Real Estate Wire/Green Trends News Wire

COCOA, Fla. – A Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) accredited certifying agent can evaluate a single-family home based on the Florida Green Home Designation Standard criteria The next Certifying Agent Designation Class is Oct. 23-24, 2018 at the Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Fla. Individuals completing the two-day training and associated exams may become an accredited FGBC Certifying Agent provided they meet the eligibility requirements. The Green Home Designation Standard course is worth 10.5 CEUs. CILB# 0608077 An FGBC Certifying Agent is an independent, third party verifier and cannot be on the payroll of any company that is responsible for the construction of the home, or profit from the certification of the project.  They are entitled to be compensated for the verification work and may act as a consultant if their scope does not fall within those restricted conditions. FGBC’s five certifications provide pathways...

 LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – August continued a strong sales streak for Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, which reported 73 sales throughout its divisions. Indigo at Lakewood Ranch remained a popular destination for homebuyers with 8 sales last month. “Lakewood Ranch is one of the fastest-selling master-planned communities in the country, and people are moving to southwest Florida to live within this desirable location,” said Carlos Puente, vice president of sales for the builder. “We expect a continued steady, solid sales pace for our communities in Lakewood Ranch and its surrounding areas.” Silverleaf in Parrish, which is north of Lakewood Ranch in a growing section in east Manatee County, also had a strong sales month with 11 sales. The community will host a grand opening of four new home models on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. In Neal’s south division, encompassing Lee and Collier Counties, the builder sold 19 homes in August a...

WASHINGTON. D.C.  -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) officially opened online registration today for the 2019 NAHB International Builders' Show® (IBS), the largest annual light construction trade show in the world. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the show will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 19-21, after a two-year stint in Orlando, Fla. The 2019 IBS will again co-locate with the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS) for the 6th annual Design & Construction Week® (DCW). The two shows are expected to host more than 2,000 exhibiting brands spanning over a million net square feet of exhibit space, for the largest annual gathering of the residential design and construction industry. "As we kick off our 75th anniversary of the International Builders' Show, we are thrilled to bring even more exciting offerings to our attendees than ever before," said NAHB Chairman Randy N...

PREP Property Group Inc., a vertically integrated real estate company focused on creating value in retail real estate, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Shadow Lake Towne Center in Neb. The center is the latest project to be added to the PREP Strategic Investments portfolio. The 654,666 square-foot regional shopping center is located at the southwest corner of 72nd Street and Highway 370 in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Neb/, approximately ten miles from downtown Omaha. Originally built in 2007, the property features Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney, ULTA, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, PetSmart, Old Navy and other national and regional tenants. “We are excited to add this regionally dominant shopping center to our Strategic Investments portfolio,” said Michael C. Phillips, PREP President and Chief Executive Officer. “Shadow Lake Towne Center is a great project that will allow our experienced real estate team to focus on creating additional value, while enhancing the ...

Jeff and Lori Hooks ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. -- Jeff and Lori Hooks lived the life of a military family for 30 years, moving from base to base. During that time, St. Augustine Beach served as more of a hometown for them than most other places. “When we vacationed, we would vacation in St. Augustine. So, our kids knew it as kind of a summer home,” Lori said. With Jeff’s Marine Corps career now behind him, the couple will finally claim the beach community as their own. Jeff and Lori will be among the first residents to move into Ocean Ridge, located on Anastasia Island at Mickler Road and 11th Street. Developed by McGarvey Residential Communities, Ocean Ridge will offer Florida beach style architecture with lake views and private swim club. In early 2019 the Hooks will move into their new semi-custom home, built by SH Design. Ocean Ridge builders, Riverside Homes and SH Design, both offer expansive floor plans, spacious master suites, gourmet kitchens and covered patios sta...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mike Bonts Public Relations, a Jacksonville, Fla. based marketing firm that works with real estate, hospitality and tourism clients throughout the Southeast, has launched a new web site. “We are excited to partner with Orlando, Fla.-based 82 Agency, an accomplished web development and brand identity company with brilliant ideas and a contagious amount of energy, to give our online presence an accelerated, creative boost,” Mike Bonts said. The new website, launched during the Southeast Building Conference being held at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, acts as a dynamic platform reflecting a fresh approach to public relations and brand building while outlining skill sets and experience. Designed without flash and with the ability to open beautifully on any device, the website is all-in-one, reflecting 82 Agency’s creativity and attention to detail. “Our websites build a brand story that will resonate- especially when it comes to design, content and navigation,...

ORLANDO, Fla. --Rita Williams' Merchandising Plus showcased their creativity for clients by being honored during the design portion of the EXCEL and AURORA Awards in the interior merchandising categories at the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) in Orlando last week. "We had a marvelous time at SEBC and I am so proud of our builders and developers, our suppliers and whole team," said Williams, owner of Merchandising Plus, specializing in home builder and developer marketing for single- family residential, multifamily, resorts and active senior living. "The awards are a testament to everyone's dedication to meet a client's expectations while enhancing their customer's vision for creativity, quality and design. Clients receiving Awards for Best Interior Merchandising included: Developer and Builder ICI Homes for The Victoria Model at Tamaya, Jacksonville, Fla. Builder and Developer D.R. Horton for: The Lantana Model at Country Club H...