Lennar is offering Seven Percent commission on sales of new homes that sell and close in May at Orlando area communities

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering Central Florida realtors and brokers a whopping seven percent commission on new homes that sell and close during May throughout Lennar’s Clermont, Orlando and Space Coast area communities.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the seven percent commission applies to select new homes priced from the $100s in select Lennar communities.

David Parker, who heads the sales and marketing division for Lennar in the Orlando region, said pricing has been reduced to record lows in all Lennar communities in the region.

“Every Lennar community has ready-to-move-in homes available, and they all feature Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” promise,” Parker said.

Lennar’s “Everything’s Included Homes” offer just that — everything from appliances, countertops, fixtures, security, landscaping, literally everything — in one price.

Parker said Lennar is also offering below market mortgage rates during the sales event.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Hopes Speed Week in Daytona Beach could be Big Opportunity for Area Realtors

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty hopes Speed Week in Daytona Beach could be a big opportunity for area Realtors. The Stirling Sotheby’s firm has marshaled a team of luxury home specialist’s who plan to present their credentials to NASCAR owners and drivers arriving for the big race.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said NASCAR owners and drivers represent a major market opportunity for the Daytona Beach area.

Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin, international luxury home specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, hope to capitalize on their personal endorsement from NASCAR icon Mike Skinner during the event.

“Many of the NASCAR owners and drivers fly their own airplanes,” Keilin said. “They can live anywhere, and the Daytona Beach area really is one of the best places in America for them to own a home,” she said.

“Market conditions in the Daytona Beach region couldn’t be better,” McGrath added.

“Luxury home prices are at their lowest in more than a decade and there are incredible values here.” McGrath said. “This window of opportunity won’t last long,” she added.

Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin represent Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in the Volusia County area.

Central Florida’s five-year market decline has left prices down 40-60 percent from the market high and many home sellers have held off placing their homes on the market hoping for a recovery.

“Pricing stabilization has taken a long time, and price increases won’t be realized until sometime in the future,” Keilin said. “Home sellers who are holding off waiting for better market conditions may miss out on the greatest buying opportunity if they are looking to purchase a new residence,” she said.

While sellers may realize a lower price than they might hope for, they also have the opportunity to acquire another residence for much less than they could before.

“The market is adjusting and today we are at the point where we have a new pricing normal,” McGrath explained.

“Real estate remains a neighborhood business. Some neighborhoods with homes less distressed are performing better than other neighborhoods. Property owners who are selling in today’s market and repurchasing are finding themselves in a win-win situation,” she added.

Visit http://www.stirlingstars.com/.
* * *

For more information contact: Debbie Keilin, East Volusia Associate, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 386 451-4251; Rachel McGrath, East Volusia Associate, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 386 795-0911; Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-581-7890; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

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, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates three performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

CFCAR to host Forum on Jobs and Impact on Commercial Real Estate Sept. 9 at Orlando Fashion Square

ORLANDO - The Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) will host a community forum on Sept. 9 at Orlando Fashion Square titled, “Job Growth - How it Will Affect Our Industry.”

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, the Orlando commercial real estate firm that serves as exclusive leasing agents at Orlando Fashion Square, said the event is scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and the cost of admission is $25.

Speakers include Jerry Ross, executive director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center, which is relocating to Orlando Fashion Square; Thomas Chatmon, executive director of the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Rick Fraser, president of the Workforce Development Board of Flagler/Volusia-Center for Business Excellence.

“Employment and job growth is the single most important issue facing the commercial real estate industry,” Crossman said. “The CFCAR forum will discuss several major efforts under way to stimulate job growth and what we can do to support and enhance those efforts,” he said.

To find out more or to register for the forum, contact CFCAR Executive Shirley Knapp at 407-816-7368 or visit http://www.cfcar.net.

For more information contact: Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Associate is Qualified Short Sale and Foreclosure Certified by National Assn. of Realtors

ORLANDO - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty associate Lauren Merrell recently completed a required curriculum and received the SFR, (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) certification by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the technical training curriculum developed by NAR qualifies Merrell – one of his firm’s agents in the Brevard area – as an expert in short sale real estate transactions and foreclosures.

The recent increase in distressed home sales indicates a significant need for short sale and foreclosure expertise, Merrell said.

“In April of 2010 almost 40 percent of sales completed in Brevard County were either short sales or foreclosures,” said Merrell.

Short sales – selling properties with approval of the lender for an amount less than the principal owed on the mortgage – often represents a viable alternative to foreclosure proceedings for both sellers and lenders.

“I am now combining my knowledge of the luxury market and my training as an SFR expert to assist both owners of luxury homes experiencing difficulties and investors or buyers with their purchases of REOs or bank owned homes and short sales,” Merrell said.

Expertise in negotiating the best possible terms for the seller or buyer can offer substantial tax advantages too, she added.

“Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty began developing specialized skills in short sale transactions almost two years ago,” Soderstrom explained, adding, “and it has been very advantageous.”

For more information contact: Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 407-581-7890

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, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates three performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Awards $47,500 in Prizes to Top 10 Area Realtors

TAMPA- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $100s to the $400s in more than 30 Lennar communities in the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Space Coast regions, recently awarded $47,500 in prizes to 10 of the Central Florida region’s top Realtors competing in a Lennar Loves Realtors sales contest from May 1 through Nov. 30.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the 10 contest winners posted sales and closings that totaled more than $11.7 million during the contest.
Janith Overstreet of Lithia, an associate at New Homes Specialist, won the top prize---a $10,000 shopping spree through the Lennar Loves Realtors Wish Book, an online catalogue of more than 3,000 luxury items that range from luggage to house wares to furnishings, jewelry and travel.

Overstreet’s sales and closings during the contest period totaled $2,750,549, Metheny said.
Miguel Beltran of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater, Danny Christian of REMAX Paramount Properties in Lakeland and Flaviano Bullian of Union II Realty and Investments in Orlando earned $5,000 shopping sprees with sales and closings that totaled $2,222,513, $1,298,893 and $1,120,503 respectively.

Metheny said $3,500 award winners included Philippa Liddel of IPG Realty in Clermont, with $982,666 in sales and closings; Luisa Mizgorski of Tampa For You Realty with $805,797; Suanne Vagnini of New Homes Specialist in Valrico, with $772,441; Patrick Washburn of Sunstate Guaranteed Realty in Lakeland, with $582,802; Stuart Hurry of NuHome Finders in Lakeland, with $627,992; and Tammy Keller of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater, with $617,116.

For more information contact: Francine Miller, Director of Sales and Marketing, Lennar Central Florida, 727-479-1747; Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

Three Top Orlando Area Realtors Awarded $12,000 in Prizes in Lennar Loves Realtors Sales Contest

ORLANDO - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $90s to the $400s more than 30 Lennar communities in the Orlando, Tampa Bay and the Space Coast regions, recently awarded $47,500 in prizes to 10 of the Central Florida region’s top Realtors competing in a Lennar Loves Realtors sales contest from May 1 through Nov. 30.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the 10 contest winners posted sales and closings that totaled more than $11.7 million during the contest.

Flaviano Bullian of Union II Realty and Investments in Orlando posted sales and closings that totaled $1,120,503 to take the Orlando area’s top prize---a $5,000 shopping spree through the Lennar Loves Realtors Wish Book, an online catalogue of more than 3,000 luxury items that range from luggage to house wares to furnishings, jewelry and travel.

Other Orlando region winners included Philippa Liddel of IPG Realty in Clermont, with $982,666 in sales and closings and Patrick Washburn of Sunstate Guaranteed Realty in Lakeland, with $582,802. Liddel and Fisher both won shopping sprees valued at $3,500.

Other contest winners included Janith Overstreet of Lithia, an associate at New Homes Realty, who won a $10,000 shopping spree for sales and closings that totaled $2,750,549; Miguel Beltran of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater and Danny Christian of REMAX Paramount Properties in Lakeland, who both won $5,000 shopping sprees for sales that totaled $2,222,513, and $1,298,893 respectively; and $3,500 award winners Luisa Mizgorski of Tampa For You Realty, with $805,797; Suanne Vagnini of New Homes Realty in Valrico, with $772,441; Stuart Hurry of New Home Finders in Lakeland, with $627,992; and Tammy Keller of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater, with $617,116.
* * *
For more information, contact:
David Parker, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Central Florida, 888-317-7489
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

CFCAR Seeks Sponsors for 2010 Real Estate Outlook Conference on Jan. 27, Speakers Include Crossman & Company President John Crossman

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) is seeking sponsors for the 2010 Real Estate Outlook conference, scheduled for Wednesday,
Jan. 27 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Orlando.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based company that ranks as one of the largest retail property firms in the southeast, will be a featured panelist at 2010 Real Estate Outlook.

Dr. Sean Snaith of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness will be the keynote speaker.

A panel discussion that includes the region’s top commercial real estate brokers will include moderator Robin Webb of Coldwell Banker Commercial, Crossman, David Murphy of CB Richard Ellis, Jay Ballard of Cushman & Wakefield, and Greg Morrison of Morrison Commercial Real Estate.

A second panel discussion on financial trends will include moderator David Patten of Commercial Mortgage Advisors, G. Geoffrey Longstaff of Mercantile Capital Corporation, Susan G. Hostettler of CNL Bank Central Florida, and Andy Johnson of RBC Bank.

Registration for the conference will start at 7 a.m. breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. and the program will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Marriott located at 400 W. Livingston St.

Crossman said sponsorship opportunities include event sponsorship, table sponsorship and program advertising opportunities.
* * *
For more information, contact:
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581- 6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company:
Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Centex Homes Extends Popular Bonus Commission for Realtors

Centex Homes Extends Popular Bonus Commission for Realtors

ORLANDO, Fla. - Centex Homes has extended its popular “3&Up” bonus commission program for Realtors in 31 Centex Homes communities throughout Florida, including seven communities in the Orlando area.

Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Operational Marketing for Centex Homes in Florida, said Centex Homes pays Realtors a full three percent co-broker commission on the first sale, four percent on the second sale and the Realtor makes five percent on all sales thereafter.

“Our Realtor 3&Up commission incentive applies to all sales made from Feb. 1 through Oct. 31,” Barody said.

Visit www.Centex.com.

For more information, contact:
Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Operational Marketing Centex Homes-Florida, Carol-Ann.Barody@Centex.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, Inc. 407-644-4142

About Centex Homes:
Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation's leading home building companies. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes and CityHomes. In addition to its home building operations, Centex also offers mortgage and title services. Centex has ranked among the top three builders on FORTUNE magazine's list of "America's Most Admired Companies" for 10 straight years and is a leader in quality and customer satisfaction.

EXIT Realty of Daytona Hosts National Power Selling Seminar That Draws More than 130 Realtors

EXIT Realty of Daytona Hosts National Power Selling Seminar That Draws More than 130 Realtors

DAYTONA BEACH – Realtors who attended a recent Power Selling seminar at Aswin Suri’s EXIT Realty of Daytona got a lot of bang for no bucks.

The session, titled Power Selling 101–Mindset 2009, was offered free to the more than 130 Realtors who attended the daylong event, which included an afternoon catered lunch and an evening wine and cheese mixer, according to Suri, owner of EXIT Realty of Daytona.

“We had an amazing turnout with Realtors from nearly every brokerage in town,” he said.

“There also were several Realtors here from out of town offices.”

The Power Selling seminar – which was presented in June by EXIT Founder and CEO Steve Morris – typically costs $500 per person. But, because Suri wanted to share the information with as many Realtors as possible, his company picked up the check for those attending.

Morris, the mastermind behind the EXIT system of selling real estate, packed a week’s worth of valuable information into the eight-hour session which Suri describes as the “apprenticeship of the EXIT training program.”

With more than 32 years of real estate experience in both management and sales training, and a background in life insurance and the stock market, Morris is known as one of the most knowledgeable and effective real estate coaches in the industry, Suri added.

“Steve offered detailed information on topics like the psychology of selling, canvassing for business and setting and achieving goals,” Suri said. “It was the kind of information that can be used by everyone; from top producers to those just entering the market.”

Those interested in more information on Power Selling 101 or the EXIT system of selling real estate, may contact Suri or Natali Levine for details at 386-257-3948.

For more information about this release, please contact:
Aswin Suri or Natali Levine, EXIT Realty of Daytona, 386-257-3948;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Lennar to Host Cheesecake Martini Happy Hour for Realtors to Premier Select “Submit Your Bid” Homes at Four Tampa Bay Area Communities in Hillsborough

Lennar to Host Cheesecake Martini Happy Hour for Realtors to Premier Select “Submit Your Bid” Homes at Four Tampa Bay Area Communities in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk Counties

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division will host a Cheesecake Martini Happy Hour for Tampa Bay-area Realtors from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 at Eiland Park Town Homes, 6257 Maisie Rd. in Zephyrhills, at Summerfield Crossings, 12930 Jessup Watch Place in Riverview, Autumnwood Grove, 4256 Birch Pond Loop in Lakeland and at Cobblestone Landing, 603 Sandstone Drive in Lakeland.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said there will be prizes and food will be served. But the main event will be a preview of select town homes offered to home buyers on bids, Metheny said.

“Realtors are advising their clients in the bidding process for select town homes at Eiland Park and Summerfield Crossings,” Metheny said.

“We will be accepting bids on new town homes in both communities from Sunday, June 14 through Saturday, June 20, and we will announce the bid winners at 6 p.m. on June 20.”
Metheny said he expects as many as 50 Realtors at each event.

“This is an exciting option for new home buyers and we expect it will open the door for more than a few Realtors,” Metheny added.

For more information contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489 or
Robert Jesski, Lennar Vice President of Sales-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty to Participate in Two-Weekend Community Open House at Oxford Moor in Southwest Orlando

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty to Participate in Two-Weekend Community Open House at Oxford Moor in Southwest Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is coordinating a community open house at the luxury gated community, Oxford Moor in the Windermere area of southwest Orlando the weekends of May 16-17 and May 23-24.

Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said real estate agents will be on hand at each of the upscale residences that range from 4,000 square feet and up, priced from $630,000 to $1,149,000.

KC Ye, sales executive with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Windermere-Dr. Phillips office, lives in Oxford Moor and is the organizer of the event in cooperation with the community’s Owners Association.

“KC has been working closely with the Oxford Moor Owners Association, who have graciously allowed this type of open house in their exclusive community,” said Soderstrom.

Ye said homes being showcased at Oxford Moor, situated on half-acre plus lots in one of the Windermere area’s newest communities off SR 535, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday on both weekends.

For information, call KC Ye at 407-925-7909 and for directions, go to http://www.mapquest.com/ insert a starting address and destination: 5926 Oxford Moor Boulevard, Windermere, FL 34786.

For more information, contact:

KC Ye, Sales Executive, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty-Windermere/Dr. Phillips; 407.925.7909 (http://www.homesbykcye.com/);

Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 407.588.1260

Beth Payan,Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407.644.4142

Lennar’s Central Florida Division unveils May Realtor Bonus Offer worth $5,000 For Each New Home Sold with Progressive Commissions

Lennar’s Central Florida Division unveils May Realtor Bonus Offer worth $5,000 For Each New Home Sold with Progressive Commissions and $10,000 Shopping Spree

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $100s to the $400s in 32 Lennar communities throughout the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Space Coast regions, is offering the Florida home building industry’s most generous Realtor bonus program during the month of May.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said local Realtors who sell new homes in all 31 Lennar communities in Central Florida will be offered a $5,000 cash bonus for all homes sold and closed during May in addition to their co-broker commission.

And that’s not all, Metheny said.

“Realtors who sell more than one Lennar home during the month of May will receive bigger commissions,” Metheny said. “For the first home sold and closed, the co-broker commission is 3 percent. For the second home, it’s 3.5 percent, for the third, 4 percent, fourth 4.5 percent and for the fifth and subsequent homes sold and closed Realtors will receive 5 percent commission,” Metheny explained.

And there’s more.

“The top 10 Realtors will receive shopping sprees worth up to $10,000,” Metheny said. Lennar’s Central Florida Division will choose the top 10 Realtors based on the dollar volume of sales that go to contract and close between May and November, Metheny added.

Metheny said Lennar’s Realtor Bonus program could generate as many as 500 to 700 new home sales during that time period.

“May is the start of the busy summer selling season for new homes,” Metheny said. “Local Realtors in our communities account for as many as half of all home sales and we want to reward them for their efforts,” he said.

Contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489 orMark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Named One of Orlando’s “Hot 100 Realtors”

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Named One of Orlando’s “Hot 100 Realtors”

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty agent Lauren Hendrickson was recently named one of Orlando’s “Hot 100 Realtors” by Orlando Magazine.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Hendrickson completed sales that totaled more than $10.4 million in 2008 to earn her “Hot 100” award, which was announced recently.

Hendrickson also ranked as the top listing agent at Stirling Sotheby’s World Marketing Center in downtown Orlando for the first three months of 2009, Soderstrom added.

She also received a “Star Performer” award for 2008 presented by the Orlando Realtor Assn. at their recent awards luncheon.

Hendrickson, who has been with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty for five years, earned a B.A. Degree in English Education from the University of Central Florida and has more than seven years of experience in real estate.

For more information contact
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

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, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty to Welcome 200 Participants to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Conference at Universal Studios

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty to Welcome 200 Participants to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Conference at Universal Studios

ORLANDO, Fla. – Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty plans to welcome more than 200 participants at the Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates 2009 Southeast Region Networking Conference May 14 and 15 at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said conference participants will include Mike Good, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty, Philip White, chief operating officer of the firm, and Wendy Purvey, senior vice president of marketing.

Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates include more than 10,000 real estate professionals in over 500 offices in 36 countries and territories worldwide.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty (http://www.stirlingsir.com/), the network’s Central Florida affiliate, is one of the largest in the southeast.

For more information, please contact:
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

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, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Mattamy Homes Hosts More Than 40 Charlotte-Area Realtors at Continuing Education Seminar, Tours of Westland Farm, Riverbend

Mattamy Homes Hosts More Than 40 Charlotte-Area Realtors at Continuing Education Seminar, Tours of Westland Farm, Riverbend

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Mattamy Homes USA, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, teamed up with Charlotte-based Superior School of Real Estate and owner Bill Gallagher to host more than 40 Charlotte-area Realtors at a Continuing Education seminar with tours of Mattamy’s Westland Farm and Riverbend communities.

Marie Lorimer, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes in the Charlotte region, said the seminar was held at Harvest Town Church in Charlotte.

“We had an exceptional turnout and we were able to showcase some very interesting features and model homes,” said Lorimer.

“We have an excellent relationship with the Realtor community in Charlotte and Bill Gallagher was a tremendous draw,” she said.

Hotel Charlotte catered the luncheon event.

Mattamy Homes ranks as Canada’s largest home builder, with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Mattamy Homes USA operates divisions in Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Minneapolis and Phoenix.

For more information contact:
Marie Lorimer, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Charlotte, 704-375-9373
Laura Bailey, VP of Sales and Marketing, Mattamy Homes-USA, 407-599-9994
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes http://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.

Lennar Sets - Zero Says A Lot - Buyer Incentive Weekend of April 18-19 in the Central Florida Region

Lennar Sets - Zero Says A Lot - Buyer Incentive Weekend of April 18-19 in the Central Florida Region: Zero Money Down and Zero Closing Costs or Zero Interest Payments for up to Six Months

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division has a big offer for Central Florida families who might be in the market for a new home.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the “Zero Says a Lot” incentive is available in all 31 Lennar communities in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole and Brevard counties during the weekend of April 18-19.

“Select new homes sold during the weekend of April 18-19 will require zero money down and zero closing costs or zero interest payments for up to six months,” Metheny said.

For more information, please contact:
Elizabeth Hill, Sales and Marketing Administrator – Central Florida, 407 654-4862 x113, Elizabeth.Hill@lennar.com
Paul V. Brooks, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Central Florida, 407-654-4862, Paul.Brooks@lennar.com
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 813-769-5277, Mark.Metheny@Lennar.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Mattamy Homes in Charlotte Earns Two Gold, One Silver Award at Regional MAME Awards

Mattamy Homes in Charlotte Earns Two Gold, One Silver Award at Regional MAME Awards

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Mattamy Homes Charlotte division won two Gold, and one Silver award during the recent regional MAME Awards sponsored by the Home Builders Association.

Laura Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mattamy Homes USA, said Mattamy Homes in Charlotte won Gold MAME Awards for Marketing Brochure of the Year and Interior Merchandising of the Year for model homes valued at from $200,000 to $350,000.

Mattamy Homes won a Silver MAME Award for its new home design center, Bailey added.
MAME---which stands for Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence---single out the best examples of marketing by home builders.

Mattamy Homes ranks as Canada’s largest home builder, with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Mattamy Homes USA operates divisions in Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Minneapolis and Phoenix.

For more information please contact:
Marie Lorimer, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Charlotte, 704-375-9373
Laura Bailey, VP of Sales and Marketing, Mattamy Homes-USA, 407-599-9994
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

ICI Homes to Host Second Annual Invitational Golf Tournament for Realtors on April 24 at Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club

ICI Homes to Host Second Annual Invitational Golf Tournament for Realtors on April 24 at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - ICI Homes will host the Second Annual Invitational Golf Tournament for Volusia and Flagler County Realtors April 24 at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, located off I-95 Exit 278 at Old Dixie Highway in Ormond Beach.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes in Daytona Beach, said Realtors who wish to participate should contact Sally Dreisbach at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, 386-437-4164. Space is limited.

“Area Realtors need a break and the golf invitational is the perfect choice, including golf, tennis or lounging by the pool,” Messina said.

For more information, please contact:
Lisa A. Egle, Marketing Manager ICI Homes-Daytona Beach, 386-236-4273
Rosemary Messina, VP Sales & Marketing ICI Homes, 386-236-4231
Sally Dreisbach, Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, 386-437-4164
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

About ICI Homes:
ICI homes, ranks among the top 100 Builders by Builder magazine and is one of the largest privately owned homebuilder in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

Centex Homes Announces Statewide Realtor Incentive with Three, Four and Five Percent Commissions in 31 Communities

Centex Homes Announces Statewide Realtor Incentive with Three, Four and Five Percent Commissions in 31 Communities

ORLANDO, Fla. - Centex Homes, which ranks as one of Florida’s most active homebuilders, announced it is offering a new “super-powered” Realtor sales commission in 31 Centex Homes communities located throughout Florida.

Carol-Ann Barody, director of operational marketing for Centex Homes’ East Florida Division, said new co-broker commissions for area Realtors include a full three percent on the first house sold, four percent for the second home, five percent for the third and every additional home sold thereafter.

Barody said the super-powered sales commission is available through July 31.

“Local area Realtors typically account for about half of all new home sales,” Barody said. “We instituted a new super-powered commission structure to reward local area Realtors and to super-charge our own new home sales throughout the state,” she said.

For more information, contact:

Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Marketing, Centex Homes, 407-661-1416

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, Inc., 407-644-4142

About Centex Homes:

Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation’s leading home building companies. Centex operates in major U.S. markets in 25 states and delivered more than 35,000 homes in the United States in its most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes, CityHomes and Centex Destination Properties.

Lennar Launches Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program Feb. 13 Through President’s Day

Lennar Launches Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program Feb. 13 Through President’s Day With 3.875 Percent Fixed-Rate Mortgage, Discounted Pricing In 14 Orlando-Area Communities

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division has launched a President’s Day Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program that offers a 3.875 percent fixed-rate mortgage with discounted pricing in 14 Orlando-area neighborhoods.

Paul V. Brooks, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida Division in Orlando, said the President’s Day Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program also offers a mortgage insurance program that is free for the first six months.

Brooks said Lennar will launch its President’s Day Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program Feb. 6 through Feb. 16.

For more information, contact

Paul V. Brooks, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Central Florida 407-475-6621

Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida 813-769-5277

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142