<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001104659-06-038758
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>9
<FILING-DATE>20060601
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20060601
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20060601
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>Meritage Homes CORP
<CIK>0000833079
<ASSIGNED-SIC>1531
<IRS-NUMBER>860611231
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>MD
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-134637
<FILM-NUMBER>06879374
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>8501 E. PRINCESS DRIVE
<STREET2>STE 290
<CITY>SCOTTSDALE
<STATE>AZ
<ZIP>85255
<PHONE>4802222444
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>8501 E. PRINCESS DRIVE
<STREET2>SUITE 290
<CITY>SCOTTSDALE
<STATE>AZ
<ZIP>85255
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>MERITAGE CORP
<DATE-CHANGED>19981009
</FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>MONTEREY HOMES CORP
<DATE-CHANGED>19970113
</FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS CORP
<DATE-CHANGED>19920703
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a06-12723_2s8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>SECURITIES TO BE OFFERED TO EMPLOYEES PURSUANT TO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
<TEXT>
<html>

<head>





</head>

<body lang="EN-US">

<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2006</font></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Registration
No. 333-</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="border:none;border-top:double windowtext 9.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;">

<p style="border:none;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;padding:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

</div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED
STATES</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">WASHINGTON, DC&#160; 20549</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="center"></div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM S-8</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">REGISTRATION
STATEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNDER</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center">

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Maryland</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">86-0611231</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(State
  or Other Jurisdiction of</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(I.R.S.
  Employer Identification No.)</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Incorporation
  or Organization)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">17851 North 85<sup>th</sup> Street</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Suite 300</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Scottsdale, Arizona</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">85255</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address
  of Principal Executive Offices)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Zip
  Code)</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

</div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Full
Title of the Plan)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Larry W. Seay</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Meritage Homes Corporation</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">17851 North 85<sup>th</sup> Street</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Suite 300</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Scottsdale, Arizona&#160;
85255</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">480-609-3330</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Name,
Address and Telephone</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="center"></div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">With a copy to:</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Steven D. Pidgeon</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Snell &amp; Wilmer L.L.P.</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">One Arizona Center</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">400 East Van Buren Street</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Phoenix, Arizona 85004</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">602-382-6000</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="center"></div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="33%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:33.04%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Title of Each Class of
  Securities<br>
  To Be Registered</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.28%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.58%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Amount<br>
  To Be<br>
  Registered</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.46%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.72%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Proposed<br>
  Maximum<br>
  Offering<br>
  Price Per Share (3)</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.02%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Proposed<br>
  Maximum<br>
  Aggregate<br>
  Offering Price (3)</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Amount of Registration<br>
  Fee</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.48%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="33%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:33.04%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Common
  stock, $0.01 par value(2)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.28%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.46%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.72%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.02%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.68%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.48%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="33%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:33.04%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 30.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Shares not previously registered</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.28%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.58%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">700,000</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.46%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.42%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">55.25</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="11%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:11.72%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">38,675,000</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="11%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:11.38%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4,138</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.48%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="33%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:33.04%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 30.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Shares registered under Former Plan</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.28%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.58%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">501,350</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0.375pt 0in;width:3.46%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.72%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">n/a</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.02%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">n/a</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0.375pt 0in;width:3.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.68%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">n/a</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0.375pt 0in;width:2.48%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="33%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:33.04%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Total</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.28%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:double windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.58%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1,201,350</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 1.5pt 0in;width:3.46%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.42%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">55.25</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:double windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="11%" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom:double windowtext 1.5pt;border-left:none;border-right:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:11.72%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">38,675,000</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:double windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="11%" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom:double windowtext 1.5pt;border-left:none;border-right:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:11.38%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4,138</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.48%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="left"></div>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Shares to be offered or sold under the Meritage
Homes Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the &#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">2006 Plan</font></i></b>&#148;) include 501,350 shares
previously registered for offer or sale under the Meritage Homes Corporation
Stock Option Plan (the &#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Former
Plan</font></i></b>&#148;) that were not issued under the Former Plan and that may
be offered or sold under the 2006 Plan (the &#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Carried Forward Shares</font></i></b>&#148;) as of May 17,
2006 (the &#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Effective
Date</font></i></b>&#148;). The Carried Forward Shares, which have been adjusted to
reflect a 2-for-1 stock split in January 2005, were registered on a Form S-8
registration statement filed on June 7, 2004 (file no. 333-116243) and Meritage
Homes Corporation (&#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Meritage</font></i></b>&#148;) paid a total fee
of $6,857, of which $2,149 related to the Carried Forward Shares. Pursuant to
Interpretation 89 under Section G of the Manual of Publicly Available Telephone
Interpretations of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (July 1997) and Instruction E to the General Instructions
to Form S-8, Meritage has carried forward the registration fee for the Carried
Forward Shares. Meritage is concurrently filing a Post-Effective Amendment No.
1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 333-116243), relating to
shares registered pursuant to the Former Plan, to deregister the unissued
shares under the Former Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Securities Act</font></i></b>&#148;), this Registration Statement
also covers an indeterminate number of shares of common stock that may be
offered or issued by reason of stock splits, stock dividends or similar
transactions.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Estimated solely for purposes of calculating
the registration fee pursuant to Securities Act Rules 457(c) and (h). The
proposed maximum offering price per share, proposed maximum aggregate offering
price and the amount of the registration fee are based on the average of the
high and low prices of Meritage&#146;s common stock reported on the New York Stock
Exchange on May 25, 2006 (<i><font style="font-style:italic;">i.e.</font></i>,
$55.25).</p>

<div style="border:none;border-bottom:double windowtext 9.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;">

<p style="border:none;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;padding:0in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

</div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
<!-- SEQ.=1,FOLIO='',FILE='C:\JMS\mmeeran\06-12723-2\task1146703\12723-2-ba.htm',USER='mahamed',CD='Jun  1 21:59 2006' -->


<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PART I</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 1.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Plan Information.</font></b>*</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 2.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual
Information.</font></b>*</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="left"></div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">* Information required by
Part I to be contained in the Section 10(a) prospectus is omitted from this
registration statement in accordance with Securities Act Rule 428 and the
Introductory Note to Part I of Form S-8.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PART II</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 3.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The following documents
which have been filed by Meritage with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the &#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Commission</font></i></b>&#148;)
are incorporated herein by reference:</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Meritage&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>All other reports filed pursuant to Sections
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (&#147;<b><i><font style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Exchange Act</font></i></b>&#148;), since
December 31, 2005; and</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(c)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Description of Meritage&#146;s common stock
contained or incorporated in the registration statements filed by Meritage
under the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the
purpose of updating such description.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">All documents subsequently
filed by Meritage with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and
15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters
all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part of this Registration
Statement from the date of filing of such documents.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 4.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Description of Securities.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Not applicable.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 5.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Not applicable.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 6.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Under the provisions of the
Maryland General Corporation Law, a corporation&#146;s charter may, with certain
exceptions, include any provision expanding or limiting the liability of its
directors and officers to the corporation or its stockholders for money
damages, but may not include any provision that restricts or limits the
liability of its directors or officers to the corporation or its stockholders
to the extent that (i) it is proved that the person actually received an
improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services for the amount of
the benefit or profit in money, property, or services actually received, or
(ii) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is entered in
a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the person&#146;s action, or
failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was
material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. Meritage&#146;s
charter contains a provision limiting the personal liability of officers and
directors to Meritage and its stockholders to the fullest extent permitted
under Maryland law.</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In addition, the provisions
of the Maryland General Corporation Law permit a corporation to indemnify its
present and former directors and officers, among others, against liability
incurred, unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of the director
or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was
committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty,
or (ii) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit
in money, property, or services, or (iii) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the
act or omission was unlawful. Meritage&#146;s charter provides that it will
indemnify its directors, officers and others so designated by its board of
directors to the full extent permitted under Maryland law.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">As permitted under Maryland
General Corporation law, Meritage has purchased and maintains insurance on
behalf of its directors and officers against liability asserted against such
directors and officers in their capacities as such, whether or not Meritage
would have the power to indemnify such persons under the provisions of Maryland
law governing indemnification.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 7.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Exemption from Registration Claimed.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Not applicable.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Exhibits.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A list of exhibits is set
forth on the Exhibit Index that immediately precedes the exhibits and which is
incorporated by reference herein.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Undertakings.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The undersigned registrant
hereby undertakes:</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>To file, during any period in which offers or
sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(i)
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
1933;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum
offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the &#147;Calculation of Registration Fee&#148; table in the effective
registration statement;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
to such information in the registration statement.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Provided,
however</font></i>, that
paragraphs (l)(i) and (l)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to
be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to
section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the registration statement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>That, for the purpose of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial <i><font style="font-style:italic;">bona fide</font></i>
offering thereof.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain
unsold at the termination of the offering.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The undersigned registrant
hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by
reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <i><font style="font-style:italic;">bona fide</font></i> offering thereof.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Insofar as indemnification
for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable
grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8
and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Scottsdale, State of
Arizona, on this 31st day of May, 2006.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="51%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:51.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="4" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:48.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">MERITAGE
  HOMES CORPORATION</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="51%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:51.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="4" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:48.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="51%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:51.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.7%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:38.88%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/&nbsp;Larry
  W. Seay</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="5%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:5.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="51%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:51.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="4%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:4.8%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:43.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Larry W.
  Seay</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="51%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:51.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="4%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:4.8%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="43%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:43.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Executive
  Vice President and Chief Financial<br>
  Officer</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr height="0">
  <td width="388" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="28" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="8" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="283" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="42" style="border:none;"></td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 274.5pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">POWER OF ATTORNEY</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE
PRESENTS, that each whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints
Steven J. Hilton and Larry W. Seay, and each of them, his or her true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration
statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Signature</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Title</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Date</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/&nbsp;Steven J. Hilton</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chairman, Chief Executive
  Officer</font>&nbsp; </font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Steven J. Hilton</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">and Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/&nbsp;Larry W. Seay</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Executive Vice President
  and</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Larry W. Seay</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chief Financial Officer</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Principal Financial
  Officer)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ Vicki L. Biggs</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Controller and</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Vicki L. Biggs</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chief Accounting Officer</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Principal Accounting
  Officer)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ Robert G. Sarver</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Robert G. Sarver</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ Richard T. Burke</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Richard T. Burke</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ Raymond Oppel</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Raymond Oppel</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ Peter L. Ax</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Peter L. Ax</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ William G. Campbell</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">William G. Campbell</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Signature</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Title</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Date</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;/s/ Gerald W. Haddock</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Director</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  31, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.3%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Gerald W. Haddock</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:45.54%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="12%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:12.88%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr height="0">
  <td width="159" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="120" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="18" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="341" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="14" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="96" style="border:none;"></td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT INDEX</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.0pt;"><br>
  <b><font style="font-weight:bold;">Number</font></b></font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Description</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Page or
  Method of Filing</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.1</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Meritage Homes Corporation
  2006 Stock Incentive Plan</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.2</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Representative Form of
  Restricted Stock Agreement</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.3</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Representative Form of
  Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.4</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Representative Form of
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.5</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Representative Form of
  Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.1</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Opinion of Venable LLP</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.1</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of Deloitte &amp;
  Touche LLP</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.2</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of KPMG LLP</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed herewith</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.3</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of Counsel</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Included as part of Exhibit
  5.1</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:8.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24.0</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.64%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Power of Attorney</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="27%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:27.14%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">See Signature Page</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">7</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-4.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>a06-12723_2ex4d1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-4
<TEXT>
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<head>





</head>

<body lang="EN-US">

<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 4.1</font></b></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EFFECTIVE DATE:&#160; MAY
17, 2006</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS:&#160;
MAY 17, 2006</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">TERMINATION DATE:&#160; MAY
16, 2016</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 1<br>
PURPOSE</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GENERAL</font></u></b>. The purpose of the Meritage Homes
Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the &#147;<u>Plan</u>&#148;) is to promote the
success and enhance the value of Meritage Homes Corporation (the &#147;<u>Company</u>&#148;)
by linking the personal interests of the members of the Board, employees,
officers, executives, consultants and advisors to those of Company stockholders
and by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding performance
to generate superior returns to Company stockholders. The Plan is further
intended to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract,
and retain the services of Board members, employees, officers, executives,
consultants and advisors upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the
successful conduct of the Company&#146;s operation is largely dependent.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 2<br>
EFFECTIVE AND EXPIRATION DATE</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">EFFECTIVE DATE</font></u></b>. The Plan is effective as of the date the
Plan is approved by the Company&#146;s stockholders (the &#147;<u>Effective Date</u>&#148;).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">EXPIRATION DATE</font></u></b>. The Plan will expire on, and no Award may
be granted under the Plan after, the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Any
Awards that are outstanding on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date
shall remain in force according to the terms of the Plan and the Award
Agreement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 3<br>
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">DEFINITIONS</font></u></b>. The following words and phrases shall have
the following meanings:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Award</u>&#148; means any Option, Stock
Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award, Performance Share Award, or
Performance-Based Award granted to a Participant under the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Award Agreement</u>&#148; means any written
agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing an Award.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(c)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Board</u>&#148; means the Board of Directors
of the Company.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Cause</u>&#148; means and will exist in the
following circumstances in which the Participant: (i) is convicted of a felony,
(ii) engages in any fraudulent or other dishonest act to the detriment of the
Company, (iii) fails to report for work on a regular basis, except for periods
of authorized absence or bona fide illness, (iv) misappropriates trade secrets,
customer lists, or other proprietary information belonging to the Company for
his or her own benefit or for the benefit of a competitor, (v) engages in any
willful misconduct designed to harm the Company or its stockholders, or (vi)
fails to perform properly his or her assigned duties.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(e)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Change of Control</u>&#148; means and includes
each of the following:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>A sale, transfer, or other disposition by the
Company through a single transaction or a series of transactions of securities
of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">voting power of the
Company&#146;s then outstanding securities to any &#147;Unrelated Person&#148; or &#147;Unrelated
Persons&#148; acting in concert with one another. For purposes of this definition,
the term &#147;Person&#148; shall mean and include any individual, partnership, joint
venture, association, trust, corporation, or other entity (including a &#147;group&#148;
as referred to in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act). For purposes of this
definition, the term &#147;Unrelated Person&#148; shall mean and include any Person other
than the Company, or an employee benefit plan of the Company; or</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>A sale, transfer, or other disposition
through a single transaction or a series of related transactions of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company to an Unrelated Person or
Unrelated Persons acting in concert with one another; or</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Any consolidation or merger of the Company
with or into an Unrelated Person, unless immediately after the consolidation or
merger the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to the
consolidation or merger are the beneficial owners of securities of the
surviving corporation representing at least 50% of the combined voting power of
the surviving corporation&#146;s then outstanding securities.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(f)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Code</u>&#148; means the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(g)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Committee</u>&#148; means the committee of the
Board described in Section 4.1.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(h)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Covered Employee</u>&#148; means an employee
who is, or could be, a &#147;covered employee&#148; within the meaning of Section 162(m)
of the Code.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(i)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Disability</u>&#148;<b><font style="font-weight:bold;"> </font></b>means, for purposes of this Plan, that the Participant
qualifies to receive long term disability payments under the Company&#146;s long
term disability insurance program, as it may be amended from time to time.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(j)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Exchange Act</u>&#148; means the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(k)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Fair Market Value</u>&#148; means, as of any
given date, the fair market value of Stock on a particular date determined by
such methods or procedures as may be established from time to time by the
Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Fair Market Value
of Stock as of any date shall be the closing price for the Stock as reported on
the New York Stock Exchange (or on any national securities exchange on which
the Stock is then listed) for that date or, if no such prices are reported for
that date, the average of the high and low trading prices on the next preceding
date for which such prices were reported.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(l)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Incentive Stock Option</u>&#148; means an
Option that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or
any successor provision thereto.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(m)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Non-Employee Director</u>&#148; means a member
of the Board who qualifies as a &#147;Non-Employee Director&#148; as defined in Rule
16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act, or any successor definition adopted by the
Board.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(n)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Non-Qualified Stock Option</u>&#148; means an
Option that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(o)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Option</u>&#148; means a right granted to a
Participant pursuant to Article 7 of the Plan to purchase Stock at a specified
price during specified time periods. An Option may be either an Incentive Stock
Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(p)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Participant</u>&#148; means a person who, as a
member of the Board, employee, officer, or executive of, or consultant or
advisor to, the Company or any Subsidiary, has been granted an Award pursuant
to the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(q)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Performance-Based Awards</u>&#148; means the
Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Awards granted to select Covered
Employees pursuant to Articles 9 and 10, respectively, but which are</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

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</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in Article 11. All Performance-Based Awards are intended
to qualify as &#147;performance-based compensation&#148; pursuant to Section 162(m) of
the Code.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(r)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Performance Criteria</u>&#148; means the
criteria that the Committee selects for purposes of establishing the
Performance Goal or Performance Goals for a Participant for a Performance
Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish Performance
Goals are limited to the following: pre- or after-tax net earnings, earnings
before interest expense (including interest amortized to cost of sales) and
income taxes (&#147;EBIT&#148;), earnings before interest expense (including interest
amortized to cost of sales), income taxes, depreciation and amortization
(&#147;EBITDA&#148;), revenue growth, operating income, operating cash flow, return on
net assets, return on shareholders&#146; equity, return on assets, return on
capital, share price growth, shareholder returns, gross or net profit margin,
earnings per share, price per share, and market share, any of which may be
measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or
as compared to results of a peer group. The Committee shall, within the time
prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code, define in an objective fashion the
manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such
Performance Period for such Participant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(s)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Performance Goals</u>&#148; means, for a
Performance Period, the goals established in writing by the Committee for the Performance
Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Depending on the Performance
Criteria used to establish such Performance Goals, the Performance Goals may be
expressed in terms of overall Company performance or the performance of a
division, business unit, or an individual. The Committee, in its discretion,
may, within the time prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code, adjust or modify
the calculation of Performance Goals for such Performance Period in order to
prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants (i) in the
event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item,
transaction, event, or development, or (ii) in recognition of, or in
anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the
Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or in response to, or in
anticipation of, changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting
principles, or business conditions.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(t)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Performance Period</u>&#148; means the one or
more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the
Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance
Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant&#146;s right to,
and the payment of, a Performance-Based Award.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(u)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Performance Share Award</u>&#148; means a
right granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 9, to receive cash, Stock,
or other Awards, the payment of which is contingent upon achieving certain
performance goals established by the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(v)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Plan</u>&#148; means this Meritage Homes
Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(w)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Restricted Stock Award</u>&#148; means Stock
granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 10 that is subject to certain
restrictions and to risk of forfeiture.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(x)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Stock</u>&#148; means the common stock of the
Company and such other securities of the Company that may be substituted for
Stock pursuant to Article 13.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(y)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Stock Appreciation Right</u>&#148; or &#147;<u>SAR</u>&#148;
means a right granted to a Participant under Article 8 to receive the
appreciation on Stock.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(z)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>&#147;<u>Subsidiary</u>&#148; means any corporation or
other entity of which a majority of the outstanding voting stock or voting
power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 4<br>
ADMINISTRATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">COMMITTEE</font></u></b>. The Plan shall be administered by the
Executive Compensation Committee of the Board. The Committee (or subcommittee
thereof) shall consist of at least two individuals, each of whom</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">qualifies as (i) a
Non-Employee Director, and (ii) an &#147;outside director&#148; pursuant to Section
162(m) of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ACTION BY THE COMMITTEE</font></u></b>. A majority of the Committee shall
constitute a quorum. The acts of a majority of the members present at any
meeting at which a quorum is present, and acts approved in writing by a
majority of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed the acts of the
Committee. Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or
act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by any
officer or other employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, the Company&#146;s
independent registered public accountants, or any executive compensation
consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration
of the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">AUTHORITY OF COMMITTEE</font></u></b>. Subject to any specific designation in the
Plan, the Committee has the exclusive power, authority and discretion to:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>designate Participants to receive Awards;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>determine the type or types of Awards to be
granted to each Participant;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(c)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>determine the number of Awards to be granted
and the number of shares of Stock to which an Award will relate;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>determine the terms and conditions of any
Award granted pursuant to the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise
price, grant price, or purchase price, any restrictions or limitations on the
Award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture restrictions or restrictions on the
exercisability of an Award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, based in each
case on such considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion determines;
provided, however, that the Committee shall not (i) have the authority to
accelerate the vesting or waive the forfeiture of any Performance-Based Awards,
or (ii) take any action or fail to take any action with respect to the
operation of the Plan that would cause all or part of the payment under any
Award to be subject to the additional tax under Section 409A of the Code;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(e)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>determine whether, to what extent, and
pursuant to what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise
price of an Award may be paid in, cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property,
or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(f)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>prescribe the form of each Award Agreement,
which need not be identical for each Participant;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(g)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>decide all other matters that must be
determined in connection with an Award;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(h)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>establish, adopt, or revise any rules and
regulations as it may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(i)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>interpret the terms of, and any matter
arising pursuant to, the Plan or any Award Agreement; and</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(j)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>make all other decisions and determinations
that may be required pursuant to the Plan or as the Committee deems necessary
or advisable to administer the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">DECISIONS BINDING</font></u></b>. The Committee&#146;s interpretation of the Plan,
any Awards granted pursuant to the Plan, any Award Agreement and all decisions
and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan are final,
binding, and conclusive on all parties.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 5<br>
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NUMBER OF SHARES</font></u></b>. Subject to adjustment provided in Article
13, the aggregate number of shares of Stock reserved and available for grant
pursuant to the Plan shall be 700,000, plus (i) the number of shares of Stock
available for grant pursuant to the Meritage Homes Corporation Stock Option
Plan (&#147;Prior Plan&#148;) as of the Effective Date, and (ii) the number of shares of
Stock that were previously granted pursuant to the Prior Plan and that either
terminate, expire, or lapse for any reason after the Effective Date. Any shares
of Stock issued in connection with Awards other than Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights shall be counted against the shares available for grant
pursuant to the previous sentence as 1.38 shares for every one share issued in
connection with such Award or by which the Award is valued by reference. Notwithstanding
the above, the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be awarded as
Incentive Stock Options under the Plan is 1,200,000.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">LAPSED OR ASSUMED AWARDS</font></u></b>. To the extent that an Award terminates,
expires, or lapses for any reason, any shares of Stock subject to the Award
will again be available for the grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan. Additionally,
to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law or any securities exchange
rule, shares of Stock issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any
outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form of combination by the
Company or any Subsidiary shall not be counted against shares of Stock
available for grant pursuant to this Plan. However, for avoidance of doubt, the
exercise of a stock-settled SAR or net-cashless exercise of an Option (or a
portion thereof) will reduce the number of shares of Stock available for
issuance hereunder by the entire number of shares of Stock subject to that SAR
or Option (or applicable portion thereof), even though a smaller number of
shares of Stock will be issued upon such an exercise. Also, shares of Stock
tendered to pay the exercise price of an Option or to satisfy a tax withholding
obligation arising in connection with an Award will not become available for
grant or sale under the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">STOCK DISTRIBUTED</font></u></b>. Any Stock distributed pursuant to an Award
may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Stock, treasury
Stock or Stock purchased on the open market.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF
SHARES SUBJECT TO AWARDS</font></u></b>.
Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, and subject to the
adjustment in Article 13, the maximum number of shares (counted, as described
in Section 5.1 above, as 1.38 shares awarded for every one share issued in
connection with such Award or by which the Award is valued by reference) of
Stock with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one
Participant during a calendar shall be 100,000.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 6<br>
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ELIGIBILITY</font></u></b>.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">General</font></u></b>. Persons eligible to participate in this
Plan include all members of the Board, employees, officers, and executives of,
and consultants and advisors providing services to, the Company or a
Subsidiary, as determined by the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Foreign Participants</font></u></b>. In order to assure the viability of Awards
granted to Participants employed in foreign countries, the Committee may
provide for such special terms as it may consider necessary or appropriate to
accommodate differences in local law, tax policy, or custom. Moreover, the
Committee may approve such supplements to, or amendments, restatements, or
alternative versions of, the Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate
for such purposes without thereby affecting the terms of the Plan as in effect
for any other purpose; provided, however, that no such supplements, amendments,
restatements, or alternative versions shall increase the share limitations
contained in Article 5 of the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ACTUAL PARTICIPATION</font></u></b>. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the
Committee may, from time to time, select from among all eligible individuals,
those to whom Awards shall be granted and shall determine the nature and amount
of each Award. No individual shall have any right to be granted an Award
pursuant to this Plan.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5</font></p>

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</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 7<br>
STOCK OPTIONS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">7.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GENERAL</font></u></b>. The Committee is authorized to grant
Options to Participants on the following terms and conditions:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Exercise Price</font></u></b>. The exercise price per share of Stock
pursuant to an Option shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the
Award Agreement; provided that the exercise price for any Option shall not be
less than the Fair Market Value as of the date of grant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Time and Conditions of
Exercise</font></u></b>. The Committee
shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole
or in part provided that the term of any Option granted under the Plan shall
not exceed ten years. The Committee shall also determine the performance or
other conditions, if any, that must be satisfied before all or part of an
Option may be exercised. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, an
Option will lapse immediately if a Participant&#146;s employment is terminated for
Cause.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(c)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Payment</font></u></b>. The Committee shall determine the methods
by which the exercise price of an Option may be paid, the form of payment,
including, without limitation, cash, promissory note, shares of Stock held for
longer than six months (through actual tender or by attestation), or other
property acceptable to the Committee (including broker-assisted &#147;cashless
exercise&#148; arrangements), and the methods by which shares of Stock shall be
delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Evidence of Grant</font></u></b>. All Options shall be evidenced by a written
Award Agreement between the Company and the Participant in the form attached to
this Plan as Exhibit A. The Award Agreement shall include such additional
provisions as may be specified by the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">7.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS</font></u></b>. Incentive Stock Options shall be granted
only to employees and the terms of any Incentive Stock Options granted pursuant
to the Plan must comply with the following additional provisions of this
Section 7.2:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Exercise Price</font></u></b>. Subject to Section 7.2(d), the exercise
price per share of Stock shall be set by the Committee, provided that the
exercise price for any Incentive Stock Option may not be less than the Fair
Market Value as of the date of the grant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Exercise</font></u></b>. In no event, may any Incentive Stock Option
be exercisable for more than ten years from the date of its grant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(c)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Lapse of Option</font></u></b>. An Incentive Stock Option shall lapse
pursuant to the following circumstances.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The Incentive Stock Option shall lapse ten
years from the date it is granted, unless an earlier time is set in the Award
Agreement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The Incentive Stock Option shall lapse upon
termination of employment for Cause or for any other reason other than the
Participant&#146;s death or Disability, unless otherwise provided in the Award
Agreement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>If the Participant terminates employment on
account of Disability or death before the Option lapses pursuant to paragraph
(1) or (2) above, the Incentive Stock Option shall lapse, unless it is
previously exercised, on the earlier of (i) the scheduled termination date of
the Option; or (ii) 12 months after the date of the Participant&#146;s termination of
employment on account of Disability or death. Upon the Participant&#146;s Disability
or death, any Incentive Stock Options exercisable at the Participant&#146;s
Disability or death may be exercised by the Participant&#146;s legal representative
or representatives, by the person or persons entitled to do so pursuant to the
Participant&#146;s last will and testament, or, if the Participant fails to make
testamentary disposition of such Incentive </p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Stock Option or dies intestate,
by the person or persons entitled to receive the Incentive Stock Option
pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Individual Dollar Limitation</font></u></b>. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined
as of the time an Award is made) of all shares of Stock with respect to which
Incentive Stock Options are first exercisable by a Participant in any calendar
year may not exceed $100,000.00 or such other limitation as imposed by Section
422(d) of the Code, or any successor provision. To the extent that Incentive
Stock Options are first exercisable by a Participant in excess of such
limitation, the excess shall be considered Non-Qualified Stock Options.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(e)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Ten Percent Owners</font></u></b>. An Incentive Stock Option shall be granted
to any individual who, at the date of grant, owns stock possessing more than
ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of Stock of the
Company only if such Option is granted at a price that is not less than 110% of
Fair Market Value on the date of grant and the Option is exercisable for no
more than five years from the date of grant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(f)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Expiration of Incentive
Stock Options</font></u></b>. No Award
of an Incentive Stock Option may be made pursuant to this Plan after the tenth
anniversary of the Effective Date.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(g)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Right to Exercise</font></u></b>. Except as provided in Section 12.5, during
a Participant&#146;s lifetime, an Incentive Stock Option may be exercised only by
the Participant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 8</font></b><br>
<b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS</font></u></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">8.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Grant Of SARs</font></u></b>. The Committee is authorized to grant SARs
to Participants on the following terms and conditions:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Right to Payment</font></u></b>. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Participant
to whom it is granted has the right to receive the excess, if any, of:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on
the date of exercise; over</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>the grant price of the SAR as determined by
the Committee, which shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of
Stock on the date of grant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Other Terms</font></u></b>. All SARs grants will be evidenced by an
Award Agreement. The terms, methods of exercise, methods of settlement, and any
other terms and conditions of any SAR will be determined by the Committee at
the time of the grant of the Award and as set forth in the Award Agreement;
provided that the form of consideration payable in settlement of a SAR shall be
Stock.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 9<br>
PERFORMANCE SHARES</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">9.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GRANT OF PERFORMANCE SHARES</font></u></b>. The Committee is authorized to grant
Performance Shares to Participants on such terms and conditions as may be
selected by the Committee. The Committee shall have the complete discretion to
determine the number of Performance Shares granted to each Participant. All
Awards of Performance Shares shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">9.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">RIGHT TO PAYMENT</font></u></b>. A grant of Performance Shares gives the
Participant rights, valued as determined by the Committee, and payable to, or
exercisable by, the Participant to whom the Performance Shares are granted, in
whole or in part, as the Committee shall establish at grant or thereafter. Subject
to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall set performance goals and other
terms or conditions to payment of the Performance Shares in its discretion
which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number
and value of Performance Shares that will be paid to the Participant.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">7</font></p>

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</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">9.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">OTHER TERMS</font></u></b>. Performance Shares may be payable in cash,
Stock, or other property, and have such other terms and conditions as
determined by the Committee and reflected in a written Performance Share Award
Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, Performance Shares
will lapse immediately if a Participant&#146;s employment is terminated for Cause.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 10<br>
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">10.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK</font></u></b>. The Committee is authorized to make Awards
of Restricted Stock to Participants in such amounts and subject to such terms
and conditions as determined by the Committee. All Awards of Restricted Stock
shall be evidenced by a written Restricted Stock Award Agreement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">10.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ISSUANCE AND RESTRICTIONS</font></u></b>. Restricted Stock shall be subject to such
restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Committee may
impose (including, without limitation, limitations on the right to vote
Restricted Stock or the right to receive dividends on the Restricted Stock). These
restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, pursuant to
such circumstances, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Committee
determines at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">10.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">FORFEITURE</font></u></b>. Except as otherwise determined by the
Committee at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination
of employment during the applicable restriction period, Restricted Stock that
is at that time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited; provided, however,
that the Committee may provide in any Restricted Stock Award Agreement that
restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock will be
waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from
specified causes, and the Committee may in other cases waive in whole or in
part restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock. Unless
otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, Restricted Stock will be forfeited
immediately if a Participant&#146;s employment is terminated for Cause.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">10.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">CERTIFICATES FOR RESTRICTED
STOCK</font></u></b>. Restricted Stock
granted pursuant to the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee
shall determine. If certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock are
registered in the name of the Participant, certificates must bear an
appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions
applicable to such Restricted Stock, and the Company may, at its discretion,
retain physical possession of the certificate until such time as all applicable
restrictions lapse.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 11<br>
PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">11.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">PURPOSE</font></u></b>. The purpose of this Article 11 is to
provide the Committee the ability to qualify the Performance Share Awards
pursuant to Article 9 and the Restricted Stock Awards pursuant to Article 10 as
&#147;performance-based compensation&#148; pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code. If the
Committee, in its discretion, decides to grant a Performance-Based Award to a
Covered Employee, the provisions of this Article 11 shall control over any
contrary provision contained in Articles 9 or 10.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">11.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">APPLICABILITY</font></u></b>. This Article 11 shall apply only to those
Covered Employees selected by the Committee to receive Performance-Based Awards.
The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Restricted Stock Awards or
Performance Share Awards to Covered Employees that do not satisfy the
requirements of this Article 11. The designation of a Covered Employee as a
Participant for a Performance Period shall not in any manner entitle the
Participant to receive an Award for the period. Moreover, designation of a
Covered Employee as a Participant for a particular Performance Period shall not
require designation of such Covered Employee as a Participant in any subsequent
Performance Period and designation of one Covered Employee as a Participant
shall not require designation of any other Covered Employees as a Participant
in such period or in any other period.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">11.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">DISCRETION OF COMMITTEE WITH
RESPECT TO PERFORMANCE AWARDS</font></u></b>. With regard to a particular Performance Period, the Committee shall
have full discretion to select the length of such Performance Period, the type
of Performance-Based Awards to be issued, the kind and/or level of the
Performance Goal, and whether the Performance Goal is to apply to the Company,
a Subsidiary or any division or business unit</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">8</font></p>

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</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">thereof. Unless otherwise
provided in an Award Agreement, Performance-Based Awards will be forfeited if a
Participant&#146;s employment is terminated for Cause.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">11.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">PAYMENT OF PERFORMANCE
AWARDS</font></u></b>. Unless otherwise
provided in the relevant Award Agreement, a Participant must be employed by the
Company or a Subsidiary on the day a Performance Award for such Performance
Period is paid to the Participant. Furthermore, a Participant shall be eligible
to receive payment pursuant to a Performance-Based Award for a Performance
Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved. In
determining the actual size of an individual Performance-Based Award, the
Committee may reduce or eliminate the amount of the Performance-Based Award
earned for the Performance Period, if in its sole and absolute discretion, such
reduction or elimination is appropriate.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">11.5</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">MAXIMUM AWARD PAYABLE</font></u></b>. The maximum Performance-Based Award payable
to any one Participant pursuant to the Plan for a Performance Period is 100,000
shares (counted, as described in Section 5.1 above, as 1.38 shares awarded for
every one share issued in connection with such Award or by which the Award is
valued by reference) of Stock.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 12<br>
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">STAND-ALONE AND TANDEM
AWARDS</font></u></b>. Awards granted
pursuant to the Plan may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, any other Award granted pursuant to
the Plan. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards may be
granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of
such other Awards.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">TERM OF AWARD</font></u></b>. The term of each Award shall be for the
period as determined by the Committee, provided that in no event shall the term
of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with the Incentive
Stock Option exceed a period of ten years from the date of its grant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">FORM OF PAYMENT FOR AWARDS</font></u></b>. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any
applicable law or Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the
Company or a Subsidiary on the grant or exercise of an Award may be made in
such forms as the Committee determines at or after the time of grant,
including, without limitation, cash, promissory note, Stock held for more than
six months, other Awards, or other property, or any combination, and may be
made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a deferred basis,
in each case determined in accordance with rules adopted by, and at the
discretion of, the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">LIMITS ON TRANSFER</font></u></b>.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">General</font></u></b>. Except as provided in Section 12.4(b) or
Section 12.5, no right or interest of a Participant in any Award may be
pledged, encumbered, or hypothecated to, or in favor of, any party other than
the Company or a Subsidiary, or shall be subject to any lien, obligation, or
liability of such Participant to any other party other than the Company or a
Subsidiary. Except as provided in Section 12.4(b) or Section 12.5, and except
as otherwise provided by the Committee, no Award shall be assigned,
transferred, or otherwise disposed of by a Participant other than by will or
the laws of descent and distribution.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Transfers to Family Members</font></u></b>. The Committee shall have the authority, in
its discretion, to grant (or to sanction by way of amendment to an existing
Award) Awards which may be transferred by the Participant during his or her
lifetime to any Family Member (as defined below). Unless transfers for the
Participant have been previously approved by the Committee, a transfer of an
Award pursuant hereto may only be affected by the Company at the written
request of the Participant. In the event an Award is transferred as
contemplated herein, such transferred Award may not be subsequently transferred
by the transferee (other than another transfer meeting the conditions herein)
except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. A transferred Award
shall continue to be governed by and subject to the terms and limitations of
the Plan and relevant Award Agreement, and the transferee shall be entitled to
the same rights as the Participant, as if the transfer had not taken place. For
purposes of this Section 12.4(b), the term &#147;Family Member&#148; means spouse and any
parent, stepparent,</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">9</font></p>

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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">grandparent, child,
stepchild, or grandchild, including adoptive relationships or a trust or any
other entity in which these persons (or the Participant) have more than 50% of
the beneficial interest.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.5</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">BENEFICIARIES</font></u></b>. Notwithstanding Section 12.4, a Participant
may, in the manner determined by the Committee, designate a beneficiary to
exercise the rights of the Participant and to receive any distribution with
respect to any Award upon the Participant&#146;s death. A beneficiary, legal
guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights pursuant to
the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award
Agreement applicable to the Participant, except to the extent the Plan and
Award Agreement otherwise provide, and to any additional restrictions deemed
necessary or appropriate by the Committee. If the Participant is married and
resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the
Participant&#146;s spouse as his beneficiary with respect to more than 50% of the
Participant&#146;s interest in the Award shall not be effective without the prior
written consent of the Participant&#146;s spouse. If no beneficiary has been
designated or survives the Participant, payment shall be made to the person
entitled thereto pursuant to the Participant&#146;s will or the laws of descent and
distribution. Subject to the foregoing, a beneficiary designation may be
changed or revoked by a Participant at any time provided the change or
revocation is provided to the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.6</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">STOCK CERTIFICATES</font></u></b>. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any
certificates evidencing shares of Stock pursuant to the exercise of any Award,
unless and until the Board has determined, with advice of counsel, that the
issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable
laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the
requirements of any exchange on which the shares of Stock are listed or traded.
All Stock certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan are subject to any
stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee deems necessary or
advisable to comply with Federal, state, or foreign jurisdiction, securities or
other laws, rules and regulations and the rules of any national securities
exchange or automated quotation system on which the Stock is listed, quoted, or
traded. The Committee may place legends on any Stock certificate to reference
restrictions applicable to the Stock. In addition to the terms and conditions
provided herein, the Board may require that a Participant make such reasonable
covenants, agreements, and representations as the Board, in its discretion,
deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or
requirements.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12.7</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ACCELERATION UPON A CHANGE
OF CONTROL</font></u></b>. If a Change
of Control occurs and Awards are converted, assumed, or replaced by a
successor, the Committee shall have the discretion to cause all outstanding
Awards to become fully exercisable and all restrictions on outstanding Awards
to lapse. If a Change of Control occurs and Awards are not converted, assumed,
or replaced by a successor, all outstanding Awards shall automatically become
fully exercisable and all restrictions on outstanding Awards shall lapse. To
the extent that this provision causes Incentive Stock Options to exceed the
dollar limitation set forth in Section 7.2(d), the excess Options shall be
deemed to be Non-Qualified Stock Options. Upon, or in anticipation of, such an
event, the Committee may cause every Award outstanding hereunder to terminate
at a specific time in the future and shall give each Participant the right to
exercise Awards during a period of time as the Committee, in its sole and
absolute discretion, shall determine.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 13<br>
CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">13.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANT</font></u></b>. In the event of any change in the number of
shares of Stock outstanding by reason of any stock dividend or split,
recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or
similar corporate change, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock with
respect to which the Committee may grant Awards, the number of shares of Stock
subject to any Award, and any numeric limitation expressed in the Plan shall be
appropriately adjusted by the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">13.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">OUTSTANDING AWARDS &#150;
INCREASE OR DECREASE IN ISSUED SHARES WITHOUT CONSIDERATION</font></u></b>. Subject to any required action by the
stockholders of the Company, in the event of any increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Stock resulting from a subdivision or consolidation
of shares of Stock or the payment of a stock dividend (but only on the shares
of Stock), or any other increase or decrease in the number of such shares
effected without receipt or payment of consideration by the Company, the
Committee shall proportionally adjust the number of shares of Stock subject to
each outstanding Award and the exercise price per share of Stock of each such
Award.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">10</font></p>

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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">13.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">OUTSTANDING AWARDS &#150; CERTAIN
MERGERS</font></u></b>. Subject to any
required action by the stockholders of the Company, in the event that the
Company shall be the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation
(except a merger or consolidation as a result of which the holders of shares of
Stock receive securities of another corporation), each Award outstanding on the
date of such merger or consolidation shall pertain to and apply to the
securities that a holder of the number of shares of Stock subject to such Award
would have received in such merger or consolidation.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">13.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">OUTSTANDING AWARDS &#150; OTHER
CHANGES</font></u></b>. In the event of
any other change in the capitalization of the Company or corporate change other
than those specifically referred to in Article 13, the Committee may, in its
absolute discretion, make such adjustments in the number and class of shares
subject to Awards outstanding on the date on which such change occurs and in
the per share exercise price of each Award as the Committee may consider
appropriate to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights relating to Awards
granted under the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">13.5</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NO OTHER RIGHTS</font></u></b>. Except as expressly provided in the Plan,
no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or
consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any
increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any
dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other
corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number of shares of Stock subject to an Award or
the exercise price of any Award.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 14<br>
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">14.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND
TERMINATION</font></u></b>. With the
approval of the Board, at any time and from time to time, the Committee may
terminate, amend or modify the Plan; provided, however, that (i) to the extent
necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation, or stock
exchange rule, the Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan
amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required, (ii) shareholder
approval is required for any amendment to the Plan that (A) increases the
number of shares available under the Plan (other than any adjustment as
provided by Article 13), (B) permits the Committee to grant Options with an
exercise price that is below Fair Market Value on the date of grant, (C)
permits the Committee to extend the exercise period for an Option beyond ten
years from the date of grant, or (D) permits the Committee to reprice
previously granted Options, and (iii) no such action shall be taken that would
cause all or part of the payment under any Award to be subject to the
additional tax under Section 409A of the Code.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">14.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">AWARDS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED</font></u></b>. No termination, amendment, or modification
of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously
granted pursuant to the Plan without the prior written consent of the
Participant.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ARTICLE 15<br>
GENERAL PROVISIONS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NO RIGHTS TO AWARDS</font></u></b>. No Participant, employee, or other person
shall have any claim to be granted any Award pursuant to the Plan, and neither
the Company nor the Committee is obligated to treat Participants, employees,
and other persons uniformly.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NO STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS</font></u></b>. No Award gives the Participant any of the
rights of a stockholder of the Company unless and until shares of Stock are in
fact issued to such person in connection with such Award.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.3</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">WITHHOLDING</font></u></b>. The Company or any Subsidiary shall have
the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to
remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy Federal, state, and local
taxes (including the Participant&#146;s FICA obligation) required by law to be
withheld with respect to any taxable event concerning a Participant arising as
a result of this Plan. With the Committee&#146;s consent, a Participant</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">11</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">may elect to (i)&nbsp;have
the Company withhold from those shares of Stock that would otherwise be
received upon the exercise of any Option, a number of shares having a Fair
Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount necessary to satisfy the
Company&#146;s applicable federal, state, local or foreign income and employment tax
withholding obligations with respect to such Participant, or (ii)&nbsp;tender
previously-owned shares of Stock held by the Participant for six months or
longer to satisfy the Company&#146;s applicable federal, state, local, or foreign
income and employment tax withholding obligations with respect to the
Participant.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.4</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NO RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT OR
SERVICES</font></u></b>. Nothing in the
Plan or any Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right
of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate any Participant&#146;s employment or
services at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in
the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.5</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">UNFUNDED STATUS OF AWARDS</font></u></b>. The Plan is intended to be an &#147;unfunded&#148;
plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a
Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award
Agreement shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of
a general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.6</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">INDEMNIFICATION</font></u></b>. To the extent allowable pursuant to
applicable law, each member of the Committee or of the Board shall be
indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or
expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in
connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to
which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason
of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and against and from any
and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action,
suit, or proceeding against him or her provided he or she gives the Company an
opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she
undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing
right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of
indemnification to which such persons may be entitled pursuant to the Company&#146;s
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any
power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.7</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER
BENEFITS</font></u></b>. No payment
pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits
pursuant to any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance,
welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.8</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">EXPENSES</font></u></b>. The expenses of administering the Plan
shall be borne by the Company and its Subsidiaries.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.9</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">TITLES AND HEADINGS</font></u></b>. The titles and headings of the Sections in
the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any
conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall
control.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.10</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">FRACTIONAL SHARES</font></u></b>. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued
and the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, whether cash shall be
given in lieu of fractional shares or whether such fractional shares shall be
eliminated by rounding up or down as appropriate.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.11</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE</font></u></b>. With respect to any person who is, on the
relevant date, obligated to file reports pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange
Act, transactions pursuant to this Plan are intended to comply with all
applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors pursuant to the Exchange
Act. To the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Committee fails
to so comply, it shall be void to the extent permitted by law and voidable as
deemed advisable by the Committee.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.12</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GOVERNMENT AND OTHER
REGULATIONS</font></u></b>. The
obligation of the Company to make payment of awards in Stock or otherwise shall
be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such
approvals by government agencies as may be required. The Company shall be under
no obligation to register pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
any of the shares of Stock paid pursuant to the Plan. If the shares paid
pursuant to the Plan may in certain circumstances be exempt from registration
pursuant to the Securities</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">12</font></p>

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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Act of 1933, as amended, the
Company may restrict the transfer of such shares in such manner as it deems
advisable to ensure the availability of any such exemption.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.13</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GOVERNING LAW</font></u></b>. The Plan and all Award Agreements shall be
construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">15.14</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">SECTION 409A</font></u></b>. If any payments under this Plan are subject
to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, it is intended that the terms of
this Plan will comply fully with and meet all the requirements of Section 409A
of the Code.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">13</font></p>

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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 4.2</font></b></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This Restricted Stock
Agreement (&#147;<u>Agreement</u>&#148;) is between Meritage Homes Corporation (&#147;<u>Company</u>&#148;),
and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(&#147;<u>Grantee</u>&#148;), as of the &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; day of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
2006 (&#147;<u>Date of Grant</u>&#148;).</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">RECITALS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The Company has adopted the Meritage Homes
Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (&#147;<u>Plan</u>&#148;) to provide incentives to
attract and retain those individuals whose services are considered unusually
valuable by providing them an opportunity to own stock in the Company.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">B.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The Company believes that entering into this
Agreement with the Grantee is consistent with those purposes. Any capitalized
term not defined in this Agreement will have the meaning as set forth in the
Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">NOW, THEREFORE, the Company
and Grantee agree as follows:</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GRANT OF RESTRICTED SHARES</font></u></b>. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and
Article 10 of the Plan, the Company grants to Grantee &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
shares (&#147;<u>Restricted Shares</u>&#148;) of the Company&#146;s non-voting common stock (&#147;<u>Stock</u>&#148;).
The delivery of any document evidencing the Restricted Shares is subject to the
provisions of Section 10.4 of the Plan.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">2.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">RIGHTS OF GRANTEE</font></u></b>. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement
and the Plan, as of the Date of Grant, Grantee shall be a stockholder with
respect to all of such Restricted Shares and shall have all of the rights of a
stockholder in the Company with respect to the Restricted Shares.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">3.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">RESTRICTIONS ON RESTRICTED
SHARES</font></u></b>.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">A.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Limitations on Transfer</font></u></b>. Grantee agrees to not sell, transfer,
pledge, exchange, hypothecate, grant any security interest in, or otherwise
dispose of, any Restricted Shares before the date on which the restrictions
lapse under Section 4.A., or enter into any agreement or make any commitment to
do so. Any attempted sale, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecation or
disposition of the Restricted Shares shall be null and void, and the Company
shall not recognize or give effect to such transaction on its books and records
(including the books and records of the Company&#146;s transfer agent) or recognize
the person or persons to whom such sale, transfer, pledge, exchange,
hypothecation or disposition has been made as the legal or beneficial owner of
the Restricted Shares.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">B.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Permitted Transfers</font></u></b>. Notwithstanding 3.A., or any other
provision of this Agreement, Grantee may, upon the approval of the Committee,
assign and transfer some or all of the Restricted Shares as provided in Section
12.4(b) of the Plan, provided the transferee remains subject to the
restrictions and limitations in Section 3.A.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">4.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS</font></u></b>.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">A.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Schedule</font></u></b>. Subject to the other conditions in this
Agreement, the restrictions on the Stock set forth in Section&nbsp;3 will lapse
under the following schedule:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Notwithstanding the above,
(i) the restrictions on the Stock shall lapse upon a Change of Control as
provided in Section 12.7 of the Plan, and (ii) if the Grantee&#146;s service is
terminated for any reason (whether with or</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">without cause) the Grantee
will be required to transfer all shares of Stock (that remain subject to
restrictions under Section 3) back to the Company for no consideration.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">B.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Condition That Must be
Satisfied Before Restrictions Lapse</font></u></b>. Except as set forth in Section 4.A above, the restrictions on the
Stock will not lapse unless the Grantee remains in the service of the Company
(or a Subsidiary) as of the date the restrictions lapse in accordance with the
above schedule.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">C.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Issuance of Certificates</font></u></b>. The Company shall only be required to issue
stock certificates representing those Restricted Shares on which restrictions
have lapsed in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Within 60 days
after restrictions on some or all of the Stock have lapsed, the Company shall
issue to Grantee a stock certificate representing those shares of Stock that
have become unrestricted.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">5.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND
REPRESENTATION OF GRANTEE</font></u></b>.
In connection with Grantee&#146;s receipt of the Restricted Shares, Grantee hereby
acknowledges the following:</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">A.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Further Limitations on
Disposition</font></u></b>. Grantee
understands and acknowledges that Grantee may not make any sale, assignment,
transfer or other disposition (including transfer by gift or operation of law)
of all or any portion of the Restricted Shares except in accordance with this
Agreement. Further, Grantee agrees to make no sale, assignment, transfer or
other disposition of all or any portion of the Restricted Shares unless there
is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering
such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such
registration statement, or Grantee has obtained an opinion of the Company&#146;s
counsel that such disposition does not require registration under the
Securities Act of 1933.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">B.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">Section 83(b) Election</font></u></b>. Grantee understands that Section 83 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (&#147;<u>Code</u>&#148;) taxes as ordinary
income the difference between the amount paid for the Restricted Shares and the
Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares as of the date any restrictions on
the Restricted Shares lapse. In this context, &#147;restriction&#148; means the
restrictions set forth in Section 3 hereof. Grantee understands that Grantee
may elect to be taxed at the time the Restricted Shares are granted rather than
when and as the Restricted Shares vest by filing an election under
Section&nbsp;83(b) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty
(30) days from the Date of Grant. Grantee understands that failure to make this
filing timely shall result in the recognition of ordinary income by Grantee on
the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares at the time such restrictions
lapse.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">THE GRANTEE
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE GRANTEE&#146;S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY, AND NOT THE
COMPANY&#146;S, TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION&nbsp;83(b) OF THE CODE,
EVEN IF THE GRANTEE REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE THIS
FILING ON THE GRANTEE&#146;S BEHALF.</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">6.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES</font></u></b>. Grantee may incur certain liabilities for
Federal, state, or local taxes in connection with the grant of the Restricted
Shares hereunder, and the Company may be required by law to withhold such taxes.
Upon determination of the year in which such taxes are due and the
determination by the Company of the amount of taxes required to be withheld, Grantee
shall pay an amount equal to the amount of Federal, state, or local taxes
required to be withheld to the Company. If Grantee fails to make such payment
in a timely manner, the Company may withhold and set-off against compensation
payable to Grantee the amount of such required payment.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">7.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES</font></u></b>. The number of Restricted Shares issued to
Grantee pursuant to this Agreement shall be adjusted by the Committee pursuant
to Article 13 of the Plan, in its discretion, in the event of a change in the
Company&#146;s capital structure.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">8.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT</font></u></b>. This Agreement may only be amended with the
written approval of Grantee and the Company.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">9.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">GOVERNING LAW</font></u></b>. This Agreement shall be governed in all
respects, whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance, or
otherwise, by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to
conflicts-of-laws principles that would require the application of any other
law.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">10.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">SEVERABILITY</font></u></b>. If any provision of this Agreement, or the
application of any such provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be
unenforceable or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction or under any
applicable law, the parties hereto shall negotiate an equitable adjustment to
the provisions of this Agreement with the view to effecting, to the greatest
extent possible, the original purpose and intent of this Agreement, and in any
event, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall not be affected thereby.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">11.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">ENTIRE AGREEMENT</font></u></b>. This Agreement constitutes the entire,
final, and complete agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements, promises,
understandings, negotiations, representations, and commitments, both written
and oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
Neither party hereto shall be bound by or liable for any statement,
representation, promise, inducement, commitment, or understanding of any kind
whatsoever not expressly set forth in this Agreement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its
duly authorized representative and Grantee has signed this Agreement, in each
case as of the day and year first written above.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
  HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="39%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:39.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Its:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="35%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:35.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">GRANTEE:</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="57%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:57.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="42%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:42.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

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<TYPE>EX-4.3
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>a06-12723_2ex4d3.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-4
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 4.3</font></b></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">NON-QUALIFIED
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (&#147;<u>Agreement</u>&#148;)
is between Meritage Homes Corporation (&#147;<u>Company</u>&#148;) and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(the &#147;<u>Optionee</u>&#148;), as of the &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
day of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
2006 (&#147;<u>Date of Grant</u>&#148;).</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">RECITALS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The
Company has adopted the Meritage Homes Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (&#147;<u>Plan</u>&#148;)
to provide incentives to attract and retain those individuals whose services
are considered unusually valuable by providing them an opportunity to own stock
in the Company.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">B.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The
Company believes that entering into this Agreement with the Optionee is
consistent with those purposes. Any capitalized term not defined in this
Agreement will have the meaning as set forth in the Plan.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Optionee agree as
follows:</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1.</font></b><b><i><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></i><u>GRANT
OF OPTION</u></b>. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and Article 7 of the
Plan, the Company grants to the Optionee the right and option to purchase from
the Company for cash all or any part of an aggregate of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
shares of Common Stock (&#147;<u>Option</u>&#148;) of the Company (&#147;<u>Stock</u>&#148;). The
delivery of any document evidencing the Option is subject to the provisions of
Section 7.1(d) of the Plan. The Option granted under this Agreement <b><font style="font-weight:bold;">is not</font></b> intended to be an &#147;incentive stock option&#148; under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">2.</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">PURCHASE PRICE</font></u></b>. The purchase price
under this Agreement is $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
per share of Stock, as determined by the Committee, which shall not be less
than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Date of Grant.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">3.</font></b><b><i><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></i><u>VESTING
OF OPTION</u></b>. The Option shall vest and be exercisable according to the
following schedule:</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">[insert
vesting schedule]</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">4.</font></b><b><i><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></i><u>EXERCISE
OF OPTION</u></b>. This Option may be exercised, to the extent vested (under 3
above), in whole or in part at anytime before the Option expires by delivery of
a written notice of exercise (under 5 below) and payment of the purchase price.
The purchase price may be paid in cash or such other method permitted by the
Committee under Section 7.1(c) of the Plan and communicated to the Optionee
before the date the Optionee exercises the Option.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">5.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>METHOD
OF EXERCISING OPTION</u></b>. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the
Option may be exercised by timely delivery to the Company of written notice,
which notice shall be effective on the date received by the Company. The notice
shall state the Optionee&#146;s election to exercise the Option and the number of
underlying shares in respect of which an election to exercise has been made. Such
notice shall be signed by the Optionee, or if the Option is exercised by a
person or persons other than the Optionee because of the Optionee&#146;s death, such
notice must be signed by such other person or persons and shall be accompanied
by proof acceptable to the Company of the legal right of such person or persons
to exercise the Option.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">6.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TERM
OF OPTION</u></b>. The Option granted under this Agreement expires, unless
sooner terminated, ten (10) years from the Date of Grant, through and including
the normal close of business of the Company on the tenth (10<sup>th</sup>)
anniversary of the Date of Grant (&#147;<u>Expiration Date</u>&#148;).</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">7.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TERMINATION
OF EMPLOYMENT</u></b>.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">a.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>If
the Optionee terminates employment for any reason other than death, voluntary
termination of employment, or involuntary termination of employment for Cause,
the Optionee may at any time within 90 days after the date of his or her
termination of employment exercise the Option to the extent that the Optionee
was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, provided that
in no event shall the Option be exercisable after the Expiration Date. If the
Optionee dies while employed by the Company or within three months following
termination of such employment (except in case of voluntary termination of
employment, or involuntary termination of employment for Cause) the Option to
the extent it is then exercisable may nevertheless be exercised by the Optionee&#146;s
personal representative within the three-month period following the date of
death of the Optionee, provided that in no event shall the Option be
exercisable after the Expiration Date..</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">b.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>If
the Optionee ceases to be employed by the Company by reason of his voluntary
termination (other than death) or by reason of involuntary termination by the
Company for Cause, this Option shall expire to the extent that it is
unexercised at the time of such termination of employment.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">8.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF RIGHTS</font></u></b>. Optionee
may not assign or transfer Optionee&#146;s rights under this Agreement, nor may
Optionee subject such rights (or any of them) to execution, attachment,
garnishment, or similar process, except as permitted under Section 12.5(b) of
the Plan. Any such impermissible attempted assignment or transfer by Optionee
shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Company.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">9.</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">RIGHTS OF OPTIONEE</font></u></b>. The Optionee
will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the grant
of the Option under this Agreement until the Option is exercised and the
Company issues shares of Stock to the Optionee.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">10.</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES</font></u></b>. Optionee
may incur certain liabilities for Federal, state, or local taxes in connection
with the exercise of the Option hereunder, and the Company may be required by
law to withhold such taxes. Upon determination of the year in which such taxes
are due and the determination by the Company of the amount of taxes required to
be withheld, Optionee shall pay an amount equal to the amount of Federal,
state, or local taxes required to be withheld to the Company. If Optionee fails
to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company may withhold and set-off
against compensation payable to the Optionee the amount of such required
payment.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">11.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>ADJUSTMENT
OF SHARES</u></b>. The number of shares of Stock issued to Optionee pursuant to
this Agreement shall be adjusted by the Committee pursuant to Article 13 of the
Plan, in its discretion, in the event of a change in the Company&#146;s capital
structure.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">12.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>AMENDMENT
OF AGREEMENT</u></b>. This Agreement may only be amended with the written
approval of Optionee and the Company.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">13.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>GOVERNING
LAW</u></b>. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, whether as to
validity, construction, capacity, performance, or otherwise, by the laws of the
state of Maryland, without regard to conflicts-of-laws principles that would
require the application of any other law.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">14.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>SEVERABILITY</u></b>.
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any such provision to
any person or circumstance, is held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court
of competent jurisdiction or under any applicable law, the parties hereto shall
negotiate an equitable adjustment to the provisions of this Agreement with the
view to effecting, to the greatest extent possible, the original purpose and
intent of this Agreement, and in any event, the validity and enforceability of
the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">15.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>ENTIRE
AGREEMENT</u></b>. This Agreement constitutes the entire, final, and complete
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersede all prior agreements, promises, understandings, negotiations,
representations, and commitments, both written and oral, between the parties
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. Neither party hereto shall be
bound by or liable for any statement, representation, promise, inducement,
commitment, or understanding of any kind whatsoever not expressly set forth in
this Agreement.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative and Optionee has
signed this Agreement, in each case as of the day and year first written above.</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
  HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.18%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Its:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:38.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">OPTIONEE:</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="44%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-4.4
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>a06-12723_2ex4d4.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-4
<TEXT>
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<body lang="EN-US">

<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 4.4</font></b></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">INCENTIVE
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This Incentive Stock Option Agreement (&#147;<u>Agreement</u>&#148;)
is between Meritage Homes Corporation (&#147;<u>Company</u>&#148;) and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(the &#147;<u>Optionee</u>&#148;), as of the &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
day of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
2006 (&#147;<u>Date of Grant</u>&#148;).</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">RECITALS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The
Company has adopted the Meritage Homes Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (&#147;<u>Plan</u>&#148;)
to provide incentives to attract and retain those individuals whose services
are considered unusually valuable by providing them an opportunity to own stock
in the Company.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">B.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The
Company believes that entering into this Agreement with the Optionee is
consistent with those purposes. Any capitalized term not defined in this
Agreement will have the meaning as set forth in the Plan.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Optionee agree as
follows:</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1.</font></b><b><i><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></i><u>GRANT
OF OPTION</u></b>. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and Article 7 of the
Plan, the Company grants to the Optionee the right and option to purchase from
the Company for cash all or any part of an aggregate of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
shares of Common Stock (&#147;<u>Option</u>&#148;) of the Company (&#147;<u>Stock</u>&#148;). The
delivery of any document evidencing the Option is subject to the provisions of
Section 7.1(d) of the Plan. The Option granted under this Agreement <b><font style="font-weight:bold;">is </font></b>intended to be an &#147;incentive stock option&#148; under Section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the &#147;<u>Code</u>&#148;).</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">2.</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">PURCHASE PRICE</font></u></b>. The purchase price
under this Agreement is $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
per share of Stock, as determined by the Committee, which shall not be less
than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Date of Grant.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">3.</font></b><b><i><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></i><u>VESTING
OF OPTION</u></b>. The Option shall vest and be exercisable according to the
following schedule:</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">[insert
vesting schedule]</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">4.</font></b><b><i><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></i><u>EXERCISE
OF OPTION</u></b>. This Option may be exercised, to the extent vested (under 3
above), in whole or in part at anytime before the Option expires by delivery of
a written notice of exercise (under 5 below) and payment of the purchase price.
The purchase price may be paid in cash or such other method permitted by the
Committee under Section 7.1(c) of the Plan and communicated to the Optionee
before the date the Optionee exercises the Option.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">5.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>METHOD
OF EXERCISING OPTION</u></b>. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the
Option may be exercised by timely delivery to the Company of written notice,
which notice shall be effective on the date received by the Company. The notice
shall state the Optionee&#146;s election to exercise the Option and the number of underlying
shares in respect of which an election to exercise has been made. Such notice
shall be signed by the Optionee, or if the Option is exercised by a person or
persons other than the Optionee because of the Optionee&#146;s death, such notice
must be signed by such other person or persons and shall be accompanied by
proof acceptable to the Company of the legal right of such person or persons to
exercise the Option.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">6.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TERM
OF OPTION</u></b>. The Option granted under this Agreement expires, unless
sooner terminated, ten (10) years from the Date of Grant, through and including
the normal close of business of the Company on the tenth (10<sup>th</sup>)
anniversary of the Date of Grant (&#147;<u>Expiration Date</u>&#148;).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">7.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TERMINATION
OF EMPLOYMENT</u></b>.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">a.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>If
the Optionee terminates employment for any reason other than death, voluntary
termination of employment, or involuntary termination of employment for Cause,
the Optionee may at any time within 90 days after the date of his or her
termination of employment exercise the Option to the extent that the Optionee
was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, provided that
in no event shall the Option be exercisable after the Expiration Date. If the
Optionee dies while employed by the Company or within three months following
termination of such employment (except in case of voluntary termination of
employment, or involuntary termination of employment for Cause) the Option to
the extent it is then exercisable may nevertheless be exercised by the Optionee&#146;s
personal representative within the three-month period following the date of
death of the Optionee, provided that in no event shall the Option be
exercisable after the Expiration Date..</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">b.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>If
the Optionee ceases to be employed by the Company by reason of his voluntary
termination (other than death) or by reason of involuntary termination by the
Company for Cause, this Option shall expire to the extent that it is
unexercised at the time of such termination of employment.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">8.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font></b><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF RIGHTS</font></u></b>. Optionee
may not assign or transfer Optionee&#146;s rights under this Agreement, nor may
Optionee subject such rights (or any of them) to execution, attachment,
garnishment, or similar process, except as permitted under Section 12.5(b) of
the Plan. Any such impermissible attempted assignment or transfer by Optionee
shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Company.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">9.</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">RIGHTS OF OPTIONEE</font></u></b>. The Optionee
will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the grant
of the Option under this Agreement until the Option is exercised and the
Company issues shares of Stock to the Optionee.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">10.</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><u><font style="font-weight:bold;">FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES</font></u></b>. Optionee
may incur certain liabilities for Federal, state, or local taxes in connection
with the exercise of the Option hereunder, and the Company may be required by
law to withhold such taxes. Upon determination of the year in which such taxes
are due and the determination by the Company of the amount of taxes required to
be withheld, Optionee shall pay an amount equal to the amount of Federal,
state, or local taxes required to be withheld to the Company. If Optionee fails
to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company may withhold and set-off
against compensation payable to the Optionee the amount of such required
payment.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">11.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>ADJUSTMENT
OF SHARES</u></b>. The number of shares of Stock issued to Optionee pursuant to
this Agreement shall be adjusted by the Committee pursuant to Article 13 of the
Plan, in its discretion, in the event of a change in the Company&#146;s capital
structure.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">12.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>AMENDMENT
OF AGREEMENT</u></b>. This Agreement may only be amended with the written
approval of Optionee and the Company.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">13.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>GOVERNING
LAW</u></b>. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, whether as to
validity, construction, capacity, performance, or otherwise, by the laws of the
state of Maryland, without regard to conflicts-of-laws principles that would
require the application of any other law.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">14.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>SEVERABILITY</u></b>.
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any such provision to
any person or circumstance, is held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court
of competent jurisdiction or under any applicable law, the parties hereto shall
negotiate an equitable adjustment to the provisions of this Agreement with the
view to effecting, to the greatest extent possible, the original purpose and
intent of this Agreement, and in any event, the validity and enforceability of
the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">15.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>ENTIRE
AGREEMENT</u></b>. This Agreement constitutes the entire, final, and complete
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersede all prior agreements, promises, understandings, negotiations,
representations, and commitments, both written and oral, between the parties
hereto</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">with respect to
the subject matter hereof. Neither party hereto shall be bound by or liable for
any statement, representation, promise, inducement, commitment, or
understanding of any kind whatsoever not expressly set forth in this Agreement.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">16.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TAX
INFORMATION AND NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION</u></b>. This Option is
intended to be eligible for treatment as an Incentive Stock Option under
Section 422 of the Code. Whether this Option will receive such tax treatment
will depend, in part, on the actions by the Optionee after exercise of this
Option. For example, if the Optionee disposes of any of the Stock acquired
under this Option within two years after the Date of Grant and within one year
of the date of exercise of this Option, the Optionee may lose the benefits of
Section 422 of the Code. Accordingly, the Company makes no representations by
way of the Plan, this Agreement, or otherwise, with respect to the actual tax
consequences of the grant or exercise of this Option or the subsequent
disposition of the Stock acquired under this Option.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">If the Optionee sells or makes a disposition (within
the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) of any of the Stock acquired under this
Option prior to the later of (i) one year from the date of exercise of such
Stock, or (ii) two years from the Date of Grant, the Optionee agrees to give
written notice to the Company of such disposition. The notice shall include the
Optionee&#146;s name, the number, exercise price and exercise date of the shares of
Stock disposed of, and the date of disposition.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative and Optionee has
signed this Agreement, in each case as of the day and year first written above.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
  HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.66%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Its:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="34%" valign="top" style="border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-right:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:34.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">OPTIONEE:</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

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<DESCRIPTION>EX-4
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 4.5</font></b></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<h1 style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">MERITAGE
HOMES CORPORATION<br>
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT</font></b></h1>

<h1 style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></h1>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (&#147;<u>Agreement</u>&#148;)
is between Meritage Homes Corporation (&#147;<u>Company</u>&#148;) and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(&#147;<u>Grantee</u>&#148;), as of the &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
day of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
2006 (&#147;<u>Date of Grant</u>&#148;).</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">RECITALS</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The
Company has adopted the Meritage Homes Corporation 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (&#147;<u>Plan</u>&#148;)
to provide incentives to attract and retain those individuals whose services
are considered unusually valuable by providing them an opportunity to own stock
in the Company.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">B.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The
Company believes that entering into this Agreement with the Grantee is
consistent with those purposes. Any capitalized term not defined in this
Agreement will have the meaning as set forth in the Plan.</p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">NOW THEREFORE, the Company and Grantee agree as
follows:</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">AGREEMENT</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>GRANT OF SAR</u></b>.
Subject to the terms of this Agreement and Article 8 of the Plan, the Company
grants to Grantee the right to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right (the &#147;<u>SAR</u>&#148;)
measured by &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
shares of the common stock of the Company (&#147;<u>Stock</u>&#148;). The delivery of any
document evidencing the SAR is subject to the provisions of Section 8.1(a) of
the Plan.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">2.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>GRANT PRICE</u></b>.
The Grant Price under this Agreement is $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per
share of Stock, as determined by the Committee, which shall not be less than
the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Date of Grant.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">3.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>VESTING OF SAR</u></b>.
The SAR shall vest and be exercisable according to the following schedule:</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">[insert schedule]</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">4.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>PAYMENT FOR
EXERCISE OF SAR</u></b>. The SAR awarded under this Agreement and pursuant to
Article 8 of the Plan permits the Grantee to receive, after exercise, the
excess of a number of shares of Stock equal to (1) the Fair Market Value of a
share of Stock on the date of exercise, over (2) the Grant Price of the SAR.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">5.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>METHOD OF
EXERCISING SAR</u></b>. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the SAR may be exercised by timely delivery to the Company of written notice,
which notice shall be effective on the date received by the Company. The notice
shall state the Grantee&#146;s election to exercise the SAR and the number of
underlying shares in respect of which an election to exercise has been made. Such
notice shall be signed by the Grantee. In the event the SAR is exercised by a
person or persons other than Grantee because of the Grantee&#146;s death, such
notice shall be signed by such other person or persons and shall be accompanied
by proof acceptable to the Company of the legal right of such person or persons
to exercise the SAR.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">6.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TERM OF SAR</u></b>.
The SAR granted under this Agreement expires, unless sooner surrendered, ten
(10) years from the Date of Grant, through and including the normal close of
business of the Company on the tenth (10<sup>th</sup>) anniversary of the Date
of Grant (&#147;<u>Expiration Date</u>&#148;).</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">7.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>TERMINATION OF
SERVICE</u></b>. The Grantee is deemed to have exercised the vested portion of
the SAR if his or her service with the Company is terminated for any reason
other than for Cause. The vested portion of the SAR is forfeited and
immediately cancelled if his or her service with the Company is terminated for
Cause. The unvested portion of the SAR is forfeited and immediately cancelled
on the date his or her service with the Company is terminated.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">8.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>NON-TRANSFERABILITY
OF RIGHTS</u></b>. Grantee may not assign or transfer Grantee&#146;s rights under
this Agreement, nor may Grantee subject such rights (or any of them) to
execution, attachment, garnishment, or similar process, except as permitted
under Section 12.4(b) of the Plan. Any such impermissible attempted assignment
or transfer by Grantee shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by
the Company.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">9.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>RIGHTS OF GRANTEE</u></b>.
The Grantee will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to
the grant of the SAR under this Agreement until the SAR is exercised and the
Company issues shares of Stock to the Grantee.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">10.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>FEDERAL AND STATE
TAXES</u></b>. Grantee may incur certain liabilities for Federal, state, or
local taxes in connection with the exercise of the SAR hereunder, and the
Company may be required by law to withhold such taxes. Upon determination of
the year in which such taxes are due and the determination by the Company of
the amount of taxes required to be withheld, Grantee shall pay an amount equal
to the amount of Federal, state, or local taxes required to be withheld to the
Company. If Grantee fails to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company
may withhold and set-off against compensation payable to Grantee the amount of
such required payment.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">11.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES</u></b>.
The number of shares of Stock issued to Grantee pursuant to this Agreement
shall be adjusted by the Committee pursuant to Article 13 of the Plan, in its
discretion, in the event of a change in the Company&#146;s capital structure.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">12.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>AMENDMENT OF
AGREEMENT</u></b>. This Agreement may only be amended with the written approval
of Grantee and the Company.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">13.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>GOVERNING LAW</u></b>.
This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, whether as to validity,
construction, capacity, performance, or otherwise, by the laws of the state of
Maryland, without regard to conflicts-of-laws principles that would require the
application of any other law.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">14.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>SEVERABILITY</u></b>.
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any such provision to
any person or circumstance, is held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court
of competent jurisdiction or under any applicable law, the parties hereto shall
negotiate an equitable adjustment to the provisions of this Agreement with the
view to effecting, to the greatest extent possible, the original purpose and
intent of this Agreement, and in any event, the validity and enforceability of
the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">15.</font></b><b><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>ENTIRE AGREEMENT</u></b>.
This Agreement constitutes the entire, final, and complete agreement between
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all
prior agreements, promises, understandings, negotiations, representations, and
commitments, both written and oral, between the parties hereto with respect to
the subject matter hereof. Neither party hereto shall be bound by or liable for
any statement, representation, promise, inducement, commitment, or
understanding of any kind whatsoever not expressly set forth in this Agreement.</p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;page-break-after:auto;text-align:left;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative and Grantee has
signed this Agreement, in each case as of the day and year first written above.</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERITAGE
  HOMES CORPORATION</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="37%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:37.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.18%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Its:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="34%" valign="top" style="border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-right:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:34.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.18%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="34%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:34.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">GRANTEE:</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="58%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:58.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="41%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:41.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 5.1</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">[LETTERHEAD OF VENABLE LLP]</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May 31, 2006</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Meritage Homes Corporation</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">17851 North 85th Street</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Suite 300</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Scottsdale, Arizona 85255</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Re:&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; <u>Registration
Statement on Form S-8</u></font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">We have served
as Maryland counsel to Meritage Homes Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the &#147;Company&#148;),
in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the registration
of up to 1,201,350 shares (the &#147;Shares&#148;) of common stock, $.01 par value per
share (the &#147;Common Stock&#148;), of the Company issuable under the Company&#146;s 2006
Stock Incentive Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;), covered by the above-referenced Registration
Statement (the &#147;Registration Statement&#148;) filed by the Company with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;1933 Act&#148;), on or about the date
hereof. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration Statement.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In connection
with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion
hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents
(hereinafter collectively referred to as the &#147;Documents&#148;):</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The Registration Statement;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The charter of the Company (the &#147;Charter&#148;),
certified as of a recent date by the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland (the &#147;SDAT&#148;);</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The Bylaws of the Company,
certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; A certificate of the SDAT as to the
good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Resolutions adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Company relating to the approval of the Plan and the authorization
of the issuance of the Shares (the &#147;Resolutions&#148;), certified as of the date
hereof by an officer of the Company;</font></h1>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The Plan;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">7.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; A certificate executed by an
officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">8.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Such other documents and matters as
we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below,
subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In expressing
the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Each individual executing any of
the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or any other person, is
legally competent to do so.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Each individual executing any of
the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized
to do so.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Each of the parties (other than the
Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and
delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such
party&#146;s obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are
enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; All Documents submitted to us as
originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us
as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from
the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents
submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original
documents. All signatures on all such Documents are genuine. All public records
reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All
representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the
Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification
of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any
provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or
otherwise.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Upon any issuance of Shares, the
total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding will not exceed
the total number of shares of Common Stock that the Company is then authorized
to issue under the Charter.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Based upon the
foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications
stated herein, it is our opinion that:</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The Company is a corporation duly
incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of
Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; The issuance of the Shares has been
duly authorized and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the
Resolutions and the Plan and otherwise in accordance with the Registration
Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.</font></h1>

<h1 style="font-weight:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></h1>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The foregoing
opinion is limited to the substantive laws of the State of Maryland, and we do
not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion
as to the applicability or effect of any federal or state securities laws,
including the securities laws of the State of Maryland, or as to federal or
state laws regarding fraudulent transfers. To the extent that any matter as to
which our opinion is expressed herein would be governed by the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on
such matter.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The opinion
expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no
other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume
no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after
the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion
expressed herein after the date hereof.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This opinion
is being furnished to you solely for submission to the Commission as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement, and, accordingly, may not be relied upon by,
quoted in any manner to, or delivered to any other person or entity without, in
each instance, our prior written consent. We hereby consent to the filing of
this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of the
name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are
within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the
1933 Act.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Very truly yours,</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="13%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:13.16%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Venable LLP</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="36%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:36.84%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

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<FILENAME>a06-12723_2ex23d1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-23
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 23.1</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CONSENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">We consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our
reports dated March 10, 2006, relating to the financial statements of Meritage
Homes Corporation and subsidiaries and to management&#146;s report on the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Meritage Homes Corporation for the year ended December
31, 2005.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Deloitte
  &amp; Touche LLP</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="78%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:78.76%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Phoenix, Arizona</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May 30, 2006</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-autospace:none;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

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<TYPE>EX-23.2
<SEQUENCE>9
<FILENAME>a06-12723_2ex23d2.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-23
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<p align="right" style="line-height:13.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 23.2</font></b></p>

<p style="line-height:13.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-align:center;text-autospace:none;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm </font></u></p>

<p style="line-height:13.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The Board of Directors</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Meritage
Homes Corporation:</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">We consent
to the use of our report dated February 16, 2004, with respect to the
consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders&#146; equity, and cash flows of Meritage
Homes Corporation and subsidiaries, formerly Meritage Corporation, for the year
ended December 31, 2003, which report appears in the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Meritage Homes Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2005,
incorporated herein by reference.</font></p>

<p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="90" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:67.5pt;">
  <p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ KPMG LLP</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="630" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:472.5pt;">
  <p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="720" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:7.5in;">
  <p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="720" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:7.5in;">
  <p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="720" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:7.5in;">
  <p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Phoenix,
  Arizona</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="720" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:7.5in;">
  <p align="left" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;punctuation-wrap:simple;text-align:left;text-autospace:none;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May
  30, 2006</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="line-height:13.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left"></div>

</div>
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