Construction on the model home at Palmetto Estates will begin in late spring 2013 and will showcase the Hawthorne floor plan. Presales are currently being accepted and Highland offers more than 10 floor plans featuring three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms. Opportunities to personalize your new home are endless with a great selection of cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, countertops, lighting, flooring and more available. 

Palmetto Estates offers the best of Florida gulf coast living with a select amount of Lakefront homesites available and open spaces throughout the community. Prime location puts residents within close proximity of fantastic shopping at the Ellenton Prime Outlets, state-of-the-art golf and recreation facilities and beautiful parks and nature preserves. Additionally, residents are just minutes from beaches, the Manatee River, marinas and waterways to the Gulf.

In addition to new home construction, Manatee County has seen an increase in commercial development over the past couple of years. In January 2012, Field Entertainment, which owns Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice, purchased a 47-acre site located a half mile south of Palmetto Estates. The site is the new location for their worldwide production headquarters and will create approximately 235 new jobs in Manatee County.  Located five miles from Palmetto Estates, Air Products & Chemical, Inc. purchased 32 acres across from the Port Manatee facility. Their new liquefied natural gas plant will create 250 manufacturing jobs.

Manatee County is growing and Palmetto Estates is the perfect opportunity for you to purchase Florida real estate in the area. For more information on Palmetto Estates, call 941-479-4988 and to register for the VIP List, visit www.HighlandHomes.org.

Prior to the awards, Dr. Anne Kerr, President of Florida Southern College, spoke about the uplifting effects of having a positive attitude and shared some of her personal stories and insight on how to build personal success.

Those honored for their 2012 accomplishments include:

• Gene Kucher, Community Sales Manager of Imperial Lakes in Mulberry, Fla.  Gene was our biggest winner of the evening and received three top honors: Highest Net Dollar Volume, Highest Net Sales and Highest Closing Volume.
• Jennifer Maul was awarded for her excellence in Lakeland new home sales at Stonewood and Blackwater Oaks. Jennifer recently sold out both North Lakeland communities for Highland Homes and received three awards: 2^nd place for Net Dollar Volume, 3^rd place for Net Sales, and 4^th for Closing Volume.
• Cheryl Gonzalez, Community Sales Manager at Ten Oaks in Zephyrhills, Fla., was unable to attend the banquet but received awards for 3^rd highest Net Dollar Volume, 2^nd highest Net Sales, and 3^rd highest Closing Volume.
• Doug Pike, Community Sales Manager at Wind Meadows in Bartow, Fla., received four awards for his 2012 performance: 4^th highest Net Dollar Volume, 4^th highest Net Sales, 2^nd place for Closing Volume, and a special award from Shelter Mortgage, Highland Homes’ preferred lender.
• Mary Finn, Community Sales Manager of Covered Bridge and the recently sold out South Oak in Ellenton, Fla., was honored for selling the 5^th highest Net Dollar Volume and 5^th highest Net Sales (tie).
• Roger Santos, Community Sales Manager at Highland Meadows in Davenport, Fla., received awards for 5^th highest Net Sales (tie), 5^th highest Closing Volume, and a special award from Shelter Mortgage.
• The Rookie of the Year award went to Katie Campbell-Barris, Community Sales Manager at Overlook Ridge in Winter Haven, Fla. Katie took on a sales role after more than seven years in land development and HOA management and was immediately successful, becoming one of our top selling agents in Winter Haven.
• Heather Dodd received the honor of Sales Counselor of the Year. Heather worked at several Highland Homes communities in 2012 and successfully sold within each community, and now manages our Normandy Heights community in Winter Haven.

Additionally, community Sales Managers David Morales of Sunset Hills in Dade City, Tracie Baldwin of Winchester Estates in Lakeland and Carmen Arbizu of Deer Creek in St. Cloud were recognized for their efforts in their respective communities. Randi Golemme, the Online Sales Manager, was applauded for her hard work in responding to the many online inquiries that Highland Homes receives every day.

Highland Homes could not provide such a high level of customer satisfaction if not for the passion of our hard-working employees. We invite you to stop by our beautiful Central Florida communities and say hello to our fantastic team of onsite sales agents. Interested buyers are also encouraged to connect with us online at www.highlandhomes.org, www.facebook.com/highlandhomes and www.twitter.com/highlandhomesfl.

At Hartford Estates, buyers will experience luxury living with some of our most stylish, upscale home plans offering 2,000 or more square feet of living space. Spacious homes at Hartford Estates will be priced from the high $100,000s and showcase upscale interior and exterior features including stone exterior accents, St. Augustine sod, 30-year warranty architectural shingles, kitchen upgrades and much more. We will start accepting presales and begin construction on the model home, featuring the Willow floor plan, in April.

Located in the exclusive Imperial Lakes community, The Reserve at Fairway Oaks follows the success of recently sold out communities, Belmont Park and The Enclave. In addition to the popular country club location, residents at this gated community will enjoy breathtaking nature views with all homesites featuring lakefront or conservation views. The 2012 top sales winner for Highland Homes, Gene Kucher, will return to the area as the sales agent for The Reserve at Fairway Oaks.

These South Lakeland communities will provide more opportunities than ever for buyers to live a relaxing Florida lifestyle in the proximity of great schools, shopping and entertainment.

As a Lakeland home builder, we have seen how fast this popular South Lakeland location has sold in the past and we expect both Hartford Estates and The Reserve at Fairway Oaks to sell quickly. More information on Hartford Estates can be found on the Highland Homes website, and we will follow up with more information about The Reserve at Fairway Oaks soon.  Please email us or call us at 863-797-4999 to join the VIP list for exclusive information on these up and coming communities.

“We are thrilled to have our blog and Pinterest account recognized among the best,” said Amy Cooper, Director of Marketing for Highland Homes. “According to a study from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and Google, 90 percent of home buyers are searching online during their home buying process, so it is more important than ever that we build a quality online presence.”

Highland Homes’ blog is a great site for learning up-to-date information and news about communities, homes, incentives and local housing market trends. The blog was recognized for its commitment to providing regularly updated information by Construction Management Degree. To see firsthand why this blog was recognized among the best in the country, visit www.HighlandHomes.org/news.

On Pinterest, Highland Homes utilizes a variety of boards to showcase floor plans, key rooms such as kitchens and master bedrooms, and home design trends. The majority of the boards feature photos of their homes or the market they serve. Highland Homes’ Pinterest account was recently profiled by Navigate The Channel as a top example of how builders are utilizing the social media phenomenon. Follow the Highland Homes Pinterest page today by visiting http://pinterest.com/highlandhomes/.

To get further connect with Highland Homes online, visit them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Highland Homes build beautiful homes in Orlando, Tampa Bay, Lakeland and Winter Haven. For more information, visit www.HighlandHomes.org.

The Owenburg model home provides Florida new home buyers with the opportunity to experience firsthand life in a Highland Homes community. The spacious interior boasts 1,858 square feet of well-designed living space with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. An open layout provides the perfect space for entertaining with easy flow between the kitchen, family room and dining room. Home buyers will love the roomy master suite with luxury bathroom featuring a walk-in closet, dual vanities, corner-style garden tub and tiled shower. Additional features of the model home include a covered lanai and a two-car garage.

In addition to beautiful interiors, Southwind homeowners enjoy breathtaking lake views with many homes situated on lakefront homesites. A walking path around the lake provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while walking, running or biking.

Located off of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive, Southwind provides easy commuting and access to area shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment.

Purchasing a new home from Highland Homes is more affordable than ever with Florida new homes available for just $99 out-of-pocket for qualified buyers.  Plus, all grand opening visitors will receive $5,000 in new home upgrades!  Highland Homes offers hundreds of design options for you to personalize your new home.

For more information on this beautiful Gibsonton new home community, call 813-304-2115 or visit www.highlandhomes.org.

Tampa home buyers will have 20 home designs to choose from featuring 1,452 to 2,389 square feet of well-designed living space with three to five bedrooms and two to three bathrooms. Features of the homes include Whirlpool appliances, Mohawk plush wall-to-wall carpeting, Armstrong resilient vinyl flooring, and ceramic wall tile in bath and shower areas. Additionally, homes are built with energy-saving features such as Low E double pane windows, rapid recovery hot water heater, and a 14 SEER energy-efficient heat pump with programmable thermostat.

In addition to elegant interiors, homeowners will enjoy breathtaking lake views with many homes situated on lakefront homesites. A walking path around the lake provides the perfect opportunity for residents to get some exercise while enjoying the fantastic Florida weather.

Located off of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive, Southwind offers easy commuting and access to area shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment.

Children at Southwind attend Gibsonton Elementary, Dowdell Middle and East Bay High schools.

While the Southwind model home is currently under construction, interested home buyers are invited to visit the temporary sales center in nearby Wimauna.

Purchasing a new home from Highland Homes is more affordable than ever with Florida new homes available for just $99 out-of-pocket for qualified buyers. For more information on these beautiful Gibsonton new homes and to join the Grand Opening VIP list, call 813-419-4999 or visit www.HighlandHomes.org.

Sales Center at South Oak

Been looking for the perfect Florida new home? Well Highland Homes is excited to announce that we are now selling beautiful Ellenton new homes at Covered Bridge Estates. Buyers will enjoy prime homesites  located adjacent to the resort-style amenities area and several feature breathtaking waterfront views. Homes at this Florida community are priced from the $150,000s. 

Spacious home designs at Covered Bridge Estates boast 1,509 to 2,389 square feet and include three to five bedrooms with two to three bathrooms. Elegant interiors showcase upscale finishes including volume ceilings (per plan), Mohawk plush wall-to-wall carpeting,  Whirlpool appliances, and luxury master bathrooms with separate garden tub and tiled shower. Homes are also built with energy-saving features such as a rapid recovery hot water heater, 14 SEER energy-efficient heat pump, and Low E double pane windows.

Residents will enjoy hours of fun with resort-style amenities that include a Jr. Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court and a clubhouse with fitness center and billiards room. Homeowners will also enjoy stunning nature views with open spaces and ponds throughout the community.

Covered Bridge Estates is located just minutes from I-75 and the Ellenton Prime Outlets providing close proximity to the area’s fabulous shopping, dining and recreation opportunities. Residents will also enjoy easy access to nearby Manatee River, marinas and beaches.

As always Tampa homebuilder Highland Homes makes purchasing a new home more affordable than ever with Florida new homes available for just $99 out-of-pocket for qualified buyers.

For more information on these beautiful ManateeCounty new homes, call 941-479-4988, visit the sales center at nearby South Oak or visit www.highlandhomes.org.

The Remington II model home showcases 1,841 square feet of well-designed living space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Elegant interiors feature a spacious kitchen open to a cozy breakfast nook, volume ceilings throughout living area, master suite with walk-in closet, and luxury master bathroom with dual vanities, garden tub, and tiled shower. Additional features include a double-door front entry, pool door from the hall bath, covered lanai, and two-car garage.

Residents of Highland Meadows wake up each morning to breathtaking natural views with conservation areas and ponds throughout the community.

Highland Meadows is conveniently located off of CR 547 giving homeowners easy access to Lake Davenport, Interstate 4, Posner Park Shopping shopping center, Heart of Florida Hospital and area attractions including Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Homes at Highland Meadows are affordably priced from the $116,000s and as always, Orlando homebuilder Highland Homes offers Florida new homes for just $99 out-of-pocket for qualified buyers.

For more information on the grand opening of this fantastic Davenport new home community, call 863-438-5113 or visit www.highlandhomes.org.

Now selling Tampa new homes at Tower Grove Estates

Tampa home builder, Highland Homes, is pleased to announce that Tower Grove Estates is now selling ranch and two-story homes on half-acre or larger home sites. Located in Plant City, the community features 28 home sites, and Highland Homes will build new homes on 24 of the available lots.

These Tampa new homes are priced from the $140,000s and will feature three to five bedrooms, with 1,508 to 2,827 square feet and two to three bathrooms. Buyers may choose from 15 different floor plans with many energy-saving features including Low E double pane windows, R-30 insulation in living area ceilings and programmable thermostats. And, buyers will love the standard interior features such as Whirlpool appliances and Armstrong designer upgraded vinyl flooring in the kitchens, Mohawk plush wall-to-wall carpeting and master suites with ceramic wall tile in the bath and shower areas.

Currently, the community’s model home is under construction. When complete, it will serve as Tower Grove Estates sales center. Until then, buyers may stop by the on-site RV sales center to find out more about this amazing community.

When complete, the model will feature the Williamson II design, a four bedroom, three bath floor plan with 2,487 square feet, a three-car garage and a den that can be converted into an optional fifth bedroom. The home offers many desirable features such as formal living and dining rooms, a covered lanai and spacious master suite with large walk-in closet and luxury bath.

As always, Highland Homes offers Florida new homes for just $99 out-of-pocket for qualified buyers.

For more information on Tower Grove Estates, visit the Highland Homes website.

Buy Winter Haven new homes at Overlook Ridge starting at $99,900!

Are you one of the many buyers who think that owning Winter Haven new homes is out of their budgets? Well, think again. As Central Florida’s Value Leader, we pride ourselves on helping buyers from all financial backgrounds find the affordable home of their dreams. That’s why we offer beautiful new homes at Overlook Ridge in Polk County priced from just $99,900 with only $99 out of pocket for qualified buyers.

At Overlook Ridge, buyers have more than 40 floor plans to choose from with three to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and 1,210 to 2,487 square feet. Interiors feature many popular finishes including wood cabinets, tiled showers and double pane windows. Plus, buyers have the option of customizing floor plans to meet their needs and preferences with many upgrade options from our Personal Selection Studio.

Conveniently situated off Dundee Road and Overlook Drive in Winter Haven, Overlook Ridge is located near major shopping, dining and recreational destinations. Residents have easy access to LEGOLAND Florida, Cypress Gardens Boulevard, downtown Winter Haven and The Landings, and are just a short drive from Walt Disney World.

For more information about Overlook Ridge, buyers may visit the Highland Homes website or stop by the sales center Monday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Overlook Ridge is just one of the many fabulous new home communities on prime Florida real estate that we offer. Visit the Highland Homes website today to find out more.