New Manatee Home Models Unveiled as Builders Remain Confident

SARASOTA, FLORIDA, February 7th, 2014 – The consumer outlook appears dreary as 2013 winds up but builders nonetheless seem steadfast on their optimism on the housing market.

The overall index of consumer sentiment in November fell to 72.0 in November, the lowest level since December 2011, a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey showed. In contrast, the NAHB/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index for November stood at 54, unchanged from the reading in October.

This index, based on a monthly survey among members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), has stayed above the 50 level for six consecutive months after wallowing at sub-50s since May 2006. Over-50 readings indicate more builders believe sales conditions are good rather than poor.

New models and built-up homes

This builder optimism is quite evident in Manatee County where Sarasota Bay Real Estate notes a spate of new home models were unveiled recently. In the Lakewood Ranch community of Central Park, Lee Wetherington Homes has introduced the three-bedroom Baypointe which has a floor plan of 2,750 square feet. An outdoor living area is one of its distinctive features, consisting of an oversized covered lanai with a spacious outdoor kitchen and pool area.

Prospective home buyers will also find competitively priced existing built-up homes in this community. One choice from the current listings of the MLS of Sarasota homes for sale is a three-bedroom residence built in 2011 with a floor area of close to 1,900 square feet and priced in the high $200s.

Medallion’s pair

In Parrish, two new models were recently completed by Medallion Home at Gamble Creek Estates. One is the new, customizable Aruba model, featuring a bonus room with pool bath, an expanded lanai, and a three-car garage. The other is the Barbados 2400 XII model with larger bedrooms, overflow improvements, and tray ceilings. Their base prices start around the mid-$200s.

Also from this builder, a St. Croix XII home model constructed in 2012 is currently sales-listed in the high $200s range. This 2,100-square-foot residence with a private pool is designed with three bedrooms and two baths.

More at Eagle Trace’s opening

At the Eagle Trace community near Lakewood Ranch set for a December opening, Neal Communities has lined up paired villas in addition to single family homes. The Celebration and the Cove series are Neal’s single family home offerings in this neighborhood which has a convenient location near Lakewood Ranch and State Road 64. The homebuilder is bringing in its Coral series for the paired villas.

The Celebration series, which include the new White Sand 2 model, consists of six floor plans measuring from 1,772 to 2,443 square feet, designed with two to three bedrooms. The paired villas, consisting of the models Crystal Sand and Tidewater, feature two bedrooms and floor plan designs ranging from 1,434 to 1,534 square feet.

A maintenance-free community, Eagle Trace is programmed to have various amenities including a recreation center, a community pool, a children’s playground, a tennis court, and two dog parks. Its first phase is planned for 182 lots. Development of additional phases is scheduled for 2014.