December 22, 2015 0 Comment MasterKey
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Neal Communities earns two accolades from Florida Green Building Coalition

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, was named the No. 1 builder of the top 15 green builders in the state and dubbed “Builder of the Year” from the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).

During the awards ceremony, held in Orlando, Fla., Neal Communities was honored with the top spot in the first-ever Top 15 Green Builders to commemorate the 15-year anniversary of the FGBC. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder earned the accolade for building the most green-certified homes in the past 15 years.

Neal Communities also received the 2015 Green Achievement Award for Builder of the Year – Most Homes Certified in the single-family homes category for the third consecutive year.

“It’s an honor to receive these designations, and we are extremely proud to be recognized for our green initiatives with the No. 1 spot out of 15 builders in the state,” said Cathy Engels, vice president of purchasing for Neal Communities.

FGBC certified homes complete a technically rigorous building assessment and construction process to promote design and construction practices that reduce the negative environmental impacts of the building, improve occupant health and well-being, and reduce operating costs for the owner.

“These builders are being recognized for their conscientious green building efforts in creating healthier and safer homes and a more sustainable Florida,” said Suzanne Cook, executive director of FGBC. “As FGBC marks its 15th anniversary, we’re pleased to salute their contributions to creating more resilient communities and protecting Florida’s natural resources.”

The FGBC is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the built environment and continually looks for new and innovative ways to educate builders, developers, local governments and consumers about how to achieve an environmentally sustainable future. The member-based organization is the leading certifier of green projects in Florida, with over 8,000 certified projects.

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine. To date, Neal has built over 10,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 44 Parade of Homes 2015 awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

December 16, 2015 0 Comment MasterKey
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Neal Communities breaks ground on Villa Amalfi in Bradenton

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has broken ground on a new, gated community that will provide residents vacation-style living in the North Sarasota.

Villa Amalfi, situated on 18 acres at the corner of Lockwood Ridge Road and Honore Avenue, will consist of 92 maintenance-included villas. A luxurious pool, spa and cabana are at the centerpiece of the community’s vacation lifestyle.

Residents can choose between three villa plans, each with a Tuscan architectural style. Plans range in size from 1,400 to 1,500 square feet. The Crystal Sand plan features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Tidewater and Tidewater B plans feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a den.

The Villa Amalfi property is bordered by Woodbrook to the east, Cascades to the south and west and Barrington Ridge to the north. Residents will enjoy convenience to shopping, dining and attractions in Bradenton and Sarasota, as well as proximity to major roads and highways.

Due to overwhelming interest, Neal Communities will be preselling homes in Villa Amalfi from the nearby Fairfield sales center, located at 5430 Chatham Square Way in Bradenton. The community is expected to open in early 2016. For more information or to join the VIP interest list, call 888-720-4429.

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine. To date, Neal has built over 10,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 44 Parade of Homes 2015 awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

December 15, 2015 0 Comment MasterKey
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Neal Communities notches 89 sales in November

With one month to go in its best year for sales on record, Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, sold 89 new homes in November bringing its year-to-date total to 992 homes.

“The last quarter of 2015 is proving to be extremely positive for us,” said Michael Storey, president of the Lakewood Ranch-based new homebuilding firm. “With recognition as America’s top builder from Professional Builder and sales setting an all-time record, I could not be more proud of our entire team. We remain committed to providing the best customer service and value in the market and are looking forward to a tremendous year-end result,” he said.

Notable communities in November include Grand Palm in Venice with 18 sales, and the newly opened Villages of Milano in Venice with 16 sales in its first month open. Neal Signature Homes, the firm’s luxury division, sold 10 homes in November and has already more than doubled its total sales from 2014.

The builder has opened 13 new communities this year with plans for additional expansion in 2016.

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine. To date, Neal has built over 10,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 44 Parade of Homes 2015 awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

December 4, 2015 0 Comment MasterKey
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Neal Communities hosts 16th annual art contest at Laurel Nokomis Elementary School

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, recently held its annual “My Favorite Home Art Contest” at Laurel Nokomis Elementary School in Nokomis, Fla., where the top five student finalists in each grade level attended along with their families, school officials and guest judges from around the community.

This year marks Neal Communities’ 16th year hosting the My Favorite Home Art Contest, featuring a different community school each year in Manatee or Sarasota County.

“This event is a company highlight every year,” said Leisa Weintraub, vice president of marketing and creative director for the Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilding company. “Our team is continually amazed at the talent the students display drawing their depiction of their favorite homes and the support and dedication of their teachers and parents. We always look forward to sharing that creativity with our friends and families on our firm’s holiday card,” said Weintraub.

Neal Communities also donated $1,000 to the school’s art program at the event.

Students from kindergarten through fifth grade participated in the contest. The kindergarten students reviewed the element of shape to outline their houses and introduced architectural texture plates as they colored them in to give the appearance of brick, shingles and other home details. First-grade students practiced fine motor skills, shape and color in cut paper collages of homes. Second graders utilized tempera paint with basic colors and were required to mix the paint to obtain the rest of their palette. Third-grade students studied space and composition in artwork using colored pencil and marker designs. Fourth graders practiced drawing realistic trees with colored pencil tree houses and fifth graders spent time studying samples of historic American architecture before designing their own dream home in watercolor and pen.

Those submissions were narrowed down to the top 30 entries – five from each grade level. Six grade-level winners were chosen by a celebrity judging panel, including include Caroline Zucker, Sarasota County School Board member; Eric Robinson, Sarasota County School Board financial advisory committee; Venice Mayor John Holic; Tim Smolarick, publisher of the Venice Gondolier; Doug Kerr, executive director of the Venice Symphony; and Venice City Commissioners Emilio Carlesimo and Robert Daniels.

Neal team members from marketing, sales, purchasing, and accounting, joined them. The Neal team will select one overall winner and that student’s artwork will adorn the cover of the Neal Communities’ 2015 holiday card.

Below are the grade-level winners listed in order:

  • Kindergarten – Ryland Howell
  • First grade – Jatorrance Jackson
  • Second grade – Shane Espinoza
  • Third grade – Jack Commander
  • Fourth grade – Juliet Colon
  • Fifth grade – Thomas Taylor

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named Professional Builder’s 2015 “Builder of the Year” and one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine. To date, Neal has built over 10,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 44 Parade of Homes 2015 awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards.  For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.

December 3, 2015 0 Comment MasterKey
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Neal Communities dubbed Builder of the Year

Today, Professional Builder has named Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, the 49th builder to receive its esteemed 2015 Builder of the Year award.

Each year, Professional Builder, North America’s leading business publication dedicated to the home building industry, presents this prestigious and sought-after award to only one builder whose innovative ideas and business results represent the best in home building.

“Our consistent goal is to combine the discipline, efficiency, skill and processes of a publicly owned homebuilder with the agility, customer care and attention to detail of a private builder,” says Pat Neal, founder and CEO of Neal Communities. “To be recognized for excellence with this respected award is a special honor that we are humbled and pleased to accept.”

The Builder of the Year award was established in 1965, with the first award recipient announced the following year. Fifty years later, the program continues its objective of acknowledging homebuilders. Professional Builder’s editors select the winning firm, with input from a select group of industry executives.

“With closings approaching 1,000 homes in 2015, Neal Communities did better coming out of the downturn than many companies did during the boom,” says Professional Builder editorial director Denise Dersin. “Neal’s focus on acquiring the best land and creating sustainable communities, along with its ability to hire — and keep — one of the best teams in the business has made it one of Florida’s fastest-growing homebuilders.”

With a footprint that spans approximately 170 miles north and south along Florida’s coveted Gulf Coast, Neal Communities has a unique perspective on how to operate successfully in the market while contributing to the economic development of the communities it serves.

“At Neal Communities, our entire team is deeply committed to improving the lives of the people we serve with superior customer service, products and value,” says Neal. “We do this by incorporating family values, integrity and professionalism in all that we do. I could not be more proud of our dedicated team of exceptional homebuilding professionals who inspire me to work harder every day.”

The Neal Communities executive team was honored during an awards luncheon at Professional Builder’s Housing Giants Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. in October. Past winners include Goodall Homes in Nashville, Tenn., David Weekley Homes in Houston, Texas, Toll Brothers in Horsham, Pa., DSLD Homes in Denham Springs, La. and Jagoe Homes in Owensboro, Ky.

“This is the Academy Awards in homebuilding,” says Michael Storey, president of Neal Communities. “This isn’t an award we applied for or sought out. It’s an award we are extremely proud of and one our skilled, professional and loyal team made possible.”

Michael Greenberg, president of Neal’s southern division covering Lee and Collier counties, joined the firm three years ago to lead its southern expansion. Now, with 39 employees and a new Design Gallery slated to open this month, Neal South is the ninth largest builder in Lee and Collier counties.

“I am extremely proud to work for a builder of this caliber,” said Greenberg. “This division has certainly become the builder of choice to work for in the region, and a firm of this magnitude that stays true to its family values and culture is what makes our team so dedicated,” he said.

For more than 75 years, Professional Builder has remained dedicated to serving the needs of the nation’s home building community — builders, designers and trade partners — with award-winning content and proven, practical solutions.

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine. To date, Neal has built over 10,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 44 Parade of Homes 2015 awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards.  For more information, please visit NealCommunities.com.