Verano realtor event gathering

Nearly 65 real estate brokers in the Treasure Coast recently attended a special broker event at PGA Village Verano, intent upon learning more about the stability of Kolter Homes in the marketplace and visiting the community’s clubhouse.

It was a perfect evening, as the brokers enjoyed the sunset on the lanai overlooking the resort pool, and toured the clubhouse, including the indoor lap pool at the state-of-the-art fitness center that is open to the residents of PGA Village Verano. Kolter Homes’ sales executives said the enthusiasm was contagious, and the brokers were “excited to see a committed builder build an exceptional facility like we have at PGA Village Verano.” For more information and photos from this event, please visit Kolter Homes on Facebook.

A number of area realtors gathered for drinks at good times at Verano.

The beach, time and time again, brings families together – dogs included.  For the fortunate families who live at The Falls, the beach is only minutes away.  Jensen Beach, a recreational hotspot, offers something for everyone with BBQ areas, volleyball courts, a boardwalk, a quaint seaside concession and of course, spectacular beachfront.  There are countless other beaches in Martin County as well, all of which can be found along the scenic route A1A.

The beach is lovely, but a good education comes first.  And Martin County has become a first pick for parents who value top-notch schools.  The Falls of Jensen Beach allows for its younger residents to attend a host of A-rated schools, such as Jensen Beach High School.  In fact, Newsweek has ranked the high school as one of the top schools in the nation for the past two years.  Stuart Middle School offers schooling for sixth through eighth grade and will provide the much needed skills and knowledge for the challenging high years ahead.  Jensen Beach Elementary is one of the most well-established and respected elementary schools in the state, with some of the country’s best teachers.

After school and work, families at The Falls can find themselves shopping or dining seemingly right next door.  The Treasure Coast Mall features a variety of big-name department stores as well as dining venues and a 16-theater movie complex.  Shopping and dining also abound along US1 where all of life’s necessities and pleasures can be found.

Beyond the stellar location, The Falls of Jensen Beach offers three beautiful home designs, feature 3 – 5 bedrooms and 3-car garages with total sq. ft. ranging from 3,500 to 4,500.  Offering unmatched value these new homes are priced from the $300s and include a free pool for a limited time.

For more information on The Falls at Jensen Beach, visit its Martin County Sales Center located at Tres Belle Estates – in Stuart.  Take US1 South to Cove Road and make a right, Tres Belle Estates will be on your left.

For additional information and pricing visit KolterTheFalls.com or call 888-385-2740.

Most of the residents turned out for the event, several of them bringing guests, where they renewed acquaintances with their Verano friends and in some cases, got to know neighbors a little bit better. Some of the residents, such a Donna Tiveri and Mary Lou Flynn, discovered they had been teachers and compared notes, while others talked golf—a popular topic at PGA Village Verano, with the PGA Golf Club and its three enticing golf courses next door to the community.

Homeowners at PGA Village Verano have special resident-only access to PGA Golf Club, making the community’s next door neighbor one of the best reasons for deciding to move to the community. But friendships are another reason for choosing the Kolter Homes community, and PGA Village Verano in Port St. Lucie, Florida is attracting new residents from northern states as well as Canada. Once at established in the community, the residents often find they have mutual interests.

“After I moved here I found out this is a very dog-friendly community,” said Angela Gardella, who is a volunteer with Dogs and Cats Forever rescue organization in Port St. Lucie. She was making the rounds, letting neighbors know about the group and the upcoming events to raise funds for the organization, including an Oct. 23 residents-only Dog Show in the grassy area next to Club Verano and the “Night at the Races” fundraiser Nov. 13 at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center.

The camaraderie among the residents was evident during the event, with hugs, handshakes and back slaps as the neighbors greeted each other, but no one got a better reception than resident Bob Fromm, whose arrival was greeted with enthusiasm and an arms-up cheer from a table of his neighbors.

Christopher Dobek, club manager, was bartender for the afternoon event, and kept the refreshments flowing, while a picnic buffet offered in the adjacent fitness center was a definite hit with the residents and their guests. Activities director Christine Castellino circulated among the PGA  Village Verano residents, while she took photos of the event.

The Fourth of July party is part of a monthly schedule of get-togethers for residents of PGA Village Verano, while other special events, such as the Amazing Verano Race, offers residents a chance to be part of a year-long program that earns points for participating in a variety of activities,  with the winner receiving a cruise for two.

Those who want information about becoming a part of this interesting and lively group of residents should call1-800-680-8175 or visit www.VeranoFlorida.com.

This year’s event draws nearly double the participants to enjoy fishing, prizes and cookout at the Kolter Homes luxury boating community on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River

STUART, FL—The weather was perfect and the fish were biting for the 2nd Annual Lost River KDW Fishing Tournament & Community Cookout Party, held recently by the Stuart riverfront community’s homeowners association. The setting couldn’t be better either, with boats leaving from the Lost River Marina for an easy run down the South Fork of the St. Lucie River to the ocean, unobstructed by fixed bridges. Participants vied for prizes for the heaviest Kingfish, Dolphin and Wahoo (KDW); heaviest fish overall; and heaviest combined weight for three fish. Following the tournament, the entrants, along with other residents, their families and friends, gathered for a cookout at the Lost River Clubhouse.

“The aim of our fishing tournament and cookout is to enhance Lost River as a family-friendly boating community,” said Bill Natalie, HOA president. “As one of our community’s signature events, we hope to see more and more residents and their families and friends come out each year.”

At Lost River, a Kolter Homes community, the clubhouse and marina complex is the focal point for social events the homeowner’s association puts on throughout the year, but residents don’t have to go to the marina to board their boats. All homes are directly on the water and boast either a boat dock or boatlift at the rear of the property. The clubhouse, which is an easy walk from every residence, also features a fitness center, catering kitchen and social rooms.

Starting from the mid-$400s, these luxury homes are an unsurpassed opportunity to own a brand new Kolter Home with ocean access. In addition to river views, all 46 Lost River home sites are surrounded with nature preserves, ponds and tropical flora. The design and engineering of the homes themselves beautifully complement the natural setting. The architecture features brick pavers on the quaint covered patios as well as driveways and entry walks, with light earth-tone tile roofs and elegantly traditional elevations that blend beautifully with the lush landscaping and native plants that set off each home.

With its close proximity to Palm Beach County, the charm of downtown Stuart, lower taxes and an exceptional school district, Martin County provides an ideal location for Kolter Homes to apply its decade of experience in Florida homebuilding. Through their Eco-nomics program, Kolter Homes offers high-quality, affordable homes which conserve resources, provide energy and cost savings, and offer premier construction and advanced technology to promote a green lifestyle for new homeowners.

Sales information for Lost River is presented at the Tres Belle sales office in Stuart. Those interested may call 888.355.3792 for an appointment or just drop by. To visit the sales office, take I-95 to Exit 101 East to FL-76/Kanner highway. Go about ¼-mile east and turn right onto SE Cove Road. Tres Belle is on the right.

The event on June 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. offers visitors a chance to enjoy a light lunch and entertainment, as well as a sneak a peek at the community’s unique new home designs. Created specifically for today’s active adults, new brand new floor plans feature new elevations, paint colors and all the details that active adult buyers seek.

“Kolter has taken this opportunity to reinvent our product line. You won’t find these homes anywhere else, no matter how hard you look. The community has experienced phenomenal success, selling more than 50 homes since it opened in 2010. We expect this new product line will make it even more popular,” said Kolter Vice President, Bob Rademacher.

Before designing the new home plans, Kolter surveyed 2,500 active adults to discover the top features they want in a home and incorporated them into the home plans.

The 12 new home plans range in size from 1,300 to 2,900 square feet and include kitchens open to the great room, large owner’s suites with oversized showers and lots of storage, including golf cart storage.

Buyers may choose from numerous options to make their new home uniquely theirs. All of the plans have optional basements and lofts and garages that can be constructed to accommodate two cars and a golf cart. The homes have flexible space above the garage that can be finished as a storage area or as an additional bedroom and bath.

Homes at Cresswind at Lake Lanier are constructed using the company’s Comfort Home Design™ program to ensure attention that homes are aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical. The homes feature upgraded insulation and sealants and undergo a blower test to ensure energy efficiency. Homes are certified by “Right Choice” an energy savings program offered by Jackson EMC that offers three different warranties to ensure energy efficiency and guaranteed savings.

When completed, Cresswind at Lake Lanier will include 734 homes and 214 acres of preserved green space, along with a first-class amenity package.

The community’s $8 million, 36,000 square foot clubhouse is under construction. Homeowners at Cresswind have the rare opportunity to lease private boat slips on Lake Lanier or they can use the community courtesy dock.

The community is located just 45 minutes from Atlanta near Lake Lanier, one of Georgia’s most popular recreational attractions and within a short drive of Chateau Élan Winery and Golf Resort, Mall of Georgia, Road Atlanta as well as top-rated restaurants and healthcare facilities.

To reach Cresswind at Lake Lanier from GA-400, go to the first light past exit 17 and turn right on Browns Bridge Road (GA 369). Go 13.1 miles. The entrance will be on your left. Look for the waterfall). From I-85 North, Take I-985 to exit 16 and turn left on Mundy Mill Road. Go 2.5 miles and turn right on McEver Road. Go 1.9 miles and take a left on Browns Bridge Road. The community entrance is ¼ mile on the right. For more information call 770-532-4926 or e-mail Lwoodruff@cresswind.com.

Everyone is enjoying the social atmosphere at Verano

More than 80 residents attended the Kolter sponsored barbecue in the clubhouse at PGA Village Verano on April 26. 

What's a BBQ without a little rain?

 Even the heavy rains couldn’t dampen the party atmosphere and everyone had a great time.

The clubhouse was packed with residents old and new. Hot dogs, burgers and assorted drinks, decorations and service items were provided by Kolter, while residents brought their favorite dishes to pass potluck-style. The event started promptly at six p.m. and continued well in to the evening, with residents eating, drinking and making merry despite the storm raging outside.

New friendships were made and recipes exchanged over dinner, where many residents were overheard discussing their interest and excitement at the announcement that two new models will be available in the newly opened Phase II. The Bella Sera and Collina models are new to the Verano portfolio and sure to spark plenty of interest in potential new buyers. Residents reported that they are looking forward to seeing construction progress in Phase II, and anxious to meet the new friends and neighbors who will make such a welcome addition to the Verano community.

PGA Village Verano is one of the few new construction communities whose atmosphere echoes the welcoming neighborhood feel of an earlier era. From the Amazing Verano Race to the smaller events, parties, picnics and barbecues that go on all year long, Verano is reminding residents what it really means to be a neighbor, and the fun of all those “block parties” and neighborhood barbecues they grew up with. With its warm, welcoming people, access to PGA golf, its wide range of floor plans and luxurious high end finishes and amenities, all at affordable prices, it’s no wonder PGA Village Verano is one of the most popular communities in Port St. Lucie – and with Phase II now underway, it looks as though its popularity, like its friendships, is only going to grow.

Call or visit PGA Village Verano today to find out how you can get your own piece of the modern community with the timeless neighborhood feel – PGA Village Verano.

Christmas In The Caribbean – “Party with a Purpose!” Benefit for the Salvation Army – Sunday December 5, 2010 from 2 – 5pm poolside at the Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina. There will be free admission with the donation of and unwrapped new toy, non-perishable food, and/or cash donation. There will be door prizes and Parrot Head Gifts, live music by Sweet Justice Reggae bank, 50/50 raffle, cheeseburger station, and cash bar. Last year the Treasure Coast Parrot Heads collected almost 200 toys, over 600 pounds of food and $3,000 in cash for the Salvation Army. For more information contact Chairperson Karen Stewart at bkstew-art@comcast.net or call 772-398-9194

For the grown ups we have the Salerno Christmas Swagger Pub Crawl on Saturday December 4th, from 5 pm – Midnight. For $25 per person, enjoy one drink at EACH stop, provided you order your tickets early. It’s only $30 if you purchase your ticket at the event. You can purchase your early tickets here http://www.portsalernocp.org/index.html. Here is the list of places on the crawl. Shrimpers, Finz, Getting Crabby, King Neptune’s, RedEye Cafe, Pirate’s Loft, Manatee Island and Coconuts! There will be games, including a Scavenger Hunt, drink specials, and entertainment.

With Christmas just around the corner Santa’s elves are working overtime. As a result Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking a much deserved break down here in sunny Florida. Some of Santa’s elves are serving up a Continental Breakfast at the Burns Road Recreation Center this Saturday at 9am. Make sure to bring your camera because Santa and Mrs. Claus can’t wait to take pictures with your children. Register early because space is limited. http://www.pbgfl.com/content/76/1673/default.aspx

Martin County 30th Annual Boat Parade – Saturday December 4, 2010. The parade will begin at 6pm near City Hall downtown and continue in to the Manatee Pocket ending at Twin Rivers Park around 7:30pm.

Buyers who intend to use the place as a second home will pay the same rate as they would pay for a primary residence. If they intend to rent the property out until they retire and they need the rental income to qualify for the mortgage, lenders will consider that an investment property and charge a half to a full percentage point more.

Still, the idea remains “pretty compelling,” says Justin Krane, a certified financial planner in Los Angeles.

Source: Money Magazine, Sarah Max (11/02/2010)

About PGA Village:
The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class courses at the PGA Golf Club, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,” PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and PGA Historical Center golf museum. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, complete with a Private Members Club, and also serves as the home club for our 28,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America:
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

About Audubon Lifestyles
Audubon Lifestyles is a non-profit organization based in the Principles for Sustainability, believing that the most natural way to foster sustainability is by working to balance the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet. Operating with the main purpose of benefiting society, Audubon Lifestyles delivers sustainable programming, services and certifications that are cost effective and reduce risk. Their goals include supporting the work of other not-for-profits involved in sustainability on local, regional, national and international scales, and believe that every person plays an important role in regard to the future of our planet. This includes roles at home, at work and in society at large. It is incumbent on each of us to make positive contributions toward the common good by being socially, environmentally and economically responsible where we live, work and recreate. To learn more, visit www.audubonlifestyles.org.
###