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.

Shredder Express Launches Shred-A-Thon Earth Day Fundraiser to Benefit five Seminole County Elementary Schools

Shredder Express Launches Shred-A-Thon Earth Day Fundraiser to Benefit five Seminole County Elementary Schools

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - Shredder Express, the Altamonte Springs retail firm that provides secure shredding of documents and files, has announced it is sponsoring the Planet Pals Earth Day Fundraiser Shred-A-Thon to benefit five Seminole County Elementary Schools.

Joe Hursh, partner and co-founder of Shredder Express, said 20 percent of the proceeds generated by each school through April 22 will be donated back to the elementary schools.

Altogether, five elementary schools in Seminole County are participating in the Planet Pals Earth Day Fundraiser – Sabal Point Elementary and Woodlands Elementary in Longwood, Lake Mary Elementary, Annunciation Catholic Academy in Altamonte Springs and Bear Lake Elementary in Apopka.

Hursh said all shredding provided at Shredder Express is “green.”

“Our end products are all recycled to help keep America green,” Hursh said. “For every ton of paper recycled, 17 trees are saved,” he added.

Shredder Express is located at 620 Douglas Ave. in Altamonte Springs.

For more information, contact:

Joe Hursh, Owner/Partner, Shredder Express 620 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Fla., 407-388-2800

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

Lennars Central Florida Division sets Special Pricing for 53 remaining Ready-to-Move-in Homes opening in March in Tampa

Lennar's Central Florida Division sets Special Pricing for 53 remaining Ready-to-Move-in Homes opening in March in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar's Central Florida Division has established special incentive pricing starting from the low $100s for 53 Ready-to-Move-in homes located in 17 different communities in the Tampa Bay Region.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar's Central Florida division, said the special pricing is available only through March. All 53 homes are ready to close in March.

Metheny said the three, four and five bedroom homes are priced from the low $100s to the high $200s and range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 3,200 square feet.

For more information, contact:

Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 813-769-5277, jassyfriddle@Zadv.com

Robert Jesski, Vice President of Sales, Lennar-Central Florida, 813-769-5277, Robert.Jesski@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

President Obama’s Housing Recovery Plan deserves a chance to Succeed---and it might, says leading Realtor Roger Soderstrom

President Obama’s Housing Recovery Plan deserves a chance to Succeed---and it might, says leading Realtor Roger Soderstrom

ORLANDO, Fla. - President Obama’s recently announced housing recovery plan may succeed in stabilizing the U.S. housing market and re-energizing the home building industry, says one of Central Florida’s leading real estate analysts.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the area’s largest real estate companies, said he thinks Americans may be surprised at how quickly the housing market returns.

“We won’t ever see a return to 2005 levels of activity,” Soderstrom cautioned. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon and we’re paying for it now,” he said.

But, Soderstrom said, both housing values and new home construction are likely to see upswings as a result of President Obama’s recovery plan. And the whole world is waiting for it.

“Housing is the key to U.S. economic recovery and the U.S. is the lynchpin of the global economy,” Soderstrom said. “We have extensive contacts with international investors and vacation home buyers awaiting the U.S. recovery so they can get back into the market here,” he said.

President Obama announced plans to allocate $75 billion in TARP funds to help lenders modify distressed mortgage loans.

“That’s a good first step,” Soderstrom said. “If it is applied conscientiously it could prove a major shot in the arm for the housing market by encouraging home owners when they need it,” he said.

An additional $200 billion---from funding previously authorized by Congress---will spur Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to move in the same direction.

“By any measure, $275 billion is a substantial effort,” Soderstrom said.

“Past policies---in the context of all the other financial shortfalls---have been disastrous and the sooner we can refocus on sound business policies that include both public and private sectors, the sooner we will encourage Americans to renew their faith in American real estate as a sound investment for the future,” Soderstrom said.

The key, Soderstrom said, will be to reshape the housing industry as a secure long-term investment.

“We shouldn’t look at housing as an investment commodity to earn short-term profits,” Soderstrom said. “That’s an abuse of the system and it’s the reason we’re in this mess.”

“For more than half a century, American real estate has stood as the most reliable long-term security a family could invest in,” Soderstrom said. “That’s what’s made this country such a financial powerhouse, and that’s what will lead the world economic recovery in the years ahead,” he added.

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

Alfredo M. Gapuz, D.M.D. opens new offices at Stirling Place in Lake Mary to Provide Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

Alfredo M. Gapuz, D.M.D. opens new offices at Stirling Place in Lake Mary to Provide Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Alfredo M. Gapuz, Jr., D.M.D. has opened new offices to provide cosmetic and restorative dentistry at 737 Stirling Center Place, located off Rinehart Rd., south of SR 46A in Lake Mary.

Dr. Gapuz, who has practiced dentistry for 28 years, also has offices in the Hunter’s Creek area in southwest Orlando.

Dr. Gapuz recently completed an extensive course in Advanced Adhesive Aesthetic Dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Nevada. He earned his doctoral degree in dental medicine from De Ocampo Memorial College in the Philippines, formerly known as Philippine Dental College.

In addition, Dr. Gapuz recently completed specialized post-graduate training that included studies of headache diagnosis and acquired specialized computer-based instruments that enable precision studies of jaw function and related muscles.

“Many people don’t think to tell their dentist when they suffer from chronic headaches,” said Dr. Gapuz, “but such headaches can be triggered when the jaw and related muscles aren’t functioning properly. Our new instrumentation helps us to determine whether this is the case with simple, painless and non-invasive tests that can be performed right here in the office,” he said.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Alfredo M. Gapuz, D.M.D. or Virginia Grace Gapuz, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of Lake Mary, P.L., 407-805-8808 or 407-902-3949; VGGaesthetics@aol.com;

Lynn Kellicut, Office Manager, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of Lake Mary, P.L., 407-805-8808;

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

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Launches 2nd Annual “Jeans for Charity” drive to Benefit Four Orlando-Area Charities

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Launches 2nd Annual “Jeans for Charity” drive to Benefit Four Orlando-Area Charities

ORLANDO, Fla. - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently launched (March 2) its annual “Jeans for Charity” drive to benefit Habitat for Humanity in Orange County; Give Kids the World; Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and the Russell Home for Atypical Children.

Tina Kennedy, director of human resources at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the firm hopes to raise as much as $500.00 for the individual charities quarterly during the drive which will run until Dec. 31.

Kennedy said employees who choose to wear jeans Monday-Thursday, pay $2.00 per day. The first drive will be for the month of March to benefit Habitat for Humanity; June’s drive will benefit Give the Kids the World; September’s drive will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and December’s drive will benefit the Russell Home for Atypical Children.

For information about how to donate or participate, call Tina Kennedy at 407-661-9100.

For more information about this press release, contact

Tina Kennedy, Director of Human Resources Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC 407-661-9100;

Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC 407-661-9100

Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC 407-661-9100

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

University Club of Orlando looking for partner from radio or TV station to honor hero

University Club of Orlando looking for partner from radio or TV station to honor hero

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University Club of Orlando would like to join forces with a local media affiliate to produce “A Hero’s Wedding.”

The concept, according to Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, is that the Club is providing a glamorous wedding – the complete package – during the early fall of this year for one of Orlando’s heroes.

Any media affiliate who would like to join with the University Club will play the major role in nominating and selecting the hero – a returning veteran, a firefighter, police officer or teacher who is worthy of praise.

“We will provide a wedding package in the $10,000 range, including invitations, flowers, cake, reception, bar service, dinner, and photography,” Greene said.

The media partner will promote the hero’s wedding concept heavily through public relations and local media.

The wedding event itself will likewise generate sustained media content.

If you are interested in joining in this event, please contact Susan Greene, University Club general manager, to discuss the parameters.

Contact:

Susan Greene, General Manager, University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514 GM@UCLUBORLANDO.COM; or

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

Mattamy Homes USA Appoints Chris Adams New Home Sales Associate in Minnesota

Mattamy Homes USA Appoints Chris Adams New Home Sales Associate in Minnesota

WINTER PARK, Fla. - Mattamy Homes USA, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, has appointed Chris Adams a new home sales associate in for its Minnesota division in the Twin Cities region.

Laura Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mattamy Homes USA, said Adams has more than five years of experience as a new home sales associate. Adams is a graduate of Augsburg College in Minneapolis.

Mattamy Homes USA, headquartered in Winter Park, builds new homes in 11 communities priced from the $100s in the Twin Cities area.

The firm’s Minnesota division is headquartered in Burnsville.

For more information please contact:

Laura Bailey, VP of Sales and Marketing, Mattamy Homes-USA 407-599-9994

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

Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach Appoints Dave Brown Tennis Director

Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach Appoints Dave Brown Tennis Director

ORLANDO, Fla. - ICI Homes has appointed Dave Brown tennis director at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of ICI Homes, said Brown is a USPTA Master Professional with 25 years of experience managing tennis facilities at resorts, commercial and private clubs, major colleges and municipal tennis centers.

He formerly served as Director of Tennis for the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. Brown was high school and college standout tennis player who graduated from St. Mary’s College of California. He has held USPTA national rankings in both singles and doubles.

As a tennis teaching professional, Dave served as head coach for Colorado State University’s men’s team, and he has coached numerous sectional and nationally ranked players over the past 20 years in Colorado and Florida.

From 1998-2002 he served as USTA Florida’s Community Coordinator for South Florida.

For more information, contact.

Lisa Egle, Marketing Manager, ICI Homes 386-236-4273 legle@icihomes.com

Maria Tuohy, Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club 386-437-4844 Ext. 304

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel 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 homebuilders in the nation. The 28-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

University Club of Orlando Raises more than $50,000 Through Cocktails for a Cause Fundraisers

University Club of Orlando Raises more than $50,000 Through Cocktails for a Cause Fundraisers, Next one will Benefit Florida Health Systems’ Orlando Health Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University Club of Orlando, which has raised more than $50,000 since last September through its Cocktails for a Cause program for local charities, plans to host “Tips for Trauma” on Thursday, Feb. 26.

The Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will benefit Florida Health Systems’ Orlando Health Foundation.

Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said one recent Cocktails for a Cause helped raise more than $11,000 for Coastal Conservation.

The University Club of Orlando is located across from the Orlando Public Library on Central Ave. and Rosalind Blvd. in downtown Orlando.

For more information about this press release, contact:

Susan Greene, General Manager, University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, gm@ucluborlando.com;

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