West Orange Real Estate 10.30.14

WEST ORANGE

REAL ESTATE FALL 2014

Times& WEST ORANGE

Observer

2 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

NOVEMBER 2014 3

REAL ESTATE

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4 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

REAL ESTATE

REPORTS Lennar opens model at Windermere Sound

The center features a clubhouse, pavilion, resort-style pool and more.

AMENITIES ABOUND Taylor Morrison recently unveiled the amenity center for The Overlook at Hamlin.

The Overlook at Hamlin, the first community to open as part of the Hamlin master plan development in Horizon West, celebrated the opening of its new amenity center Oct. 18.

Residents and residents-to-be gathered for refreshments, fun and games, a movie screening and more. They also got their first look at the center’s clubhouse, pavilion, resort-style pool, grilling area, kitchen, fire pit, splash pad, sports lawn, playground and outdoor amphitheater.

Kristen Vuckovic, of Taylor Morrison, which built the property sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Hancock, said the amenities provided are all sizable considering the number of residents they will serve.

“It’s a rather sizable amenity center given the homes in the community,” she said. “I would say the splash pad and also the waterfront amphitheater are probably the two things that are most unique about our amenity center. We have, built in with the slope of the land, a hardscaped amphitheater that overlooks Lake Hancock.”

The community itself opened about 10 months ago and

already has nearly 40 homeowners and about that many homes either being built or in the process of being closed. The Oct. 18 event not only was an opportunity for new residents to see the new amenities available to them, but also served as an opportunity for Taylor Morrison staffers to solicit feedback from residents currently living on the property.

“What we hear the most is that there’s a sense of community already,” Vuckovic said.

“We hear feedback about our home design, (that) we just go about and beyond to plan out our homes in a way that is functional.”

The Overlook is the first of two communities being constructed by Taylor Morrison as part of the larger Hamlin site, which is managed by Boyd Development Corporation.

The Cove at Hamlin is under construction and located just north of The Overlook, again along the eastern shore of Lake Hancock. This community will offer some of the same floor plans and designs as The Overlook, with the added option of two-story, urban cottages.

Both communities are being sold heavily on their lake access, as well as their close proximity to the interchange of State Road 429 and New Independence Parkway.

“The water — hands down, our tagline and phrase for the community is, ‘Live the lake life,’” Vuckovic said.

The waterfront homesites offered will include docks, which create another unique opportunity for would-be residents who also own a boat.

“When Boyd Development does the town center that is planned, the vision is that that would have a marina,” Vuckovic said. “In theory, if you purchased a waterfront homesite, you could hop in your boat one evening and just take a short ride to the town center and have dinner.

“So, not only can you purchase a home on one of our waterfront homesites and have a full dock and actually be able to keep your boat on your property on an all-sports ski lake, but (also) a lot of our amenities are geared toward the water,” she said. “Even if you purchase a homesite that is not necessarily directly on the water, you can still experience the amenities that are waterfront.”

— Steven Ryzewski

Lennar opened its first model town home at Windermere Sound, located off Overstreet Road east of County Road 535 in Windermere.

The homebuilder already is building single-family manor homes and estate homes.

Brock Nicholas, division manager for Lennar in the Orlando area, said the Landcaster model town home at Windermere Sound offers three bedrooms, two baths and a half-bath for guests in 1,755 square feet of living space with a two-car garage.

Priced from $239,990, the Landcaster is one of three town home floor plans available at Windermere Sound. The plans range from the three-bedroom Wilshire with two-and-one-half baths in 1,629 square feet of living space to the four-bedroom Montara, with two-and-one-half baths in 1,993 square feet.

Lennar’s Windermere Sound center is located at 7236 Penkridge Lane, Windermere. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call 877204-9942 or visit lennar.com.

Times WEST ORANGE

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@ wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@ wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Office Manager / Sales / Rose Blankenship, rblankenship@wotimes.com

For display or digital advertising, call Cyndi Gufstason, (321) 239-3252, or Dawn Willis, (407) 656-2121.

The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes. com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 2014 5

6 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

The fall edition of the parade is scheduled to include 36 homes in the Greater Orlando area.

The Greater Orlando Builders Association has produced the Parade of Homes each year in Central Florida for more than 50 years.

This showcase of the area’s best houses allows the Central Florida community to learn about the newest implementations in home design, green-building applications, energy efficiency and more.

“There’s a ton of new products, new models, new homes and new communities they’re showcasing,” said Stacie Cornell, the association’s director of events and councils. “New homes are more energy effi-

cient, safer and stronger than the past. It’s nice to see how affordable new homes can be.”

The entries of the Fall 2014 Parade of Homes include new communities, homes, wholehouse renovations and specialty remodeling.

Although the spring parade includes about 90 houses, with thousands of visitors passing through some of the houses, the fall parade usually includes 30 to 40 houses.

Among the 36 houses in the fall parade this year, two are in Ocoee, two are in Windermere, and four are in Winter Garden (see pages 8 to 17

for profiles about each West Orange home).

In the three parades since 2013, West Orange homes have won nine parade awards.

Developers include Mattamy Homes, Richmond American Homes, Standard Pacific Homes, The Ryland Group Inc., AV Homes Inc., Park Square Homes and more.

To be eligible, homes must be connected to a member of the Greater Orlando Builders Association and be in the Central Florida area, marketed to Orlando.

The parade generally covers Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties but could include eastern parts of Polk and Lake counties if

approved by the event committee.

Homes will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2.

Guides are available at the new Greater Orlando Builders Association, 544 Mayo Ave., Maitland; Trustco Bank locations throughout Greater Orlando; parade destinations beginning Nov. 1; and online.

A phone app is available for download at paradeofhomesorlando. com/index.html.

Voting for the new People’s Choice Award will occur through Nov. 5 at orlando homeandgarden. com/ParadeOfHomes.

Winners will be announced Nov. 14.

— Zak Kerr

“

New homes are more energy efficient, safer and stronger than the past. It’s nice to see how affordable new homes can be.

“

Eight West Orange homes prepare for Orlando’s fall Parade of Homes

— Stacie Cornell, Greater Orlando Builders Association director of events and councils

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 2014 7

8 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

Toll Brothers Inc. 4326 ISABELLA CIRCLE, WINDERMERE

MODEL: Villa Milano Mediterranean COMMUNITY: Casabella at Windermere SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 5,441 square feet BEDROOMS: 5 bedrooms BATHS: 7 baths (two of the bathrooms are 1/2 baths) BASE PRICE: $979,995 SELLING PRICE:

$1.35 million (includes upgrades; does not include furnishings) AMENITIES: Half-acre home sites, community park

PARADE ENTRY

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DETAILS: Casabella at

Windermere is a new, gated community with just 79 luxurious, singlefamily homes. Located in Windermere, this exclusive estate home community is within minutes of upscale shopping and dining at the Mall at Millenia, Restaurant Row and Winter Garden Village.

First-class golf courses, world-famous attractions and the Butler Chain of Lakes provide endless activities for community residents.

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REAL ESTATE

Castle Rock Custom Homes Inc., 12120 MONTALCINO CIRCLE, WINDERMERE

Arthur Rutenberg Homes

MODEL: Castellina COMMUNITY: Casa Del Lago SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 4,950 square feet BEDROOMS: 4 bedrooms BATHS: 6 baths BASE PRICE:

$900,700 (excludes lot and outdoor-living package) SELLING PRICE: $1.775 million (furnished) AMENITIES: Homeowners association, lake/marina, walking trail

PARADE ENTRY

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DETAILS: Spacious home on beautiful Lake Burden.

Beautiful great room home with expansive view of the lake and resort outdoor living amenities. The pool has a sunken sitting area with a fire pit, so you can enjoy the lake or pool and spa. The home boasts a gourmet kitchen. Entertain at the wet bar and wine grotto downstairs or upstairs in the spacious club room with wet bar. Relax and catch a movie in the spacious media room or enjoy the sunset and lake from the balcony overlooking the resort pool.

10 NOVEMBER 2014

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The Ryland Group Inc. 14704 PYLON COURT, WINTER GARDEN

MODEL: Torrington COMMUNITY: Isles of Lake Hancock SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 3,362 square feet BEDROOMS: 4 bedrooms BATHS: 3 baths BASE PRICE: $582,990 SELLING PRICE: $1,024,906 DETAILS: Isles of

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Lake Hancock is a gated community of custom homes located on Lake Hancock in the fast-growing and popular Horizon West development.

Ryland Homes is now selling customhome designs in this private enclave of only 80 homes.

Fifteen homesites offer both front and rear water views, and the interior section offers 28 homesites with three cul-de-sacs.

The exteriors have gracious features including tile roof, paver driveway and custom detailed finishes.

NOVEMBER 2014 11

REAL ESTATE

Kathy Griner

Micki Blackburn Realty Inc. 450 E. Hwy 50, Ste. 1 Clermont, FL 34711 352.459.4891 www.mickirealty.com

SPACIOUS HOME WITH TERRAZZO FLOORS- 3/2 with a summer kitchen. Nestled on a third of an acre. Public boat ramp nearby to the chain of lakes. G4705338 $194,500

CUSTOM BUILT HOME ONLY 1 YEAR OLD!- 3/2 is on 3.71 acres!

Gated community with an HOA fee of only $165 per year. Bring your horses. G4803978 $239,900

AMERICA’S CUP TOWNHOME LOCATED AT THE YACHT CLUB- 3/2 with nearly 2900 sq. ft with lake access. This townhome comes with a gourmet kitchen with corian counters. G4803738 $249,900

BEAUTY AND THE BEACH! 3/2 with lake access to the chain of lakes.

Just under 2800 sq. ft of living on almost a half acre. Desirable area with custom built homes. G4707665 $249,950

NEW CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN MONTVERDE- 4/3 with a den. 42” cabinets with granite counter tops & S/S appliances. Beautiful 18x18 ceramic tile throughout except the bedrooms. G4802730 $275,000

CUSTOM LAKE FRONT HOME3/2 home with 72 feet on Lake Katherine. Spectacular entry way with Travertine Tile. Gorgeous views of the lake. G4804123 $309,900

EXECUTIVE HOME IN EXCLUSIVE MARGAREE GARDENSCustom built 2 story pool home on oversized corner lot. 4/4 with a fireplace and views of Lake Minnehaha.

G4803190 $339,900

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A QUIET COUNTRY LIFESTYLE? Well look no further. Gated 3/2 on 8+/acres that would be perfect for Horse Owners. Custom built home with no expensed spared! G4698888 $349,000

PANORAMIC VIEWS OF LAKE MINNEHAHA! Custom built 4/3 home, 3 car detached garage. Family room features a gas/wood burning fireplace, wood cabinets with corian counters. G4804239 $363,000

DON’T MISS THIS CUSTOM BEAUTY - NEARLY 3200 SQ. FT3/3 situated on 1.51 acres. This home comes with a home theater room.

Formal Living Dining, plus a family room. G4701362 $399,900

THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT WATERFRONT ESTATE OR POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT!- Currently a 3/2 home sitting on 20 Acres.

Golf course across the st. Owner Motivated! G4699698 $399,900

NEW CUSTOM BUILT 4/3 HOME WITH LAKE VIEWS- Master suite has doors leading out to the deck with lake views. Family room has a granite wet bar. G4707037 $424,900

PRIVATE & SECLUDED CUSTOM BUILT HOME ON 30 ACRESThis 3/2 with a detached garage. The living room has a massive fireplace with beautiful Sumter County Stone.

G4801521 $449,900

CUSTOM BUILT HOME ON TOP OF A HILL OVERLOOKING SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN! 4/2 on 10 acres with breathtaking views!

Fenced pastures, 5 stall barn, 60x120 clay arena. G4804489 $595,000

ELEGANT AND AFFORDABLE 5/3 LAKEFRONT HOME- Massive living room with a fireplace. Sparkling heated pool, volleyball court, basketball court, boat dock, and so much more! G4803470 $649,900

CUSTOM BUILT HOME OVERLOOKING LAKE LOUISA- 4/3 pool home on landscaped 1.65 acre lot. Wood burning fireplace, large bar for entertaining and breathtaking views! G4700339 $724,900

14 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

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Leasing opportunities available. Call 407-294-1494 westoaksmall.com 9401 West Colonial Dr. Ocoee, FL 34761 • Mall Hours M-Sat 10-9, Sun 12-6

NOVEMBER 2014 15

REAL ESTATE

KB Home Orlando LLC Standard Pacific Homes 8055 POND APPLE DRIVE, WINTER GARDEN

420 WINTER GARDEN VINELAND ROAD, WINTER GARDEN MODEL: Hamilton ADDRESS: 420 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden COMMUNITY: Bradford Creek SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 2,821 square feet BEDROOMS: 4 bedrooms BATHS: 4 baths BASE PRICE: $387,990 SELLING PRICE: $450,000 AMENITIES:

Homeowners association

PARADE ENTRY

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MODEL: 2464 COMMUNITY: Summerlake SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 2,464 square feet BEDROOMS: 3 bedrooms BATHS: 2 1/2 baths BASE PRICE: $285,990 SELLING PRICE: $345,990 AMENITIES: Clubhouse, community pool, gym, homeowners as-

sociation, tot lot, walking trail DETALS: Located in beautiful Winter Garden, the 2464 model home features 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and the option to convert the den and loft into a fourth and fifth bedroom. The spacious kitchen overlooks the great room and dining room, allowing for maximum entertaining space. The master bedroom, located in the rear of the house, features a large walk-in closet, dual vanity in master bath and a spacious shower with tile surround.

DETAILS: Bradford Creek is a park-like community less than two miles from Winter Garden’s historic downtown district, alive with art studios, live theater and restaurants flanking the West Orange Trail. The bustling shops of the Winter Garden Village are also close by, offering a variety of retail, entertainment and dining options. Bradford Creek is near highly rated schools and the new Florida Hospital campus. The Daniel Webster Western Beltway and the Florida’s Turnpike connect to major highways only 14 miles from Orlando, making this the ideal location for endless weekend entertainment, sports and cultural activities.

PARADE ENTRY

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16 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

Richmond American 363 WESTYN BAY BLVD., OCOEE

Richmond American 908 BRYNMAR ESTATES BLVD., OCOEE MODEL: Dalton COMMUNITY: Brynmar SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 2,861 square feet BEDROOMS: 3 bedrooms BATHS: 3 1/2 baths BASE PRICE: $267,950 SELLING PRICE: $369,950 AMENITIES:

Homeowners association, tot lot DETAILS: This model home offers the convenience of a ranch-

PARADE ENTRY

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style floor plan, plus a bonus loft upstairs for added entertaining space. Highlights include a formal dining room, a spacious great room and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, central island and walk-in pantry. Brynmar offers incredible amenities, such as a playground, a park with picnic tables and easy access to Lake Apopka and area golf courses.

MODEL: Piermont COMMUNITY: Eagles Landing at Westyn Bay SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 3,339 square feet BEDROOMS: 4 bedrooms BATHS: 2 1/2 baths BASE PRICE: $325,950 SELLING PRICE: $468,920 AMENITIES: Clubhouse, community pool, homeowners association, tot lot

PARADE ENTRY

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DETAILS: The main floor of this home offers formal living and

dining rooms, a spacious great room and a gourmet kitchen, complete with granite countertops, a central island and a roomy breakfast nook. Located on the shore of Lake Apopka in Ocoee, the new home community of Westyn Bay offers resort-style amenities, including club facilities, parks, a kiddie splash pad and several sports courts. Residents also appreciate the peace of mind provided by the 24-hour guard gate.

Dont Sweat It, Call 1.866.833.9658 Serving you since 1994

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NOVEMBER 2014 17

REAL ESTATE

The Ryland Group Inc. 14454 MAGNOLIA RIDGE LOOP, WINTER GARDEN

Selling your home?

FREE Home Price Evaluation Report

PARADE ENTRY

Call, text or email your address

11

MODEL: Wellington COMMUNITY: Orchard Hills SCHOOL DISTRICT: Orange LIVING AREA: 3,881 square feet BEDROOMS: 5 bedrooms BATHS: 3 1/2 baths BASE PRICE: $380,990 SELLING PRICE: $521,408 AMENITIES: Clubhouse, community pool, gym

MARK HIDE 407-832-7332

DETAILS: Location! Location! Location! The three most impor-

markhide@remax.net

tant words in real estate, and Ryland Homes at Orchard Hills has it all. The community offers A-rated schools less than two miles away, activities for every member of the family, a community pool and fitness center.

• Homeowners Welcome • Open Weekends • Reservations Accepted • Call for Quotes 1081 9th St • Winter Garden, FL 34787

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18 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

BUILDER PROFILE

LIVING IN LUXURY

Standard Pacific Homes has about 200 communities nationwide, including three in West Orange County.

Since its 1965 genesis in Orange County, California, Standard Pacific Homes has expanded to about 200 communities nationwide, all the way to West Orange County in Florida.

Standard Pacific has launched three development communities in West Orange within the past 15 months, with a fourth on the way for early 2015, each targeting high-end luxury buyers, said Jay Lewis, Orlando president for Standard Pacific Homes.

“Our newest offering, Waterside, which fronts right on Marsh Road and is on John’s Lake, will be

on the market in four or five months,” Lewis said.

The three current communities include Arden Par (Ocoee), Bradford Creek (Winter Garden) and The Overlook at John’s Lake Pointe.

Arden Park, a community off Clarcona Ocoee Road, includes 33 home designs, 11 different floor plans and four model homes. Models include the Alexandria, Andover, Barrington, Bedford, Castleberry, Castlemore, Fairfield, Hampshire, Somerset, Stamford and Venetian. It is a private, gated community with a six-acre park in the middle and a pool with a cabana open to the

community. The community also features a children’s play area, Lake Meadow, access to the West Orange Trail and Heritage Oaks Preserve.

Homes range in size from 2,021 to 5,359 square feet and feature three to five bedrooms and two to four-andone-half bathrooms.

Standard Pacific prices within this plan begin at around $250,000, said Danielle Tocco, director of communications.

Bradford Creek just opened in July in Winter Garden, with two model homes to visit, 12 different floor plans and 36 home designs. Daniels Road borders the plan

Standard Pacific’s Bradford Creek offers new home designs meant for “casual-yet-elegant lifestyles.” to the east, and Winter Garden Vineland Road runs through the middle of the development, parallel to Daniels Road.

It is a gated community with internal parks and open space. It is situated exactly one mile from downtown Winter Garden and about one mile from Winter Garden Village, Lewis said. Styles within the plan include Bethany, Brentwood, Chesapeake, Cumberland, Hamilton, Plymouth and Saratoga.

Prices start at about $350,000. Homes vary in size from three to six bedrooms and twoand-one-half to four bathrooms. They feature granite countertops in the kitchens and bathrooms, stainless-steel finishes on included appliances, upscale cabinetry and tankless natural gas water heaters. Homes are characterized by open living areas filled with natural light, oversized kitchen islands, master suites

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NOVEMBER 2014 19

REAL ESTATE

The park at Arden Park offers an area to relax and take it all in. automatic-feeding stations, really catering to family animals.”

Lewis said the company has focused on exterior styles and historically accurate architecture with southwestern roots. Windows and outdoor-living spaces are among the special finish-

BUYING A NEW HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME?

PLEASE CALL ME! 407-948-1326

Pat Sharr Realty

407-656-7947 MultiMillion Dollar Producer

Prime downtown location, this is a great business oportunity for you!!! Currently zoned R-NC (residential neighborhood commercial). The value of this property is in the land and not the home. The home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, living and dining room according to Orange County records it was built in 1941. Asking only $499,000.

WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?

ENGLEWOOD, FL, WATERFRONT located on FORKED CREEK CANAL, concrete seawall, dock, bring your BOAT/JET SKIS ONLY MINUTES AWAY FROM ICW and OCEAN, is where you will find this 3 Bdrm., 3 Ba., beauty!!!

Recently updated: painted inside and out, all custom window coverings stay, top grade wood laminated flooring, new high efficiency a/c heat pump, all appliances stay including washer & dryer. Split bedroom plan, it has 2 master suites, living room, dining room, family room, screen lanai with sparkling pool, plus an open deck. Lush landscaping, beautiful trees, picturesque back yard watch the fish jump!!!

This is a great get away approximately 2.5 hours from Winter Garden!!! Asking Only $424,900

door extended-living spaces. And then smaller things complement larger things: valet areas, drop zones strategically located in garages and front doors, flexible living spaces and opportunities to modify designs to specific needs.”

— Zak Kerr

FANTASTIC BUY AND SO MUCH TO OFFER!

3 Bdrm. 2Ba. CHARMING, COMFORTABLE AND COZY!!! Corner lot with stately trees for plenty of shade, fenced yard, house freshly painted. Open floor plan, split bdrms, foyer, formal dining, eat-in kitchen. All the appliances stay, including range, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Living/ great room has a beautiful brick wood burning fireplace, sliding glass doors, 36x12 screened lanai, open paver patio 15x13. Metal storage shed and privacy fenced yard. Move in ready!

MOTIVATED SELLER! Asking only $144,000

SOJUS LD T !

www.patsharr.com patsharr@aol.com

LOCATED ON PLANT ST.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN!

SOJUS LD T !

Broker/Owner

ing touches of Standard Pacific, he said.

“Our focus is on bringing transparency and outdoor light into our homes through an extraordinary number of windows, compared to the marketplace,” he said. “We extend square footage through out-

LI JU ST S ED T !

courts and trail access, Lewis said. Houses range from four to five bedrooms and three to five bathrooms.

“All of the neighborhoods in West Orange are unique,” Lewis said. “We chose those locations because of school and lifestyle quality, among other things. That’s part of our value proposition to our customers — location.”

To maintain its reputation for luxury construction and quality design, Standard Pacific representatives talk to customers about how they live and what rooms and features are important to them, Lewis said. This includes consideration for everything from storage space to family pets.

“We have incorporated pet suites and gotten a lot of interest in those,” Lewis said. “We have some coming soon in the area for dogs and cats, with pet showers and

PE SA ND LE IN G!

and a range of options to customize each home, including dens, bonus rooms and additional bedrooms.

The Overlook at John’s Lake Pointe in Winter Garden features houses ranging from 2,937 to 5,300 square feet, in styles such as Alexandria, Barrington, Fairfield and Stamford, starting at $420,000. The plan features several pockets of ponds and John’s Lake conservation areas on all sides but the entrance off Avalon Road just south of State Road 50.

Designs center on connectivity, with spacious great rooms attached to kitchens with oversized islands, meant to be the hub for social gatherings. In this community, there are five floor plans, 15 designs and two model homes, as well as a resort-style pool, a full clubhouse with a fitness room, meeting rooms, a playground, tennis

JUST REDUCED HURRY!!!

This is a dream come true!!! Gated Community/Lake Access!!! Gorgeous 2-story with master bedroom on the first floor!!! Step into this impressive dramatic 2 story foyer. Formal living room with plenty of room for big comfortable chairs & sofa, spacious but intimate dinning room, entertain in uncrowded comfort in the spacious family room with surround sound! Laundry room and half bath. Eat-in kitchen complete with island, desk and french doors leading to the LARGE screened lanai and spa. Upstairs you will find the loft perfect for a playroom, office or study area!!! There are also 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and the media room that features a large screen, comfortable chairs and everything needed to watch your favorite movie. Easy access to turnpike, 429, 408 and the West Orange Trail!!! Asking Only $325,000.00

EXCITINGLY DIFFERENT ON ONE ACRE!!!

3 bdrm. 2 Ba. Beauty in Winter Garden!!! This home is situated on a picturesque 1 acre lot fenced yard and gate. Very unique, country atmosphere with shopping only minutes away and access to 429, Turnpike and 408. You will be amazed at the beauty and the surroundings. Walk up the steps and enter the 2nd floor of this gorgeous home with stone fireplace in the living room, formal dining, kitchen w/stainless steel applances, wood cabinets, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The 3rd level is the master bedroom, master bath and loft. The home is in pristine condition a pampered beauty...If you have been looking for a home without an HOA, look no further, you need to see this!!! Asking only $314,900.

LISTED 7 DAYS!!!

Honey stop the car!!! 3 Bdrm., 2.5 Baths, fantastic buy on this 2-story beauty in Winter Garden and is move in condition! Open the front door it seems to say "welcome home". Beautiful wood laminated flooring in living/dining rm, ceramic tiled kitchen, granite countertops, ceramic tiled back splash, all kitchen appliances stay! Inside laundry rm, 1/2 bath, screened lanai with vinyl windows, fenced back yard, no rear neighbors and corner lot. Upstairs are 3 bdrms, master has large walk-in closet, master bath features dual sinks, gdn. tub and separate shower.

This is a must see!!! Walk to downtown, W. Orange trail! Asking only $219,000. Motivated sellers.

20 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

What is GREEN about your home?

Here are some tips to improve your quality of life now and for future generations.

ENERGY

Your new home is just a click away.

www.SuziKarrRealty.com

Spanning five decades, Suzi Karr Realty has set the standard of hometown real estate excellence.

Headquartered in Windermere, Suzi Karr Realty specializes in:

• Dr. Phillips • Gotha • Metro West • Ocoee • Windermere • Winter Garden 527 Main Street, Windermere . 407-876-3688

Insulation: If you have owned your home for more than five years, chances are your insulation has degraded. For little investment, you can call your local insulation company and have them add additional insulation to increase the R value. This will cut down on your monthly cooling and heating cost.

AirConditioning Equipment: If your equipment is more than 10 years old, you are nearing the Jim Rahman end of the equipWestmont ment life span.

Construction Install new A/C units with a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) of 14 or above. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit will be. Also, look for rebate incentives.

Lighting: Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent or LED bulbs.

HEALTH

Paint: When repainting the interior of your home, insist on no or low V.O.C. (volatile organic compounds) paints and stains.

Live healthier by not breathing in offgassing products.

Air Filters: Replace your air filters monthly with a MERV 8 or higher rated filter. Keep the air you breathe in fresh.

Flooring: When that carpet wears out, replace it with engineered wood products, laminates or ceramic tile.

These are all more sustainable items that are easier to clean.

WATER

Fixtures: When it’s time to replace your old plumbing fixtures, use low-flow shower heads and toilets. You would be surprised to learn just how much this saves annually of our precious water supply.

Appliances: When that dishwasher and washing machine go, replace them with an Energy Star-rated product.

Lawns and Plants: Your “new” lawn when the old one is worn out should be replaced with zoysia turf. This is a drought-tolerant grass that roots deeply and looks beautiful year-round. When your plant beds require a new look, consider replacing with Florida-friendly plants. Both the turf and plant material require far less water.

LIVING

Building or Remodeling: Always use sustainable products when possible. Build with expandable, future living space and use products with recycled content. Stay put for a while, and take advantage of your return on investments.

Lifestyle: Walk or bike to your local grocery or restaurant.

Make it a family affair. This will promote a healthier lifestyle and keep that gas-guzzling car in the garage.

Automobile: When purchasing a new car consider buying a hybrid vehicle. Put dollars back in your pocket and do your part to reduce your carbon footprint!

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

Jim Rahman is owner of Westmont Construction, in Winter Garden. For more, call (407) 948-9168, email JamesWRahman@gmail.com or visit Westmont-Construction. com.

NOVEMBER 2014 21

REAL ESTATE

REALTOR PROFILE

Decades of Dedication Pat Sharr has proven she can sell houses, whether the real estate market is up or down.

Pat Sharr has experienced her share of ebbs and flows in the 38 years since she obtained her Realtor’s license. But, even in the market’s most meager times, she managed to keep her business afloat — and prosperous.

“Customer service is the best thing you can provide,” Sharr said. “You have to care. And I do.”

She also lives by this: “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

The Oakland resident has owned Pat Sharr Realty for nine years. Prior to that, she sold homes for three local companies: Century 21 Real Estate, Watson Realty Corp. and Main Street Realtors.

“I was always the top listing agent and top sales agent,” Sharr said. “When I worked for Watson Realty, I realized I wanted to go out on my own.”

Her focus has always been West Orange County (Winter Garden and Ocoee) and eastern Lake County (Clermont, Minneola and Groveland).

Sharr said when she first started selling houses, the interest rate was in the double digits.

Now, depending on a person’s credit score, a loan can be obtained with an interest rate of 3.75 to 4.75%, she said.

When she started her career in

Pat Sharr is selling this home in John’s Landing in Oakland.

1976, her first sale was on Jamela Drive off Wurst Road in Ocoee; she went on to sell quite a few houses in that area.

Many of the homes in Crown Point Springs have been sold by Sharr, as well.

In an average month, Sharr will sell three or four homes, maybe more. However, on one very successful Friday, she attended five closings.

“I am always on-call,” she said.

“You have to be there for your buyers and sellers.”

The process of selling a home certainly has changed since Sharr started her career before the age of cell phones and the Internet. Every three weeks, she said, she would receive a thick book with addresses and photos of homes for sale. Once the clients gave her a description of what they were looking for in a house, she scoured the book, searching for amenities that matched the potential

buyers’ wishes. She then made photocopies of those pages and showed them to the clients.

The clients selected the houses they wanted to view, and Sharr would set up an appointment with the seller or agent. If the clients no longer wanted to go inside once they arrived at a house, Sharr then had to find a pay phone and call the seller to

We insur e

cancel the appointment.

“The real-estate market has changed completely,” she said.

“Real-estate agents couldn’t live without cell phones now,” Sharr said.

The Realtor knows her area well; she grew up in the Central Florida area and graduated from Evans High School in 1966. She has known U.S. Rep. Dan Webster since the fifth grade, when the two were students at the former Concord Park Elementary. (The school property was sold in 1964 to McNamara Pontiac.)

Mostly a residential agent, Sharr actually sold a school once — a Christian school at Powers Drive Baptist Church — and it was her biggest sale. This was the church she attended as a child.

Sharr has remained in West Orange ever since. She raised two daughters in Winter Garden and now has four grandchildren and a 2-year-old great-grandson.

Her younger daughter has discussed an interest in attending real-estate school, and the two plan to work together.

— Amy Quesinberry Rhode

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446 W. Plant Street, Suite 4 • Winter Garden, FL 34787 Office (407) 656-9800 • Fax (407) 656-9852

12184 W. Colonial Dr, Ste 102 • Winter Garden, FL 34787

22 NOVEMBER 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES

Test of Time 244 N. LAKEVIEW AVE., WINTER GARDEN It’s known as the Bray House or the Barber House, depending on your age; and the next generation might be calling it the Asma House.

Built circa 1916, this historic home at the southwest corner of Lakeview Avenue and Tilden Street in north Winter Garden has had only a handful of owners in its 98-year-history.

The two-story, wood-frame house at 244 N. Lakeview Ave. was constructed in the Colonial Revival architectural style with its symmetry, weatherboard exterior, hip roof, triangular dormer, round columns and double-hung sash windows, according to a historic building survey prepared for Historic Property Associates, of St. Augustine, in 1994. The house also boasts six fireplaces, four bedrooms, three sun porches, two staircases, a living room, dining room, family room and attic.

The structure has not changed much since its early 20th-century beginnings.

There is some uncertainty as to who actually lived there first. According to an article on file at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the first known occupants were Cohen and Edith Bray, a citrus grower and teacher, respectively, who purchased the house in the early 1920s and owned it until 1973. Edith Bray operated a kindergarten out of the small building at the rear of the property. Through the years, the Brays were known to frequently entertain guests in their spacious home.

Nick Asma, the current owner, said he heard a bank president came to Florida from the North and built the house as a surprise for his wife, who was arriving later. He was fond of the design; she, however, was not. In another archived article, previous owner Nancy Barber shared that the house

This home was built 98 years ago in the Colonial Revival architectural style.

Left: The house hasn’t changed much since local artist Rod Reeves sketched it in 1983.

was originally built by the first president of First National Bank, J.D. McMillan.

Bob and Nancy Barber — who moved to Winter Garden when he became administrator of the former West Orange Memorial Hospital (once located on North Dillard Street) — purchased the home in 1973 from Elizabeth Middlebrook, who inherited the house when the last surviving owner died.

The Barbers and their three children, Nancy, 11, Robin, 7, and John, 2, settled in about six months later after making renovations.

Bob Barber is the second of two mayors to reside in the house. He served from 198589. Cohen Bray also held the position for one year in 1916 and continued as a commissioner for several years after that.

The house, with its white wooden boards and front porch, depicts Middle America, which appeals to commercial makers. It has been used in promotions by companies selling, among other things, insurance, meat and iced tea. The exterior was also featured in the 2010 faithbased film “Letters to God.”

The house has come full circle and is now back in the family. Asma bought the house in May 2013 and has been making interior renovations, such as redoing the wood floors, removing wallpaper and adding paint.

“I tried to keep it to its original historic character, to restore the historic aspect of it,” Asma said.

His grandfather was Charles McMillan, whose mother, Mattie, was a Bray; Cohen Bray was her brother.

Also back on the walls are paintings of the Virgin Mary and the Notre Dame cathedral, a gift from Asma’s aunt. Her mother was Middlebrook, who had originally gifted the paintings to the Brays for their 1916 home near downtown Winter Garden.

— Amy Quesinberry Rhode

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 2014 23

24 NOVEMBER 2014

Holly Grace

321-377-6501 Holly@HollyGraceRealtor.com

Chandra Garbarino

WEST ORANGE TIMES

Judy Black

407-810-1803 JudyBlackFLA@gmail.com

Ashley Boyd

Bob Chandler

AshleyBoyd@BHHSFloridaRealty.net

RobertChandler@BHHSFloridaRealty.net

Erica Diaz

Wanda Warmus

Sandy Schupp, GRI, CRS, PMN

407-951-9742

407-234-5549

321-209-5540

407-656-8641

407-274-8277 ChandraSellsFL@gmail.com

EricaDiaz@BHHSFloridaRealty.net

321-297-9095 WandaWarmusRE@gmail.com

Patti Kincaid

Thomas D. Moffett, P.A. CRS 407-375-6498 MoffettCRS@gmail.com

Brigette Hicks

407-247-6555 Brigette@rtc-group.com

Adriana Murcia

Marie Helen Ledbetter

Sherri Palmer, PA

Deedee Sherman

Karen L. Jorgensen, Realtor

DeedeeShermanRealtor@gmail.com

Homes4U@cfl.rr.com

407-810-9231 Patti.Kincaid@gmail.com

407-286-4363 MarieHelenRealtor@gmail.com

407-718-0412 SherriSellsHomes@cfl.rr.com

321-663-5106

SandySchupp@BHHSFloridaRealty.net

352-217-8200 LAJPP@msn.com

GRI, CNHS, LDS, CRS 407-808-3118

401 Main Street Suite B Windermere, FL 34786 Office: 407.876.2090 Fax: 407.876.0072 www.goodtoknowinwindermere.com