LAKE FOREST, Fla. – When the owners of a 3,614 square foot luxury home Tolaris Homes built in Lake Forest early this year, got their July electric bill they couldn’t help but chuckle. Despite record temperatures that kept most air conditioners in the neighborhood working overtime, their electric bill — including taxes — was just $88.14.
And while that’s not unusual, says Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Homes, it’s no accident either.
“We spent several weeks to determine the optimum placement of the house on the home site to minimize direct sunlight into the home and maximize exposure to the solar systems we installed,” Bavec said.
Those systems — including 10 photovoltaic panels to generate electrical power and passive panels to heat the home owner’s swimming pool and hot water — were part of an energy efficiency package Bavec designed to work in conjunction with Icynene® insulation, PGT Low-e windows, and eight inch concrete block walls.
Bavec said he installed a renewable energy system that sells electrical power back to Florida Power and Light whenever the solar panels generate excess current.
Bavec also adapted an old Florida trick, designing and building almost 1,000 square feet of roof overhangs and screened patio to cool the air surrounding the home and provide extensive “outdoor living” areas.
“Altogether, the home has 5,545 square feet under roof,” Bavec said.
Too, the home owners had a little help. For 10 days they flipped the switch on their electric hot water heater to “vacation mode”, turned up the thermostat on the Carrier Infinity® Control heat pump digital air conditioning controls and took a vacation.
“Measured against their neighbors’ electric bills they saved about $400,” Bavec said. “That’s not quite enough to pay for their vacation, but it sure helped,” Bavec added.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Meritage Homes hosts potential home buyers at Grand Opening of Bella Casa in Lutz
TAMPA, Fla. – Meritage Homes hosted scores of potential home buyers at the Grand Opening recently at Bella Casa, located off Lake Magdelene Road and Indian Head Drive in Lutz in the Tampa Bay area.
Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said the home builder is building 16 four, five, six and seven bedroom single family homes at Bella Casa that range in size from 3,200 square feet of living space to 5,100 square feet priced from the mid-$300s.
Bella Casa is the first new home community in the Tampa Bay area for Meritage Homes.
Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said the home builder is building 16 four, five, six and seven bedroom single family homes at Bella Casa that range in size from 3,200 square feet of living space to 5,100 square feet priced from the mid-$300s.
Bella Casa is the first new home community in the Tampa Bay area for Meritage Homes.
Emerson International Negotiates Long-Term Lease Renewal for 6,593 Square Feet of Office Space at Major Plaza I in Southwest Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a long-term lease renewal for 6,593 square feet of office space at Major Plaza I, 5728 Major Center Blvd. in southwest Orlando.
Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio director for Emerson International, negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord.
Shannon Rzeznikiewicz of Jones Lang LaSalle represented the tenant, ADP, Inc.
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 in the U.K.
Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio director for Emerson International, negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord.
Shannon Rzeznikiewicz of Jones Lang LaSalle represented the tenant, ADP, Inc.
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 in the U.K.
Del Webb’s BellaTrae Vacation Home Community South of Disney Reports Big Increase in Second Home Buyers
ORLANDO, Fla. --- It might be a sign that the world’s economy is improving: BellaTrae, the luxury vacation home community Del Webb is developing in the ChampionsGate area south of Walt Disney World, reports it has seen a significant increase in customers looking for a second home.
Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida division of Del Webb, said the recent appeal is a result of rock bottom pricing and incredible interest rates.
“I think we’re seeing the results of pent-up demand in both the active adult market and the second home market. Those folks who have dreamed of having a second home in Florida now realize their window of opportunity is closing quickly,” Strickler said.
If he’s right, BellaTrae by Del Webb stands to gain handsomely.
“Vacation home buyers and active adults share similar values,” Strickler said. “Resort-style amenities---from swimming and tennis to planned activities like cruises and attraction visits, sporting events, and recreational activities that range from softball to chess to cooking classes are important to vacationers as well as active adults,” he said.
“During the fall and winter season, thousands of active adults will come to tour our Del Webb communities in the Orlando area,” Strickler said.
BellaTrae at ChampionsGate boasts the 12,500 square foot Club Bella Vista where residents enjoy a fitness center, billiard room, locker rooms, a resort style swimming pool and spa, bocce ball courts, and a putting green.
BellaTrae by Del Webb at ChampionsGate offers luxury condos in four designs priced from the mid $150s to the mid $200s and is not age restricted to those 55 or older, unlike many of the Del Webb communities nation-wide..
Four move-in ready homes are available now priced from $140s to $170s.
About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to 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.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com.
Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida division of Del Webb, said the recent appeal is a result of rock bottom pricing and incredible interest rates.
“I think we’re seeing the results of pent-up demand in both the active adult market and the second home market. Those folks who have dreamed of having a second home in Florida now realize their window of opportunity is closing quickly,” Strickler said.
If he’s right, BellaTrae by Del Webb stands to gain handsomely.
“Vacation home buyers and active adults share similar values,” Strickler said. “Resort-style amenities---from swimming and tennis to planned activities like cruises and attraction visits, sporting events, and recreational activities that range from softball to chess to cooking classes are important to vacationers as well as active adults,” he said.
“During the fall and winter season, thousands of active adults will come to tour our Del Webb communities in the Orlando area,” Strickler said.
BellaTrae at ChampionsGate boasts the 12,500 square foot Club Bella Vista where residents enjoy a fitness center, billiard room, locker rooms, a resort style swimming pool and spa, bocce ball courts, and a putting green.
BellaTrae by Del Webb at ChampionsGate offers luxury condos in four designs priced from the mid $150s to the mid $200s and is not age restricted to those 55 or older, unlike many of the Del Webb communities nation-wide..
Four move-in ready homes are available now priced from $140s to $170s.
About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to 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.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com.
Tolaris Realty Group Names Rodney Miller Sales Associate
LAKE FOREST, Fla. -- Tolaris Realty Group, based at Lake Forest, has appointed Rodney Miller, sales associate.
Rick Bavec, president and principal at Tolaris Realty Group, said Miller has more than 10 years of real estate and sales experience in the Central Florida area.
Rick Bavec, president and principal at Tolaris Realty Group, said Miller has more than 10 years of real estate and sales experience in the Central Florida area.
Ryland Homes Acquires 69 Home Sites at Tuscany in Waxhaw
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ryland Homes has acquired 69 home sites at Tuscany, a community of new single family luxury homes located in the Union County town of Waxhaw, some 20 miles south of Charlotte.
Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in Charlotte, said Ryland has started construction of two model homes at Tuscany. The Marlette with five bedrooms, four baths and two-car garages and the Tryon, offering five bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage.
The Marlette offers approximately 3,487 square feet of living space while the Tryon offers approximately 3,050 square feet.
Both new model homes will open in October, according to Long.
Tuscany is a master-planned community that will eventually accommodate some 400 new homes that are less than three miles from Village Commons and the Shops at Wesley Chapel.
Long said Ryland plans to offer two collections of homes priced from the $240s to the $400s.
“New three, four, five and six bedroom homes at Tuscany will range from 2,300 square feet of living space to more than 3,600 square feet with two, three, four and five baths,” Long said.
Two story homes at Tuscany will offer master up and master down options.
At the same time, Ryland plans to offer many personalized features including sunrooms, screened porches, covered outdoor living areas and additional guest suites.
Tuscany features hiking and biking trails, a community clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting rooms, swimming pools with fountains and a splash area and playground.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The Company currently operates in 24 homebuilding divisions across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."
Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in Charlotte, said Ryland has started construction of two model homes at Tuscany. The Marlette with five bedrooms, four baths and two-car garages and the Tryon, offering five bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage.
The Marlette offers approximately 3,487 square feet of living space while the Tryon offers approximately 3,050 square feet.
Both new model homes will open in October, according to Long.
Tuscany is a master-planned community that will eventually accommodate some 400 new homes that are less than three miles from Village Commons and the Shops at Wesley Chapel.
Long said Ryland plans to offer two collections of homes priced from the $240s to the $400s.
“New three, four, five and six bedroom homes at Tuscany will range from 2,300 square feet of living space to more than 3,600 square feet with two, three, four and five baths,” Long said.
Two story homes at Tuscany will offer master up and master down options.
At the same time, Ryland plans to offer many personalized features including sunrooms, screened porches, covered outdoor living areas and additional guest suites.
Tuscany features hiking and biking trails, a community clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting rooms, swimming pools with fountains and a splash area and playground.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The Company currently operates in 24 homebuilding divisions across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."
Ryland Homes Acquires 69 Home Sites at Tuscany in Waxhaw
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ryland Homes has acquired 69 home sites at Tuscany, a community of new single family luxury homes located in the Union County town of Waxhaw, some 20 miles south of Charlotte.
Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in Charlotte, said Ryland has started construction of two model homes at Tuscany. The Marlette with five bedrooms, four baths and two-car garages and the Tryon, offering five bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage.
The Marlette offers approximately 3,487 square feet of living space while the Tryon offers approximately 3,050 square feet.
Both new model homes will open in October, according to Long.
Tuscany is a master-planned community that will eventually accommodate some 400 new homes that are less than three miles from Village Commons and the Shops at Wesley Chapel.
Long said Ryland plans to offer two collections of homes priced from the $240s to the $400s.
“New three, four, five and six bedroom homes at Tuscany will range from 2,300 square feet of living space to more than 3,600 square feet with two, three, four and five baths,” Long said.
Two story homes at Tuscany will offer master up and master down options.
At the same time, Ryland plans to offer many personalized features including sunrooms, screened porches, covered outdoor living areas and additional guest suites.
Tuscany features hiking and biking trails, a community clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting rooms, swimming pools with fountains and a splash area and playground.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The Company currently operates in 24 homebuilding divisions across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."
Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in Charlotte, said Ryland has started construction of two model homes at Tuscany. The Marlette with five bedrooms, four baths and two-car garages and the Tryon, offering five bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage.
The Marlette offers approximately 3,487 square feet of living space while the Tryon offers approximately 3,050 square feet.
Both new model homes will open in October, according to Long.
Tuscany is a master-planned community that will eventually accommodate some 400 new homes that are less than three miles from Village Commons and the Shops at Wesley Chapel.
Long said Ryland plans to offer two collections of homes priced from the $240s to the $400s.
“New three, four, five and six bedroom homes at Tuscany will range from 2,300 square feet of living space to more than 3,600 square feet with two, three, four and five baths,” Long said.
Two story homes at Tuscany will offer master up and master down options.
At the same time, Ryland plans to offer many personalized features including sunrooms, screened porches, covered outdoor living areas and additional guest suites.
Tuscany features hiking and biking trails, a community clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting rooms, swimming pools with fountains and a splash area and playground.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The Company currently operates in 24 homebuilding divisions across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."
Henin Homes Reports Sales of 11 New Homes in Second Quarter Valued at $3.5 Million at Riviera Bella on St. Johns River
DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes at Riviera Bella on the St. Johns River in DeBary, reported it closed on sales of 11 new homes valued at more than $3.5 million during the second quarter from April 1 through June 30.
Matt Boltz, director of sales and marketing for Henin Homes, said the sales represent a big increase at Riviera Bella.
“We project that new home sales this year will more than triple the sales in 2011,” Boltz said.
Pent-up demand for luxury homes and the scarcity of luxury properties on the St. Johns River have both contributed to the sales growth at Riviera Bella, Boltz explained.
The average sale price of a new home at Riviera Bella during the second quarter was $318,000.
Matt Boltz, director of sales and marketing for Henin Homes, said the sales represent a big increase at Riviera Bella.
“We project that new home sales this year will more than triple the sales in 2011,” Boltz said.
Pent-up demand for luxury homes and the scarcity of luxury properties on the St. Johns River have both contributed to the sales growth at Riviera Bella, Boltz explained.
The average sale price of a new home at Riviera Bella during the second quarter was $318,000.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
