Category: Homes

Introducing Windward: New Homes in Lakewood Ranch
Looking for new homes in Lakewood Ranch? In that case, we’re thrilled to announce our newest private, gated community: Windward at Lakewood Ranch. With four unique home collections totaling 16 floorplans, Windward residents can make the most of each moment. Learn more about this exciting new community located in Sarasota, Florida. And don’t forget to register for our virtual grand opening on August 27th!

New Homes in Sarasota, Florida

Windward features four inspired collections of new paired villas and single-family homes in Sarasota, Florida from the high $200s. The Coral Series features two beautiful villa-style homes, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind in true Florida style. While the Cruise Series has a charming, right-sized home for everyone. Clean lines and classic island style abound in Windward’s Celebration Series. And the Coastal Series features homes that are as delightful as they are spacious. Here, homebuyers can find exactly what they’re looking for:
- 2 – 6 bedrooms, 2 – 4 bathrooms
- 2 – 3 car garages
- 1,434 – 3,654 square feet
Also, residents will have the chance to find what moves them every day, thanks to an exciting mix of amenities including:
- Resort-style pools
- Fitness center & sports courts
- Social club
- Playgrounds & dog parks
- Full-time Activities Director
Life at Lakewood Ranch

Come home to the #1-rated multigenerational community in the U.S: Lakewood Ranch. In addition to Windward’s exciting mix of activities and amenities, residents will also have access to all Lakewood Ranch has to offer, including:
- 200 shops and eateries
- 23 mixed-use fields
- Miles of hard and soft trails
- Golf & Country Club
- Exciting community events
- Business and medical centers
Register for Windward’s Virtual Grand Opening Event

Be among the first to learn more about Windward at our virtual grand opening event on Thursday, August, 27th at 12 pm EDT. In addition to guiding you through several model homes over Facebook Livestream, Sale Associates will explain what makes living here so special. What’s more, the first 100 people that register on the gift card link (provided by hosts during the live event) will get a FREE $25 Starbucks gift card for attending! So RSVP now for Windward’s virtual grand opening event.
August 25, 2020
New Home in Venice, Florida — Move in to Milano today!
Only one chance remains to live in one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after communities. Above all, Milano features a coveted coastal lifestyle and stunning new homes in Venice, Florida—and this final Tidewater floorplan could be yours today!

Carefree living at Milano

If you’re looking for a new home in Venice, Florida, there’s no better chance to own than Milano. And you’ll find this maintenance-assisted, closeout community has everything you could want to live the laid-back, coastal lifestyle you’re dreaming of.

Milano’s amenity center with clubhouse and outdoor pavilion is a bustling hub of activity. Here, you’ll discover an ever-changing list of activities planned by the on-site Activities Director. While a resort-style pool is perfect for lounging or swimming laps. What’s more, pickleball and bocce ball courts are great places to connect with neighbors. And walking along miles of trails beside beautiful ponds or to the neighborhood dog park is a relaxing way to end each day.

Your New Home in Venice, Florida

The Tidewater, a quick move-in Milano model home, is fully furnished and ready for easy Florida living. This twin villa-style home, designed by Neal Communities and decorated by Charlene Neal, features inviting open living spaces.

First, you’ll notice how entertaining is sure to be a breeze thanks to an open great room with coffered ceiling, spacious dining area and gourmet island kitchen. And you can easily enjoy outdoor living on the covered lanai, located just through the great room’s sliding glass doors. Plus, the master suite bedroom features two closets and a bath with dual sink vanities, walk-in shower and private water closet. Use the second bedroom with walk-in closet as a guest room, conveniently located close to a full bath. And the den is a perfect place for a home office, featuring beautiful French doors. Finally, the home’s prime location in the maintenance-assisted community of Milano makes it an excellent choice for a new home in Venice, Florida, for a small family, individual or as a vacation home.

Residence Details:
- 1,524 square feet of living space
- 2 bedrooms plus den, 2 baths, 2-car garage
- Private lanai
- Fully-furnished model home
- Maintenance-assisted living
- Priced at $352,990
Why buy in a closeout community?

Because a major benefit of buying in a fully-furnished new home in Venice, Florida, is that this charming community will also be complete. This means that neighborhood amenities like parks, trails, pools and the exceptional community clubhouse will be fully built out. And the community will feel like home from the moment you first walk through the door!

Start making memories at Milano

The memories you make here will last forever, but this incredible opportunity won’t last! And because these tours are by appointment only, schedule your tour of this charming villa home today.

Quick move-in homes in Southwest Florida

Ready to make your move? Neal Communities has many other quick move-in homes available now throughout Southwest Florida. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
July 22, 2020
Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Home maintenance doesn’t take the summer off! Which is why we’ve rounded up our top 5 summer home maintenance tips to help keep your new home in great shape.

Maintenance Tip #1: Inspect your air conditioner

Summer is the busiest time for your air conditioner, especially for Southwest Florida homeowners like ours, which is why this is a great time to make sure they’re running well. So if you haven’t already, replace or remove and clean your AC unit’s filter per manufacturer instructions and be sure to have your central AC system inspected by a professional at least once a year.

Maintenance Tip #2: Check your detectors

This summer home maintenance tip could even save your life! Check your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the change of every season—it’s a great habit to get into.

Maintenance Tip #3: Keep sinks fresh and clean

Without checking in on your kitchen sink regularly, it can become smelly and clogged. Try running lemon juice or vinegar ice cubes down the disposal to keep it smelling fresh.

Maintenance Tip #4: Clean your outdoor cooker

Give your grill a deep cleaning to enjoy outdoor eating all summer long.
- For gas grills, turn the heat up high and leave the lid closed for 30 minutes. After the grill cools, brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the grill’s exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Don’t forget to clean the grill’s drip pans!
- For charcoal grills, empty the grill completely and wipe out any residue. Then clean it inside and out with hot water and some liquid dishwashing soap. Be sure to let the grill dry completely before your next use.
Maintenance Tip #5: Care for your plants

Longer days provide extra time to spend making sure your yard is looking its best. After all, an overgrown lawn can lead to animal and bug infestations, choke out existing plants, and reduce curb appeal. Spending some time mowing, weeding, and caring for your Florida yard can make a big difference!

Find the home of your dreams this summer

From spacious single-family homes to just-right-sized villas, Neal Communities builds exceptional new homes in southwest Florida. Spend the rest of your summer sitting back on your private lanai, enjoying the natural beauty and exciting amenities our communities have to offer. Contact us today for more information!
July 9, 2020
Linger Under Your Lanai

Lanais are an essential space for all Florida homes. But if you live in a region that is especially cold or subject to rain, you might not be familiar with them. In its simplest definition, a lanai is similar to a porch: it has a roofed entrance yet remains open to the elements. While porches are typically located in the front of the home, lanais reside exclusively at the back of the home. Lanais originated in Hawaii, but they’ve become a fixture of stunning living spaces worldwide. They have been widely associated with a connection to nature and the pursuit of a life well-lived. At Neal Communities, all of our homes are built with lanais for your using pleasure.

There are countless ways to style a lanai. When designing, stick to bright shades that will complement the outdoors. You’ll also want to get weather-proof furniture and classic options like wicker or rattan to heighten your lanai’s vacation aesthetic. Roll out a patterned outdoor rug to define the seating arrangements, and space out plants for color and texture. Finally, arrange pillows that will encourage settling in. With a space that inviting, you’ll never want to leave.

Once you have your lanai decorated, it’s time to enjoy. See below to for a guide on the many purposes a lanai can serve in your home!

Gardening If you’ve got a green thumb, consider planting an outdoor garden. Set out planters in an area with partial sunlight and select herbs and flowers that thrive in your region’s climate. It’s a simple way to connect your lanai to your surrounding landscape seamlessly.

Winding Down Lanais are also a tranquil space for relaxation. Create and outdoor reading nook set with a bench adorned with weather resistant pillows and maybe even a blanket for cooler temperatures. Candles, incense and a plush cushion would be ideal decor options for meditation. Keep a mat handy to easily transform your zen den into an outdoor yoga studio.

Dining Take your meals outside with a dining set-up in your backyard. It’s divine dining under the stars when it’s warm and breezy out. You can also construct a stainless steel outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill under your lanai and cook an entire meal outside. Cook up an array of your favorite seasoned vegetables, marinated meats served with a light salad and you’ve got a delicious meal. And for dessert, try out these grilled s’mores–you can thank us later.

Entertaining Lanais make the perfect retreat when having company over. It’s a great space for your overflow guests to graze when your home is filling up. Install speakers and additional lighting to set the ambiance for your event. Great for when you’re entertaining a crowd, several friends or just you and your family.

Have we sold you on this concept yet? If you’d like to learn more about buying a home with a lanai built in, or you’re looking to build, then connect with one of our Online Sales Consultants. They’ll be happy to arrange an in-person or virtual appointment to answer any questions you may have about lanais or other home inquiries.

June 12, 2020
3 Tips to Design Your Second Home

Charlene Neal is President of Charlene Neal PureStyle and Vice President of Design at Neal Communities. She posts regularly on her website: www.charlenenealpurestyle.com

If it’s been on your mind and heart to have a second home that you can retreat to either for the holidays, a weekend, or for the long Northern Winter, then welcome to Southwest Florida and the endless possibilities. Neal Communities has been successfully building homes and communities that are perfect for a second home. There are many to choose from that will fit your needs.

Once you choose your home the next question is how to design a second home that you love and that’ll live up to your dreams? Here at PureStyle, we are poised to help you do just that!

Decide and Define

Well, it begins with deciding and defining the purpose of the second home.

● Will it serve as an escape and a respite for you alone or will you share it with others?

● Is it a space designed to help you to slow down and reconnect with nature?

● Or will it be a gathering place for your extended family where meals will be lovingly prepared and served to help you to reconnect your loved ones.

Deciding on the function of the home will guide the design process so that it’s a breath of fresh air the moment you arrive.

Let’s look at the design elements of this single family home in the Cruise Series at Vicenza in Venice Florida.

Liberty 3

It’s perfect for a second home in size and the location. We worked to create an attractive interior design that is simple yet sophisticated.

If your home is to be an escape for you to get away from busy then choose a color palette that will gently suggest that you unwind, take a deep breath, slip into a light cotton caftan and get started on that book you’ve been wanting to read. Here in Liberty 3 we used soft neutrals paired with a modern pastel pink that provides the blush that nods towards exciting without the drama.

3 tips to design your second home:

● Consistently using the same colors throughout the home adds to a cohesive feeling that is relaxing in itself.

● Using high end materials, a touch of metallics, large scale art, and fresh flowers will give the home a touch of luxury without overwhelming the space with things.

● Using natural elements throughout the home will in itself give the home a grounded feeling which will help you to unwind, relax, and enjoy your space the moment you arrive.

So, pack your bags for the last time because you have a vacation home to go to and it has all of the comforts of home without all of the distractions.

We would love to design your second home with PureStyle. It starts with a conversation and determining your expectations of how you would use your second home. The Charlene Neal PureStyle team would love to link arms with you and design a second home that you love and that’ll live up to your dreams!

April 15, 2020
5 Reasons to Choose Neal Communities

There are so many reasons to build with Neal Communities. But here’s just a few that we believe make all the difference in your home buying journey–The Neal Difference.

1. Communities & Connections

At Neal Communities, we know it’s not just about building a tapestry of homes. It’s about how those homes weave together to form a true community that you and your family will love.

2. Before, During and After—We’re With You Every Step of the Way

For 50 years, we’ve been building Neal Communities throughout Southwest Florida. Doing this takes more than tools and blueprints. It takes commitment. And it takes the utmost dedication to our buyers. For us, customer satisfaction is what matters most.

3. Everything You Need in One Place

We offer everything you need within our family of companies, so you are taken care of from start to finish. Neal has you covered, from financing to insurance to interior design to pool creation.

4. Committed to Our Community

A company’s greatest strength lies in its collective ability to make a positive impact in the community. For us, this means giving back time and resources to local causes, programs and organizations that help educate residents, support historic and environmental preservation and more!

5. Giving Back

Over the years, Pat Neal and Neal Communities have championed academic, athletic, cultural, environmental and philanthropic programs that support the arts, community, non-profit and educational organizations. A tradition of giving back to the communities where we live and work benefits us all.

February 28, 2020
Plan & Prepare for Hurricane Season
There’s actually a lot that you can do to help protect your home and minimize damage before a storm. With hurricane season in our midst, go through these tips to make certain you’re as ready as possible for a serious weather scenario.

Outdoor Preparation
- Trim trees and shrubs before storms roll in and pay particular attention to branches above roofs. Consider removing damaged trees that may be too weak to withstand high winds. Be sure to properly dispose of branches and any loose debris.
- Protect your windows. Impact-resistant windows or storm shutters will provide your home with maximum protection. If you are a Neal Communities homeowner, refer to your storm shutter floor plan located in your shutter kit box to make the process as seamless as possible.
- Bring any loose items inside, including garbage and recycling bins, outdoor furniture, grills, yard decorations, or potted plants. Make sure balconies and porches are clear as well.
- For pools, lower the water six inches, add extra chlorine, and turn off electricity to the pool’s pump. If possible, cover your pool with an approved and secure pool cover.
- Consider purchasing a generator to keep just in case your power goes out during a storm. For more information on generator safety check out the link here.
Indoor Preparation
- If a power outage is anticipated, modify your refrigerator and freezer to the highest setting and make sure that the doors are secured shut. According to government food safety guidelines, if these doors are left closed, cold items will remain cold for 4 hours and frozen items can stay frozen for up to 48 hours.
- If storm surge is a concern, move light furniture like kitchen chairs and side tables to upper floors in homes with multiple levels. If possible, elevate heavy pieces such as couches on the ground floor to a raised position on waterproof materials such as bricks or cinder block. Small home décor items can be packed in plastic containers and stacked off of the ground.
Get ahead of the storm and ensure that your home is hurricane ready. Make sure that the actions listed above are completed as soon as possible if a hurricane warning has been issued. For more details in the case of severe weather, refer to this link from the Red Cross.

Your safety is of the utmost importance at Neal Communities. Be sure to take care of yourself, your family and your home this hurricane season.
August 6, 2019
LAKEWOOD RANCH NO. 1 IN THE NATION FOR HOUSING STARTS IN SECOND QUARTER

LAKEWOOD RANCH NO. 1 IN THE NATION FOR HOUSING STARTS IN SECOND QUARTER

Lakewood Ranch led the nation in housing starts for the second quarter of 2019, according to Metrostudy, a leading research and consulting firm specializing in U.S. residential markets. The Ranch’s 1,561 new home starts exceeded those of other top-selling communities in Florida, Texas, Nevada and California.

“With a broad offering of new homes for every stage of your life coupled with a long standing reputation for amenities and lifestyle, Lakewood Ranch became the ‘Most Active Community’ in the United States for new housing starts as of 2Q 2019, surpassing The Villages for top spot,” said Tony Polito, director of the Tampa/Central Florida region of Metrostudy.

Earlier in the month, Lakewood Ranch was named the second fastest-selling community in the nation (first multi-generational community), according to Maryland-based real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2019 Mid-Year Ranking.

“Lakewood Ranch’s sales – and subsequent starts success – is a result of its exceptional location, multi-generational approach, and diversity of neighborhoods, as well as an ever-growing list of daily conveniences and social engagement opportunities,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president, LWR Communities, LLC.

Among the recent additions to The Ranch’s myriad offerings have been two new community parks, two new shopping centers, and the addition of 1.1M square feet of commercial development, which resulted in 222 new businesses and 2,631 additional jobs. Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has spearheaded more than 28 miles of road expansions, added a new sheriff sub-station on SR70, and introduced a new Town Hall for residents. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center recently completed and expansion, and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School will be open for the 2019-‘20 school year.

Prices in The Ranch range from $200K to more than $1 million, providing a multitude of options for buyers, including condominiums, paired villas, and single-family homes.

Sales in Lakewood Ranch continue to come from throughout Florida, as well as from high tax markets in the Northeast, specifically New York and New Jersey. There has been growing activity from the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland, as well as from California.

Metrostudy is the leading provider of primary and secondary market information to the housing and related industries nationwide. In addition to providing information, the company is recognized for its consulting expertise on development, marketing and economic issues, and is a key source of research studies evaluating the feasibility of residential and commercial real estate projects. Services are offered through an extensive network of offices strategically located in major metropolitan areas throughout the country.

Lakewood Ranch is the 31,000-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 36,000 residents and features A-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property, including CORE, a life science business campus that focuses on research, health, and education.

July 25, 2019
ideal-LIVING Magazine Honors “The Best of the Best in Planned Communities”

Wilmington, NC – ideal-LIVING magazine is pleased to announce its fourth annual “Best of the Best” issue which features the Top 100 Planned Communities. The honorees are also revealed on www.ideal-LIVING.com/bestofthebest.

Surveys were collected at the 2019 Ideal Living Real Estate Shows which showed the top amenities in which potential homebuyers were interested. The Top 100 amenity communities were chosen based on the top amenities requested, including walking trails, wellness facilities, proximity to healthcare, social clubs, swimming, a sense of community, cycling, racquet sports, gated, lake communities, coastal communities, and

Hundreds of nominations were submitted to ideal-LIVING earlier this year. A special editorial committee assembled by the publication reviewed the qualifications of each nominee and selected the winners in nine categories.

Among the categories honoring residential communities are the “Top 100 Planned Communities,” “Best Lake Communities,” “Best Mountain Communities,” “Best Coastal Communities,” “Best Golf Communities,” “Best Tennis and Pickleball,” and those with the “Best Wellness Environments.”

“The ‘Best of the Best‘ feature honors those areas and communities which deserve special recognition for their outstanding qualities, facilities, and programs,” said ideal-LIVING’s Editor and Associate Publisher Kelly Godbey. “We hope that this special feature in our Summer 2019 edition will serve our readers by focusing on the places that offer the lifestyle enhancements that are the most important to them.”

For more than 25 years, ideal-LIVING magazine has been a leading national publication for readers who are nearing retirement age or who are interested in the benefits of relocating their families or businesses. The magazine’s parent company, RPI Media, also distributes other publications like the comprehensive ideal-LIVING Choose Your Ideal Place Guide and sponsors the company’s signature ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows each year. For more information, go to the website at www.ideal-LIVING.com.

July 16, 2019
Curious About Boca Royale? Summer is Your Time to Sample the Amenities

All eyes were on Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in the latest issue of Venice Lifestyle. The magazine profiled what is now one of the area’s fastest-growing golf and country club communities. Our community more than doubled in size over the past five years and will eventually double again, to 1,200 homes in a private club enclave.

People love living at this club because it offers a rare lifestyle that feels more like a vacation than everyday life. Residents of the gated, 1,000-acre community enjoy a full line of fun and fitness amenities, including an 18-hole, par 72 golf course, beautiful amenity center, and a members-only clubhouse.

Click to learn more about why summer is the perfect time to get a taste of club life at Boca Royale!

July 16, 2019