bioTRAiTS Finds Windows 7 Easy Upgrade For Time Management, Security Applications For Global Market

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 17:12:15 PM EST

ORLANDO - bioTRAiTS, Inc., the Orlando-based biometric engineering company that markets bioTRAiTS Time Manager and bioTRAiTS PCID corporate security systems worldwide along with a wide range of professional and consumer IT products, successfully completed integration of MicroSoft Windows 7 into its principal applications and is now shipping bioTRAiTS Time Manager V.7 and bioTRAiTS PCID V.7 to bioTRAiTS UK.co, a European distributor.

Peter A. Wengert, chief executive officer of bioTRAiTS, Inc., said integration of Windows 7 was a simple process.

“Our product worked almost seamlessly with the 32 bit version, and only had a few minor adjustments to make with the 64 bit version,” Wengert said.

bioTRAiTS Programmer Kyle Webb said Windows 7 user access controls presented minor challenges. “Adapting the user access controls was annoying for both versions but they constitute excellent security precautions,” Webb explained.

“Windows 7 provides plenty of documentation on how to work with the new operating system, and that made the transition fairly painless,” he said.

Ricardo Aguilar, chief operating officer at bioTRAiTS, said the firm’s specialists have already begun upgrading clients in the field.

“Compared to Vista, integrating Windows 7 was a walk in the park,” Aguilar said. “We’ve had no problems upgrading existing systems in the field.”

bioTRAiTS Inc. is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program client located at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.

For more information about this release contact: 
Peter A. Wengert, CEO bioTRAiTS, Inc. 3267 Progress Drive, Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32826; 866-815-0888 or peter@biotraits.com; 
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu 

About bioTRAiTS: 
bioTRAiTS, Inc. is a biometric technology company committed to helping companies protect assets, increase profits and increase revenue. bioTRAiTS, Inc. provides customized software solutions to meet time, attendance and access control needs via recognition and verification of unique human characteristics.   With over seven years experience in the field of electronic security, bioTRAiTS, Inc. consistently delivers an excellent return on investment and receives high marks for customer service.

About the UCF Incubation Program: 
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities open across the Greater Orlando community and one more underway, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu. 

UCF Business Incubation Program to be Introduced in St. Cloud at Greater Osceola Chamber Feb. 17

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 17:11:29 PM EST

ST. CLOUD – The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, partnering with the City of St. Cloud and Osceola County will host a kick-off meeting to introduce the new UCF Business Incubator-St. Cloud to all interested parties on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, 1200 New York Avenue in St. Cloud.

The meet and greet event will feature a presentation, entitled “Is the new UCF Business Incubator-St. Cloud Right for You?” given by Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program. 

The event will also provide opportunities to chat with managers from other UCF Business Incubation Program sites in Central Florida.    

The St. Cloud incubator, which will be one of seven such facilities in the university’s Business Incubation Program, is planned to open the end of this month. 

The UCF Business Incubation Program serves nearly 80 full-time client companies and provides a wide range of services, including business mentors, educational classes, affordable office space, as well as access to a receptionist, a site manager and high-speed Internet. 

For more information and to RSVP please call the Chamber at 407-892-3671.

About the UCF Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of 7,500 square foot industrial building in Longwood for $385,000

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 17:10:57 PM EST

ORLANDO – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 7,500 square foot industrial building at 853 Waterway Place in Longwood.

NAI Realvest principal Michael Heidrich brokered the transaction representing the seller Cambay Corporation of Longwood. Buyers David and Maureen Montes of Longwood purchased the property for $385,000.

For more information, please contact: 
Michael Heidrich, Principal NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 mheidrich@realvest.com;
Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com 

About NAI Realvest:  
NAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe.  Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network.  Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

Mercantile Capital Corporation eyes Growth in 1st Quarter, Projects Loans Valued at over $26 Mill.

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 15:43:44 PM EST

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - Mercantile Capital Corporation reports it closed on five commercial property loans worth more than $11.6 million in total project costs in January. The firm, which ranks as one of the largest providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans in the nation, predicts it will see a record first quarter this year with loans worth more than $26 million in total project costs.

Christopher G. Hurn, president and chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the firm closed on only three commercial property loans during the first quarter of 2009. The firm finished the year with 35 closed loans worth over $78.1 million in total project costs.

This year, Hurn said, Mercantile Commercial should close on loans that represent more than $103 million in total projects.

Hurn said Mercantile Capital’s largest project in January was $4.7 million for the construction and improvements of an existing convenience store in Las Vegas.

For more information about this press release, contact: 
G. Geoffrey Longstaff, Chairman, Mercantile Capital Corporation 407-786-5040;   
Christopher G. Hurn, CEO, Mercantile Capital Corporation, 407-786-5040

Melrose Sovereign Companies' Hands-On Management Style Nets 10% Annual Revenue Growth

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 15:23:07 PM EST

ORLANDO- Melrose-Sovereign Companies, the Orlando firm that ranks as one of Florida’s largest community and condominium association management companies with offices statewide and more than 80 employees, reports 10 percent growth in revenues since its merger two years ago despite a recession that has hit the real estate industry particularly hard.

The company currently manages more than 170 condominium and community associations statewide with 2,500 individual homes.

Jack Hanson, LCAM, co-founder and partner at Melrose-Sovereign Companies, said revenues grew from $4 million in 2008 to more than $4.5 million in 2009. Revenues in 2010 should surpass the $5 million mark, Hanson said.

Hanson said the firm’s success can be attributed to a personal, hands-on management style.

Hanson and co-founder and partner Ellen Lumpkin, LCAM, are personally involved in the management of every community and condominium association statewide.

“We personally visit every community from Jacksonville to Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale, and we play a daily hands-on role in the management of each association,” Hanson said.

Lumpkin said the firm’s ‘boutique’ management style is one of its most powerful resources.

“In this economy, every client is looking for authentic value,” Lumpkin said. “They want to talk with someone who can show them some results today,” Lumpkin explained.

That means a lot of statewide travel. Lumpkin estimates she’s on the road about half the time.

“We’ve tried to infuse our whole company with a fanatical attention to detail and follow-through,” Hanson said.

“The difference between a balloon economy and a real economy is real people responding with real results day-in and day-out consistently,” Hanson said.

Melrose-Sovereign Companies, formed in 2008 with the merger of Melrose Management Group and Sovereign Residential Services in Orlando, employs more than 80 professionals in offices throughout Florida, including Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Palm Harbor, Bradenton/Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers and plans to open a Daytona Beach office this year, Hanson said.

For more information, contact: 
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com; 
Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com 

Taylor Morrison Acquires 18 Home Sites at Southwoods at Lake Forest in North Seminole County

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 15:08:31 PM EST

LAKE FOREST -Taylor Morrison recently acquired 18 home sites at Southwoods at Lake Forest, the gated luxury community located on S.R. 46 west of Sanford in north Seminole County.

Kristin Vuckovic, marketing manager for Taylor Morrison in the North Florida region, said Taylor Morrison will start construction of new four and five bedroom luxury homes at Southwoods at Lake Forest in March, priced from the low $400s.

New Taylor Morrison homes at Southwoods at Lake Forest will range in size from 3,036 square feet of living space to 3,945 square feet with floor plans that include such popular features as game rooms, kitchen islands, walk-in pantries, oversized lofts, split garages  and tile roofs.

Presales will start later this month, Vuckovic said.

For more information, contact: 
Kristin Vuckovic, Marketing Manager, Taylor Morrison, Inc. North Florida Division 321-397-7510, kvuckovic@taylormorrison.com   

Lennar Readies For New Home Sales Surge with close to 200 Ready-To-Move-In Homes under Construction

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 16:04:10 PM EST

TAMPA - Lennar’s Central Florida Division expects a big surge in sales of new homes as the April 30 deadline for the U.S. tax credit incentive for new homebuyers approaches.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said almost 200 new homes under construction now in 18 Tampa Bay area communities will open within the next 30 days priced from the $80s to the $250s.

That’s a new home construction boom that hasn’t been seen in Tampa Bay area in more than two years.

“The $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers has helped a lot of people make up their minds to buy now,” Metheny said. “Before the deadline was extended last November, we saw a significant increase in new home sales activity.

Existing home owners can also take advantage of a $6,500 tax credit to buy new homes, Metheny said.

“The tax incentive for first-time home buyers is very popular,” Metheny said. “I doubt anyone is buying a home just to take advantage of the tax credit, but the incentive has helped hundreds of new home buyers make up their minds,” he said. “And unlike the many short sales out there, we have homes ready for buyers to move into right away,” he added. 

Both the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers---anyone who hasn’t owned a home over the past three years---and the $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners require buyers to go to contract by April 30 and closing must take place by June 30.
* * *
For more information contact: 
Francine Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Tampa Region, 727-479-1747;  
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700 

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Promotes Mia Jarrell

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 15:57:59 PM EST

TAMPA - Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida has promoted Mia Jarrell to managing director of the firm’s Tampa office – the first woman to head a full-service national brokerage firm in the Tampa Bay region in more than 30 years.

Jeff Sweeney, president of Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida, said Jarrell, who earned her masters in business administration from the University of Miami in 1990, joined Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida five years ago and she was recognized as the firm’s top broker for 2009.

Jarrell has leased or sold properties valued at more than $61 million and totaling more than 500,000 square feet of space. Her largest transactions include 62,000 square feet of office space for Citizens Insurance in Tampa, 40,000 square feet of space for Morgan & Morgan law firm in Tampa, and 38,000 square feet of space for Hilton World Reservations.

Jarrell is currently pursuing her CCIM professional certification.

“Mia Jarrell is an ambitious, highly organized executive who will play a big role at Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida in the Tampa Bay region,” Sweeney said.
* * *
About Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida: 
Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties.  Currently Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.  Visit www.commercialfl.com.

About Grubb & Ellis: 
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world.  Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors.  The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise.  Through Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and other real estate investment funds.  For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Contacts: 
Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida, 3030 N. Rocky Point Drive W., Tampa, FL 33609, www.commercialfl.com; 
Mia Jarrell , Managing Director 813-639-1111; 
Jeff Sweeney, President 407-481-5387 

Lennar's Central Florida Division to launch "U.S. Home" brand of affordable homes in Tampa Bay Area

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 14:35:53 PM EST

TAMPA BAY - Lennar’s Central Florida Division announced it has launched the “U.S. Home” brand of affordable homes priced from the low $100s in two communities in the Tampa Bay region.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar’s U.S. Home brand homes will offer fewer luxury-class upgrades but more options.

“Many cost-conscious home buyers, especially first-time home buyers, want more home with fewer bells and whistles,” Metheny explained. “The economy has taught us to broaden the market to allow more buyers to take advantage of the benefit of homeownership, low interest rates and the federal tax credit,” he said.

Metheny emphasized that Lennar’s U.S. Home brand homes don’t skimp on construction or engineering innovations that make Lennar new homes some of the most energy-efficient on the market, Metheny added, nor on space---Lennar’s U.S. Home brand homes include three, four, five and six-bedroom floor plans that range from 1,353 square feet of living space to 3,181 square feet.

Lennar’s U.S. Home brand homes are available at South Fork located off U.S. 301 south of Big Bend Rd. in Riverview and at The Verandahs on S.R.52 West of Suncoast Parkway in Hudson  in Pasco County.   Visit www.Lennar.com.

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

Worldwide Auction Realty Services to Auction Historic Daytona Beach Greyhound Bus Station

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 14:34:00 PM EST

ORLANDO- Worldwide Auction Realty Services will auction the historic former Greyhound bus station at 150 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach on Thursday, Feb. 25 starting at 5:00 p.m.

The over 10,000 square foot building, constructed in 1947, was designed by architect W.S. Arrasmith in the Streamline Moderne style, a popular offshoot of the art deco style characteristic of Florida architecture from the 1930s through the 1950s.

Lori Chipps, co-managing director and lead auctioneer with Worldwide Auction Realty Services, said the building is suitable for office or retail space and the second floor which includes a spacious outdoor terrace could be modified as a residential component.

The suggested opening bid for the historic building is $295,000. The building was formerly listed for sale at $950,000.

Chipps said the building is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the buyer may qualify for the 20 percent rehabilitation tax credit program for building renovations.

For more information about the auction or to register to bid, telephone 800-327-1048 or visit  www.WWAuctionServices.com.

* * * 
For more information contact: 
Lori or Jon Chipps, Managing Directors Worldwide Auction Realty Services 800-327-1048

Joyce Marsh Recognized for Million-Dollar Successes, Earns Membership in Million Dollar Guild

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 14:30:24 PM EST

ORLANDO - Joyce Marsh of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, has been recognized by the prestigious Institute for Luxury Home Marketing for her recent performance in the million-dollar and above luxury home market within the central Florida area.

“Real Estate professionals who have earned admittance to The Institute’s Million Dollar Guild not only have specific upper-tier market knowledge, but they also understand the unique needs of affluent buyers and sellers and recognize the importance of being discreet,” said Institute President Laurie Moore-Moore. “Whether you’re buying or selling a multi-million dollar property, you can depend upon The Institute’s Million Dollar Guild members to have the competencies necessary to help you meet your objectives.”

“To have this recognition of my accomplishments in serving greater central Florida, is an honor,” said Marsh. Members of the Million Dollar Guild are Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists (CLHMS) who have documented their success in assisting affluent buyers and sellers with million-dollar properties. The recognition is awarded by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing which trains real estate agents in the luxury home market and awards international designations to those who meet stringent performance standards.

Marsh has been in the local real estate market since 1998 and specializes in the upper tier Luxury Home market. One of the first homes Marsh sold in her first year in real estate was a luxurious riverfront home for over $2,000,000 in Ormond Beach.  Marsh has continued to specialize in the luxury home niche market, and joined the prestigious Luxury Real Estate franchise Sotheby’s International Realty in 2006. 

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing helps real estate professionals around the world provide high quality service to buyers and sellers of luxury properties.  More information about the Institute can be found at www.CLHMS.org.

Top Executive at Mattamy Homes U.S. Group in Charlotte Elected President of Home Builders Assoc.

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 14:28:19 PM EST

CHARLOTTE - Bill Kiselick, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group in the Charlotte region, was recently inducted as president of the Home Builders Association of Charlotte, which represents the interests of more than 1,100 member home builders and suppliers in Mecklenburg County.

Kiselick, who joined Mattamy Homes U.S. Group in 2008, is an eight-year veteran of the Home Builders Association of Charlotte who was elected and served last year as first vice president.

Kiselick said his goals as president are financial responsibility and member services.

“My top priority is to develop programs and activities that will benefit existing members and appeal to new members,” Kiselick said. “The home building industry in Mecklenburg County is recovering, and we are going to see a new, more vital and more active Home Builders Association of Charlotte,” he said.

For more information contact: 
Bill Kiselick, Division President Mattamy Homes US Group-Charlotte 704-375-9373 Bill.Kiselick@mattamyhomes.com

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group: 
Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, www.mattamyhomes.com expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Minneapolis and Phoenix.  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.

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Promotes Anne Deason to Vice President of Office Services Group

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 12:30:46 PM EST

ORLANDO - Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida recently promoted Anne Deason to vice president of the Office Services Group in Orlando.

Jeff Sweeney, SIOR, president of Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida, said Deason joined the commercial real estate services firm five years ago.

Last year, Deason participated in the completion of commercial property lease and sales transactions totaling 155,000 square feet, valued at more than $9,000,000 including the 22,000 square foot United Safety Council facility near downtown Orlando.

“Anne Deason is one of the best and brightest young commercial property executives in the Orlando region and we expect her to play a big role in our continued growth,” Sweeney said.

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida: 
Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties.  Currently Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida has 40 brokers divided among its Orlando, Tampa and Melbourne offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis: 
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world.  Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors.  The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise.  Through its investment subsidiaries, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, mutual funds and other real estate investment funds.  For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

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

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 10:35:46 AM EST

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 

Lennar Reports Brisk Sales of Terrace Condominiums, Verandahs at Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 09:28:51 AM EST

NAPLES - Lennar reports that sales of Terrace condominiums and luxury Verandah homes are outpacing projections at Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club, located off Immokalee Rd. east of I-75 in Naples.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar in the Naples/Fort Myers region, said more than half of the Terrace condominium units in the newest building have already sold out at prices starting from the mid-$100s, with construction set to start later this month.

Two buildings with 12 luxury Verandah homes have sold out and a third building is half sold out at prices ranging from the low $200s.

“We have seen a huge surge in interest coming from northeastern and Midwestern states, Canadian families and Europeans,” Devereaux explained.

One big reason for the sales surge is a marketing strategy Lennar launched nine months ago that includes free golf, tennis and country club membership with every new home purchase.

“Industry-wide, Florida home builders were deeply slashing their prices and devaluing their homes,” Devereaux explained. “We focused on adding as much value as possible. We reduced prices too, but adding free golf, tennis and country club membership adds a tremendous lifetime and lifestyle value that means much more than a price reduction,” he said.

For more information, contact: 
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Associate Earns EcoBroker Certified® Designation

by: Larry Vershel

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 16:07:47 PM EST

ORLANDO - Dan Natoli of Stirling Sotheby‘s International Realty in Orlando, has earned the EcoBroker Certified® designation, having successfully completed an award-winning informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Natoli joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier features in homes and buildings. Today’s focus on high-performance energy-efficient homes is a priority for this type of high-quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker Certified® designation.

EcoBrokers® like Natoli are serving as consumer and community resources on energy and environmental issues. With national surveys indicating that 9 out of 10 consumers consider energy efficiency and the environmentally sound aspects of a home to be almost as important as interior finishes, certified EcoBrokers® are simply in a better position to serve the savvy green-minded real estate consumer, Soderstrom said.

“My EcoBroker Certified® training helps me provide knowledge to my customers on anything from energy-efficient appliances to solar options to overall energy savings, Natoli said.  “I now have more resources at my disposal to help buyers and sellers make informed real estate decisions. The EcoBroker Certified® designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it does enable me to recognize issues and convey information on the products and services available to buyers and sellers,” Natoli explained.

EcoBroker International’s premier designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, “green,” and healthier features of properties. The extensive curriculum of energy and environmental training requires participants to fulfill additional program requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers®, according to Dr. John Beldock, chief executive officer of EcoBroker International.

“Dan is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker Certified® designation continues to attract,” said Dr. Beldock. “These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive market place, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways. Central Florida needs more contributors like Dan Natoli. The planet and our grandchildren need them, too,” he said.

The program also teaches its members how best to market and position themselves for that competitive edge within the real estate platform. From the Global Gallery, Natoli said.  “With EcoBroker’s training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients. I’m in a position to help. The real estate industry is forever changing and our nation faces complex environmental issues. To best serve my clients, I need to understand the newest products, technologies and issues as they affect today’s real estate market. My EcoBroker Certified® designation helps me stay ahead of the game.”

Natoli earned his EcoBroker Certified® designation in June and is wasting no time putting the tools and additional expertise to work. He’s already found that being an EcoBroker® creates added value that sets him apart from other agents. For example, at a recent listing presentation, Natoli was able to show the prospective sellers how he can highlight the benefits of energy-efficient insulation, environmental countertops and flooring, as well as the energy efficient window placement. Dan also suggested an inexpensive HERS Rating test. His innovative energy and environmental focus gave him an edge in winning the listing.
* * *
For additional information please contact: 
Dan Natoli, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-595-8395 Dnatoli@StirlingSIR.com;

EcoBroker International provides an award-winning energy and environmental curriculum to licensed real estate professionals, leading to the EcoBroker Certified® designation. EcoBroker International’s mission is to broaden and improve the base of training and continuing education for real estate professionals and, in doing so, encourage improvements to the quality of buildings while reducing the impact on natural resources and the environment. EcoBroker is a U.S. Department of Energy Building America partner and a Built GreenÒ Colorado Education Partner, the most successful green building program in the United States. EcoBroker provides state-approved continuing education courses to licensed real estate professionals in states throughout the United States. EcoBroker can be reached by phone at 1-800-706-4321, online at www.EcoBroker.com and by email at customerservice@ecobroker.com.

Melrose-Sovereign Appoints Rebecca Shaffrey VP of Property Management in Multi-Family Division

by: Larry Vershel

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 15:40:17 PM EST

ORLANDO - Melrose-Sovereign Companies, which ranks as one of the largest community management companies in Florida, recently appointed Rebecca Shaffrey vice president of property management for the firm’s multi-family division.

Ellen Lumpkin, LCAM, co-founder and partner at the firm with Jack Hanson, said Shaffrey has more than 20 years of experience in property management. She earned her B.A. Degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., and completed graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va.

Melrose-Sovereign Companies manages properties for more than 170 developers, investors and owners throughout Florida. The firm now has eight offices throughout the state.
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For more information contact: 
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com;  
Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com  

NAI Realvest to Launch Paid Intern Program

by: Larry Vershel

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 15:10:46 PM EST

MAITLAND - NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of the most active developers of industrial facilities in Central Florida and a leading area commercial property leasing and brokerage firm, is now accepting applications for paid internship positions that will commence in January.

Patrick Mahoney, president and chief operating officer at NAI Realvest, said the program is open to students from area colleges and universities with an interest in commercial real estate.

Mahoney said NAI Realvest plans to develop a new generation of commercial real estate executives and hopes the most promising NAI Realvest interns will stay on as junior brokers after they earn their college degrees.

“We have designed a comprehensive experiential professional learning curriculum here at NAI Realvest and we expect to invest substantial energies in the development of a corps of promising young executives,” Mahoney explained.

“Our interns will get first-hand mentoring in landlord and tenant representation, property research, legal, sales and leasing contracts, negotiations, property valuations, property management and marketing,” said Mahoney.
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For more information contact: 
Patrick Mahoney, President and COO NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, pmahoney@realvest.com;  
George Livingston, Chairman Emeritus, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989; glivingston@realvest.com

About NAI Realvest: 
NAI Realvest, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe.  Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network.  Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIrealvest.com

Central Florida Agencies, Volunteers Respond to Haitian Disaster; By Geof Longstaff

by: Larry Vershel

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 14:53:34 PM EST

Within hours of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, a small army of volunteers and local, state and federal agencies swung into action right here in Central Florida. Their efforts deserve praise.

Knowing that thousands of U.S. citizens, foreign nationals and Haitians would seek refuge from the devastation, The Department of Homeland Security chose Orlando Sanford International Airport as one of the primary receiver airports to coordinate their arrival in the U.S., local accommodations, and transfer to other travel centers such as Orlando International Airport.

Orlando Sanford International Airport President Larry Dale immediately began contacting more than 15 local, state and federal agencies for support and organized volunteers to assist them. Less than 24 hours later, when the first planes began arriving, Central Florida was prepared.
National security was a principal concern of federal officials, so the reception effort required a substantial security contingent. The earthquake’s devastation included Haitian jails and prisons, and we were alerted that some of the thousands of escaped prisoners might make their way onto refugee transports.

Emergency responders here on the ground in Central Florida ranged from the Florida Department of Child and Family Services to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and officials from customs, immigration and security agencies as well as local law enforcement and fire/EMS departments, churches, hospitals and volunteers.

As the Orlando Sentinel has reported, coordination of the arrivals has been a huge task. As of Wednesday morning, 92 emergency flights have delivered more than 7,600 evacuees to our reception center, including 5,600 U.S. citizens and 2,000 foreign nationals,

Altogether, these flights delivered 63 earthquake victims who were classified as medical transports.

All of us continue to pray for the victims of this disaster, and Americans have been generous with their private donations and public assistance in the relief effort.

Here in Central Florida, more than 300 agency workers and volunteers can take pride in their own relief effort, which is ongoing.

(Ed. Note: Geof Longstaff is Chairman of the Sanford Airport Authority, which operates Orlando Sanford International Airport)

Commercial Florida Advisors Affiliated with Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida, Appoints Appraiser

by: Larry Vershel

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 14:31:38 PM EST

TAMPA - Commercial Florida Advisors, an advisory firm which is affiliated with Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida, and 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, recently named John Beil its commercial property appraiser.

Don Lombardi, ALC, vice president who heads Commercial Florida Advisors, based in Tampa with offices in Orlando and Melbourne, said Beil is a Florida certified commercial property appraiser who has more than 10 years of experience in appraising. Beil is a graduate of the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business and has an extensive background in sales and property management. 
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About Commercial Florida Advisors:   
Commercial Florida Advisors (CFA) provides business advisory services to companies that own, operate or manage multi-tenant commercial real estate.  Services offered include Property Tax Advisory Services, Appraisal and Acquisition Diligence Coordination. Financial Instrument Transactions and Cost Segregation services are planned for the near future.

Contacts: 
Don Lombardi, ALC Vice President  Ext. 226 
Jeff Sweeney SIOR President 407-481-5387