Riviera Bella on the St. Johns River Offering incentives worth up to $14,000 on sales of new luxury homes

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes is offering incentives now through the end of March worth up to $14,000 on sales of new homes at Riviera Bella, the luxury community that overlooks the St. Johns River in DeBary. Jerome Henin, president of The Henin Group, said incentives include up to $7,000 worth of designer options, from bonus rooms to outdoor kitchens to luxury appliances; free closing costs of up to $5,000 and first-year Home Owners Association dues. Henin said steeply discounted pricing is available on three ready-to-move-in luxury homes at Riviera Bella that range in size from 2,354 square feet of living space to 2,850 square feet. The three and four-bedroom homes are priced from $324,900.

ICI HOMES HIRES KEY PROFESSIONALS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – ICI Homes recently named four new professionals including John T. Laga who was hired as vice president of land acquisition for the central Florida region. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales for ICI Homes, said Laga has more than 10 years of experience in land acquisition. He graduated from the University of Central Florida and was formerly employed by Toll Brothers as land acquisition manager. Laga is also a licensed realtor. Other new hires at ICI Homes are Richard Smerglia who was named CADD technician. Smerglia, who was most recently the owner operator of his own business, attended Daytona State College, Kent State and Dowling Technical College. Messina said Alvin S. Gilmore was hired as estimator/purchasing agent and will be working out of ICI Homes’ Daytona Beach office. Gilmore attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. and was formerly a preconstruction manager for GC Contractor Services. Vanessa Reyes Gonzales was named model host and sales ambassador for ICI’s Orlando area communities. She holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration from the American University of Puerto Rico. Gonzales is also a certified Professional Life Coach. Before joining ICI she managed the Puerto Rico office of Yonkers Industries, a construction firm headquartered in Cary, N.C.

Oceans Luxury Realty Appoints Anthony Williams Sales Associate

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. -- Oceans Luxury Realty in Daytona Beach Shores has appointed Anthony Williams a sales associate. Crystal Anderson, chief executive officer of the firm, said Williams took a round-about path to the area’s luxury condominium market. “Anthony Williams has more than 17 years of management experience and 10 years in sales,” Anderson said. For much of that time he served as a life coach and personal trainer, helping people attain their personal wellness and health goals, Anderson added. But real estate sales---in the luxury oceanfront condominium market especially---has always beckoned. “While Anthony was helping others meet their goals, he dreamed of a goal of his own in real estate,” Anderson explained. “Three of our associates and brokers---Enis Qosja, Aswin Suri and Dino Dodani---convinced him to dream big,” she said. Williams enrolled in courses at Daytona State College to qualify for a spot on the Oceans Luxury Realty team. “Anthony Williams has inspired many of us to achieve our personal health and wellness goals and we are delighted he is focusing those same energies and his dedication to helping people attain the wonderful luxury oceanfront lifestyle we can offer in this area,” Anderson said.

Celebration Golf Management promotes four to General Manager

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management recently promoted Jay Scruggs to general manager at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Southeast Orlando. Scruggs has been with Celebration Golf Management since 2005 and formerly served as general manager at two other Celebration Golf Management courses – Legends Golf & Country Club and Kings Ridge in Clermont. Kenny Nairn chief operating officer of Celebration Golf Management also promoted Scott Schmidtberger to general manager at The Legends golf club. He formerly served as assistant general manager and at Stoneybrook West Golf Club. Lee Williamson, formerly head golf professional at Kings Ridge Golf Club, was promoted to general manager at Stoneybrook West and Nick Hall is now the general manager at Kings Ridge Golf Club. Hall was formerly the Golf Operations Manager at Legends.

More Than 150 Del Webb Ponte Vedra Residents Attend Central Park Veterans Memorial Dedication

Ponte Vedra, Fla. --- More than 150 residents at Del Webb Ponte Vedra were on hand to dedicate a new Veterans Memorial flag pole and seating area in the community’s Central Park recently. The serene setting and sacred memories of The Greatest Generation lent an air of solemnity to the procession as veterans raised the Stars and Stripes at the memorial for the first time. Riverwood Men’s Club at Del Webb Ponte Vedra raised funds to acquire the materials for the memorial and volunteers constructed the seating in the resident garden area, said Sean Strickler, vice president of Sales for Del Webb in North Florida. Central Park Garden at Del Webb Ponte Vedra provides residents use of individual sections to grow their own fruits and vegetables year round,” Strickler said. “With the addition of the memorial in Central Park Plaza, residents now have a place to relax and reflect. The flag pole will serve as a reminder to all of the community’s gratitude for all veterans including those living in the community and for those still serving our country,” he said. Del Webb Ponte Vedra offers 16 one and two-story floor plan options that range in size from 1,157 square feet of living area to 2,885 square feet priced from the $190s. Other amenities at Del Webb Ponte Vedra include the multi-million dollar Anastasia Clubhouse complete with tennis courts, pickle ball and bocce ball courts, indoor, and outdoor swimming pools, six miles of nature trails, and Central Park.

HENIN REALTY IN WINTER PARK MARKS 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Henin Realty, a division of the Henin Group, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in business. In 2013 Henin Realty, based at 2300 Lee Rd. in Winter Park ended the year with $15 Million in sales, which is double the firm’s sales figure for the previous year. Elizabeth Henin is president of Henin Realty and Jerome Henin, principal of the Henin Group, parent company of Henin Realty, is the realty company’s broker of record.

Influential Real Estate Leaders Present NAIOP National Site Selector Symposium on Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Longtime regional real estate industry icon George Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest, and John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, are among the influential real estate leaders presenting a site selection luncheon symposium in Orlando. The event, hosted by the Orlando Chapter of NAIOP, is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at Orlando’s Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave. on the 18th Floor. Titled “National Site Selectors' Perspective on Central Florida,” the symposium will open for registration at 11:30 a.m., with luncheon and the panel discussion from noon to 1 p.m. NAIOP president Crossman will kick off the event and Ron Starner, executive vice president of Site Selection Magazine, will moderate the panel discussion with participants Livingston, John F. Krug, principal and senior consultant at Truth IC, LLC and Holly Wiedman, executive vice president of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. The panel will present perspectives on corporate site selection in Florida and Central Florida including key decision-making factors in relocation/expansion, leveraging effective community strategies and what to expect in the coming years. The symposium is sponsored by NAI Realvest, Professional Service Industries, Inc. and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. Admission to the event costs $40 for NAIOP members and $65 for non-members. For further information, contact NAIOP executive director Shannon Monteleone (407) 227-7461.

Lennar Homes Opens New Sophia Model at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar Homes recently opened the three-bedroom Sophia model home at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek, the private residential golf course community located off U.S. 41 halfway between Naples and Marco Island. Dave Meyers, director of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said the Sophia model offers 2,032 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two baths and a den that can also serve as a fourth bedroom. The Sophia ranks as one of Lennar’s most popular floor plans, Meyers said. Its open concept design has an island kitchen that flows into the living room and dining room. Priced from $377,990, the Sophia model at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek features an optional pool and spa, outdoor kitchen and pine ceilings on the rear patio, Meyers said. New Homes in Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek come with the Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgraded features, appointments, appliances and finishes all included in the one “Everything’s Included” price. Fiddler’s Creek features a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course and community clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center and aerobics studio, a swimming pool, tennis courts, walking trails, ponds and conservation areas throughout. Located 15 minutes from downtown Naples, the community is convenient to some of the finest shopping, dining and beaches in the area and 15 minutes from the acclaimed Marco Island.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Negotiates $2.59 Million Land Sale North of Heathrow

Lake Mary, Fla. – Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently negotiated the sale of two prime residential parcels of land totaling 15.91 acres located just north of Heathrow on Orange Blvd. and S. Lake Sylvan Drive for $2,593,330 or $163,000 per acre. Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Ingrid Cameron, luxury marketing specialist in the firm’s Heathrow Marketing Center, negotiated the transaction representing both seller and buyer. The property was purchased by Orlando-based Park Square Homes who plans to develop 38 luxury single-family homes on the site. Soderstrom said the proposed community will offer gas which is an excellent selling feature in today’s market. “Good residential development sites are difficult to locate in this region and in strong demand,” said Soderstrom.

UCF Business Incubation Program Offers "Soft Landing" Appeal to Small Businesses That Want to Make a Splash in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla., … The UCF Business Incubation Program has discovered an important new small business niche in local economic development that could prove more valuable than huge tax incentives to lure major employers to the area. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, calls the appeal “soft landing.” The target is small businesses from outside the region that want to explore opportunities in the area without making a huge investment for permanent space. Hogan said the UCF Business Incubation Program has already recruited five businesses from Ireland, the U.K. and South America and Hogan hopes to have from 20 to 30 companies with Central Florida “soft landing” on their agenda. UCF recently completed a video that explains what the incubator has to offer at facilities in Orlando, Winter Springs, Apopka, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Daytona Beach--short-term, office space with flexible lease and support services to help introduce the business to the Central Florida and U.S. markets.

DiVosta Homes starts construction of two new model homes at Cove at Waterway Village in Vero Beach with six new floor plans

Vero Beach, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has started construction of two new model homes and introduced six new floor plans at Cove at Waterway Village, an intimate community of 80 exceptional homes located on Kings Highway and 53rd St. in Vero Beach. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for DiVosta Homes in the south Florida region, said both new models in DiVosta’s newest Vero Beach community will open by mid-summer. The Martin Ray model at Cove at Waterway Village is priced from $233,990 with 1,968 square feet of living space, two bedrooms and two baths and a two-care garage. The Martin Ray features a flex room and an optional upstairs loft. The Pinnacle model offers three bedrooms and three baths in 2,488 square feet and also includes a flex room and an optional upstairs loft, all priced from $264,990 with garage space for two cars and a golf cart. Among the amenities at Cove at Waterway Village are a community swimming pool and cabana and a bocce ball court.

Hold-Thyssen negotiates new lease with E-Cig Depot at Enterprise Plaza in Orange City

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc., a commercial property firm based in Winter Park, recently negotiated a three-year retail lease agreement at Enterprise Plaza, 2499 Enterprise Rd. in Orange City. Darby Hold, lease consultant for Hold-Thyssen, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the Landlord, Florida Premier Group, Inc., based in Rochester, Mich. The E-Cig Depot, Inc. leased Suite K with 1,054 square feet at the shopping center and joins existing tenants Sherwin Williams, Beauty Alliance and Arby’s. The tenant was not represented in the transaction. Hold-Thyssen, Inc. provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Ryland Homes Opens New Phase at Carolina Park community in Mount Pleasant

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Ryland Homes has opened a new phase at Carolina Park, located off Carolina Park Blvd. and Hwy. 17 North in Mount Pleasant. There are 50 new homesites that are at least 60' wide, some a quarter acre or larger in size, available in the new phase for new three and four bedroom homes with two, three, and three-and-a-half baths. “Ryland is seeing increased demand and sales are picking up in the Mt. Pleasant market,” said Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region. Ryland offers six floor plans in one and two-story designs at Carolina Park ranging from 2,072 to 2,964 base square feet, priced from the mid-$300s. Ryland has two decorated model homes open daily for touring at Carolina Park -- the two-story Coosaw model with four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths in 3,206 square feet of living space with a detached two-car garage priced from $405,000; and the two-story Thompson, with 2,446 square feet of living space, three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with bonus room and a detached two-car garage. The Thompson floor plan, which features a downstairs master bedroom, is priced from $373,000. Altogether Ryland Homes is building 112 new luxury homes in Carolina Park, with Townhomes planned in the near future. Carolina Park features a Junior Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, a playground and walking and biking trails.

Rhodes+Brito Architects Awarded Contract to Design Two New Elementary Schools in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla., --- Rhodes+Brito Architects based in Orlando recently were awarded contracts from Orange County Schools to design new facilities for two elementary schools in Apopka. Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito, said the firm will design $13 million worth of new facilities to replace Clay Springs Elementary School, which accommodates 830 students. Under terms of the second contract, Rhodes+Brito will design $12 million worth of new facilities to replace Lovell Elementary School. Rhodes said both schools will be completed in 2015. Rhodes+Brito, which opened in Orlando in 1996, currently employs a staff of 20, including eight registered architects. The firm has exceptional experience providing architectural services to municipal government agencies.

DRW Life Skills Institute to offer Two-Day Course on Emotional Intelligence March 22-23

Kissimmee, Fla. --- DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee will offer a two-day beginners workshop on emotional intelligence and critical communications skills March 22-23 at the Institute, headquartered on the fourth floor of the UCF Business Incubator facility at 111 E. Monument Ave. in Kissimmee. Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot PhD, President, Life Coach and Project Manager at the DRW Life Skills Institute, said the workshop is titled Emotional Intelligence: Listening to Myself. “Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that influence self-perception, the way we express ourselves, performance and even how we socialize and relate in our work, family, and community,” Dr. Bonet-Gascot explained. “The workshop is designed to help participants improve critical communication skills and start learning how Life Skills can dramatically improve their lives, their families, and their careers,” she said. Tuition for the workshop is $595.00. For additional details, visit www.drwinstitute.org.

Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services Adds Property Management Assignments that Total 250,000 Square Feet in Florida

Winter Park, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, a commercial property firm based in Winter Park with offices in Tampa and Nashville, added more than 250,000 square feet of commercial properties to its Florida property management portfolio over the past 60 days. R. Anthony Fisher, vice president of Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, said the firm manages more than three million square feet of commercial space. Fisher said the new assignments include 46,000 square feet of space in Winter Haven, 25,000 square feet in Sunrise, 21,500 in Vero Beach, 47,000 in Jupiter and 110,000 square feet in Plantation. All of the most recent assignments are REO bank-owned properties or properties in receivership, Fisher said. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Hold-Thyssen negotiates three lease agreements totaling more than 9,000 square feet in Orlando

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, a commercial property firm based in Winter Park with offices in Tampa and Nashville, recently negotiated three lease agreements totaling 9,139 square feet in Orlando. Troy Stevens, leasing agent at Hold-Thyssen negotiated the three transactions, representing the Landlord for each facility – Miami-based LNR Partners, LLC. Groupware, a local IT services firm renewed its lease of 7,500 square feet in Kennedy Commerce Center, a flex warehouse facility at 995 W. Kennedy Blvd. off S. Keller Rd. Southeast Wiring Solutions, experts in security systems, alarm monitoring and home automation, leased 1,000 square feet of flex warehouse space in suite 6270 in Edgewater Commerce Center at 3300 Edgewater Drive. ADTC Fire and Security, Inc. of Orlando leased suite 116 with 639 square feet in the Kirkman Commerce Center at 771 Kirkman Rd. in Southwest Orlando. Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

2013 Real Estate Report for East Volusia: Sales of Luxury Homes up more than 60 percent

ORLANDO / PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Sales of luxury homes in the East Volusia region---including Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Spruce Creek Fly-In in Port Orange---saw robust growth in 2013, up more than 60 percent over 2012 sales according to a recent Real Estate Report published by Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Orlando. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said associates Debbie Keilin, Rachel McGrath and Maureen Reynolds of the firm’s East Volusia offices at Spruce Creek Fly-In compiled the survey of closed real estate sales. Soderstrom said one reason for the increased sales of luxury homes is that listings of homes for sale increased by almost a quarter in 2013. “The market is coming back,” Soderstrom said. “As home owners see other homes selling in their price range, they are more inclined to list their homes for sale,” Soderstrom said. Sales of homes priced from $500,000 to $1 million grew by almost half in 2013, Soderstrom said, from 137 homes sold in 2012 to 202 luxury homes. Only five sales priced from $1 million to $1.5 million closed in 2012. Last year sales in that category totaled 22 homes. In the $1.5 million plus category, sales grew from 4 in 2012 to 11 in 2013. “Sales of luxury homes in east Volusia County say more about the national economic recovery than the local economy,” Soderstrom explained. “This region is known throughout the world for its beaches and its lifestyle, and many buyers come from outside the east Volusia area to live here,” he said. Soderstrom said waterfront properties tend to sell for the highest prices and they don’t often stay on the market very long. “Luxury waterfront properties are always at a premium but we have seen substantial growth in luxury property sales that are not on the water as well,” Soderstrom said. The complete East Volusia report can be viewed at http://www.stirlingsir.com/resources/siteresources/my%20folder/2013eastvolusia.pdf

Only One Luxury Condominium Remains for Sale at Six Fifty Six Coleman in Mt. Pleasant

Charleston, S.C. --- After only nine months on the market, the Ryland Homes signature condominium community Six Fifty Six Coleman in Mount Pleasant has only one condominium remaining for sale out of 35. Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said the home builder opened its sales office at Six Fifty Six Coleman in May with prices starting from $310,000. Two and three-bedroom condominiums at Six Fifty Six Coleman ranging in size from 2,100 square feet of living space to 2,414 square feet with gourmet kitchens, energy efficient appliances, optional private elevators, bonus rooms and lofts sold for an average price of $390,000 The three-story homes at Six Fifty Six Coleman come with two-car garages. “Six Fifty Six Coleman has been a great success, from the location to the features to the design and the marketing. The community offers a unique lifestyle as well,” Jinks said. The one remaining condominium is priced at $419,000, Jinks said. For more information or an appointment to tour the model, call Tina Jones 843-513-6454.

CollegeStack.com partners with iMobile3 to provide virtual wallet, wider choice of coupons, and a unqiue mobile application via the PassMarket platform

ORLANDO, Fla. --- CollegeStack.com, one of Orlando's most popular coupon books, has partnered with iMobile3 to offer Central Florida college students a powerful virtual wallet inside of an application that takes coupons/offers to a new digital level. Julien Meyer, founder and chief executive officer of collegeTKTS LLC, parent company of CollegeStack.com, said the partnership offers revolutionary ways for businesses to better connect with consumers. “Virtual loyalty cards are among the flagship products that we will be rolling out with this new partnership,” Meyer said. “The company's new app will double the number of available coupons so users have more choices,” Meyer said. Andres Ochoa, director of CollegeStack’s operations at UCF said, “CollegeStack.com plans to roll out the new platform in March and we’re already getting traction from many businesses in the Orlando area…even some outside of the college community.” “We're really excited to have this opportunity and to roll out our newest version for all of our users to fall in love with,” Ochoa said. CollegeStack is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

Two Homewood Assets Closed by Hendricks-Berkadia for $11,675,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks-Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Knoll Crest, a 150-unit apartment community, and the adjacent Olympia Village, a 127-unit apartment community, both located in Homewood, Ala. for a combined $11.675 million. David Oakley, partner in Hendricks-Berkadia Alabama office negotiated the sale of Olympia Village and Knoll Crest representing the seller, Knoll Crest Partners, LLC/Olympia Partners, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham. Olympia Village, built in 1976, has a total of 121,002 square feet of rentable living space with one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Knoll Crest, built in 1975, has a total of 145,334 square feet of rentable living space with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The buyer was Knoll Crest Holding Company, LLC/Olympia Partners LLC, based in New Jersey. Both properties have existing Fannie Mae loans that were assumed at closing by the Buyer. The approximate balance on the loan for Knoll Crest was $5,629,517 at an interest rate of 4.31 percent. The approximate balance on the loan for Olympia Village was $4,230,303 at a 6.18 percent interest rate. The buyer plans to complete light interior renovations and amenity upgrades to both properties. The contiguous properties in Homewood are located within a half mile of the Magic City Five Portfolio, which Hendricks-Berkadia recently transacted consisting of five properties totaling 2,244 units that sold for $105,900,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Henin Homes offering incentives, super discount in March for luxury move-in-ready home at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DeBary, Fla. -- Henin Homes is offering a “super” discount plus incentives for March home buyers on one of the last remaining move-in ready homes at Riviera Bella, the gated luxury community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary. Jerome Henin, founder and owner of the Henin Group, which developed Riviera Bella, said the offer is on the “Darina” model home on Lot 136 which was originally priced at $365,900 for the four-bedroom, two-bath plan with 2,396 square feet of living area. “The special March incentive price is $324,900 plus an additional buyer incentive of $8,350 to be used toward closing costs and one year of paid HOA fees,” Henin said. “This is a super value for home buyers interested in a top quality custom home in a fine neighborhood,” Henin explained, adding “but the home must be purchased in March and close within 30 days.”

Oceans Luxury Realty in Daytona Beach Shores Reports it Closed Sales totaling $2,774,000 in January

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. --- Oceans Luxury Realty, which acquired Exit Realty Daytona Beach Shores last year and now has three offices in the area, reported it closed on sales that totaled $2,744,000 in January Crystal Anderson, chief executive officer of the firm, said Oceans Luxury Realty added 33 new listings during the month. Anderson said currently 33 sales are pending.

ICI Homes Names Communications Specialist

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – ICI Homes, a Daytona Beach-based luxury homebuilder and community developer that also has operations in the Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa areas, has appointed Val Santos Lopez communications media specialist. Lopez a graduate of Stetson University has more than four years of experience in real estate and public relations.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Renewal Lease for Office Space at The Citadel III in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a renewal lease for 2,141 rentable square feet in The Citadel III located at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in east Orlando. The NAI Realvest office leasing team of Mary Frances West, CCIM, Matt Cichocki, and Kevin O’Connor negotiated the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Citadel Partners, Ltd., based in Groveland. The tenant is Orlando-based Florida Business Development Corp. NAI Realvest is exclusive management and leasing representative for The Citadel.

Pulte Homes to Unveil Consumer Inspired Homes This Summer at New Community in Lake Nona

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has big plans in store this summer at VillageWalk at Lake Nona: The Enclave at VillageWalk, with new luxury homes priced from the $600s to more than $1 million. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for PulteGroup in the North Florida region, said VillageWalk at Lake Nona was one of PulteGroup’s most popular communities in 2013 and The Enclave at VillageWalk will add yet another option for homebuyers. The new luxury and gated community – with 144 homesites – offers new homes designed by feedback from hundreds of consumers, Strickler said. “New Life Tested® homes in The Enclave at VillageWalk at Lake Nona were designed working closely with targeted consumers,” Strickler explained. PulteGroup’s consumer-design process wasn’t looking for marketing points. “We know what appeals to potential buyers,” Strickler said. “We were trying to dig a little deeper to see what features they find particularly useful and valuable,” he said. “What makes people appreciate a home in five years and 10 years, when the kids are teenagers?” Strickler said. Strickler said consumer-designed features such as Drop Zones and Planning Centers are favorites for busy families in Pulte neighborhoods. Other features will include three-car garages, spiral oak-tread staircases and barrel tile roofs. “Some of the ideas we have developed are remarkable and they will all be in view at The Enclave at VillageWalk at Lake Nona,” Strickler said. Homeowners in the Enclave will have access to the robust amenities in VillageWalk at Lake Nona including a resort style pool and spa, a lap pool, clay tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, ballroom, library, and activities planned for all ages by a full time on-site lifestyle director. VillageWalk at Lake Nona boasts its own Town Center – located just inside the security gates -- with a gas station, a deli, hair styling salon, massage spa and pet grooming. The deli offers lunch and dinner options along with a pizza parlor with beer and wine. VillageWalk is one mile from Southeast Orlando’s Medical City complex with includes Nemours Children’s Hospital, medical research facilities and the UCF medical college. The community is also in close proximity to the 417 expressway, S.R. 528, shopping and dining. For more information about the Enclave at VillageWalk call 877-230-5595 or visit www.Pulte.com/orlando and sign up for VIP updates.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Restaurant Lease for Chicago’s Stuffed Pizza at Village at Lake Lily in Maitland

Maitland, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long term lease agreement for 3,614 square feet of retail space at Village at Lake Lily, 933 South Orlando Ave. in Maitland. The NAI Realvest retail team of Kevin O’Connor, Matt Cichocki and Mitch Heidrich negotiated the transaction representing tenant M. Vicente 1, Inc. who will operate a Chicago’s Stuffed Pizza restaurant in the ground floor space at the corner of S Orlando Ave and Lake Ave in Maitland. Village at Lake Lily Phase I, LLC of Atlanta, Ga. is the landlord. The tenant anticipates an opening this summer but the total number of seats has not yet been determined. The restaurant will feature Chicago style stuffed crust pizza and a diverse menu of Italian entrees and sandwiches.

HENDRICKS-BERKADIA REPORTS IT SOLD MORE THAN 5,000 APARTMENT UNITS LAST YEAR

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia, which ranks as one of the nation’s leading multi-family investment banking and research companies, reported it negotiated sales of 20 apartment communities last year that totaled 5,030 apartment units. Cole Whitaker, partner at Hendricks-Berkadia who heads the firm’s Southeast region, said sales of multi-family apartment properties last year brought a total of over $325,000,000 in revenues for its clients. In addition, Hendricks-Berkadia closed 11 land transactions around the state of Florida.

OCEANS LUXURY REALTY REPORTS SALES UP 30 PERCENT LAST YEAR

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. -- When Oceans Luxury Realty acquired Harbor Village Realty last year they inherited 10 agents, a broker and a property manager and the real estate agency now boasts 37 agents. Crystal Anderson, president and chief executive officer or Oceans Luxury Realty, said the firm posted sales last year that totaled $37.1 million, a 30 percent increase over 2012 sales. Anderson said Oceans Luxury Realty now manages 725 properties, including one in St. Augustine.

$3.5 Million Mixed Use Development planned Adjacent to the new Lake Mary SunRail Station

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Chris and Dana Mahnken of Lake Mary plan to develop a 32,000 square foot office and retail building directly across from a new 200+ unit luxury apartment project on E. Crystal Lake Ave. in Lake Mary adjacent to the planned Lake Mary SunRail Station platform. Chris Mahnken said Station Pointe at Lake Mary will accommodate a coffee shop, sandwich shop, drug store, dry cleaner and beauty salon, along with offices for lawyers, doctors and other professionals who can serve commuters on the $1.2 billion commuter rail line. Mahnken said construction of Station Pointe should start in 2015. The first SunRail leg is planned to open in May from DeBary to downtown Orlando and points south. Eventually, SunRail will link communities from DeLand in Volusia County to Poinciana in Osceola County. Rick Bavec, who heads his own realty firm at Lake Forest by Sanford has been named director of leasing for Station Pointe at Lake Mary. Bavec said pre-leasing has started with very strong interest, and he expects to pre-lease most of the space before construction starts. “We’re getting a lot of interest in Station Pointe from doctors, lawyers and accountants looking to expand their downtown operations with a branch office in Lake Mary,” Bavec said. “In most communities worldwide where commuter lines like SunRail have been developed, the stations have spurred dramatic growth and development of commercial as well as residential opportunities, we are seeing this happening now in Lake Mary,” Bavec said.

Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services Negotiates Seven Lease Agreements at Winter Garden Executive Suite in 90 Days

Winter Park, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, a commercial property firm based in Winter Park with offices in Tampa and Nashville, recently negotiated seven lease agreements in 90 days at an office building located at 12200 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden. R. Anthony Fisher, vice president of Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, said Leasing Agent Therese Taylor negotiated all seven lease agreements representing the landlord, 12200 W. Colonial Drive LLC. The lease agreements at the executive suite facility include three new tenants, Amanda Singh and Smart Solutions Realty, Cora Fulmore and Express Global Medical Services. Tenants Hope Alexander, Xtreme Business Concepts, DM Transportation and Provectus all executed renewal leases for the suites they occupy. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services negotiates end to long-term Ground Lease for former Fazoli’s Restaurant in Merritt Island

Winter Park, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, a commercial property firm based in Winter Park with offices in Tampa and Nashville, recently negotiated a complex agreement to terminate a long-term ground lease at 756 Merritt Island Causeway in Merritt Island. R. Anthony Fisher, vice president of Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, said Leasing Agent Martin Forster in the firm’s Winter Park office negotiated the agreement representing the tenant, Fazoli’s Restaurants, Inc. Health First, Inc. owns the 0.70-acre property, which now includes a free-standing facility with a drive-through window formerly occupied by Fazoli’s Restaurant. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services Reports 2013 Lease Transactions were up more than 30 percent

Winter Park, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, a commercial property firm based in Winter Park, with offices in Tampa and Nashville, reports its lease transactions volume grew by more than 30 percent in 2013. R. Anthony Fisher, vice president of Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, said the firm’s lease transactions in 2013 totaled more than $1.1 million. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Lennar Appoints Veteran Homebuilder Executive Jim McCarthy Land Acquisition Manager for Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds homes in more than 40 communities in the Tampa Bay and Orlando regions, recently appointed veteran homebuilding executive Jim McCarthy to Land Acquisition Manager for the Tampa Bay area. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said McCarthy has more than 15 years of experience in land acquisition and development in the home building industry. McCarthy, who graduated from the University of South Florida, formerly served as vice president of land acquisition at both M/I Homes and KB Home. Metheny said in his new role McCarthy will be focusing on acquiring raw land and developed homesites throughout the Tampa Bay area where Lennar builds new homes priced from $150,000 to more than $800,000 in everything from small infill tracts to large master planned communities. “We are pleased to have an executive of Jim’s caliber join our land team. With the advantages of his experience throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk Counties, he will play a significant role in our continued growth in the Tampa Bay region,” said Metheny.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Three New Industrial Leases in Orlando and Winter Garden totaling more than 7,800 Square Feet

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated three new leases for industrial space totaling 7,831 square feet at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden and at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest represented the Winter Garden landlord Carter Commerce Center LLC in negotiating two leases in the Carter CommerCenter. Tenant San Diego, Calif.-based Backyard Xscapes, Inc. leased 3,750 square feet in suite 190 at 890 Carter Road. The second tenant, Hyvac, Inc. of Deerfield Beach, leased 1,875 square feet in Suite 290 at 902 Carter Rd. Heidrich also represented Orlando-based landlord Goldenrod SPE, LLC in a lease agreement with Major Touring LLC for the 2,206 square feet in Suite 250 at Goldenrod CommerCenter, 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Stand Alone Office/Retail Building off S. Orange in Pine Castle area

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 1,500 square foot stand alone office/retail building at 830 Hoffner Ave. near the intersection of S. Orange Ave. in the Pine Castle area of Orlando. The NAI Realvest retail team of Matt Cichocki, Kevin O’Connor and Mitch Heidrich brokered the REO sale representing the seller West Palm Beach-based U.S. Bank National Association. The local buyer, Tremblay Land, LLC, intends to operate a real estate brokerage business at the property.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement with Payroll Company for Professional Office Space near downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,000 rentable square feet of professional office space in the building located at 2200 Hillcrest St. in Orlando. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal at NAI Realvest brokered the transaction representing the landlord Orlando-based Whirly Properties LLC. The local tenant is Kymberly Group Payroll Solutions, Inc.

DiVosta Homes’ Jamie Meisterheim is PulteGroup’s Leading Sales Consultant in South Florida for January

NAPLES, Fla. --- PulteGroup has named Jamie Meisterheim the New Home Sales Consultant of the Month for selling the highest number of new homes during January at the DiVosta Homes community VeronaWalk in Naples. Meisterheim, who has been with DiVosta Homes for two years, is a native of Fort Worth, Texas and has lived in South Florida more than 12 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and her career background includes general real estate sales and property management. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup, Inc. in South Florida, said Meisterheim sold more homes during January than any other sales consultant among the PulteGroup of homebuilders which includes DiVosta Homes, Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb in more than 20 communities. “We look forward to many more years of Jamie’s continued sales success with DiVosta Homes at VeronaWalk and in South Florida,” Mairn said. The active adult DiVosta community of VeronaWalk boasts quality construction, zero-maintenance two and three bedroom single-family homes in 11 designs priced from the $230s, Mairn added. For more information, visit www.divosta.com.

Lennar to Open 15 New Communities in Central Florida This Year, New Home Sales up 40 Percent in 2013

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division plans to open 15 new communities in 2014 in the Tampa Bay and Orlando markets. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar is currently building in 38 communities in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Orange, Lake, Brevard and Hernando counties. Metheny said sales of new homes in 2013 were up 40 percent in the Central Florida region. Visit www.Lennar.com.