows the future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2012.

	Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)
2013	$	4,451
2014		3,464
2015		3,489
2016		2,864
2017		698
Thereafter		651
Total	$	15,617

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (“MDC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” which refers to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries) include the accounts of MDC and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Presentation

Presentation.  Our balance sheet presentation is unclassified due to the fact that certain assets and liabilities have both short and long-term characteristics.

Use of Accounting Estimates

Use of Accounting Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk.  There are a limited number of third-party purchasers of mortgage loans and, at any given point in time, our business may be impacted adversely if one of them were no longer able or willing to purchase mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican. On August 31, 2011, Bank of America, one of our former primary third-party purchasers, announced its intention to sell its third-party mortgage operation and exit its correspondent mortgage lending business. Subsequently, Bank of America amended its prior announcement and indicated that no sale of the third-party mortgage operation was forthcoming, but that it would proceed with its original plan to exit its correspondent mortgage lending business, with the last date that they would purchase a mortgage being December 15, 2011. The following table sets forth the percent of mortgage loans sold by HomeAmerican to its primary third party purchasers during 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Wells Fargo Funding, Inc.		58%		52%		44%
Bank of America, N.A.		0%		17%		38%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.		36%		29%		16%

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company periodically invests funds in highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, such as commercial paper, money market funds and time deposits, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities.  Our marketable securities consist of fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt; (2) holdings in mutual fund equity securities and (3) deposit securities, which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits. As of December 31, 2012, all of our marketable securities are treated as available-for-sale investments and, as such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2012.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash.  We receive cash earnest money deposits from our customers who enter into home sale contracts. In certain states we are restricted from using such deposits for general purposes, unless we take measures to release state imposed restrictions on such deposits received from homebuyers, which may include posting blanket security bonds. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $2.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, outstanding in blanket security bonds used to release restrictions on certain homebuyer deposits. We had $1.9 million and $0.7 million in restricted cash related to homebuyer deposits at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Home Sales Receivables

Home Sales Receivables.  Home sales receivables primarily consist of cash to be received from title companies or outside brokers associated with closed homes. Generally, we will receive cash from title companies and outside brokers within a few days of the home being closed.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, Net

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net.  Mortgage loans held-for-sale are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and estimated market prices received from an outside third-party. Using fair value allows an offset of the changes in fair values of the mortgage loans and the derivative instruments used to hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.

Inventories

Inventories.  Our inventories consist of housing completed or under construction and land and land under development in the consolidated balance sheets. Our inventories are primarily associated with subdivisions where we intend to construct and sell homes on the land, including model and unsold started homes. Components of housing completed or under construction primarily include: (1) land costs transferred from land and land under development; (2) direct construction costs associated with a house; (3) real property taxes, engineering fees, permits and other fees; (4) capitalized interest; and (5) indirect construction costs, which include field construction management salaries and benefits, utilities and other construction related costs. Land costs are transferred from land and land under development to housing completed or under construction at the point in time that construction of a home on an owned lot begins. Costs capitalized to land and land under development primarily include: (1) land costs; (2) land development costs; (3) entitlement costs; (4) capitalized interest; (5) engineering fees; and (6) title insurance, real property taxes and closing costs directly related to the purchase of the land parcel.

Homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We determine impairments on a subdivision level basis as each such subdivision represents the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. In making this determination, we review, among other things, the following for each subdivision:

• actual and trending “Operating Margin” (which is defined as home sale revenues less home cost of sales and all direct incremental costs associated with the home closing) for homes closed;

• estimated future undiscounted cash flows and Operating Margin;

• forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;

• actual and trending net and gross home orders;

• base sales price and home sales incentive information for homes closed and homes in backlog;

• market information for each sub-market, including competition levels, home foreclosure levels, the size and style of homes currently being offered for sale and lot size; and

• known or probable events indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our inventory may not be recoverable, assets are reviewed for impairment by comparing the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from an individual subdivision to its carrying value. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the subdivision’s carrying value, the carrying value of the subdivision is written down to its then estimated fair value. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used discount rates generally ranging from 13% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, net.  Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 2 to 29 years. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $4.4 million, $6.1 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The following table sets forth the cost and carrying value of our property and equipment by major asset category.

	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		Carrying Value
December 31, 2012:	(Dollars in thousands)
Airplane	$	28,997	$	6,055	$	22,942
Computer software and equipment		17.905		9,513		8,392
Leasehold improvements		7,623		6,066		1,557
Other		1,991		1,757		234
Total		56,516	$	23,391	$	33,125
December 31, 2011:
Airplane	$	28,997	$	5,506	$	23,491
Computer software and equipment		17,470		6,339		11,131
Leasehold improvements		6,881		5,471		1,410
Other		1,891		1,646		245
Total	$	55,239	$	18,962	$	36,277

Deferred Tax Asset, Net

Deferred Tax Asset, net.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, based upon current facts and circumstances, we had recorded a valuation allowance of $248.3 million and $281.2 million, respectively, against our deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities).

Deferred Marketing Costs

Deferred Marketing Costs.  Certain marketing costs related to model homes and sales offices are capitalized as they are: (1) reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project; and (2) incurred for (A) tangible assets that are used directly throughout the selling period to aid in the sale of the project or (B) services that have been performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Capitalized marketing costs are included in prepaid and other assets in the Homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the associated amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) in the Homebulding section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as the homes in the related subdivision are delivered. We allocate all capitalized marketing costs equally to each house within a subdivision and record expense as homes close over the life of a subdivision. All other marketing costs are expensed as incurred.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities.  In accordance with ASC 810 “Consolidation”, we analyze our land option contracts and other contractual arrangements to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, ASC 810 requires a company to consolidate a VIE if the company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact VIE’s economic performance, including, but not limited to, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. We also consider whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we are purchasing land under land option contracts.

Related Party Assets

Related Party Assets.  Our related party assets are debt security bonds acquired from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado. (See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Goodwill

Goodwill.  We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill based on recently adopted accounting guidance. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.

If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.

Based on our analysis, we have concluded as of December 31, 2012, our goodwill was not impaired.

Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits

Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits.  Accounting literature regarding liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits provides guidance for the recognition and measurement in financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements.

The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $0.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively, which is included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets.

Warranty Reserves

Warranty Reserves.  Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties. We record expenses and warranty reserves for general and structural warranty claims, as well as reserves for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures. Warranty reserves are established based upon historical payment experience in an amount estimated to be adequate to cover expected costs of materials and outside labor during warranty periods. The establishment of warranty reserves for closed homes and the evaluation of our warranty reserve balance is based on an internally developed analysis that includes known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including, among other things, our trends in historical warranty payment levels and warranty payments for claims not considered to be normal and recurring.

Warranty payments are recorded against the warranty reserve. Additional reserves may be established for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures not covered through the independent warranty reserve analysis performed by us. Warranty payments incurred for an individual house may differ from the related reserve established for the home at the time it was closed. The actual disbursements for warranty claims are evaluated in the aggregate to determine if an adjustment to the historical warranty reserve should be recorded.

Generally, warranty reserves are reviewed quarterly, using historical payment data and other relevant information, to determine the reasonableness and adequacy of both the reserve and the per-unit reserve amount originally included in home cost of sales, as well as the timing of the reversal of any excess reserve. Warranty reserves are included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to our warranty reserves are recorded as an increase or reduction to home cost of sales in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations.

Insurance Reserves

Insurance Reserves.  We record expenses and liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims associated with: (1) insurance policies issued by Allegiant and re-insurance agreements issued by StarAmerican; (2) self-insurance, including workers compensation; and (3) deductible amounts under our insurance policies. The establishment of the provisions for outstanding losses and loss adjustment expenses is based on actuarial or internally developed studies that include known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claim severity, frequency patterns such as those caused by natural disasters, fires, or accidents, depending on the business conducted, and changing regulatory and legal environments.

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan. These reserves are based upon, among other things: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; and (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in Expenses in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Litigation Reserves

Litigation Reserves.  We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various cases. We reserve for estimated exposure with respect to these cases based upon currently available information on each case.

Revenue Recognition for Homebuilding Segments

Revenue Recognition for Homebuilding Segments.  Revenue from home closings and land sales is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, adequate initial and continuing investment by the buyer is received, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and we are not obligated to perform significant additional activities after closing and delivery. If the buyer has provided sufficient initial and continuing investment, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, revenue is recognized on the date of closing. Revenue from a home closing includes the base sales price and any purchased options and upgrades and is reduced for any sales price incentives.

We defer Operating Margin related to the sale of a home if all of the following criteria are present: (1) HomeAmerican originates the mortgage loan; (2) HomeAmerican has not sold the mortgage loan, or loans, as of the end of the pertinent reporting period; and (3) the homebuyer’s down payment does not meet the initial or continuing investment criteria. The deferral is subsequently recognized at the time HomeAmerican sells the homebuyer’s mortgage loan, or loans, to a third-party purchaser. In the event the Operating Margin is a loss, we recognize such loss at the time the home is closed. We did not have any homes that closed during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010 that failed to meet the continuing investment criteria.

Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican

Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican.  Revenues recorded by HomeAmerican primarily include origination fees and the corresponding sale of a loan and its servicing rights. Origination fees are recognized when a loan is originated. When an interest rate lock commitment is made to a customer, we record the expected gain on sale of the mortgage including servicing rights, adjusted for a pull-through percentage (which is defined as the likelihood that an interest rate lock commitment will be originated), as revenue. As the interest rate lock commitment gets closer to being originated, the expected gain on the sale of that loan plus servicing rights is updated to reflect current market value and the increase or decrease in the fair value of that interest rate lock commitment is recorded through revenues. At the same time, as the likelihood of the interest rate lock commitment being originated increases resulting in an improvement to the expected pull-through percentage, additional revenues are recognized. After origination, our mortgage loans generally are transferred to third-party purchasers in accordance with sale agreements entered into by us with a third party purchaser of the loans. We make representations and warranties with respect to the status of loans transferred in the sale agreements. The sale agreements generally include statements acknowledging the transfer of the loans is intended by both parties to constitute a sale. Sale of a mortgage loan has occurred when the following criteria, among others, have been met: (1) fair consideration has been paid for transfer of the loan by a third party in an arms-length transaction, (2) all the usual risks and rewards of ownership that are in substance a sale have been transferred by us to the third party purchaser; and (3) we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the mortgage loan. The related servicing rights are generally transferred by us to the third party purchaser for additional consideration. Revenue from the sale of mortgage loan servicing is recognized upon the exchange of consideration for the mortgage loans and related servicing rights between us and the third-party purchaser.

We measure mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value with the changes in fair value being reported in earnings at each reporting date. The impact of recording changes in fair value to earnings did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net, were $21.7 million, $10.0 million and $16.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included as a component of revenues in the Financial Services section of the consolidated statements of operations.

Home Cost of Sales

Home Cost of Sales.  Home cost of sales includes the specific construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, land development and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred, warranty costs and finance and closing costs, including closing cost incentives. We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating home construction costs and allocate costs to each lot within a subdivision associated with land acquisition and land development based upon relative fair value of the lots prior to home construction. Lots within a subdivision typically have comparable fair values, and, as such, we generally allocate costs equally to each lot within a subdivision. We record all home cost of sales when a home is closed on a house-by-house basis.

When a home is closed, we generally have not yet paid and recorded all costs necessary to complete the construction of the home and certain land development costs. At the time of a home closing, we compare the home construction budgets to actual recorded costs to determine the additional costs remaining to be paid on each closed home. For amounts not incurred or paid as of the time of closing a home, we record an estimated accrual associated with certain home construction and land development costs. Generally, these accruals are established based upon contracted work which has yet to be paid, open work orders not paid at the time of home closing, as well as land completion costs more likely than not to be incurred, and represent estimates believed to be adequate to cover the expected remaining home construction and land development costs. We monitor the adequacy of these accruals on a house-by-house basis and in the aggregate on both a market-by-market and consolidated basis. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $9.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of land development and home construction accruals for closed homes. Actual results could differ from such estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-Based Compensation Expense.  Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is based on the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the grant date fair value for restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures. For stock option awards with service conditions only, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is currently the vesting term of up to seven years. For our stock option awards with performance conditions, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis for each performance criteria tranche (if applicable) over the period between the date that it is determined the performance conditions related to each tranche (if applicable) are probable to be met and the date the option vests.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments.  We utilize certain derivative instruments in the normal course of business, which primarily include interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, both of which typically are short-term in nature. Forward sales of securities and private investor sales commitments are utilized to hedge changes in fair value of mortgage loan inventory and interest rate lock commitments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had an aggregate principal balance of approximately $50.8 and $24.4 million, respectively, and were under interest rate lock commitments at an average interest rate of 3.26% and 3.93%, respectively.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.  For purposes of calculating earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”), a company that has participating security holders (for example, unvested restricted stock that has nonforfeitable dividend rights) is required to utilize the two-class method for calculating earnings per share. The two-class method is an allocation of earnings/(loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Under the two-class method, earnings/(loss) for the reporting period are allocated between common shareholders and other security holders, based on their respective rights to receive distributed earnings (i.e., dividends) and undistributed earnings (i.e., net income (loss) less dividends). Currently, we have one class of security and we have participating security holders consisting of shareholders of unvested restricted stock. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.

For purposes of calculating diluted EPS, basic EPS is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive shares outstanding, including stock options and unvested restricted stock using the treasury stock method.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards.  In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), providing a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and expands the ASC 820 disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 was effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, (“ASU 2011-05”), which improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) by eliminating the option to present components of OCI as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in this standard require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this standard do not change the items that must be reported in OCI, when an item of OCI must be reclassified to net income, or change the option for an entity to present components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 were effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012 and were applied retrospectively. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. Previous guidance under ASC 350 required an entity to test goodwill for impairment using a two-step process on at least an annual basis. First, the fair value of a reporting unit was calculated and compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Second, if the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, the amount of impairment loss, if any, was required to be measured. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads the entity to determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to test goodwill for impairment under the two-step process as described under ASC 350. The amendments were effective for us for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2012. We adopted this standard in the 2012 first quarter. The adoption of the amended provisions of ASC 350 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Supplemental Guarantor Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Supplemental Guarantor Information

22. Supplemental Guarantor Information

Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by the following subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), which are 100%-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

• M.D.C. Land Corporation

• RAH of Florida, Inc.

• Richmond American Construction, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP

• Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc.

• Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc.

We added the following subsidiary as a Guarantor subsidiary as of January 3, 2013

• Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc.

Subsidiaries that do not guarantee our senior notes (collectively, the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) primarily include:

• American Home Insurance

• American Home Title

• HomeAmerican

• StarAmerican

• Allegiant

• Richmond American Homes of West Virginia, Inc.

We have determined that separate, full financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries would not be material to investors and, accordingly, supplemental financial information for the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is presented below.

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet

	December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
ASSETS	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	125,904		$	3,308	$	323		$	-		$	129,535
Marketable securities		519,465			-		-						519,465
Restricted cash		-			1,859		-						1,859
Trade and other receivables		6,563			18,846		2,754						28,163
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		-			469,495		43,454						512,949
Land and land under development		-			467,915		21,657						489,572
Investment in subsidiaries		198,465			-		-			(198,465	)		-
Other assets, net		40,565			28,524		8,813			-			77,902
Total homebuilding assets		890,962			989,947		77,001			(198,465	)		1,759,445
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-		30,560			-			30,560
Marketable securities		-			-		32,473			-			32,473
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-		119,953			-			119,953
Prepaid expenses and other assets		-			-		4,710			(1,700	)		3,010
Total financial services assets		-			-		187,696			(1,700	)		185,996
Total Assets	$	890,962		$	989,947	$	264,697		$	(200,165	)	$	1,945,441
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	-		$	67,257	$	5,798			-		$	73,055
Accrued liabilities		63,886			46,761		7,809			-			118,456
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		(798,663	)		755,566		52,839			(9,742	)		-
Senior notes, net		744,842			-		-			-			744,842
Total homebuilding liabilities		10,065			869,584		66,446			(9,742	)		936,353
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities		-			-		51,864			-			51,864
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-		(8,042	)		8,042			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-		76,327			-			76,327
Total financial services liabilities		-			-		120,149			8,042			128,191
Total Liabilities		10,065			869,584		186,595			(1,700	)		1,064,544
Equity:
Total Stockholder’s Equity		880,897			120,363		78,102			(198,465	)		880,897
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	890,962		$	989,947	$	264,697		$	(200,165	)	$	1,945,441

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet

	December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
ASSETS	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	313,566		$	2,771	$	81		$	-		$	316,418
Marketable securities		485,434			-		-			-			485,434
Restricted cash		-			667		-			-			667
Trade and other receivables		8,368			12,740		485			-			21,593
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction		-			280,932		19,782			-			300,714
Land and land under development		-			489,305		16,033			-			505,338
Investment in subsidiaries		126,768			-		-			(126,768	)		-
Other assets, net		45,287			33,074		8,435			(96	)		86,700
Total homebuilding assets		979,423			819,489		44,816			(126,864	)		1,716,864
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-		26,943			-			26,943
Marketable securities		-			-		34,509			-			34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-		78,335			-			78,335
Prepaid expenses and other assets		-			-		3,774			(1,700	)		2,074
Total financial services assets		-			-		143,561			(1,700	)		141,861
Total Assets	$	979,423		$	819,489	$	188,377		$	(128,564	)	$	1,858,725
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	-		$	23,409	$	2,236			-		$	25,645
Accrued liabilities		67,199			50,271		1,814			(96	)		119,188
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		(700,520	)		682,088		21,998			(3,566	)		-
Senior notes, net		744,108			-		-			-			744,108
Total homebuilding liabilities		110,787			755,768		26,048			(3,662	)		888,941
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and other liabilities		-			-		52,446			-			52,446
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-		(1,866	)		1,866			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-		48,702			-			48,702
Total financial services liabilities		-			-		99,282			1,866			101,148
Total Liabilities		110,787			755,768		125,330			(1,796	)		990,089
Equity:
Total Stockholder’s Equity		868,636			63,721		63,047			(126,768	)		868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	979,423		$	819,489	$	188,377		$	(128,564	)	$	1,858,725

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	1,087,957		$	74,719		$	(6,534	)	$	1,156,142
Cost of Sales		-			(922,774	)		(61,703	)		6,534			(977,943	)
Inventory impairments		-			(1,105	)		-			-			(1,105	)
Gross margin		-			164,078			13,016			-			177,094
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(52,880	)		(108,873	)		(5,542	)		-			(167,295	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		81,836			-			-			(81,836	)		-
Interest income		23,381			16			1			-			23,398
Interest expense		(778	)		(30	)		-			-			(808	)
Other income (expense)		528			15			(315	)		-			228
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		52,087			55,206			7,160			(81,836	)		32,617
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			28,498			-			28,498
Income (loss) before income taxes		52,087			55,206			35,658			(81,836	)		61,115
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		10,612			1,435			(10,463	)		-			1,584
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	56,641		$	25,195		$	(81,836	)	$	62,699

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	787,874		$	38,782		$	(9,633	)	$	817,023
Cost of Sales		-			(674,335	)		(32,755	)		9,633			(697,457	)
Inventory impairments		-			(12,965	)		-			-			(12,965	)
Gross margin		-			100,574			6,027			-			106,601
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(57,811	)		(116,494	)		(4,800	)		-			(179,105	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		(18,966	)		-			-			18,966			-
Interest income		26,039			29			-			-			26,068
Interest expense		(20,687	)		(155	)		-			-			(20,842	)
Other income (expense)		(35,479	)		(7,934	)		63			-			(43,350	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		(106,904	)		(23,980	)		1,290			18,966			(110,628	)
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			3,156			-			3,156
Income (loss) before income taxes		(106,904	)		(23,980	)		4,446			18,966			(107,472	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		8,514			2,027			(1,459	)		-			9,082
Net income (loss)	$	(98,390	)	$	(21,953	)	$	2,987		$	18,966		$	(98,390	)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	-		$	942,693		$	-		$	(15,788	)	$	926,905
Cost of Sales		-			(765,749	)		(490	)		15,788			(750,451	)
Inventory impairments		-			(21,195	)		-			-			(21,195	)
Gross margin		-			155,749			(490	)		-			155,259
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(74,626	)		(141,349	)		(3,710	)					(219,685	)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries		14,653			-			-			(14,653	)		-
Interest income		23,830			130			-			-			23,960
Interest expense		(38,157	)		-			-			-			(38,157	)
Other income (expense)		111			(2,434	)		50			-			(2,273	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		(74,189	)		12,096			(4,150	)		(14,653	)		(80,896	)
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			10,295			-			10,295
Income (loss) before income taxes		(74,189	)		12,096			6,145			(14,653	)		(70,601	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		9,419			992			(4,580	)		-			5,831
Net income (loss)	$	(64,770	)	$	13,088		$	1,565		$	(14,653	)	$	(64,770	)

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	83,797		$	(71,674	)	$	(39,106	)	$	(81,836	)	$	(108,819	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(22,999	)		(823	)		2,041			-			(21,781	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(168,169	)		73,034			13,299			81,836			-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			27,625			-			27,625
Dividend payments		(96,915	)		-			-			-			(96,915	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		16,624			-			-			-			16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(248,460	)		73,034			40,924			81,836			(52,666	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(187,662	)		537			3,859			-			(183,266	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		313,566			2,771			27,024			-			343,361
End of period	$	125,904		$	3,308		$	30,883		$	-		$	160,095

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(39,462	)	$	(26,663	)	$	(33,125	)	$	18,966		$	(80,284	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		439,066			(71	)		(34,731	)		-			404,264
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(44,961	)		25,218			38,709			(18,966	)		-
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724	)		-			-						(537,724	)
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			23,268			-			23,268
Dividend payments		(47,432	)		-			-			-			(47,432	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		9,044			-			-			-			9,044
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(621,073	)		25,218			61,977			(18,966	)		(552,844	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(221,469	)		(1,516	)		(5,879	)		-			(228,864	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		535,035			4,287			32,903			-			572,225
End of period	$	313,566		$	2,771		$	27,024		$	-		$	343,361

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	MDC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminating Entries			Consolidated MDC
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	36,971		$	(275,822	)	$	1,123		$	28,647		$	(209,081	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(613,377	)		(1,046	)		(30,043	)		-			(644,466	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		(293,883	)		277,897			44,633			(28,647	)		-
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		242,288			-			-						242,288
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			(3,681	)		-			(3,681	)
Dividend payments		(47,140	)		-			-			-			(47,140	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		53			-			-			-			53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(98,682	)		277,897			40,952			(28,647	)		191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(675,088	)		1,029			12,032			-			(662,027	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		1,210,123			3,258			20,871			-			1,234,252
End of period	$	535,035		$	4,287		$	32,903		$	-		$	572,225

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Results of Quarterly Operations - Results of Quarterly Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Home sales revenue	$ 389,141	$ 320,647	$ 256,532	$ 184,678	$ 230,732	$ 204,886	$ 206,163	$ 163,383
Total revenue	405,773	334,329	268,934	193,987	247,203	211,157	215,459	169,290
Asset impairments	1,105				811	4,692	9,119	279	1,105	12,965	21,195
Gross margin from home sales	16.70%	15.50%	14.20%	14.10%	15.00%	14.80%	8.90%	13.50%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses	49,160	44,788	39,223	34,124	35,933	46,360	49,158	47,654
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes					21,527	17,268				(38,795)
Earnings before income taxes	29,851	19,484	9,655	2,125	(19,776)	(34,189)	(29,803)	(23,704)	61,115	(107,472)	(70,601)
Net income (loss)	$ 29,932	$ 20,126	$ 10,638	$ 2,265	$ (18,821)	$ (31,710)	$ (27,980)	$ (19,879)	$ 62,699	$ (98,390)	$ (64,770)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$ 0.63	$ 0.42	$ 0.22	$ 0.04	$ (0.40)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.60)	$ (0.43)	$ 1.29	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Diluted	$ 0.62	$ 0.41	$ 0.22	$ 0.04	$ (0.40)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.60)	$ (0.43)	$ 1.28	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)

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Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Methods Used for Measuring Fair Values of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale securities	$ 551,938	$ 519,943
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities [Line Items]
Equity securities	208,818	160,021
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities [Line Items]
Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	54,388	157,685
Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	277,514	202,237
Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	11,218
Mortgage Loans Held-For-Sale, net	$ 119,953	$ 78,335

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fait Value of Share-Based Payment Awards

The fair values for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Weighted-average expected lives of options		7.8 yrs.		4.6 yrs.		7.6 yrs.
Expected volatility		44.6%		47.8%		44.2%
Risk free interest rate		1.7%		1.3%		2.8%
Dividend yield rate		4.0%		4.1%		3.5%

Options Granted to Executives, Non-Executives and Directors that are Outstanding

The following table provides outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest in future reporting periods data for our stock options granted to Executives, Non-Executives and Directors as of December 31, 2012.

	Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding
Executives		4,475,604	$	41.03
Directors		1,044,000		46.84
Non-Executives		359,969		33.03
Total		5,879,573	$	41.29		5.40	$	23,750

Options Granted to Executive Non Executives and Directors that are Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future

The following table provides outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest in future reporting periods data for our stock options granted to Executives, Non-Executives and Directors as of December 31, 2012.

Exerciseable or expected to vest in the future
Executives	4,475,604	$	41.03
Directors	1,044,000		44.46
Non-Executives	279,193		37.36
Total	5,798,797	$	41.47	8.23	$	3,669

Options Granted to Executives Non Executives and Directors that are Exercisable

The following table provides outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest in future reporting periods data for our stock options granted to Executives, Non-Executives and Directors as of December 31, 2012.

Exerciseable
Executives	2,600,604	$	51.11
Directors	1,044,000		48.47
Non-Executives	189,969		36.80
Total	3,834,573	$	48.83	3.76	$	4,042

Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options

The following table summarizes information associated with outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2012.

	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	Number Outstanding		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$15.84 - $ 23.77		180,000		8.99	$	20.91		30,000		8.98	$	22.12
$23.78 - $ 39.61		2,955,830		7.75	$	29.79		1,060,830		6.86	$	33.61
$39.62 - $ 47.53		1,234,243		2.46	$	43.84		1,234,243		2.52	$	43.84
$47.54 - $ 63.38		892,500		3.06	$	60.41		892,500		2.85	$	60.41
$63.39 - $ 71.30		492,000		2.30	$	67.17		492,000		2.26	$	67.17
$71.31 - $ 78.89		125,000		2.75	$	78.89		125,000		2.75	$	78.89
Total		5,879,573		5.40	$	41.29		3,834,573		3.76	$	48.83

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity

Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity.  Non-vested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and changes during those years were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of year		667,849		$	33.19		443,112		$	36.15		420,862		$	36.84
Granted		48,613			27.85		329,703			30.24		125,626			34.49
Vested		(197,801	)		35.88		(100,677	)		36.34		(100,542	)		37.02
Forfeited		(11,294	)		30.62		(4,289	)		38.88		(2,834	)		42.38
Unvested, end of year		507,367		$	31.69		667,849		$	33.19		443,112		$	36.10

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity

Stock Option Award Activity. Stock option activity under our option plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows.

Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Fair Value
Unvested Stock Option Activity
Unvested, beginning of year		1,251,328		$	14.99		1,790,425		$	13.50		2,233,717		$	13.88
Granted - at fair market value(1)		1,382,500			7.54		265,000			7.42		376,500			8.99
Granted - above fair market value		-			-		-			-		180,000			9.45
Vested		(533,118	)		8.61		(679,387	)		14.76		(822,471	)		19.19
Forfeited		(55,710	)		8.45		(124,710	)		10.13		(177,321	)		11.59
Unvested, end of year		2,045,000		$	13.99		1,251,328		$	14.99		1,790,425		$	13.50

(1) Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the "Performance Based Stock Award Activity" section below.

Outstanding Stock Option Activity

Stock Option Award Activity. Stock option activity under our option plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010
	Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding Stock Option Activity
Outstanding, beginning of year		5,306,506		$	42.69		6,002,174		$	40.72		5,640,619		$	41.53
Granted - at fair market value(1)		1,382,500			25.33		265,000			25.07		376,500			29.37
Granted - above fair market value		-			-		-			-		180,000			31.75
Exercised		(704,242	)		23.69		(489,324	)		18.47		(2,894	)		18.47
Forfeited		(55,710	)		27.46		(124,710	)		32.20		(177,321	)		32.62
Cancelled		(49,481	)		44.75		(346,634	)		33.87		(14,730	)		44.94
Outstanding, end of year		5,879,573		$	41.29		5,306,506		$	42.69		6,002,174		$	40.72

(1) Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the "Performance Based Stock Award Activity" section below.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Concentration of Credit Risk

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Wells Fargo Funding, Inc.		58%		52%		44%
Bank of America, N.A.		0%		17%		38%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.		36%		29%		16%

Schedule of Cost and Carrying Value of Property and Equipment

The following table sets forth the cost and carrying value of our property and equipment by major asset category.

	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		Carrying Value
December 31, 2012:	(Dollars in thousands)
Airplane	$	28,997	$	6,055	$	22,942
Computer software and equipment		17.905		9,513		8,392
Leasehold improvements		7,623		6,066		1,557
Other		1,991		1,757		234
Total		56,516	$	23,391	$	33,125
December 31, 2011:
Airplane	$	28,997	$	5,506	$	23,491
Computer software and equipment		17,470		6,339		11,131
Leasehold improvements		6,881		5,471		1,410
Other		1,891		1,646		245
Total	$	55,239	$	18,962	$	36,277

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Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Supplemental Cash and Non Cash Financing Activities

The table below sets forth supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands).

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of interest capitalized	$	1,083	$	25,190		$	32,824
Income taxes	$	577	$	3,532		$	271
Non-cash investing and financing activities Unrealized holding (losses) gains on marketable securities	$	12,078	$	(12,124	)	$	4,884

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Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure

2. Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure

The table below sets forth supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands).

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of interest capitalized	$	1,083	$	25,190		$	32,824
Income taxes	$	577	$	3,532		$	271
Non-cash investing and financing activities Unrealized holding (losses) gains on marketable securities	$	12,078	$	(12,124	)	$	4,884

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Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated

The following table summarizes home and land sale revenues for our homebuilding operations and revenues for our financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Homebuilding	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	516,079	$	272,800	$	326,278
Mountain		355,368		316,189		345,794
East		284,695		228,034		254,833
Total home and land sale revenues	$	1,156,142	$	817,023	$	926,905
Financial Services
Mortgage operations	$	35,123	$	17,807	$	21,839
Other		11,758		8,279		8,634
Total financial services revenues	$	46,881	$	26,086	$	30,473

Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

The following table summarizes pretax income (loss) for our homebuilding and financial services operations.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Homebuilding	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	27,076		$	(16,889	)	$	9,910
Mountain		24,302			1,397			1,060
East		11,011			(7,195	)		(3,048	)
Corporate		(29,772	)		(87,941	)		(88,818	)
Total homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$	32,617		$	(110,628	)	$	(80,896	)
Financial Services
Mortgage operations	$	23,939		$	394		$	10,979
Other		4,559			2,762			(684	)
Total financial services pretax income (loss)	$	28,498		$	3,156		$	10,295

Total Assets

The following table summarizes total assets for our homebuilding and financial services operations. The assets in our Corporate segment primarily include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and property and equipment.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Homebuilding assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	459,807	$	346,442
Mountain		332,939		262,787
East		274,199		255,074
Corporate		692,500		852,561
Total homebuilding assets	$	1,759,445	$	1,716,864
Financial services assets:
Mortgage operations	$	122,941	$	80,097
Other		63,055		61,764
Total financial services assets	$	185,996	$	141,861

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Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations - Debt Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012
5 3/8% Medium-Term Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate percentage of debt instruments	5.375%
5 3/8% Medium-Term Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate percentage of debt instruments	5.375%
5 5/8% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate percentage of debt instruments	5.625%

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Insurance Reserves (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Insurance reserve activity

The following table summarizes the insurance reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The insurance reserve is included as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	49,376		$	51,576		$	49,631
Expense provisions		4,565			2,506			3,688
Cash payments		(8,020	)		(7,115	)		(5,959	)
Adjustments		1,931			2,409			4,216
Balance at end of period	$	47,852		$	49,376		$	51,576

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Segment Reporting - Total Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 1,945,441	$ 1,858,725
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	459,807	346,442
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	332,939	262,787
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	274,199	255,074
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	692,500	852,561
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,759,445	1,716,864
Mortgage operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	122,941	80,097
Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	63,055	61,764
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 185,996	$ 141,861

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Insurance Reserves - Insurance Reserve Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Insured Financial Obligations with Credit Deterioration [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 49,376	$ 51,576	$ 49,631
Expense provisions	4,565	2,506	3,688
Cash payments	(8,020)	(7,115)	(5,959)
Adjustments	1,931	2,409	4,216
Ending Balance	$ 47,852	$ 49,376	$ 51,576

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 160,095	$ 343,361
Restricted cash	1,900	667
Inventories:
Property and equipment, net	33,125	36,277
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance of $248,306 and $281,178 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
Prepaid expenses and other assets	44,777	50,423
Total Assets	1,945,441	1,858,725
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	51,864	52,446
Accrued liabilities	118,456	119,188
Mortgage repurchase facility	76,300	48,700
Senior notes, net	744,842	744,108
Total Liabilities	1,064,544	990,089
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 48,698,757 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 48,017,108 and 47,957,196 issued and outstanding, respectively, at December 31, 2011	487	480
Additional paid-in-capital	896,861	863,128
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(21,289)	12,927
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,838	(7,240)
Treasury stock, at cost; 0 and 59,912 shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively		(659)
Total Stockholders' Equity	880,897	868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	1,945,441	1,858,725
Homebuilding [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	129,535	316,418
Marketable securities	519,465	485,434
Restricted cash	1,859	667
Trade and other receivables	28,163	21,593
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction	512,949	300,714
Land and land under development	489,572	505,338
Total inventories	1,002,521	806,052
Property and equipment, net	33,125	36,277
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance of $248,306 and $281,178 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
Prepaid expenses and other assets	44,777	50,423
Total Assets	1,759,445	1,716,864
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	73,055	25,645
Accrued liabilities	118,456	119,188
Senior notes, net	744,842	744,108
Total Liabilities	936,353	888,941
Financial Services [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	30,560	26,943
Marketable securities	32,473	34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	119,953	78,335
Inventories:
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,010	2,074
Total Assets	185,996	141,861
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	51,864	52,446
Mortgage repurchase facility	76,327	48,702
Total Liabilities	$ 128,191	$ 101,148

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Results of Quarterly Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Results of Quarterly Operations

	Quarter
	First			Second			Third			Fourth
2012		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Home sales revenue	$	184,678		$	256,532		$	320,647		$	389,141
Total revenue		193,987			268,934			334,329			405,773
Asset impairments		-			-			-			1,105
Gross margin from home sales		14.1%			14.2%			15.5%			16.7%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses		34,124			39,223			44,788			49,160
Earnings before income taxes		2,125			9,655			19,484			29,851
Net income (loss)		2,265			10,638			20,126			29,670
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.22		$	0.42		$	0.60
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.22		$	0.41		$	0.59
2011
Home sales revenue	$	163,383		$	206,163		$	204,886		$	230,732
Total revenue		169,290			215,459			211,157			247,203
Asset impairments		279			9,119			4,692			811
Gross margin from home sales		13.5%			8.9%			14.8%			15.0%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses		47,654			49,158			46,360			35,933
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes		-			-			17,268			21,527
Loss before income taxes		(23,704	)		(29,803	)		(34,189	)		(19,776	)
Net income (loss)		(19,879	)		(27,980	)		(31,710	)		(18,821	)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.60	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.40	)
Diluted	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.60	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.40	)

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Stock Based Compensation - Options Granted to Executives Non Executives and Directors that are Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	5,798,797
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	$ 41.47
Number of Shares - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	8 years 2 months 23 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	$ 3,669
Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	4,475,604
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	$ 41.03
Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	1,044,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	$ 44.46
Non-Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	279,193
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable or Expected to Vest in Future	$ 37.36

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 62,699	$ (98,390)	$ (64,770)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes		38,795
Stock-based compensation expense	16,225	15,432	17,510
Depreciation and amortization	4,766	6,371	5,759
Inventory impairments and write-offs of land option deposits	1,843	20,009	24,297
Amortization of discount on marketable debt securities	596	1,271	2,557
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(1,192)	(247)	56
Trade and other receivables	(6,223)	12,078	141,034
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	(41,618)	(13,221)	(2,799)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,650	10,119	(15,054)
Accounts payable	47,473	(9,012)	(1,069)
Accrued liabilities	(198)	(56,585)	(33,116)
Net cash used in operating activities	(108,819)	(80,284)	(209,081)
Investing Activities:
Purchase of marketable securities	(478,701)	(330,968)	(934,240)
Maturity of marketable securities	108,250	492,051	138,042
Sale of marketable securities	349,938	275,038	159,881
Purchase of property and equipment and other	(1,268)	(31,857)	(8,149)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(21,781)	404,264	(644,466)
Financing Activities:
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724)
Payments on mortgage repurchase facility	(196,402)	(91,372)	(152,951)
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility	224,027	114,640	149,270
Dividend payments	(96,915)	(47,432)	(47,140)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior notes			242,288
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	16,624	9,044	53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(52,666)	(552,844)	191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(183,266)	(228,864)	(662,027)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	343,361	572,225	1,234,252
End of period	160,095	343,361	572,225
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Housing completed or under construction	(212,154)	86,477	(116,960)
Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Housing completed or under construction	$ 15,314	$ (93,381)	$ (166,526)

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Stock Based Compensation - Options Granted to Executives Non Executives and Directors that are Outstanding (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding	5,879,573	5,306,506	6,002,174	5,640,619
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$ 41.29	$ 42.69	$ 40.72	$ 41.53
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) - Outstanding	5 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Outstanding	$ 23,750
Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding	4,475,604
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$ 41.03
Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding	1,044,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$ 46.84
Non-Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding	359,969
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$ 33.03

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Fair Value Measurements - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$ 744,842	$ 744,108
Fair Value	809,200	734,217
5.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	249,621	249,438
Fair Value	267,208	254,667
5.375% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	249,895	249,857
Fair Value	268,867	252,083
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	245,326	244,813
Fair Value	$ 273,125	$ 227,467

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Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 6% Senior Notes due 2043 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes		$ 250,000,000
Interest rate		6.00%
Proceeds from issuance of Senior notes	242,288,000	247,800,000
Underwriting fees		$ 2,200,000

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Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Inventory

The following table sets forth, by reportable segment, information relating to our homebuilding inventories:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	200,858	$	121,343
Mountain		183,522		80,964
East		128,569		98,407
Subtotal		512,949		300,714
Land and Land Under Development:
West		230,344		199,941
Mountain		137,221		164,961
East		122,007		140,436
Subtotal		489,572		505,338
Total Inventories	$	1,002,521	$	806,052

Schedule of Impairment of Inventory

Inventory impairments recognized by segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	-	$	7,270	$	14,808
Mountain		-		1,850		555
East		295		1,804		542
Subtotal		295		10,924		15,905
Land and Land Under Development:
West		-		1,499		3,163
Mountain		-		449		964
East		810		93		1,163
Subtotal		810		2,041		5,290
Inventory Impairments	$	1,105	$	12,965	$	21,195

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Capitalization of Interest - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 0.8	$ 20.8	$ 38.2

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies

16. Commitments and Contingencies

Surety Bonds and Letters of Credit.  We are required to obtain surety bonds and letters of credit in support of our obligations for land development and subdivision improvements, homeowner association dues, warranty work, contractor license fees and earnest money deposits. At December 31, 2012, we had issued and outstanding surety bonds and letters of credit totaling $61.2 million and $14.7 million, respectively, including $6.7 million in letters of credit issued by HomeAmerican. The estimated cost to complete obligations related to these bonds and letters of credit was approximately $24.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Among our letter of credit facilities are three committed revolving facilities, the terms of which provide that up to $65 million of letters of credit may be issued thereunder. In the event any such surety bonds or letters of credit issued by third parties are called, MDC could be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the bond or letter of credit. We believe that we were in compliance with the covenants in the letter of credit facilities at December 31, 2012.

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan. These reserves are based upon, among other things: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; and (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in expenses in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan loss reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	442		$	6,881		$	9,641
Expense provisions		589			-			-
Cash payments		(226	)		(14,450	)		(2,760	)
Adjustments		-			8,011			-
Balance at end of period	$	805		$	442		$	6,881

During 2011, HomeAmerican reached settlements with third parties concerning claims and potential claims to repurchase certain previously sold mortgage loans, including a comprehensive settlement with Bank of America. As a result of these settlements, we increased our loan loss reserve $8.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. We made payments of $14.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily associated with the foregoing settlements. We believe that those settlements substantially reduced our future exposure to liabilities associated with previously sold mortgage loans.

Legal Reserves.  Because of the nature of the homebuilding business, we have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims and claims associated with the sale and financing of homes. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, we had $2.3 and $9.4 million of legal accruals.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, we had various significant legal recoveries totaling $9.8 million, respectively, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations. These recoveries were realized primarily from prior claims we had made in connection with various construction defect cases.

Operating Leases.  We have non-cancelable operating leases primarily associated with our office facilities. Rent expense under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases totaled $6.6 million, $7.7 million and $8.7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in either selling, general and administrative expenses in the Homebuilding section or expenses in the Financial Services section of our consolidated statements of operations. The table below shows the future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2012.

	Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)
2013	$	4,451
2014		3,464
2015		3,489
2016		2,864
2017		698
Thereafter		651
Total	$	15,617

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Capitalization of Interest (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Interest Activity

The table set forth below summarizes homebuilding interest activity.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding interest incurred	$	42,315		$	62,290		$	72,076
Less: Interest capitalized		(41,507	)		(41,448	)		(33,919	)
Homebuilding interest expense	$	808		$	20,842		$	38,157
Interest capitalized, beginning of period	$	58,742		$	38,446		$	28,339
Interest capitalized during period		41,507			41,448			33,919
Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales		(31,106	)		(21,152	)		(23,812	)
Interest capitalized, end of period	$	69,143		$	58,742		$	38,446

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Stock Based Compensation - Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested Beginning Balance, shares	667,849	443,112	420,862
Granted, shares	48,613	329,703	125,626
Vested, shares	(197,801)	(100,677)	(100,542)
Forfeited, shares	(11,294)	(4,289)	(2,834)
Unvested Ending Balance, shares	507,367	667,849	443,112
Unvested Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 33.19	$ 36.10	$ 36.84
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 27.85	$ 30.24	$ 34.49
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 35.88	$ 36.34	$ 37.02
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.62	$ 38.88	$ 42.38
Unvested Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 31.69	$ 33.19	$ 36.10

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Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans

18. Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans

A summary of our equity incentive plans follows.

Employee Equity Incentive Plans.  Effective March 2001, we adopted the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Equity Incentive Plan”). On March 26, 2011, the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan terminated and all stock option grants and restricted stock awards outstanding at the time of the plan termination may continue to be exercised, or become free of restrictions, in accordance with their terms. Non-qualified option awards previously granted generally vest over periods of up to seven years and expire ten years after the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally were granted with vesting terms of up to five years. A total of 3.6 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2012.

On April 27, 2011, our shareholders approved the M.D.C Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Equity Incentive Plan”), which provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity awards to employees of the Company. Stock options granted under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan have an exercise price that is at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock option is granted, generally vest in periods up to five years and expire ten years after the date of grant. At December 31, 2012, a total of 1.6 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, of which 0.3 million shares remained available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2012.

Director Equity Incentive Plans.  Effective March 2001, we adopted the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2001 Director Stock Option Plan”). The 2001 Director Stock Option Plan terminated on May 21, 2011 and stock options outstanding at the time of plan termination may continue to be exercised in accordance with their terms. Each option granted under the Director Stock Option Plan vested immediately and expires ten years from the date of grant. A total of 0.9 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the Director Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2012.

Effective April 27, 2011, our shareholders approved the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2011 Director Stock Option Plan”). Under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan, non-employee directors of the Company are granted non-qualified stock options. Pursuant to the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan, on August 1 of each year, each non-employee director is granted options to purchase 25,000 shares of MDC common stock. Each option granted under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan vests immediately, becomes exercisable six months after grant, and expires ten years from the date of grant. The option exercise price must be equal to the fair market value (as defined in the plan) of our common stock on the date of grant of the option. At December 31, 2012, a total of 0.9 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan and 0.7 million shares remained available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2012.

Employee Benefit Plan.  We have a defined contribution plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the internal Revenue Code where each employee may elect to make before-tax contributions up to the current tax limits. We match employee contributions on a discretionary basis and our contribution for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.2 million. We did not make any matching contributions during the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010.

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Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Warranty reserves	$ 23,151	$ 25,525	$ 34,704	$ 59,022
Accrued interest payable	13,698	13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation (note 12)	28,475	24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	575	2,712	48,963	52,837
Accrued compensation and related expenses	16,864	11,350
Other accrued liabilities	14,225	15,729
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	118,456	119,188
Legal Accruals [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	2,250	9,360
Land Development And Home Construction Accruals [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	9,545	10,619
Customer And Escrow Deposits [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	$ 9,413	$ 5,468

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (“MDC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” which refers to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries) include the accounts of MDC and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Description of Business.  Our homebuilding segments have operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, (which includes Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey), Nevada, Utah, Virginia and Washington. The primary functions of our homebuilding segments include land acquisition and development, home construction, purchasing, marketing, merchandising, sales and customer service. We build and sell primarily single-family detached homes, which are designed and built to meet local customer preferences. We are the general contractor for all of our projects and retain subcontractors for site development and home construction.

Our financial services operations consist of HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”), which originates mortgage loans, primarily for our homebuyers, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (“American Home Insurance”), which offers third-party insurance products to our homebuyers, and American Home Title and Escrow Company (“American Home Title”), which provides title agency services to the Company and our homebuyers in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia. The financial services operations also include Allegiant Insurance Company, Inc., A Risk Retention Group (“Allegiant”), which provides insurance coverage primarily to our homebuilding subsidiaries and certain subcontractors for homes sold by our homebuilding subsidiaries and for work performed in completed subdivisions, and StarAmerican Insurance Ltd. (“StarAmerican”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MDC which is a re-insurer of Allegiant claims.

Presentation.  Our balance sheet presentation is unclassified due to the fact that certain assets and liabilities have both short and long-term characteristics.

Use of Accounting Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk.  There are a limited number of third-party purchasers of mortgage loans and, at any given point in time, our business may be impacted adversely if one of them were no longer able or willing to purchase mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican. On August 31, 2011, Bank of America, one of our former primary third-party purchasers, announced its intention to sell its third-party mortgage operation and exit its correspondent mortgage lending business. Subsequently, Bank of America amended its prior announcement and indicated that no sale of the third-party mortgage operation was forthcoming, but that it would proceed with its original plan to exit its correspondent mortgage lending business, with the last date that they would purchase a mortgage being December 15, 2011. The following table sets forth the percent of mortgage loans sold by HomeAmerican to its primary third party purchasers during 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Wells Fargo Funding, Inc.		58%		52%		44%
Bank of America, N.A.		0%		17%		38%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.		36%		29%		16%

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company periodically invests funds in highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, such as commercial paper, money market funds and time deposits, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows.

Marketable Securities.  Our marketable securities consist of fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt; (2) holdings in mutual fund equity securities and (3) deposit securities, which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits. As of December 31, 2012, all of our marketable securities are treated as available-for-sale investments and, as such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2012.

Restricted Cash.  We receive cash earnest money deposits from our customers who enter into home sale contracts. In certain states we are restricted from using such deposits for general purposes, unless we take measures to release state imposed restrictions on such deposits received from homebuyers, which may include posting blanket security bonds. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $2.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, outstanding in blanket security bonds used to release restrictions on certain homebuyer deposits. We had $1.9 million and $0.7 million in restricted cash related to homebuyer deposits at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Home Sales Receivables.  Home sales receivables primarily consist of cash to be received from title companies or outside brokers associated with closed homes. Generally, we will receive cash from title companies and outside brokers within a few days of the home being closed.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net.  Mortgage loans held-for-sale are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and estimated market prices received from an outside third-party. Using fair value allows an offset of the changes in fair values of the mortgage loans and the derivative instruments used to hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.

Inventories.  Our inventories consist of housing completed or under construction and land and land under development in the consolidated balance sheets. Our inventories are primarily associated with subdivisions where we intend to construct and sell homes on the land, including model and unsold started homes. Components of housing completed or under construction primarily include: (1) land costs transferred from land and land under development; (2) direct construction costs associated with a house; (3) real property taxes, engineering fees, permits and other fees; (4) capitalized interest; and (5) indirect construction costs, which include field construction management salaries and benefits, utilities and other construction related costs. Land costs are transferred from land and land under development to housing completed or under construction at the point in time that construction of a home on an owned lot begins. Costs capitalized to land and land under development primarily include: (1) land costs; (2) land development costs; (3) entitlement costs; (4) capitalized interest; (5) engineering fees; and (6) title insurance, real property taxes and closing costs directly related to the purchase of the land parcel.

Homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We determine impairments on a subdivision level basis as each such subdivision represents the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. In making this determination, we review, among other things, the following for each subdivision:

• actual and trending “Operating Margin” (which is defined as home sale revenues less home cost of sales and all direct incremental costs associated with the home closing) for homes closed;

• estimated future undiscounted cash flows and Operating Margin;

• forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;

• actual and trending net and gross home orders;

• base sales price and home sales incentive information for homes closed and homes in backlog;

• market information for each sub-market, including competition levels, home foreclosure levels, the size and style of homes currently being offered for sale and lot size; and

• known or probable events indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our inventory may not be recoverable, assets are reviewed for impairment by comparing the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from an individual subdivision to its carrying value. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the subdivision’s carrying value, the carrying value of the subdivision is written down to its then estimated fair value. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used discount rates generally ranging from 13% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

Property and Equipment, net.  Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 2 to 29 years. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $4.4 million, $6.1 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The following table sets forth the cost and carrying value of our property and equipment by major asset category.

	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		Carrying Value
December 31, 2012:	(Dollars in thousands)
Airplane	$	28,997	$	6,055	$	22,942
Computer software and equipment		17.905		9,513		8,392
Leasehold improvements		7,623		6,066		1,557
Other		1,991		1,757		234
Total		56,516	$	23,391	$	33,125
December 31, 2011:
Airplane	$	28,997	$	5,506	$	23,491
Computer software and equipment		17,470		6,339		11,131
Leasehold improvements		6,881		5,471		1,410
Other		1,891		1,646		245
Total	$	55,239	$	18,962	$	36,277

Deferred Tax Asset, net.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, based upon current facts and circumstances, we had recorded a valuation allowance of $248.3 million and $281.2 million, respectively, against our deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities).

Deferred Marketing Costs.  Certain marketing costs related to model homes and sales offices are capitalized as they are: (1) reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project; and (2) incurred for (A) tangible assets that are used directly throughout the selling period to aid in the sale of the project or (B) services that have been performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Capitalized marketing costs are included in prepaid and other assets in the Homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the associated amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) in the Homebulding section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as the homes in the related subdivision are delivered. We allocate all capitalized marketing costs equally to each house within a subdivision and record expense as homes close over the life of a subdivision. All other marketing costs are expensed as incurred.

Variable Interest Entities.  In accordance with ASC 810 “Consolidation”, we analyze our land option contracts and other contractual arrangements to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, ASC 810 requires a company to consolidate a VIE if the company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact VIE’s economic performance, including, but not limited to, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. We also consider whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we are purchasing land under land option contracts.

Related Party Assets.  Our related party assets are debt security bonds acquired from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado. (See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Goodwill.  We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill based on recently adopted accounting guidance. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.

If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.

Based on our analysis, we have concluded as of December 31, 2012, our goodwill was not impaired.

Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits.  Accounting literature regarding liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits provides guidance for the recognition and measurement in financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements.

The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $0.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively, which is included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets.

Warranty Reserves.  Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties. We record expenses and warranty reserves for general and structural warranty claims, as well as reserves for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures. Warranty reserves are established based upon historical payment experience in an amount estimated to be adequate to cover expected costs of materials and outside labor during warranty periods. The establishment of warranty reserves for closed homes and the evaluation of our warranty reserve balance is based on an internally developed analysis that includes known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including, among other things, our trends in historical warranty payment levels and warranty payments for claims not considered to be normal and recurring.

Warranty payments are recorded against the warranty reserve. Additional reserves may be established for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures not covered through the independent warranty reserve analysis performed by us. Warranty payments incurred for an individual house may differ from the related reserve established for the home at the time it was closed. The actual disbursements for warranty claims are evaluated in the aggregate to determine if an adjustment to the historical warranty reserve should be recorded.

Generally, warranty reserves are reviewed quarterly, using historical payment data and other relevant information, to determine the reasonableness and adequacy of both the reserve and the per-unit reserve amount originally included in home cost of sales, as well as the timing of the reversal of any excess reserve. Warranty reserves are included in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to our warranty reserves are recorded as an increase or reduction to home cost of sales in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations.

Insurance Reserves.  We record expenses and liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims associated with: (1) insurance policies issued by Allegiant and re-insurance agreements issued by StarAmerican; (2) self-insurance, including workers compensation; and (3) deductible amounts under our insurance policies. The establishment of the provisions for outstanding losses and loss adjustment expenses is based on actuarial or internally developed studies that include known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claim severity, frequency patterns such as those caused by natural disasters, fires, or accidents, depending on the business conducted, and changing regulatory and legal environments.

Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan. These reserves are based upon, among other things: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; and (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in Expenses in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Litigation Reserves.  We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various cases. We reserve for estimated exposure with respect to these cases based upon currently available information on each case.

Revenue Recognition for Homebuilding Segments.  Revenue from home closings and land sales is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, adequate initial and continuing investment by the buyer is received, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and we are not obligated to perform significant additional activities after closing and delivery. If the buyer has provided sufficient initial and continuing investment, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, revenue is recognized on the date of closing. Revenue from a home closing includes the base sales price and any purchased options and upgrades and is reduced for any sales price incentives.

We defer Operating Margin related to the sale of a home if all of the following criteria are present: (1) HomeAmerican originates the mortgage loan; (2) HomeAmerican has not sold the mortgage loan, or loans, as of the end of the pertinent reporting period; and (3) the homebuyer’s down payment does not meet the initial or continuing investment criteria. The deferral is subsequently recognized at the time HomeAmerican sells the homebuyer’s mortgage loan, or loans, to a third-party purchaser. In the event the Operating Margin is a loss, we recognize such loss at the time the home is closed. We did not have any homes that closed during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010 that failed to meet the continuing investment criteria.

Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican.  Revenues recorded by HomeAmerican primarily include origination fees and the corresponding sale of a loan and its servicing rights. Origination fees are recognized when a loan is originated. When an interest rate lock commitment is made to a customer, we record the expected gain on sale of the mortgage including servicing rights, adjusted for a pull-through percentage (which is defined as the likelihood that an interest rate lock commitment will be originated), as revenue. As the interest rate lock commitment gets closer to being originated, the expected gain on the sale of that loan plus servicing rights is updated to reflect current market value and the increase or decrease in the fair value of that interest rate lock commitment is recorded through revenues. At the same time, as the likelihood of the interest rate lock commitment being originated increases resulting in an improvement to the expected pull-through percentage, additional revenues are recognized. After origination, our mortgage loans generally are transferred to third-party purchasers in accordance with sale agreements entered into by us with a third party purchaser of the loans. We make representations and warranties with respect to the status of loans transferred in the sale agreements. The sale agreements generally include statements acknowledging the transfer of the loans is intended by both parties to constitute a sale. Sale of a mortgage loan has occurred when the following criteria, among others, have been met: (1) fair consideration has been paid for transfer of the loan by a third party in an arms-length transaction, (2) all the usual risks and rewards of ownership that are in substance a sale have been transferred by us to the third party purchaser; and (3) we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the mortgage loan. The related servicing rights are generally transferred by us to the third party purchaser for additional consideration. Revenue from the sale of mortgage loan servicing is recognized upon the exchange of consideration for the mortgage loans and related servicing rights between us and the third-party purchaser.

We measure mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value with the changes in fair value being reported in earnings at each reporting date. The impact of recording changes in fair value to earnings did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net, were $21.7 million, $10.0 million and $16.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included as a component of revenues in the Financial Services section of the consolidated statements of operations.

Home Cost of Sales.  Home cost of sales includes the specific construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, land development and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred, warranty costs and finance and closing costs, including closing cost incentives. We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating home construction costs and allocate costs to each lot within a subdivision associated with land acquisition and land development based upon relative fair value of the lots prior to home construction. Lots within a subdivision typically have comparable fair values, and, as such, we generally allocate costs equally to each lot within a subdivision. We record all home cost of sales when a home is closed on a house-by-house basis.

When a home is closed, we generally have not yet paid and recorded all costs necessary to complete the construction of the home and certain land development costs. At the time of a home closing, we compare the home construction budgets to actual recorded costs to determine the additional costs remaining to be paid on each closed home. For amounts not incurred or paid as of the time of closing a home, we record an estimated accrual associated with certain home construction and land development costs. Generally, these accruals are established based upon contracted work which has yet to be paid, open work orders not paid at the time of home closing, as well as land completion costs more likely than not to be incurred, and represent estimates believed to be adequate to cover the expected remaining home construction and land development costs. We monitor the adequacy of these accruals on a house-by-house basis and in the aggregate on both a market-by-market and consolidated basis. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $9.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of land development and home construction accruals for closed homes. Actual results could differ from such estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense.  Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is based on the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the grant date fair value for restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures. For stock option awards with service conditions only, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is currently the vesting term of up to seven years. For our stock option awards with performance conditions, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis for each performance criteria tranche (if applicable) over the period between the date that it is determined the performance conditions related to each tranche (if applicable) are probable to be met and the date the option vests.

Derivative Financial Instruments.  We utilize certain derivative instruments in the normal course of business, which primarily include interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, both of which typically are short-term in nature. Forward sales of securities and private investor sales commitments are utilized to hedge changes in fair value of mortgage loan inventory and interest rate lock commitments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had an aggregate principal balance of approximately $50.8 and $24.4 million, respectively, and were under interest rate lock commitments at an average interest rate of 3.26% and 3.93%, respectively.

For forward sales of securities, as well as interest rate lock commitments that are still outstanding at the end of a reporting period, we record the changes in fair value of the derivatives in revenues in the Financial Services section of our consolidated statements of operations with an offset to prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, depending on the nature of the change. For further discussion of our policies regarding interest rate lock commitments, see our “Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican” accounting policy section above.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.  For purposes of calculating earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”), a company that has participating security holders (for example, unvested restricted stock that has nonforfeitable dividend rights) is required to utilize the two-class method for calculating earnings per share. The two-class method is an allocation of earnings/(loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Under the two-class method, earnings/(loss) for the reporting period are allocated between common shareholders and other security holders, based on their respective rights to receive distributed earnings (i.e., dividends) and undistributed earnings (i.e., net income (loss) less dividends). Currently, we have one class of security and we have participating security holders consisting of shareholders of unvested restricted stock. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.

For purposes of calculating diluted EPS, basic EPS is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive shares outstanding, including stock options and unvested restricted stock using the treasury stock method.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards.  In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), providing a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and expands the ASC 820 disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 was effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, (“ASU 2011-05”), which improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) by eliminating the option to present components of OCI as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in this standard require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this standard do not change the items that must be reported in OCI, when an item of OCI must be reclassified to net income, or change the option for an entity to present components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 were effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012 and were applied retrospectively. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. Previous guidance under ASC 350 required an entity to test goodwill for impairment using a two-step process on at least an annual basis. First, the fair value of a reporting unit was calculated and compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Second, if the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, the amount of impairment loss, if any, was required to be measured. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads the entity to determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to test goodwill for impairment under the two-step process as described under ASC 350. The amendments were effective for us for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2012. We adopted this standard in the 2012 first quarter. The adoption of the amended provisions of ASC 350 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock issued	48,698,757	48,017,108
Common stock outstanding	48,698,757	47,957,196
Treasury stock shares	0	59,912
Homebuilding [Member]
Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance	$ 248,306	$ 281,178

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Insurance Reserves

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Insurance Reserves

11. Insurance Reserves

The following table summarizes the insurance reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The insurance reserve is included as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Financial Services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	49,376		$	51,576		$	49,631
Expense provisions		4,565			2,506			3,688
Cash payments		(8,020	)		(7,115	)		(5,959	)
Adjustments		1,931			2,409			4,216
Balance at end of period	$	47,852		$	49,376		$	51,576

The $1.9 million, $2.4 million and $4.2 million of adjustments to increase our insurance reserves during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, primarily resulted from increases in the severity and frequency of insurance claim experience relative to prior period estimates.

In the ordinary course of business, we make payments from our insurance reserves to settle litigation claims arising primarily from our homebuilding activities. These payments are unpredictable in both their timing and their magnitude. As a result, the cash payments shown for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of what future cash payments will be for subsequent periods.

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Supplemental Guarantor Information - Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 405,773	$ 334,329	$ 268,934	$ 193,987	$ 247,203	$ 211,157	$ 215,459	$ 169,290
Inventory impairments	(1,105)				(811)	(4,692)	(9,119)	(279)	(1,105)	(12,965)	(21,195)
Interest expense									(808)	(20,842)	(38,157)
Income (loss) before income taxes	29,851	19,484	9,655	2,125	(19,776)	(34,189)	(29,803)	(23,704)	61,115	(107,472)	(70,601)
Benefit for income taxes									1,584	9,082	5,831
Net income (loss)	29,932	20,126	10,638	2,265	(18,821)	(31,710)	(27,980)	(19,879)	62,699	(98,390)	(64,770)
Homebuilding [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Revenues									1,156,142	817,023	926,905
Cost of Sales									(977,943)	(697,457)	(750,451)
Inventory impairments									(1,105)	(12,965)	(21,195)
Gross margin									177,094	106,601	155,259
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									(167,295)	(179,105)	(219,685)
Interest income									23,398	26,068	23,960
Interest expense									(808)	(20,842)	(38,157)
Other income (expense)									228	(43,350)	(2,273)
Income (loss) before income taxes									32,617	(110,628)	(80,896)
Financial Services [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									28,498	3,156	10,295
M D C Holdings [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									52,087	(106,904)	(74,189)
Benefit for income taxes									10,612	8,514	9,419
Net income (loss)									62,699	(98,390)	(64,770)
M D C Holdings [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									(52,880)	(57,811)	(74,626)
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries									81,836	(18,966)	14,653
Interest income									23,381	26,039	23,830
Interest expense									(778)	(20,687)	(38,157)
Other income (expense)									528	(35,479)	111
Income (loss) before income taxes									52,087	(106,904)	(74,189)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									55,206	(23,980)	12,096
Benefit for income taxes									1,435	2,027	992
Net income (loss)									56,641	(21,953)	13,088
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Revenues									1,087,957	787,874	942,693
Cost of Sales									(922,774)	(674,335)	(765,749)
Inventory impairments									(1,105)	(12,965)	(21,195)
Gross margin									164,078	100,574	155,749
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									(108,873)	(116,494)	(141,349)
Interest income									16	29	130
Interest expense									(30)	(155)
Other income (expense)									15	(7,934)	(2,434)
Income (loss) before income taxes									55,206	(23,980)	12,096
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									35,658	4,446	6,145
Benefit for income taxes									(10,463)	(1,459)	(4,580)
Net income (loss)									25,195	2,987	1,565
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Revenues									74,719	38,782
Cost of Sales									(61,703)	(32,755)	(490)
Gross margin									13,016	6,027	(490)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									(5,542)	(4,800)	(3,710)
Interest income									1
Other income (expense)									(315)	63	50
Income (loss) before income taxes									7,160	1,290	(4,150)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									28,498	3,156	10,295
Eliminations Entries [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									(81,836)	18,966	(14,653)
Net income (loss)									(81,836)	18,966	(14,653)
Eliminations Entries [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Revenues									(6,534)	(9,633)	(15,788)
Cost of Sales									6,534	9,633	15,788
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries									(81,836)	18,966	(14,653)
Income (loss) before income taxes									$ (81,836)	$ 18,966	$ (14,653)

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Stock Based Compensation - Unvested Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (CEO And COO Performance Options [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
CEO And COO Performance Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares	1,000,000

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Stock Based Compensation - Outstanding Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding shares, beginning of year	5,306,506	6,002,174	5,640,619
Exercised, shares	(704,242)	(489,324)	(2,894)
Forfeited	(55,710)	(124,710)	(177,321)
Cancelled, shares	(49,481)	(346,634)	(14,730)
Outstanding shares, end of year	5,879,573	5,306,506	6,002,174
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of year balance	$ 42.69	$ 40.72	$ 41.53
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.47	$ 18.47	$ 23.69
Forfeited	$ 27.46	$ 32.20	$ 32.62
Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 44.75	$ 33.87	$ 44.94
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of year	$ 41.29	$ 42.69	$ 40.72
Options At Fair Market Value [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted - above fair market value, shares	1,382,500	265,000	376,500
Granted - above fair market value, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 25.33	$ 25.07	$ 29.37
Options Above Fair Market Value [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted - above fair market value, shares			180,000
Granted - above fair market value, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 31.75

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Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	MDC
Entity Registrant Name	MDC HOLDINGS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000773141
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	48,698,757
Entity Public Float		$ 1.2

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Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans

12. Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans

During 2008, the Company entered into amended and restated employment agreements with Larry A. Mizel, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and David D. Mandarich, President and Chief Operating Officer. The annual retirement benefit in which Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich currently are fully vested is $1,333,333 and $1,214,333, respectively. Under the provisions of the employment agreements, the annual retirement benefit will be increased to $1,666,666 for Mr. Mizel and $1,547,666 for Mr. Mandarich on December 31, 2014 and will reach the maximum amount at $2,000,000 for Mr. Mizel and $1,881,000 for Mr. Mandarich on December 31, 2016 pending successful completion of employment through that date. However, the annual retirement benefit will increase to $2,000,000 for Mr. Mizel and $1,881,000 for Mr. Mandarich prior to that date in the event of: (1) the executive’s death or total disability; (2) a termination by the Company without cause; or (3) the executive’s election to terminate his employment in the event of a change in control or material change in his employment.

We have accrued for the present value of the expected future retirement benefits to be paid to Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich pursuant to their employment agreements with the Company. Our accrued liabilities for the deferred compensation retirement plans are included as accrued executive deferred compensation in the table in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We estimate the present value of the future retirement benefits based upon discount rates of high quality corporate bonds with a similar maturity as the estimated period of retirement benefits. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the discount rate used in our present value calculation was 5.0% and 5.5%, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company accrued $4.3 million, $3.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of expense associated with the deferred compensation components of Mr. Mizel’s and Mr. Mandarich’s employment agreements.

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Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009 Bond Two Thousand Seven Series [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Capital Appreciation Bonds [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Subordinate Bond [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds received from District in exchange for land improvements					$ 22.5	$ 1.6
Land Improvements to district in exchange for bonds	28.6
Estimated fair value of bonds	8.9
Other-than-temporary impairment on bonds				1.0
Estimated fair value of bonds	12.9
Payments on related party bonds	0.8	0.7	0.5
Cash contribution committed to Richmond American Homes Foundation	$ 1

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Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 08, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value		$ 7.54	$ 3.76	$ 9.19
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 7.0	$ 0.2	$ 0.1
Total share-based compensation expense related to stock options		10.6	9.0	12.7
Stock option expense recognition weighted-average period, years		1 year 4 months 24 days
Unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options		6.4
Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options		16.6	9.0	0.1
Tax benefit realized for stock options		0	0	0
Option vesting per value	One third
Option Shares vest		5,798,797
Year 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option Shares vest	166,667
Year 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option Shares vest	166,667
Year 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option Shares vest	166,666
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Potential expense that would be recognized if all of the performance targets are met	7.4
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Home gross margin	16.70%
Minimum [Member] | Year 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in total revenue over 2011	10.00%
Minimum [Member] | Year 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in total revenue over 2011	15.00%
Minimum [Member] | Year 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in total revenue over 2011	20.00%
Non-Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option Shares vest		279,193
Non-Executives [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual forfeiture rate		45.00%
Non-Executives [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual forfeiture rate		20.00%
Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual forfeiture rate		0.00%
Option Shares vest		4,475,604
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Long term performance-based non qualified stock option grants	500,000
Chief Operating Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Long term performance-based non qualified stock option grants	500,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value	7.42
Total share-based compensation expense related to stock options		6.2
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised		5.9	1.9	2.9
Total share-based compensation expense related to stock options		5.6	6.4	4.8
Stock option expense recognition weighted-average period, years		1 year 3 months 18 days
Unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options		9.6
Total intrinsic value of unvested options		$ 18.7

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Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Interest expense	$ (808)	$ (20,842)	$ (38,157)
Income (loss) before income taxes	61,115	(107,472)	(70,601)
Benefit from income taxes	1,584	9,082	5,831
Net income (loss)	62,699	(98,390)	(64,770)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) related to available-for-sale securities	12,078	(12,124)	4,884
Comprehensive income (loss)	74,777	(110,514)	(59,886)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 1.29	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Diluted	$ 1.28	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	47,660,629	46,796,334	46,627,815
Diluted	48,064,839	46,796,334	46,627,815
Dividends declared per share	$ 2.00	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Homebuilding [Member]
Home sale revenues	1,150,998	805,164	921,022
Land sale revenues	5,144	11,859	5,883
Revenues	1,156,142	817,023	926,905
Home cost of sales	(973,120)	(686,661)	(745,085)
Land cost of sales	(4,823)	(10,796)	(5,366)
Inventory impairments	(1,105)	(12,965)	(21,195)
Total cost of sales	(979,048)	(710,422)	(771,646)
Gross margin	177,094	106,601	155,259
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(167,295)	(179,105)	(219,685)
Interest income	23,398	26,068	23,960
Interest expense	(808)	(20,842)	(38,157)
Other income (expense)	228	(43,350)	(2,273)
Income (loss) before income taxes	32,617	(110,628)	(80,896)
Financial Services [Member]
Revenues	46,881	26,086	30,473
Expenses	(21,645)	(26,306)	(23,351)
Interest and other income	3,262	3,376	3,173
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 28,498	$ 3,156	$ 10,295

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Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventories

6. Inventories

The following table sets forth, by reportable segment, information relating to our homebuilding inventories:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	200,858	$	121,343
Mountain		183,522		80,964
East		128,569		98,407
Subtotal		512,949		300,714
Land and Land Under Development:
West		230,344		199,941
Mountain		137,221		164,961
East		122,007		140,436
Subtotal		489,572		505,338
Total Inventories	$	1,002,521	$	806,052

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We evaluate inventories for impairment at each quarter end. Please see “Inventories” in Note 1 for more detail on the methods and assumptions that were used to estimate the fair value of our inventories.

Inventory impairments recognized by segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
West	$	-	$	7,270	$	14,808
Mountain		-		1,850		555
East		295		1,804		542
Subtotal		295		10,924		15,905
Land and Land Under Development:
West		-		1,499		3,163
Mountain		-		449		964
East		810		93		1,163
Subtotal		810		2,041		5,290
Inventory Impairments	$	1,105	$	12,965	$	21,195

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1.1 million of inventory impairments related to two projects in our Maryland division. Based on the slow sales absorption rates experienced during 2012 and the estimated sales price reductions required to sell the remaining lots and houses in these communities, it was determined that the fair values were less than the carrying values.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded $13.0 million of asset impairments. These impairments primarily were incurred during the 2011 second and third quarters in select subdivisions primarily in the California and Nevada markets of our West segment, and the Utah market of our Mountain segment. The impairment of these specific subdivisions, most of which were purchased during 2010, primarily resulted from lowering anticipated home sales prices from those that were expected at the time we purchased the land, based on our experience with homes sold or closed in these subdivisions.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $21.2 million of impairments. The impairments were concentrated in the Arizona and Nevada markets of our West segment and primarily resulted from lowering our estimated average selling prices of homes. This was primarily due to: (1) strong competition for sales of new homes; (2) overall low economic activity combined with high unemployment levels; (3) homebuyers having difficulty qualifying for new loans; and (4) the elevated levels of foreclosures and short sales of homes driving real estate values down.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used discount rates generally ranging from 13% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

5. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, as updated and amended by ASU 2011-04, defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table sets forth the fair values and methods used for measuring the fair values of financial instruments on a recurring basis: 

		Fair Value
Financial Instrument	Hierarchy	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Marketable Securities (available-for-sale)
Equity securities	Level 1	$	208,818	$	160,021
Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	Level 2	$	54,388	$	157,685
Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	Level 2	$	277,514	$	202,237
Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	Level 2		11,218		-
Total available-for-sale securities		$	551,938	$	519,943
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	Level 2	$	119,953	$	78,335

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  For cash and cash equivalents, the fair value approximates carrying value.

Marketable Securities.  Our marketable securities consist of fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities, primarily: (1) debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt; (2) holdings in four mutual fund equity securities, which invest primarily in corporate bonds and other fixed income securities; and (3) deposit securities, which may include, among others, certificates of deposit and time deposits. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of our marketable securities were treated as available-for-sale investments and, as such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The following tables set forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale marketable securities.

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Equity security	$	208,279	$	208,818	$	169,565	$	160,021
Debt securities		306,793		310,647		323,454		325,413
Total homebuilding available-for-sale securities	$	515,072	$	519,465	$	493,019	$	485,434
Financial Services:
Total financial services available-for-sale debt securities	$	32,028	$	32,473	$	34,164	$	34,509
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	547,100	$	551,938	$	527,183	$	519,943

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our marketable securities in homebuilding and financial services in the aggregate were in an unrealized gain position of $4.8 million and an unrealized loss position of $7.2 million, respectively. Of our four mutual fund equity securities, we had one which was in an unrealized loss position of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2012. Management currently has the ability and intent to hold this security before the anticipated recovery of its cost basis occurs. The unrealized loss related to this equity security at December 31, 2011 was $6.5 million. Given the significant improvement in the unrealized loss since December, 31, 2011 and the fact that the decline in market value occurred during a period of overall decline in market values, the unrealized loss is believed to be temporary and therefore the unrealized loss was not recognized in our consolidated statements of operations.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, Net.  As of December 31, 2012, the primary components of our mortgage loans held-for-sale that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are: (1) mortgage loans held-for-sale under commitments to sell; and (2) mortgage loans held-for-sale not under commitments to sell. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $108.3 million and $77.5 million, respectively, of mortgage loans held-for-sale under commitments to sell for which fair value was based upon Level 2 inputs, which were the quoted market prices for those mortgage loans. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $11.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of mortgage loans held-for-sale that were not under commitments to sell. The fair value for those loans was primarily based upon the estimated market price received from an outside party which is a Level 2 fair value input.

Metro District Bond Securities (Related Party).  The Metro District Bond Securities are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Homebuilding section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We acquired the Metro District Bond Securities from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado (see Note 14 for further discussion related to the acquisition of these securities). Because these assets are accounted for under the cost-recovery method, they are not carried at fair value. We estimated the fair value of the bonds based upon discounted cash flows as we do not believe there is a readily available market for such assets. The estimated cash flows from the bonds are ultimately based upon our estimated cash flows associated with building, selling and closing homes in one of our Colorado communities. The estimated fair values of these assets are based upon Level 3 cash flow inputs. Based upon this evaluation, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the bonds at December 31, 2012 was $5.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the bonds approximated its carrying value which was $6.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The increase in fair value of the bonds from 2011 to 2012 was due to an increase in guaranteed future cash flows in our future cash flow model as they are no longer dependent on future closings of homes in one of our Colorado communities.

Mortgage Repurchase Facility.  Our Mortgage Repurchase Facility is at floating rates or at fixed rates that approximate current market rates and have relatively short-term maturities, generally between 15 to 40 days. The fair value approximates carrying value.

Senior Notes.  The estimated values of the senior notes in the following table are based on Level 2 inputs, including market prices of other homebuilder bonds.

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
5.375% Senior Notes due 2014	$	249,621	$	267,208	$	249,438	$	254,667
5.375% Senior Notes due 2015		249,895		268,867		249,857		252,083
5.625% Senior Notes due 2020		245,326		273,125		244,813		227,467
Total	$	744,842	$	809,200	$	744,108	$	734,217

Inventories.  The table below shows the carrying value, at each year end, of all inventories that were impaired during each year presented.

	Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory at December 31, 2012						Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory at December 31, 2011
	Land and Land Under Development		Housing Completed or Under Construction		Total Inventory		Land and Land Under Development		Housing Completed or Under Construction		Total Inventory
West	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	12,904	$	6,517	$	19,421
Mountain		-		-		-		1,000		466		1,466
East		1,100		1,635		2,735		1,225		2,309		3,534
Total	$	1,100	$	1,635	$	2,735	$	15,129	$	9,292	$	24,421

Inventories with a carrying value of $3.8 million and $54.6 million were determined to be impaired during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The carrying value for some of these inventories at their respective year ends may not represent the fair value they were impaired to due to activities that occurred subsequent to the measurement date. The fair values of impaired inventories were determined using Level 3 inputs. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation.

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Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity

17. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock Repurchase Program.  At December 31, 2012, we were authorized to repurchase up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. We did not hold any treasury stock at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, we held 59,912 shares of treasury stock with an average cost of $11.00.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes

13. Income Taxes

Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Current tax benefit:	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal	$	(374	)	$	(3,652	)	$	(481	)
State		(1,210	)		(5,430	)		(5,350	)
Total current		(1,584	)		(9,082	)		(5,831	)
Deferred tax expense:
Federal		-			-			-
State		-			-			-
Total deferred		-			-			-
Benefit from income taxes	$	(1,584	)	$	(9,082	)	$	(5,831	)

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense(benefit) computed at federal statutory rate	$	21,390		$	(37,615	)	$	(24,711	)
State income tax expense(benefit), net of federal benefit		2,139			(3,762	)		(2,471	)
Permanent differences		1,771			93			319
Expiration of statute, Arizona net operating loss		2,634			-			-
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits		(1,857	)		(9,173	)		(4,082	)
Change in valuation allowance		(27,661	)		41,375			25,114
Benefit from income taxes	$	(1,584	)	$	(9,082	)	$	(5,831	)
Effective tax rate		2.6%			8.5%			8.3%

During 2012, the Company recorded a $1.6 million benefit from income taxes, primarily from the release of reserves attributable to the expiration of the statute of limitation periods and refunds from various states relating to and our settlement with the IRS on its audit of the 2004 and 2005.

During 2011, the Company recorded a $9.1 million benefit from income taxes, primarily related to the settlements of various state income tax matters and our settlement with the IRS on its audit of the 2004 and 2005 federal income tax returns.

During 2010, the Company recorded a $5.8 million benefit from income taxes, primarily from our finalization of various state income tax examinations.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax asset are as follows:

	December 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal net operating loss carryforward	$	129,695		$	133,454
State net operating loss carryforward		49,551			53,350
Asset impairment charges		14,080			31,137
Stock-based compensation expense		29,196			26,771
Warranty, litigation and other reserves		14,556			18,933
Accrued liabilities		12,166			10,667
Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carry forwards		10,988			10,296
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes		3,930			3,466
Unrealized loss on marketable securities		-			2,787
Charitable contribution on carryforward		520			942
Deferred revenue		629			580
Total deferred tax assets		265,311			292,383
Valuation allowance		(248,306	)		(281,178	)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		17,005			11,205
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue		3,796			5,589
Property, equipment and other assets		5,753			706
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for financial statement purposes		450			542
Accrued liabilities		758			32
Unrealized gain on marketable securities		1,863			-
Other, net		4,385			4,336
Total deferred tax liabilities		17,005			11,205
Net deferred tax asset	$	-		$	-

At December 31, 2012, we had $129.7 million in tax effected federal net operating loss carryforwards. These operating loss carryforwards, if unused, will begin to expire in 2028. Additionally, we had $49.6 million in tax effected state net operating loss carryforwards. These operating loss carryforwards, if unused, will begin to expire in 2013.

The decrease in our valuation allowance between December 31, 2012 and 2011 was primarily due to income generated the Company during 2012. Our future realization of its deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the carryforward periods under the tax laws. We will continue analyzing, in subsequent reporting periods, the positive and negative evidence in determining the expected realization of its deferred tax assets.

The following table summarizes our liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	2,712		$	48,963		$	52,837
Increases related to prior year tax positions		63			-			13
Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(84	)		(286	)		(2,323	)
Increases related to current year tax positions		-			85			385
Decreases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
Settlements with taxing authorities		-			(38,543	)		(1,414	)
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(2,116	)		(7,507	)		(535	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	575		$	2,712		$	48,963

Our liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits was $0.6 million and $2.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This decrease resulted primarily from the expiration of statutes of limitations.

In addition to unrecognized tax benefit activity noted above, additional paid-in-capital increased by $1.6 million and $18.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 2012 increase was due to the expiration of various statutes of limitations while the 2011 increase was due to a settlement with the IRS and the expiration of various statutes of limitations. Finally, since we settled with the IRS for an amount less than the $35.6 million deposit we made with the IRS during 2008, the settlement resulted in an increase of $11.1 million to income taxes receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. We received payment from the IRS during the 2011 second quarter.

The total liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rates in our consolidated statements of operations is $0.5 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We accrue interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and the corresponding liability in accrued liabilities in the Homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets. The expense (benefit) for interest and penalties reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $(0.4) million, ($4.8) million and ($1.8) million (interest net of related tax benefits), respectively. The corresponding liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets were $0.4 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We have taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next twelve months. The possible decrease could result from the expiration of various statutes of limitation and the finalization of various state income tax matters. The estimated range of the reasonably possible decrease is $0 to $1.0 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for calendar tax years ending 2009 through 2012. Additionally, we are subject to various state income tax examinations for the 2001 through 2012 calendar tax years. The Company currently is under state income tax examination in the states of California and Utah for various tax years.

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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Surety bonds, issued and outstanding	$ 61,200,000
Letters of credit, issued and outstanding	14,700,000
Letter of credit facilities	65,000,000
Adjustments	8,000,000	8,011,000
Cash payments	226,000	14,450,000	2,760,000
Legal accruals	2,300,000	9,400,000
Legal recoveries	9,800,000
Non-cancelable operating leases	6,600,000	7,700,000	8,700,000
HomeAmerican [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit, issued and outstanding	6,700,000
Estimated cost to related to bonds	24,200,000
Estimated cost to related to letters of credit	$ 6,500,000

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Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9. Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

The following table sets forth information relating to homebuilding accrued liabilities.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Warranty reserves	$	23,151	$	25,525
Accrued interest payable		13,698		13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation (note 12)		28,475		24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits		835		3,303
Legal accruals		2,250		9,360
Land development and home construction accruals		9,545		10,619
Accrued compensation and related expenses		16,864		11,350
Customer and escrow deposits		9,413		5,468
Other accrued liabilities		14,225		15,729
Total accrued liabilities	$	118,456	$	119,188

The following table sets forth information relating to financial services accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Insurance reserves	$	47,852	$	49,376
Other accrued liabilities		4,012		3,070
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	51,864	$	52,446

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Fair Value Measurements - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
5.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior Notes, maturity date	2014
Senior Notes, interest rate	5.375%
5.375% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior Notes, maturity date	2015
Senior Notes, interest rate	5.375%
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior Notes, maturity date	2020
Senior Notes, interest rate	5.625%

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Capitalization of Interest

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Capitalization of Interest

7. Capitalization of Interest

We capitalize interest on our senior notes associated with our qualified assets, which includes land and land under development that is actively being developed and homes under construction through the completion of construction. When construction of an unsold home is complete, such home is no longer considered to be a qualified asset and interest is no longer capitalized on that home. We expensed $0.8 million, $20.8 million and $38.2 million of interest for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, primarily associated with interest incurred on our homebuilding debt during the same periods. The table set forth below summarizes homebuilding interest activity.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding interest incurred	$	42,315		$	62,290		$	72,076
Less: Interest capitalized		(41,507	)		(41,448	)		(33,919	)
Homebuilding interest expense	$	808		$	20,842		$	38,157
Interest capitalized, beginning of period	$	58,742		$	38,446		$	28,339
Interest capitalized during period		41,507			41,448			33,919
Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales		(31,106	)		(21,152	)		(23,812	)
Interest capitalized, end of period	$	69,143		$	58,742		$	38,446

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Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

8. Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

The following table sets forth the information relating to prepaid expenses and other assets, net.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred marketing costs	$	13,874	$	20,786
Land option deposits		8,246		6,952
Deferred debt issuance costs, net		2,641		3,235
Prepaid expenses		5,575		4,376
Metro district bond securities (related party)		5,818		6,663
Goodwill		6,008		6,008
Other		2,615		2,403
Total	$	44,777	$	50,423

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Warranty Accrual

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Warranty Accrual

10. Warranty Accrual

The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	25,525		$	34,704		$	59,022
Expense provisions		4,216			4,224			5,320
Cash payments		(6,590	)		(7,925	)		(8,793	)
Adjustments		-			(5,478	)		(20,845	)
Balance at end of period	$	23,151		$	25,525		$	34,704

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we continued to experience lower than anticipated warranty payments on previously closed homes. We believe the lower warranty payment experience rate in the 2011 and 2010 periods were driven by, among other things, tighter focus and controls over our warranty expenditures, a significant drop in sales volumes over the last several years, which resulted in fewer homes under warranty, and better quality controls and construction practices. As a result of favorable warranty payment experience relative to our estimates at the time of home closing, partially offset by increases in specific warranty reserves established for warranty-related issues in a limited number of subdivisions, we recorded adjustments to reduce our warranty reserve by $5.5 million and $20.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventories Net [Line Items]
Asset impairment	$ 1,105,000	$ 811,000	$ 4,692,000	$ 9,119,000	$ 279,000	$ 1,105,000	$ 12,965,000	$ 21,195,000
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$ 1,100,000					$ 1,100,000
Minimum [Member]
Inventories Net [Line Items]
Discount rate percentage of impaired divisions						13.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Maximum [Member]
Inventories Net [Line Items]
Discount rate percentage of impaired divisions						18.00%	18.00%	18.00%

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Commitments and Contingencies - Mortgage Loan Loss Reserve Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Finance Receivable Transferred To Held For Sale [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 442	$ 6,881	$ 9,641
Expense provisions	589
Cash payments	(226)	(14,450)	(2,760)
Adjustments	8,000	8,011
Balance at end of period	$ 805	$ 442	$ 6,881

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Capitalization of Interest - Interest Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Homebuilding interest incurred	$ 42,315	$ 62,290	$ 72,076
Less: Interest capitalized	(41,507)	(41,448)	(33,919)
Homebuilding interest expense	808	20,842	38,157
Interest capitalized, beginning of period	58,742	38,446	28,339
Interest capitalized during period	41,507	41,448	33,919
Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales	(31,106)	(21,152)	(23,812)
Interest capitalized, end of period	$ 69,143	$ 58,742	$ 38,446

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Supplemental Guarantor Information - Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 160,095	$ 343,361	$ 572,225	$ 1,234,252
Prepaid expenses and other assets	44,777	50,423
Total Assets	1,945,441	1,858,725
Accounts payable and other liabilities	51,864	52,446
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	160,095	343,361	572,225	1,234,252
Restricted cash	1,900	667
Accrued liabilities	118,456	119,188
Senior notes, net	744,842	744,108
Mortgage repurchase facility	76,300	48,700
Total Liabilities	1,064,544	990,089
Total Stockholder's Equity	880,897	868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	1,945,441	1,858,725
Homebuilding [Member]
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction	512,949	300,714
Cash and cash equivalents	129,535	316,418
Land and land under development	489,572	505,338
Marketable securities	519,465	485,434
Other assets, net	77,902	86,700
Prepaid expenses and other assets	44,777	50,423
Total Assets	1,759,445	1,716,864
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	129,535	316,418
Marketable securities	519,465	485,434
Restricted cash	1,859	667
Trade and other receivables	28,163	21,593
Accounts payable	73,055	25,645
Accrued liabilities	118,456	119,188
Senior notes, net	744,842	744,108
Total Liabilities	936,353	888,941
Financial Services [Member]
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	30,560	26,943
Marketable securities	32,473	34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	119,953	78,335
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,010	2,074
Total Assets	185,996	141,861
Accounts payable and other liabilities	51,864	52,446
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	30,560	26,943
Marketable securities	32,473	34,509
Mortgage repurchase facility	76,327	48,702
Total Liabilities	128,191	101,148
M D C Holdings [Member]
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	125,904	313,566	535,035	1,210,123
Total Assets	890,962	979,423
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	125,904	313,566	535,035	1,210,123
Total Liabilities	10,065	110,787
Total Stockholder's Equity	880,897	868,636
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	890,962	979,423
M D C Holdings [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	125,904	313,566
Marketable securities	519,465	485,434
Investment in subsidiaries	198,465	126,768
Other assets, net	40,565	45,287
Total Assets	890,962	979,423
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	125,904	313,566
Marketable securities	519,465	485,434
Trade and other receivables	6,563	8,368
Accrued liabilities	63,886	67,199
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	(798,663)	(700,520)
Senior notes, net	744,842	744,108
Total Liabilities	10,065	110,787
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	3,308	2,771	4,287	3,258
Total Assets	989,947	819,489
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,308	2,771	4,287	3,258
Total Liabilities	869,584	755,768
Total Stockholder's Equity	120,363	63,721
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	989,947	819,489
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction	469,495	280,932
Cash and cash equivalents	3,308	2,771
Land and land under development	467,915	489,305
Other assets, net	28,524	33,074
Total Assets	989,947	819,489
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,308	2,771
Restricted cash	1,859	667
Trade and other receivables	18,846	12,740
Accounts payable	67,257	23,409
Accrued liabilities	46,761	50,271
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	755,566	682,088
Total Liabilities	869,584	755,768
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	30,883	27,024	32,903	20,871
Total Assets	264,697	188,377
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	30,883	27,024	32,903	20,871
Total Liabilities	186,595	125,330
Total Stockholder's Equity	78,102	63,047
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	264,697	188,377
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction	43,454	19,782
Cash and cash equivalents	323	81
Land and land under development	21,657	16,033
Other assets, net	8,813	8,435
Total Assets	77,001	44,816
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	323	81
Trade and other receivables	2,754	485
Accounts payable	5,798	2,236
Accrued liabilities	7,809	1,814
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	52,839	21,998
Total Liabilities	66,446	26,048
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Inventories:
Cash and cash equivalents	30,560	26,943
Marketable securities	32,473	34,509
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	119,953	78,335
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,710	3,774
Total Assets	187,696	143,561
Accounts payable and other liabilities	51,864	52,446
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	30,560	26,943
Marketable securities	32,473	34,509
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	(8,042)	(1,866)
Mortgage repurchase facility	76,327	48,702
Total Liabilities	120,149	99,282
Eliminations Entries [Member]
Inventories:
Total Assets	(200,165)	(128,564)
ASSETS
Total Liabilities	(1,700)	(1,796)
Total Stockholder's Equity	(198,465)	(126,768)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	(200,165)	(128,564)
Eliminations Entries [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Inventories:
Investment in subsidiaries	(198,465)	(126,768)
Other assets, net		(96)
Total Assets	(198,465)	(126,864)
ASSETS
Accrued liabilities		(96)
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	(9,742)	(3,566)
Total Liabilities	(9,742)	(3,662)
Eliminations Entries [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Inventories:
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,700)	(1,700)
Total Assets	(1,700)	(1,700)
ASSETS
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	8,042	1,866
Total Liabilities	$ 8,042	$ 1,866

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Inventories - Summary of Impairment of Inventory (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment	$ 1,105	$ 811	$ 4,692	$ 9,119	$ 279	$ 1,105	$ 12,965	$ 21,195
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | West [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							7,270	14,808
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							1,850	555
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | East [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						295	1,804	542
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | Subtotal [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						295	10,924	15,905
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | West [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							1,499	3,163
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							449	964
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | East [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						810	93	1,163
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | Subtotal [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						$ 810	$ 2,041	$ 5,290

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Stock Based Compensation - Unvested Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Forfeited, Shares	(55,710)	(124,710)	(177,321)
Granted - at fair market value, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.54	$ 3.76	$ 9.19
Unvested Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested shares, beginning of year	1,251,328	1,790,425	2,233,717
Vested, Shares	(533,118)	(679,387)	(822,471)
Forfeited, Shares	(55,710)	(124,710)	(177,321)
Unvested Shares, end of year	2,045,000	1,251,328	1,790,425
Unvested Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of year	$ 14.99	$ 13.50	$ 13.88
Vested, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.61	$ 14.76	$ 19.19
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.45	$ 10.13	$ 11.59
Unvested Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of year	$ 13.99	$ 14.99	$ 13.50
Options At Fair Market Value [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted - above fair market value, shares	1,382,500	265,000	376,500
Options At Fair Market Value [Member] | Unvested Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted - above fair market value, shares	1,382,500	265,000	376,500
Granted - at fair market value, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.54	$ 7.42	$ 8.99
Options Above Fair Market Value [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted - above fair market value, shares			180,000
Options Above Fair Market Value [Member] | Unvested Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted - above fair market value, shares			180,000
Granted - above fair market value, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 9.45

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Methods Used for Measuring Fair Values of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis

The following table sets forth the fair values and methods used for measuring the fair values of financial instruments on a recurring basis:

			Fair Value
Financial Instrument	Hierarchy		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Marketable Securities (available-for-sale)			(Dollars in thousands)
Equity securities		Level 1	$	208,818	$	160,021
Debt securities		Level 2		343,120		359,922
Total available-for-sale securities			$	551,938	$	519,943
Mortgage Loans Held-For-Sale, net		Level 2	$	119,953	$	78,335

Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities

The following tables set forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale marketable securities.

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Homebuilding:	(Dollars in thousands)
Equity security	$	208,279	$	208,818	$	169,565	$	160,021
Debt securities		306,793		310,647		323,454		325,413
Total homebuilding available-for-sale securities	$	515,072	$	519,465	$	493,019	$	485,434
Financial Services:
Total financial services available-for-sale debt securities	$	32,028	$	32,473	$	34,164	$	34,509
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	547,100	$	551,938	$	527,183	$	519,943

Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes

The estimated values of the senior notes in the following table are based on Level 2 inputs, including market prices of other homebuilder bonds.

		Fair Value
Financial Instrument	Hierarchy	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Marketable Securities (available-for-sale)
Equity securities	Level 1	$	208,818	$	160,021
Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	Level 2	$	54,388	$	157,685
Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	Level 2	$	277,514	$	202,237
Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	Level 2		11,218		-
Total available-for-sale securities		$	551,938	$	519,943
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	Level 2	$	119,953	$	78,335

Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory

The table below shows the carrying value, at each year end, of all inventories that were impaired during each year presented.

	Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory at December 31, 2012						Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory at December 31, 2011
	Land and Land Under Development		Housing Completed or Under Construction		Total Inventory		Land and Land Under Development		Housing Completed or Under Construction		Total Inventory
West	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	12,904	$	6,517	$	19,421
Mountain		-		-		-		1,000		466		1,466
East		1,100		1,635		2,735		1,225		2,309		3,534
Total	$	1,100	$	1,635	$	2,735	$	15,129	$	9,292	$	24,421

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Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012 West [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 West [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 West [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Mountain [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Mountain [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Mountain [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 East [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 East [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 East [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Homebuilding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Homebuilding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Homebuilding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Mortgage operations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Mortgage operations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Mortgage operations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Financial Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Financial Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Financial Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Financial Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Financial Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 405,773	$ 334,329	$ 268,934	$ 193,987	$ 247,203	$ 211,157	$ 215,459	$ 169,290	$ 516,079	$ 272,800	$ 326,278	$ 355,368	$ 316,189	$ 345,794	$ 284,695	$ 228,034	$ 254,833	$ 1,156,142	$ 817,023	$ 926,905	$ 35,123	$ 17,807	$ 21,839	$ 11,758	$ 8,279	$ 8,634	$ 46,881	$ 26,086	$ 30,473

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Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations

15. Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations

Mortgage Lending.  HomeAmerican has a Master Repurchase Agreement (the “Mortgage Repurchase Facility”) with U.S. Bank National Association (“USBNA”). This agreement was amended on September 21, 2012 and extended until September 20, 2013. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility provides liquidity to HomeAmerican by providing for the sale of eligible mortgage loans to USBNA with an agreement by HomeAmerican to repurchase the mortgage loans at a future date. Until such mortgage loans are transferred back to HomeAmerican, the documents relating to such loans are held by USBNA, as custodian, pursuant to the Custody Agreement (“Custody Agreement”), dated as of November 12, 2008, by and between HomeAmerican and USBNA. As of December 31, 2012, the Mortgage Repurchase Facility had a temporary maximum aggregate commitment of $80 million which will return to $50 million after January 31, 2013. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $76.3 million and $48.7 million, respectively, of mortgage loans that we were obligated to repurchase under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility. Mortgage loans that we are obligated to repurchase under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility are accounted for as a debt financing arrangement and are reported as mortgage repurchase facility on the consolidated balance sheets. Advances under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility carry a Pricing Rate equal to the greater of (i) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility) plus 2.5%, or (ii) 3.25%. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility contains various representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants customary for agreements of this type. The negative covenants include, among others, (i) an Adjusted Tangible Net Worth requirement, (ii) a minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth Ratio, (iii) an Adjusted Net Income requirement, and (iv) a minimum Liquidity requirement. The foregoing terms are defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility. We believe we were in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants included in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility as of December 31, 2012.

Senior Notes.  Our senior notes are not secured and, while the senior note indentures contain some restrictions on secured debt and other transactions, they do not contain financial covenants. Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding segment subsidiaries.

During 2011, we completed a debt tender offer and redemptions of our 7% Senior Notes due 2012 and 5 ¹/₂% Senior Notes due 2013. As a result of these transactions, we paid $537.7 million to extinguish $500 million in debt principal with a carrying amount of $498.9 million and recorded a $38.8 million expense for loss on extinguishment of debt.

Our debt obligations at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014, net		249,621		249,438
5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2015, net		249,895		249,857
5 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020, net		245,326		244,813
Total Senior Notes, net	$	744,842	$	744,108

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Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Subsequent Events

20. Subsequent Events

On January 10, 2013, we completed a public offering of $250 million principal amount of 6% senior notes due 2043 (the “6% Notes”). The 6% Notes, which pay interest semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing July 15, 2013, are general unsecured obligations of MDC and rank equally and ratably with our other general unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. In addition, the 6% Notes are fully guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding subsidiaries. We received proceeds of $247.8 million, net of underwriting fees of $2.2 million. We will use the proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.

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Stock Based Compensation - Options Granted to Executives Non Executives and Directors that are Exercisable (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable	3,834,573
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable	$ 48.83
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) - Exercisable	3 years 9 months 4 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Exercisable	$ 4,042
Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable	2,600,604
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable	$ 51.11
Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable	1,044,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable	$ 48.47
Non-Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares - Exercisable	189,969
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable	$ 36.80

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cost and Carrying Value of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest Cost Capitalized And Depreciation And Amortization Expenses For Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$ 56,516	$ 55,239
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	23,391	18,962
Carrying Value	33,125	36,277
Air Plane [Member]
Interest Cost Capitalized And Depreciation And Amortization Expenses For Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	28,997	28,997
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	6,055	5,506
Carrying Value	22,942	23,491
Computer Software And Equipment [Member]
Interest Cost Capitalized And Depreciation And Amortization Expenses For Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	17,905	17,470
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	9,513	6,339
Carrying Value	8,392	11,131
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Interest Cost Capitalized And Depreciation And Amortization Expenses For Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	7,623	6,881
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	6,066	5,471
Carrying Value	1,557	1,410
Other [Member]
Interest Cost Capitalized And Depreciation And Amortization Expenses For Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	1,991	1,891
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	1,757	1,646
Carrying Value	$ 234	$ 245

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Income Tax Expense Benefit

Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Current tax benefit:	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal	$	(374	)	$	(3,652	)	$	(481	)
State		(1,210	)		(5,430	)		(5,350	)
Total current		(1,584	)		(9,082	)		(5,831	)
Deferred tax expense:
Federal		-			-			-
State		-			-			-
Total deferred		-			-			-
Benefit from income taxes	$	(1,584	)	$	(9,082	)	$	(5,831	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense(benefit) computed at federal statutory rate	$	21,390		$	(37,615	)	$	(24,711	)
State income tax expense(benefit), net of federal benefit		2,139			(3,762	)		(2,471	)
Permanent differences		1,771			93			319
Expiration of statute, Arizona net operating loss		2,634			-			-
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits		(1,857	)		(9,173	)		(4,082	)
Change in valuation allowance		(27,661	)		41,375			25,114
Benefit from income taxes	$	(1,584	)	$	(9,082	)	$	(5,831	)
Effective tax rate		2.6%			8.5%			8.3%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The tax effects of significant temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax asset are as follows:

	December 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal net operating loss carryforward	$	129,695		$	133,454
State net operating loss carryforward		49,551			53,350
Asset impairment charges		14,080			31,137
Stock-based compensation expense		29,196			26,771
Warranty, litigation and other reserves		14,556			18,933
Accrued liabilities		12,166			10,667
Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carry forwards		10,988			10,296
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes		3,930			3,466
Unrealized loss on marketable securities		-			2,787
Charitable contribution on carryforward		520			942
Deferred revenue		629			580
Total deferred tax assets		265,311			292,383
Valuation allowance		(248,306	)		(281,178	)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		17,005			11,205
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue		3,796			5,589
Property, equipment and other assets		5,753			706
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for financial statement purposes		450			542
Accrued liabilities		758			32
Unrealized gain on marketable securities		1,863			-
Other, net		4,385			4,336
Total deferred tax liabilities		17,005			11,205
Net deferred tax asset	$	-		$	-

Liability Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following table summarizes our liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	2,712		$	48,963		$	52,837
Increases related to prior year tax positions		63			-			13
Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(84	)		(286	)		(2,323	)
Increases related to current year tax positions		-			85			385
Decreases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
Settlements with taxing authorities		-			(38,543	)		(1,414	)
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(2,116	)		(7,507	)		(535	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	575		$	2,712		$	48,963

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in-Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning balances, value at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 1,073,146	$ 471	$ 802,675	$ 270,659		$ (659)
Beginning balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2009		47,069,561				(52,789)
Net income (loss)	(64,770)			(64,770)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	4,884				4,884
Comprehensive income (loss)	(59,886)
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, value	53	1	52
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, shares		128,520
Cash dividends paid	(47,140)			(47,140)
Stock-based compensation expense	17,510		17,510
Forfeitures of restricted stock						(2,834)
Ending balances, value at Dec. 31, 2010	983,683	472	820,237	158,749	4,884	(659)
Ending balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2010		47,198,081				(55,623)
Net income (loss)	(98,390)			(98,390)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	(12,124)				(12,124)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(110,514)
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, value	9,044	8	9,036
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, shares		819,027
Cash dividends paid	(47,432)			(47,432)
Stock-based compensation expense	15,432		15,432
Forfeitures of restricted stock						(4,289)
Reinstatement of tax benefits on non-qualified stock options exercised in previous years (Footnote 13)	18,423		18,423
Ending balances, value at Dec. 31, 2011	868,636	480	863,128	12,927	(7,240)	(659)
Ending balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		48,017,108				(59,912)
Net income (loss)	62,699			62,699
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	12,078				12,078
Comprehensive income (loss)	74,777
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, value	16,624	8	16,616
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, shares		752,855
Cash dividends paid	(96,915)			(96,915)
Stock-based compensation expense	16,225		16,225
Reversal of uncertain tax positions due to statute of limitations	1,551		1,551
Retirement of treasury stock	(1)	(1)	(659)			659
Retirement of treasury stock, Shares		(62,230)				62,230
Forfeitures of restricted stock		(8,976)				(2,318)
Ending balances, value at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 880,897	$ 487	$ 896,861	$ (21,289)	$ 4,838
Ending balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		48,698,757

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Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	7 years
Contribution to Employee benefit	$ 0.2
2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	3.6
2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	5 years
2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	7 years
2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	10 years
2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	10 years
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	1,600,000
Shares available for grant	300,000
2001 Director Stock Option Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	10 years
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	900,000
2011 Director Stock Option Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period, expiration, years	10 years
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	900,000
Shares available for grant	700,000
Stock options granted to purchase	25,000

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table shows our basic and diluted EPS calculations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2011			2010
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income (loss)	$	62,699		$	(98,390	)	$	(64,770	)
Less: distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,101	)		(711	)		(523	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	61,598		$	(99,101	)	$	(65,293	)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		47,660,629			46,796,334			46,627,815
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		173,527			-			-
Restricted stock awards		230,683			-			-
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		48,064,839			46,796,334			46,627,815
Basic earnings (loss) per common share		1.29		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)
Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.28		$	(2.12	)	$	(1.40	)

Diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2012 excluded options to purchase approximately 4.8 million shares of common stock because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

There was no dilutive effect of common stock equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010 because the effect of their inclusion would decrease the reported loss per share. Using the treasury stock method, the weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from diluted EPS were 0.3 million shares and 0.4 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$ 12,078,000	$ (12,124,000)	$ 4,884,000
Fair value of related party assets	12,900,000
Carrying value of related party assets	5,800,000	6,700,000
Inventories with carrying value	3,800,000	54,600,000
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term maturities	15 days
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term maturities	40 days
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	119,953,000	78,335,000
Not Under Commitment To Sell [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	11,700,000	800,000
Under Commitment To Sell [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss)	4.8	7.2
Held-to-maturity Securities, Transferred to Trading Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss)	2.1	6.5
Number of Mutual Fund	4
Under Commitment To Sell [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	$ 108,300,000	$ 77,500,000

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Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations - Debt Obligations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Total Debt Obligations	$ 744,842	$ 744,108
5 3/8% Medium-Term Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Total Debt Obligations	249,621	249,438
5 3/8% Medium-Term Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Total Debt Obligations	249,895	249,857
5 5/8% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Obligations [Line Items]
Total Debt Obligations	$ 245,326	$ 244,813

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Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Insurance reserves	$ 47,852	$ 49,376	$ 51,576	$ 49,631
Other accrued liabilities	14,225	15,729
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 51,864	$ 52,446

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Results of Quarterly Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Results of Quarterly Operations

21. Results of Quarterly Operations (Unaudited)

	Quarter
	First			Second			Third			Fourth
2012		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Home sales revenue	$	184,678		$	256,532		$	320,647		$	389,141
Total revenue		193,987			268,934			334,329			405,773
Asset impairments		-			-			-			1,105
Gross margin from home sales		14.1%			14.2%			15.5%			16.7%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses		34,124			39,223			44,788			49,160
Earnings before income taxes		2,125			9,655			19,484			29,851
Net income (loss)		2,265			10,638			20,126			29,670
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.22		$	0.42		$	0.60
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.22		$	0.41		$	0.59
2011
Home sales revenue	$	163,383		$	206,163		$	204,886		$	230,732
Total revenue		169,290			215,459			211,157			247,203
Asset impairments		279			9,119			4,692			811
Gross margin from home sales		13.5%			8.9%			14.8%			15.0%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses		47,654			49,158			46,360			35,933
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes		-			-			17,268			21,527
Loss before income taxes		(23,704	)		(29,803	)		(34,189	)		(19,776	)
Net income (loss)		(19,879	)		(27,980	)		(31,710	)		(18,821	)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.60	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.40	)
Diluted	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.60	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.40	)

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Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2008 Chairman Of The Board And Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Chairman Of The Board And Chief Executive Officer [Member] Subsequent Event [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 President And Chief Operating Officer [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 President And Chief Operating Officer [Member] Subsequent Event [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Annual retirement benefit				$ 1,333,333		$ 1,214,333
Retirement benefit biannual increase					1,666,666		1,547,666
Annual retirement benefit, maximum annual benefit					2,000,000		1,881,000
Discount rate used in present value calculation	5.00%	5.50%
Annual retirement benefit, accrued expense liability	$ 4,300,000	$ 3,200,000	$ 3,200,000

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Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities

The following table sets forth information relating to homebuilding accrued liabilities.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Warranty reserves	$	23,151	$	25,525
Accrued interest payable		13,698		13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation (note 12)		28,475		24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits		835		3,303
Legal accruals		2,250		9,360
Land development and home construction accruals		9,545		10,619
Accrued compensation and related expenses		16,864		11,350
Customer and escrow deposits		9,413		5,468
Other accrued liabilities		14,225		15,729
Total accrued liabilities	$	118,456	$	119,188

Schedule of Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

The following table sets forth information relating to financial services accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

	December 31,
	2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Insurance reserves	$	47,852	$	49,376
Other accrued liabilities		4,012		3,070
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	51,864	$	52,446

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Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions

14. Related Party Transactions

We previously entered into a transaction (the “Transaction”) with the Villages at Castle Rock Metropolitan District No. 6 (the “District”). The District is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The Board of Directors of the District currently is comprised of employees of the Company. The District was formed to provide funding for certain land development costs associated with the construction of homes in our Cobblestone subdivision. Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, the District sold to the Company approximately $22.5 million in Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Appreciation Bonds Series 2007 (the “2007 Bonds”) and a $1.6 million Limited Tax General Obligation Subordinate Bond (the “Subordinate Bond”) in exchange for title to approximately $28.6 million in land development improvements to the District.

We recorded the 2007 Bonds and Subordinate Bond at an estimated $8.9 million and $0 fair value, respectively, based upon discounted cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we updated our evaluation of the estimated fair value of the 2007 Bonds and through this evaluation, we determined there was a decrease in the estimated cash flows from this asset and, as a result, recorded a $1.0 million other-than-temporary-impairment associated with the 2007 Bonds in 2009. As discussed in Note 5, the fair value of 2007 Bonds as of December 31, 2012 was $12.9 million. However, as the 2007 Bonds are accounted for under the cost-recovery method, they are not carried at fair value and therefore no upward adjustment to the carrying value was recorded.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we received payments from the District in the amount of $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the 2007 Bonds and Subordinate Bond.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we contributed $1 million in cash to the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation (the “Foundation”), a Delaware non-profit corporation that was incorporated on September 30, 1999. We did not make any contributions to the foundation during the years ended December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization operated exclusively for charitable, educational and other purposes beneficial to social welfare within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The following Directors and/or officers of the Company are the trustees of the Foundation at December 31, 2012, all of whom serve without compensation:

Name	Title
Larry A. Mizel	Trustee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
David D. Mandarich	Trustee, President
Raymond T. Baker	Trustee

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Supplemental Guarantor Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Percentage of equity owned by parent in subsidiaries	100.00%