Lennar’s Central Florida Division Has Two Models Underway at New Briar Oaks Community in Hudson

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has two new models underway at its newest community of Briar Oaks in Hudson. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the models have approximately 1,340 square feet of living area and 2,858 square feet, and they are priced from the mid $100s. There are 110 home sites at Briar Oaks, which is located off U.S. 19. Visit www.lennar.com/tampa to be notified when models will be ready to preview.

Del Webb Orlando Hosts Record Crowds at Grand Opening More Than 1,000 Baby Boomers Tour Consumer Inspired Homes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The popular active adult community, Del Webb Orlando located in Davenport, hosted more than 1,000 prospective homebuyers at the recent grand opening premier of three new designer-decorated model homes. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb North Florida Division, said, “It’s not surprising that the model grand opening yielded such an overwhelming response. The impressive home designs resonated with baby boomers looking for a home in retirement.” The new model homes are part of Del Webb’s Garden Series collection of homes. The new plans range in size from 1,133 to 2,188 square feet, with prices starting at $159,990 “Our new consumer inspired home designs are the result of extensive consumer research on how boomers live and what they want in their homes. It represents an exciting, fresh direction in home design, incorporating natural light into the living areas and more usable space, including functional storage and loft designs,” added Strickler. Strickler added that this time of year is very busy for many homebuilders in Florida as buyers from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states escape the winter weather and begin shopping for a home. “Many of the homebuyers who visited Del Webb Orlando are shopping for a second home or lining up their future home in retirement a few years early.” Del Webb Orlando also features five additional model homes from their Classic Series of home designs that offer even larger home sites and living spaces ranging from 1,600 to 2,831 square feet, with prices starting at $198,990. All new homes at Del Webb Orlando offer a multitude of energy efficient features and are able to participate in an optional solar program. Del Webb Orlando features a 30,000+ square foot amenity center, the Montecito Clubhouse, which provides health and wellness amenities. A full-time activities director orchestrates social events, clubs and even educational courses to make every day new and inspiring.

Emerson International negotiates new long-term lease agreement in Maitland Center Parkway office building

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement with Excel Mortgage Servicing, Inc. at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing at Emerson International, said Excel Mortgage Servicing leased 3,464 square feet of office space at the Maitland Center building. Koch negotiated the lease agreement representing Emerson International, the landlord. David Lundberg, managing partner of Commercial Equity Partners represented the tenant, Excel Mortgage.

Emerson International reports big jump in occupancy in 11 Central Florida office properties

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International reports that occupancy in 11 Class A commercial office properties it owns and manages in Maitland, Longwood, Altamonte Springs and Orlando increased from 75 percent to more than 84 percent in 2013. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing at Emerson International, said Emerson International’s portfolio group of office properties totals 1,127,788 square feet of space. “Office occupancy is a reliable long-term measure of overall economic health and clearly the regional economy is improving,” Koch said.

Meritage Homes Names New Director of Finance

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has appointed James Makransky director of finance. Brian Kittle, vice president at Meritage Homes, said Makransky has more than 15 years of experience in the finance industry and real estate. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida.

Meritage Homes Has 52 Ready-to-Move-In Homes Available in Central Florida Region

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Meritage Homes now has 52 ready-to-move-in homes available in the Central Florida region. Brian Kittle, vice president at Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said the homes are located in the homebuilder’s 17 active communities. Kittle said the ready-to-move-in homes range in price from the low $200s to the mid $500s and range from 1,650 square feet of living area to 5,111 square feet. For more information, visit www.meritagehomes.com

NAI Realvest to make Habitat for Humanity Work an annual event

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of the region’s leading commercial real estate operating companies, turned out in force to help Habitat for Humanity refurbish a home in Pine Hills recently and the company will make it an annual event. NAI Realvest principal Kevin O’Connor said eight staff members reported for work. Their assignment: laying sod. “That’s really labor-intensive,” O’Connor said. “All of us felt it for a day or two.” But, O’Connor said, NAI Realvest staff felt some other things too. “All of us agreed we want to do this again,” O’Connor said. “There’s a real feeling of self-satisfaction.”

NAI Realvest Negotiates Office Lease Agreement for 7-Eleven Regional Office in Maitland

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently completed a new long term lease agreement with 7-Eleven Corporation for a regional office in the 800 Trafalgar Court building in Maitland Center. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm and Associate Chris Adams negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Maitland-based FFVA/Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. Kelley said 7-Eleven will be using the 2,185 square foot office facility for administration and training. Gina LeMaster of Avista Retail & Development was the cooperating broker.