Dave Brewer, Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Sale of 800th Luxury Home in Central Fla.

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 13:24:24 PM EDT

Gary Rauch, president who joined the firm 12 years ago, said Dave Brewer, Inc. celebrated its anniversary mark recently by selling its 800th custom home for $8 million - a 5,600 square foot luxury home at Heathrow Country Estates in Lake County.

Rauch said Dave Brewer, Inc. has been focusing on unique homes for niche markets for the past decade.

"We have built some of the largest homes in the region, we have built luxury homes designed specifically for empty nesters, homes for affluent men and women who own large or multiple vehicles such as boats and antique cars, and remodeling of luxury homes," Rauch said.

The largest home the firm has built, a 26,000 square foot home at Loch Leven in Lake County, sold for more than $4 million.

For more information, contact:
Gary Rauch, President Dave Brewer, Inc. 407-330-9901
Dave Brewer, Founder Dave Brewer, Inc. 407-330-9901
Larry Vershel, LV Communications, 407-644-4142 (fax 4410)    

Four Corners Area Positioned for High Growth, New Development: ChampionsGate Resort Executive

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 13:02:10 PM EDT

Reicher, who participated in a panel discussion of business leaders recently, knows what he's talking about:  ChampionsGate has already invested more than $500 million in the Four Corners area and plans to do more.

"Major area road improvements, along with private capital investment, have pushed the Four Corners area to the forefront of Central Florida growth and development," said Reicher.

Reicher said area growth engines include hotel and resort properties, retail facilities, housing and employment.

"The Four Corners area is a natural growth corridor, directly in the path of expansion of Central Florida's tourism industry," said Reicher.

For more information, please contact:
Marc S. Reicher, Senior Vice President Development ChampionsGate, 407-397-2500;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Taylor Morrison Net Sales of New Homes Grew by more than 83 Percent in 2007 on 53 Percent Growth in

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Fri Feb 01, 2008 at 08:44:14 AM EST

Dan Divjak, vice president of sales and marketing at Taylor Morrison in the Orlando region, said the homebuilder closed on sales of 581 new homes in 2007- slightly above its projections.

"The home building industry has been buffeted by bad news all year and we sometimes forget to look at what we've achieved," said Divjak

"We analyzed our activities in the Orlando Division and what we found runs counter to the bad news," he said.

From Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, Divjak reports that Taylor Morrison:

· Increased net sales by 83 percent to 543 new homes -- from 297 new homes in 2006;
· Reduced its standing inventory by more than 68 percent -- from 249 homes to 79 homes;
· Customer satisfaction at 95 percent based on over 300 homeowners surveys through Woodland O'Brien
· Increased sales traffic by 53 percent -- accommodating 6,230 prospective buyers in 2007 vs. 4,000 in 2006;
· Sold out of nine Central Florida communities, with two more communities nearing close-out now;
· Successfully opened 12 new model home centers, including four brand new communities;
· Provided mortgage financing to 93 percent of its home buyers through Taylor Morrison Home Funding;
· Exceeded the builder's annual closings goal of 578 new homes by three.

Divjak said Taylor Morrison projects it will close on sales of 530 new homes in 2008

Kimball Hill Homes unveils flat-over-flat attached villas priced from under $180,000 at Palmer Oaks

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Mon Feb 18, 2008 at 10:18:19 AM EST

Francine Miller, regional president of Kimball Hill Homes in Florida, said Kimball Hill Homes is building 200 villas at Palmer Oaks that range in size from 1,115 square feet of living space to 1,600 square feet.

Kimball Hill Homes will open two professionally decorated model homes at Palmer Oaks in March.  

Kimball Hill Homes is one of the largest privately held homebuilders in the U.S. with operations in Texas, California, Nevada, Illinois, and Florida.

Centex Homes nears completion of new three story model townhome at Timacuan Park In Seminole County

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Tue Nov 20, 2007 at 08:30:57 AM EST

Carol-Ann Barody, director of operational marketing at Centex Homes in the Orlando region, said the Greenwich model townhome will open to the public Dec. 1 with three bedrooms and two full and two half baths in 2,279 square feet of living space.

Centex is building 50 new three-story townhomes at Timacuan Park priced from the low $200s.  The community is already one-third sold, Barody said.

Morrison Homes Starts Presales of 369 Town Homes Priced from the $220s at The Village of Wesmere

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 08:08:54 AM EST

Kyle Marik, marketing manager at Morrison Homes in the Orlando region, said the gated town home community will feature a community clubhouse, swimming pool volleyball, basketball, tennis courts and a playground.

Four new models are underway at The Village of Wesmere and homebuyers can choose from four floor plans ranging in size from 1,405 square feet to 2,215 square feet of living area, Marik said.

Before completion of the models and sales office, Marik said presales are taking place at a nearby Morrison Homes Ocoee community in the closeout phase - Crestwood Heights - on SR 50 across from Health Central, just three miles west of the Village of Wesmere.

Why Most Home Buyers Prefer New Construction Over Existing Homes

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Mon Nov 05, 2007 at 11:31:21 AM EST

"The median sale price of new and existing homes is nearly equal today," Hernandez said.  "The U.S. Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors reported the median sale price of new homes was $225,700 in August, and for existing homes it was $224,500.

Today, Hernandez said, the choice is personal preference.  And today's new homebuyers are doing their homework like never before.

"We're seeing well-informed buyers," Hernandez said.  "People are doing plenty of research and coming in armed with insightful questions.  They are visiting multiple communities and comparing options like never before," he said.

Hernandez said new homebuyers offer six main reasons for choosing a new home over existing one:

•  Personal options -- the ability to choose a floor plan that fits specific needs, plus options like countertops, appliances, storage systems, flooring and technology upgrades.

•  Energy-efficient construction -- invariably, new homes are safer, more comfortable and more energy-efficient than existing homes, even homes that are "Almost New".  Beazer uses advanced HVAC systems and materials like Low-e windows, radiant barriers, and fiberglass doors to make sure the home is properly sealed.

•  An owner's retreat -- modern home design offers new concepts in master bedrooms and baths that can include separate shower and garden tub, dual vanities, plenty of closet and storage space not available in most existing homes - that can be a sanctuary at the end of a long busy day.

•  A well organized kitchen -- new home design focuses on kitchens more than ever before, with facilities for homework, bill paying and socializing as well as cooking.  Modern kitchens are designed around a triangle grid where appliances, cooking and cleaning areas are within easy reach, with adjustable pantry shelving, cabinets, pull-out shelves and deep drawers with movable dividers.

•  Greater selection and incentives -- newly constructed homes are available in all price ranges and styles in a variety of neighborhoods and locations. In most U.S. regions, price reduction means buyers can get a lot more home for their money. With interest rates still at historic low, a new home is one of the safest long-term investments a consumer can make.

•  Less maintenance. New homes require less time and energy to maintain.  Most newly constructed homes are backed by a builder warranty covering materials and workmanship, giving the new home buyer additional peace of mind.

Centex Homes: Presales of Two and Three-Bedroom Condominiums in Lake Mary Priced From the $140's

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Tue Nov 06, 2007 at 10:32:23 AM EST

Carol-Ann Barody, director of marketing for Centex Homes in the Orlando region, said pre-construction pricing in effect now through Dec. 31 includes a $10,000 pre-construction price discount on select buildings and a $5,000 gift certificate good for interior design upgrades at the Centex Homes Design Studio.

Condominiums at the Villas at Chase Grove range in size from approximately 1,036 square feet of living space to 1,777 square feet and all include one-car garages. Five different floor plans are available, Barody said, including two-story townhome style condominiums. 

Barody said Centex is building 64 condominiums at Chase Grove, along with a swimming pool and playground. Three professionally decorated models are expected to open to the public by early January

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Forms Alliance with British Home Loans Florida to Finance

by: Larry Vershel Communications

Fri Nov 09, 2007 at 05:33:08 AM EST

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby's International Realty, said British Home Loans and its affiliates will provide foreign national financing for U.K. and European buyers here in the U.S. through several British and American lenders including Lloyds TSB Bank.

"We anticipate this new alliance will lead to a steady stream of, not only British, but also International and domestic U.S. investor buyers for the various product groups represented by Stirling Sotheby's International Realty," said Soderstrom.

Soderstrom said Stirling Sotheby's International will market a wide range of Florida properties to British Home Loans' clients through Stirling Sotheby's Global Gallery in downtown Orlando and its auction services group.

"Under our new alliance, British Home Loans will pre-qualify all interested prospects prior to directing them to Stirling Sotheby's," Soderstrom said.

"Stirling Sotheby's International Realty will also conduct home-buying seminars in the U.K. in conjunction with British Home Loans," Soderstrom added.

"With the British pound, Canadian dollar and the Euro continuing to trade at record highs, British and International buyers are finding tremendous value in U.S. luxury vacation and resort homes," said Soderstrom, "and Orlando ranks as one of the most desirable locations for Florida home buyers from the U.K."

British Home Loans Florida (www.BritishHomeLoansFlorida.com) is well positioned in the U.K. and Stirling Sotheby's International Realty brings a very recognizable brand to their market.  We will offer them a wider range of property types including single family, vacation, second and retirement home opportunities," he said.  "We feel this is a very powerful alliance that will benefit not only both organizations but also the consumer."

Centex Homes Strategy Aims Squarely at Working Families With Affordably Priced Homes

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Oct 12, 2007 at 12:34:43 PM EDT

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Centex Homes, which ranks as one of Florida's largest and most active home builders, wants to be the leading Florida builder of affordably priced homes.

Carol Ann Barody, director of operational marketing for Centex Homes in the Orlando region, reported that Centex now has 10 communities in the Orlando region that offer new single family homes priced from the $140s to the $190s.

"Centex has retooled its entire production, from site acquisition to model home design to features and amenities in order to price its home more affordably without reducing quality," Barody said.

"Centex Homes has a long and storied tradition of building quality affordable priced homes for working families," said Barody.

"Our home buyers are the backbone of America, and we are doing everything we can to meet their needs," she said.  Barody said she expects more Florida home builders to follow Centex Homes' lead.  "Substantial proportion of the home-buying market is very cost-conscious.  They won't sacrifice no quality of features, but they aren't interested in paying 2005 prices either," Barody said.

About Centex

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.

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