Neal Communities opens new phase at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has announced a new phase at the Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, a private gated community located in south Sarasota County, which opens this month featuring the builder’s popular Coastal Series homes.

The Coastal Series offers a variety of floor plans and prices, starting in the $400,000s. All sites offer preserve and water views.

In 2015, the Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder had a successful year with 78 new homes sold in Boca Royale Golf & Country Club. Its three distinctive home series include Neal Communities’ Coral Series, Cove Series and its Coastal Series.

Additionally Neal Signature Homes also builds beautifully crafted custom homes in the community. Currently, 3,000-square-foot homes and above are available from Neal’s luxury division with oversized homesites, many of which equal 1/3 acre.

“Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is a hidden gem in an area that is close to major attractions without the traffic and commercialization often seen in southwest Florida,” said Mark Sochar, vice president for Neal Communities. “Customers are buying here for the many amenities and the social atmosphere found at the Club, the nearness to uncongested beaches, kayaking, boating and the old Florida feel offered by the restaurants on Manasota Key and the village of Englewood.”

The elegant clubhouse offers casual and fine dining and a wide range of social activities for residents. Other community amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness facility and sports activities on site, including Bocce ball, croquet, tennis and an 18-hole golf course.

“Boca Royale Golf & Country Club saw its best year ever for new home sales, new members and a very active Club,” said Ian Fetigan, general manager of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club. “We had a 13 percent increase in our membership, with the largest increase seen in our fitness memberships with a 24 percent increase. Our home sales also doubled from 2014 to 2015.”

The community boasts six award-winning decorated models for guests to browse. For more information, visit the sales center at 1 Golf View Dr. in Englewood or call 941-474-0476.

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.

About Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

Located in south Sarasota County, near world class and secluded beaches, Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is nestled within a private, gated community of beautiful homes, pristine lakes and nature preserves. A semi-private golf facility, Boca Royale offers single and family golf, tennis, fitness and social memberships and a full range of social activities. The elegant Georgian clubhouse provides spectacular views of the manicured golf course and a full range of dining options, from fine dining in our Fairway Dining Room to casual dining in the 19th Hole. Members often relax while enjoying a light meal and drinks in the Members Room after golf or tennis. The 18-hole par 72 golf course includes a driving range, putting green, sand bunker, chipping/pitching area and Pro Shop.  The course offers a challenge for both amateurs and professionals alike.  With all of the activities available, this community is a prime example of the benefits and advantages of the active Florida lifestyle. Homes in this community range in size from 1,434 to 3,262 square feet.

Neal Communities breaks 1,100 sales and tops company records in 2015

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, sold 1,107 homes spanning from Hillsborough to Collier Counties in 2015, topping all previous company records.

In 2015, the homebuilder also hit a major milestone by closing 989 homes for families in Florida – the most since its 1970 inception and pulled permits on over 1200 homes in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

“With over 200 employees, we have the most experienced and engaged team at Neal Communities that we’ve had in 45 years,” says Pat Neal, founder and CEO of Neal Communities. “This is the fifth consecutive year that we have exceeded our goals. Our subsidiary companies, including Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals, have all contributed to our continued, record-setting success.”

Neal Communities opened 13 new communities in 2015 and expects to unveil another eight in 2016, continuing its five-year expansion plan.

“At every level of the organization – our team is proud of what they are creating here. The company’s success is entirely due to our people,” says Michael Storey, president of the Lakewood Ranch-based new homebuilding firm. “We have over 200 people in this company and they are the ones who are making it happen.”

Storey also credits the prolific firm’s enormous success to strategic land acquisition, ideal locations, a consistent focus on customer service and smart expansion into key markets.

“Our expansion into Lee and Collier Counties alone led to a 30 percent increase for us last year,” says Storey. “We have high hopes for further expansion and increased sales in 2016 – always with the goal of providing the best customer service and value in the market.”

Storey expects the southwest Florida market to continue to appreciate at a “normal” 3.5 percent rate over the next few years. “The market here is still fairing better than most places nationwide because of that core buyer who is more mature and more affluent,” he says. “We see years to come for growth in this market with most of the expansion and population growth coming to south Sarasota County and Lakewood Ranch. Housing is not going to get more affordable, but you won’t see extreme increases. We also expect continued pent up demand to influence the market; we still have buyers who are impaired and are just recovering from their setbacks and they want to own a home again,” he noted.

Neal South, including Lee and Collier Counties also broke its previous sales record last year with 260 homes sold. Neal Signature Homes, the firm’s luxury division, more than doubled its sales from 2014, ending the year with 88 sales.

In 2015, the builder also received several prestigious awards, including recognition as Professional Builder’s 49th builder to receive its esteemed 2015 Builder of the Year award. The publication presents this prestigious and sought-after award to only one builder whose innovative ideas and business results represent the best in homebuilding.

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.

Neal Communities unveils new product line, model at Indigo neighborhood

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, is introducing a new product line at the company’s Indigo neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch. The popular Cove series will now be available in the neighborhood.

The new product line also coincides with the opening of a new model – the Sea Star, and Club Indigo, the recreation center. The Sea Star model includes 2,379 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a three-car garage.

Indigo is a gated, island-resort style community that opened in May 2015. Since opening, more than 47 people have purchased homes at the new community and in the past three days, five families have purchased homes from the newly release Cove series.

The community is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, near shopping, amenities and A-rated schools. It is at the intersection of Pope Road and 44th Avenue East, near Neal Communities’ soon to be sold out Central Park community.

Homes at Indigo start at $259,990 and range in size from 1,407 to 2,400 square feet. The neighborhood’s amenities include a pool, spa, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, a clubhouse and an activities director.

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named the 2015 Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine 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 among the top 50 builders nationally 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, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 42 Parade of Homes 2014 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.

Neal Communities unveils recreation center at Indigo

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, unveiled Club Indigo, the new recreation center at Indigo, an award-winning green community in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., last month.

A gated, island-resort style neighborhood just northeast of Central Park, Indigo’s $1.6 million recreation center features areas for community events, a culinary kitchen, fitness room and movement studio, pool with cabanas, spa, pickleball and bocce ball courts. A full-time lifestyle director will be creating an entire calendar of activities for homeowners, including water aerobics and book, card and jogging clubs, among other happenings.

Located at the intersection of Pope Road and 44th Avenue East, over 150 people attended the Indigo grand opening event on Saturday, Dec. 5. Once completed, Indigo will have a total of 453 maintenance-included homes. Since the community’s opening in May 2015, more than 47 families have purchased homes in the neighborhood.

Residents have access to recreational amenities, including 150 miles of walking and biking trails, nature preserves and parks and gun, polo and cricket clubs. The Premier Sports Campus, recently added to Lakewood Ranch, is available to host soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, archery, senior games, Ultimate Frisbee, Special Olympics, flag football, youth football, Frisbee golf and punt/pass/kick football on local, state, regional and national levels.

There are three professionally designed and decorated models at Indigo to browse through. For more information, visit Indigo’s Victory sales center and model, a 1,764-square-foot three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a den, at 12916 Deep Blue Place in Lakewood Ranch or call 888-720-4429.

About Neal Communities

Neal Communities was named the 2015 Builder of the Year by Professional Builder 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 among the top 50 builders nationally 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, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include 42 Parade of Homes 2014 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.

Fourth quarter marks exceptional hiring period for Neal Communities

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com), southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, hired 22 employees in the last quarter of 2015 in a variety of departments, from building to sales.

The new hires include 10 sales associates – Jessica Dodge, Benjamin Doherty, Krista Edwards, Bridget Macklowe, Joshua Mills, Karen Moran, Theresa Schoenthaler, Leslie Sharp, Richard Skolrood and Donnesha Voshell – who are working to sell Neal Communities homes throughout the region. Elizabeth Bruenning was hired as an assistant sales coordinator.

A draftsman, Dylan Bernius, and three builders – Eric Marsh, Kevin McLean and Susan Serra – joined the Neal Communities team, too, as well as Allen McIntyre, a land acquisition specialist.

Connie Campbell was also hired as a purchasing job coordinator, along with warranty technician Richard Terpstra and senior financial analyst Robert Kozlowski.

New additions were made to Neal Communities’ marketing team, including the hire of Brittany Elder as senior marketing coordinator, and Laura Hope and Susan Moguel as marketing managers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’ 16^th 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.