Saturday, October 15, 2011

STIRLING SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TO PARTICIPATE IN SPACE COAST HOME SHOW OCT. 15, 16 AT MELBOURNE SQUARE MALL

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty plans to make a big showing at the Space Coast Home Show at the Melbourne Square Mall Saturday and Sunday Oct. 15 and 16.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty said manning the booth will be Brevard area luxury home specialists Kim Tillett and Lauren Merrell.

At the same time, Soderstrom said his firm’s vacation property specialist Chris Cain, a leading author and expert on vacation and resort property investment, will be a “key” presenter at Stirling Sotheby’s booth.

Cain will sign copies of his books, Maximize Your Resort Property Investment and his most recent, Road Map to your Vacation Property Dream.

As an added bonus at the Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty booth, a loan specialist from Integrity Home Loan will be on hand to answer any mortgage questions, said Tillett.

Tillett and Merrell will be premiering the MG on the Halifax a luxurious riverfront condominium project in nearby Daytona Beach.

Port Orange Law Firm to Help with Oct. 22 Inaugural 5K Run and Charity Mile Walk presented by Flagler Beach Rotary Club

FLAGLER BEACH – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra is a gold sponsor of the Flagler Beach Rotary Club’s inaugural 5K Run and Charity Mile Walk set for Oct. 22.

The event – which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Flagler Beach Rotary Club – will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both male and female categories. Race participants are invited to join a celebration immediately after the race.

“Our firm is excited to be a part of this anniversary celebration for the Rotary Club,” said John Rue, partner of the personal-injury firm. “Whether you run or walk, the events are a great way to see the historical city of Flagler Beach, while helping support so many deserving projects.”

Funds raised from the race will help support numerous Rotary projects, including student and adult scholarships, Project Share holiday gifts, dictionaries for third graders, the Youth Leadership Academy.

Tickets, at $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event, will include a commemorative T-shirt. For more information or to register for the race, click on www.runflagler.org or www.flaglerbeachrotary.org.

About Rue & Ziffra:
Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Tolaris Realty Group Names Jackie Vanhorn Sales Associate

Lake Forest, Fla. --- Tolaris Realty Group, which sells luxury and custom homes throughout the Central Florida region, has appointed Jackie Vanhorn sales associate.

Rick Bavec, principal and managing director of Tolaris Realty Group, said Vanhorn has more than 10 years of experience in real estate sales.

Celebration Golf Management Promotes Two at Golden Bear Club In Windermere

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management, LLC, recently promoted two top staff members at Golden Bear Club in Windermere.

Carlos Puerto, general manager at the Golden Bear Club, said Susan Wilkinson has been promoted to Membership Director and Andy McGrotha to Food and Beverage Manager.

Puerto said Wilkinson joined Golden Bear Club in June 2010 and formerly was a membership accountant. She has more than 20 years of experience in the golf and hospitality business throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Since May of 2010 McGrotha was one of the lead servers at the Golden Bear Club. He has four years of hospitality industry experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Melba Ovalle, M.D. International Luxury Home Specialist

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Melba I. Ovalle, M.D. to serve on its team of International Luxury Home Specialists.

Dr. Ovalle earned her B.S. Degree in Biology from Pace University and her M.D. Degree from the Boston University School of Medicine. She completed post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Montefiore Hospital Center and the Albert W. Einstein Medical Center in New York.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Dr. Ovalle will focus on residential homes with special interest in serving the medical industry including physicians, medical support staff, administrators, and support medical industries such as pharmaceutical sales.

“With her understanding of the specific needs of this industry, Dr. Ovalle will provide a level of service that few others in the industry have the ability to match,” Soderstrom said.

“Her timing is perfect with Central Florida becoming a major medical hub,” Soderstrom said. “Professionals affiliated with newly opened or planned facilities at Lake Nona’s Medical City – including Burnham Institute, UCF Medical School, VA Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center – are relocating. They are purchasing homes here in Central Florida for primary residences as well as second homes, vacation homes and investment properties,” Soderstrom explained.

Dr. Ovalle, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, will also focus on medical professionals in the areas of Chicago and New York as well as those relocating or investing in Central Florida real estate from Canada, Europe and South America.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Names CAD Technician, Intern Architect

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently appointed Christian Paulo CAD Technician.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects said Paulo earned his Associate of Science degree in computer drafting and design from the ITT Technical Institute.

Peterson also appointed Roger Hodge an intern architect. Hodge is an honor undergraduate at the University of Central Florida.

Emerson International Reports Four New Long Term Lease Agreements at CenterPointe Office Park and One at Sanlando Center

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently closed on four new long term lease agreements at CenterPointe Office Park in Altamonte Springs and one at Sanlando Center in Longwood.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said Sean Westcott, director of leasing and property management for Emerson International, negotiated all lease agreements.

Debt Mediators, LLC leased 1,193 square feet.

Neno Research, Inc. leased 1,333 square feet.

Consumer Business and Debt Research, Inc., leased 1,259 square feet.

Penthouse Acupuncture, LLC, leased 500 square feet.

Paradign Health, LLC leased 1,524 square feet.

About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two Lease Agreements totaling 7,000 Square Feet at Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a renewal lease and a new lease totaling 7,000 square feet of industrial space at Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford.

Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transactions on behalf of the landlord, COP-Monroe, LLC of Maitland.

Truck and auto parts and equipment supplier Advanced Van & Truck Equipment, Inc. renewed its lease of 5,000 square feet at 4154 Incubator Court.

The new tenant, Transit Designs, LLC, a screen printing company and design studio, leased 2,000 square feet at 711 Progress Way in Monroe CommerCenter South.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

NAI Realvest negotiates sale of industrial/flex condominium for $300,200 at South Park Business Center in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 2,143 square foot industrial/flex condo at South Park Business Center, 8600 Commodity Circle in Orlando.

Tom R. Kelley, II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest and managing partner/principal, Paul P. Partyka negotiated the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Miami-based South Park, LLC.

HNN Investments, LLC a local privately held investment management firm purchased the property. Angela Chapman of Century 21 Capital Realty Group represented the buyer in the transaction.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

NAI Realvest signs up the Nemours Foundation with more office space at La Vina Marketplace at Lake Nona

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease expansion agreement with The Nemours Foundation for three suites totaling 6,236 square feet of office at 9161 Narcoossee Rd. (Building B) at La Vina Marketplace in Lake Nona in southeast Orlando.

Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Orlando-based Ripley’s International LLC.

The tenant already occupies 24,460 square feet at La Vina Marketplace in Building A, which is 9141 S. Narcoossee Rd.

The lease expansion brings its total leased space to 30,696 square feet at the La Vina Marketplace.

Mickey Hage of Mickey Hage, Inc. represented The Nemours Foundation in the transaction.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease at Wekiva Center in Apopka

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently completed a new lease for 1,600 square feet of office space at Wekiva Center, 1706 E. Semoran Boulevard near the intersection of U.S. 441 in Apopka.

Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Wekiva Center Partnership based in Maitland. The tenant is CNV Communications LLC, a professional digital integration company.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Renewal Agreement at The Citadel III in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed a lease renewal agreement for 1,058 square feet of office space in Suite 515 at The Citadel III located at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in Southeast Orlando.

The NAI Realvest leasing team of Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM, Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor principals at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD based in The Villages, Fla.

The tenant, Cottingham & Butler Limited, who has been a tenant in the Citadel since 2007, is a leading risk management and employee benefits broker.

The West, Cichocki and O’Connor team has completed multiple new leases and renewals at Citadel III this year.

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group Opens Second Phase, New Clubhouse at Nona Preserve in Southeast Orlando

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest homebuilder, has opened a second phase and a new community clubhouse at Nona Preserve at Lake Nona, its townhome community located on Narcoossee Road in southeast Orlando.

Steve Parker, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, said Mattamy sold 15 of the 20 new townhomes in the first phase at Nona Preserve in just 60 days.

“Sales at Nona Preserve are red hot. Selling out 75 percent of our first phase in just 60 days significantly exceeds our expectations,” said Parker.

Mattamy plans to build 20 new three-bedroom townhomes in the new phase priced from the $150s.

The new 3,000-square foot community clubhouse at Nona Preserve offers a swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group
Mattamy Homes www.mattamyhomes.com expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Orlando, Jacksonville Phoenix, Minneapolis and Charlotte. The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.

Brand New Central Park at Del Webb Ponte Vedra Garnering Rave Reviews

Ponte Vedra, Fla. --- The brand new Central Park at Del Webb Ponte Vedra--- its grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 22 ---is already sprouting fans and rave reviews from residents who have already formed a garden club.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the Jacksonville region, said Central Park is a marvel of horticultural planning and community design.

“We really put our hearts into it,” Strickler said.

“We’ve planted more than 100 trees, from palms, magnolias, oaks, medjools, and river birch to fruit and nut trees such as peach, peach, pear, plum, apple, citrus, pecan, pomegranate, fig, and avocado,” Strickler said.

All the trees were selected for their ability to adapt to the Florida climate, Strickler said.

Fruit-bearing shrubs---grape, blueberry, raspberry, and elderberry---form barriers and corridors to accent the landscape.

Boutique magnolia specimens form a quiet grove in one part of the park, and in another 1,000 square foot area residents can rent their own sections to plant their own individual gardens of vegetables and ornamentals.

Gardening plots are ADA accessible too, Strickler said.

Outside the gardening compound, common areas are sodded with Zoysia and irrigated with reclaimed water. Closer to the edible plants, Bahia grass and potable irrigation sources are the order of the day.

The Riverwood at Nocatee Homeowners Association Garden Club will take charge of managing Central Park, Strickler said.

“We have an inclusive maintenance and management program in place that the Garden Club can assume once they are well organized,” Strickler said.

“We have many residents anxiously awaiting the opening of Central Park so they can utilize the individual sections available to grow their own fruits and vegetables year round,” said Richard Carty, a Del Webb Ponte Vedra resident heading up the Garden Club.

A second phase will include a bandshell and herb gardens.

Del Webb will host a Fall Grand Opening reception with tours of the Anastasia Clubhouse and Central Park from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the award-winning active adult community, located on Del Webb Parkway in Ponte Vedra.

“We’re hosting a free cocktail hour that will feature several of our Del Webb Ponte Vedra residents,” Strickler said.

Visitors should call 888-817-2249 to RSVP by Oct. 17 to gain access to the community for the event.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra offers Carriage Homes and Single Family homes priced from the mid-$100s.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people 55+ since 1960. By building quality homes and communities that help active adults optimize their next phase in life, Del Webb’s amenities and programs enable homeowners to easily engage creatively, socially, athletically and intellectually. In concert with Baby Boomer residents, the brand is continually redefining retirement and retirement living. Del Webb communities have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

Ashton Woods Homes Starts Construction of Two Ready-To-Move-In Homes at FishHawk Ranch

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started construction of two ready-to-move-in single family homes at FishHawk Ranch, the master planned community located off FishHawk Blvd. west of Riverview in Southeast Tampa.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said one home, with four bedrooms and three baths in 2,505 square feet of living space will be ready in December, priced from the $290s.

The other ready-to-move-in home, with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 2,972 square feet will be completed and ready for occupancy in January, priced from the low $300s.

Ashton Woods Homes is building 36 new single family homes at Starling at FishHawk Ranch in five distinctive floor plans that include one and two story designs.

Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix.

Henin Signature Homes Nearing Completion of Ready-To-Move-In Luxury Homes at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Signature Homes is putting the finishing touches on two ready-to-move-in luxury homes and two pre-sold luxury homes at Riviera Bella, the luxury community Henin Group is developing on the St. Johns River in DeBary.

Jerome Henin, founder and president of the Henin Group, said the Maranello ready-to-move-in home offers four bedrooms with three and one half baths in 2,244 square feet of living space priced at $272,845.

The Turino ready-to-move-in home with six bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a bonus room in 3,307 square feet is priced from $373,770.

Henin said both ready-to-move-in homes will be available by early November.

SeaGate Homes Nearing Completion on The Seaspray at St. Augustine Beach’s Seagrove Community

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH – SeaGate Homes is putting the finishing touches on The Seaspray, a Key West-style, 2,048-square-foot spec home in the seaside community of Seagrove.

Priced at $304,900, the four-bedroom, two-bath Seaspray was specifically designed for the Seagrove community off of State Road A1A. The home has an open floor plan and a beachy feel, according to Robert Gazzoli, president of SeaGate Homes.

When completed later this month, The Seaspray, which backs up to a natural preserve area, will have upgraded features such as granite countertops, ceramic tile, 42-inch kitchen cabinets and crown molding.

Gazzoli said with its old-fashioned feel and Southern charm, the style of the home fits perfectly in the SeaGrove neighborhood, a coastal community of nearly 300 homes nestled among stately oaks and winding roads.

For more information about The Seaspray and other new models and floor plans by SeaGate Homes, please call 386-445-1616 or visit SeaGateHomes.com.

About SeaGate Homes:
SeaGate Homes, Flagler County’s largest homebuilder, is a 17-year-old, family-owned company with headquarters in Palm Coast. SeaGate builds quality homes at communities in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and Edgewater, as well as through their On-Your-Lot program in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Prices range from the $90s to the $400s.

Rachel Wein of WeinPlus: In Slow Growth Market, Specialization sets Companies apart from the Competition

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --- Look for real estate owners and developers to specialize more and emphasize their strongest talents as the economy continues to grow slowly, says one top Florida management consultant.

Rachel Elias Wein, AIA, founder and principal of WeinPlus Real Estate Advisory Services in St. Petersburg, said that’s the most logical solution for developers in a slow-growth economy.

“The universe of real estate development projects is not increasing,” Wein said. “Real estate companies who want to maintain market share are going to have to focus on what they do best — what distinguishes them from the competition.”

Wein said one of her clients has focused efforts on specializing in sensitive projects likely to engender political controversy.

“They have a track record of developing solutions that address the needs of the local community and neighbors while maintaining focus on tenants and the bottom line,” Wein said.

“Another client specializes in redevelopment of older retail centers, making improvements, re-tenanting and making older centers shine like new,” she said.

“If you’re dealing in a commodity business, find a way to make your service unique to differentiate yourself and your company from the competition,” Wein said.