What is so newsworthy at Ayersworth Glen? Sold signs and construction! Construction workers head to the community on a daily basis to add more and more homes to the community, many of which have already been purchased. When driving through the streets of the community, you see empty lots with SOLD signs in front of them and many occupied residences. Basically, the community is full of life. There are not foreclosed homes that have sat for months and months or empty lots without a builder, instead, sales are up and people are moving in.

So, your next question must be why Ayersworth Glen? This exceptional Wimauma community has what today’s home buyers are looking for – great amenities, great location and a great value. Highland Homes offers new homes in Ayersworth Glen priced from only $109,000, and buyers that qualify can move in with $0 down. As for the amenities, residents enjoy use of a large community pool, clubhouse with exercise facility, sports field, playground and bike trails.

To see positive signs of the housing industry, head to South Hillsborough County and visit Ayersworth Glen.

With over 2,400 square feet of living space and four bedrooms with two baths, the Winston II is incredibly spacious for any growing family. The home offers a formal living and dining room as well as a large kitchen and breakfast nook open to the family room. The large covered lanai is screened and has access to the master suite and family room. The luxury bath offers double vanity with two sinks, a large garden tub and walk in shower, and large walk in closet. The exterior offers a large double door entry with two columns for the rich look of luxury, all priced to be affordable for any buyer.

The Winston II is one of Highland’s most popular floorplans, see the video below for a virtual tour.

In January, Charlie and David took on a tremendous challenge by entering PigFest 2010 in Lakeland. With 78 professionals and 75 backyard teams all competing to be dubbed the best barbecue, Pigfest was by far the largest event these two have ever participated in. In fact, PigFest is one of the largest backyard competitions in the nation. Even with all of this competition, Charlie and David came out on top winning 1st place in the ribs competition and 6th place overall.

Charlie and David strictly compete in the backyard division now, but they are hoping that with time and more success they’ll be able to move up to the professional league.

If you want to taste this award-winning barbecue, then head to the Orange Blossom Special BBQ Fest in Dade City on March 20, 2010. Charlie and David will be entering their ribs, chicken, pork and brisket in the competition and hoping to bring home the blue ribbon. Everyone at Highland Homes has nothing but rave reviews for this exceptional cuisine; it truly is fantastic BBQ. However, we don’t expect you to take our word for it, just look at their accolades:

• 2009 Orange Blossom Special BBQ Fest – won 2nd place in chicken, ribs and pork as well as placed 3rd overall.
• 2009 Ribs on the Ridge – 1st place in chicken
• 2010 PigFest – 1st place in ribs and 6th overall
• 2010 Orange Blossom Special BBQ Fest – TBD (but we have high hopes for a 1st place victory)

Prices in this community start at only $113,900. When was the last time you saw a value this good? Highland Homes is known as “the value leader” and this community is a perfect example of a great value. St. James Crossing offers nearly 30 floor plans ranging from 1,100 square feet to over 2,600 square feet, one and two story homes with 3-5 bedrooms and 2 and 3 bathrooms. The model is the Casa Key II with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a luxury master suite, great room with vaulted ceilings, kitchen with nook and double door entry. This is a split bedroom plan with the two guest rooms located at the front of the house and the master suite off the rear, overlooking the screened lanai.

The included features offer Merrilatt cabinets in several stains, Mica counter tops, garage door opener, R30 insulation, a 14 SEER HVAC with programmable thermostat, Armstrong vinyl flooring, Delta faucets, Pittsburg paints, and landscaping that includes Florida Friendly landscaping with irrigation. Highland Homes has a Personal Selection Studio that showcases all of these items and many more features to choose from. With experienced designers, great pricing and plenty to choose from, your studio visit is always a good time.

Highland Homes was recently recognized by Builder Magazine as the #84 builder of the Builder 100, an outstanding accomplishment for any builder, let alone a local, private builder. Highland Homes has several financing options, including zero down for those who qualify. Just call or visit our new sales center for more information at 863-956-3269, visit 4650 Fox Trail, 33881.

Projected to open in late summer 2012, the new campus is a tremendous addition to the area. USFP chose this specific location because it is situated along Florida’s High Tech Corridor. The I-4, which connects Tampa and Orlando, is one of the state’s main transportation and tourist routes, increasing visibility for the university while also raising the profile of the region as a technology incubator.

North Lakeland, FL will now be a technology hub in Florida. The higher education institution will offer the state-of-the-art facilities required for the applied learning and research activities that are characteristic of a polytechnic university. In regards to the local economy, the new campus will create jobs in the area as well as increase the educational standards. It will also attract new residents.

Whether a student at the new facility or an employee, Highland Homes has five new home communities in Lakeland. BridgeWater and Stonewood are located just off of I-4. Towne Park and Oakford Estates, two of the home builder’s best selling communities, are conveniently situated right off the Polk Parkway. Lastly, Winchester Estates is nestled in North Lakeland. These five communities offer Lakeland new homes priced from the $120’s with a variety of options, from living in a golf community to waterfront homesites. When relocating to Lakeland, make Highland Homes your first choice for a new home.

Cypress Gardens arose from water-skiing exhibitions in the 1930s. The attraction later became as well known for its flower-drenched botanical gardens and the presence of Southern belles in elaborate hoop skirts. The attraction has changed owners several times in recent years and closed for the first time in 2003. It reopened with a new owner in 2004, only to shut down again two years later. The owners closed the park in 2008 and spent months renovating it before opening again last year. But the attraction closed again without warning in September.

Merlin Entertainments Group, the operator of Legoland theme parks, has bought the Winter Haven Park, after months of speculation following the abrupt closure of Cypress Gardens in September. The sale includes the original botanical gardens and the Splash Island water park. Merlin Entertainments Group is considered the world’s second-largest attraction company. It owns 59 attractions in 13 countries. Its properties include the Madame Tussauds wax museums and the Legoland parks, three in Europe and one in Carlsbad, Calif., south of Los Angeles. The company didn’t previously own any properties in Florida.

It’s a resurrection of the state’s first theme park, and we certainly felt the effects of the Gardens being closed. When you have the second-largest attraction-industry company in the world, it’s a huge, huge benefit, pretty much any way you look at it. We’re very excited about it. They operate a quality park. It is a niche market that is very attractive to anyone that ever has enjoyed playing with Legos, and that’s people from small children to middle-aged adults.

It would be a rebirth for tourism in Polk County and especially Winter Haven, a new injection of a primary tourism destination. Highland Homes has several communities in the Winter Haven area and is excited about the new employment base the new Legoland Park will bring. With homes in Winter Haven from $113,900, Highland Homes is confident they will be providing homes to the many new employees.

*Photo courtesy of Act1

The requirements are tougher, the credit scores keep changing, the loan programs are getting confusing and who are the experts in this process? Is it the bank, the mortgage broker, the real estate professional or the builder? The answer is not as easy as you think. The answer depends on the buyer and the local market.

For one Central Florida builder, the answer is obvious! It’s the builder. Highland Homes prides themselves on being the finance expert and providing all the answers to every customer. Their sales team is trained on all finance programs and understands how to educate the buyer. Highland Homes works with buyers who need help in repairing their credit before they can purchase. The company works with several buyers who need down payment assistance or special financing programs. The sales team offers 100% financing to most of their buyers. Buyer’s can find all the answers by visiting a Highland Homes community in 5 Central Florida counties.

For more about what questions buyers have read this MSN article we recently found. Then contact your Highland Homes sales team for more information about what works best for your personal situation.

Highland Homes has a wide variety of central Florida new homes that are perfect for first-time home buyers. So, if you and your significant other have been talking about purchasing your first home together, then now is the time to do it since the first-time home buyer tax credit will expire in a little over two months time. At Highland Homes, you can choose from over 30 different floorplans at most every community – just ask the sales center representative for more details about these floorplans when you visit the community on Sunday.

As for communities, Highland Homes spans Central Florida from Orland to Tampa and everything in between. They have lakefront homesites, family-friendly communities with playgrounds and tot lots, homes in golf communities, homes in master-planned developments and more. No matter what your preference or style, you can no doubt find your perfect home at Highland Homes – and the government will give you $8,000 just for buying a home, what more could you need? So, come to any Highland Homes sales center on Sunday, February 14th for your free rose and more information about these spacious homes, the first-time home buyer tax credit and the easy financing.

Photo courtesy of Sasukekun22

Tampa:

• Make reservations for a relaxing day for two at the Vinoy Salon and Day Spa in St. Petersburg or just purchase her a gift certificate as a present. They have a full menu of services including facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, couples massage and more.
• Enjoy waterfront dining and Cuban cuisine at the Columbia Restaurant. The Tampa Bay area has two locations, one in Ybor City and the other at the St. Petersburg Pier. The Ybor City Columbia was even chosen as “Our Favorite Romantic Restaurant” by Southern Living Magazine. In addition to their regular lunch and dinner menu, they are also offering Valentine’s Day specials like a Surf & Turf. Go ahead and make reservations today.
• Giving you something a little more memorable, take your significant other on a romantic hot air balloon ride. Big Red Balloon flies at sunrise and offers a complimentary champagne toast and brunch with each ride. Tampa Bay Hot Air Balloons also offers champagne flights that truly capture the mood of a romantic holiday.

Lakeland

• Mario’s Italian Restaurant off of Edgewood Drive is a popular destination for couples. Offering authentic Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list, Mario’s was named one of the top 100 Restaurants in Tampa by UrbanSpoon.com. Go ahead and make your reservations for Valentine’s Day.
• Chef T’s Garden Grill is featuring a special Valentine’s Day Menu for you and your significant other to enjoy. You can enjoy a four course dinner, consisting of homemade soup, salad, entree and dessert, for only $39.95 per person. Reservations are highly recommended. Remember that Chef T’s is not usually open on Sundays, so that makes the dining experience even more special – like they are opening just for you.
• The Huntington Hills Country Club will be open on Valentine’s Day this year and is offering a special menu, including items like Macadamia Crusted Mahi and Filet Mignon, from noon to 9 p.m. Be sure to make your reservations.

Lake Wales

• Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales, just outside of Orlando, is the epitome of romance. Many couples have used the venue to tie the knot, and you can also use it to celebrate your love. As a restaurant and Country Inn, you can have dinner in the dining room or reserve a room for the night and order room service. They offer a traditional five course dinner and have a new a la Carte menu as well.
• Plan an afternoon picnic for two at the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

No matter where you are in Central Florida, you can have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. We at Highland Homes hope that you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday and wish you a very  Happy Valentine’s Day.

Highland Homes was represented by Kathie McDaniel, Sales and Marketing Director for the central Florida home builder. Kathie has been recognized in the Central Florida market as an industry expert and is a national speaker, instructor, and trainer for the National Home Builder’s Association. At the International Builder’s Show she participated in a presentation to hundreds of attendees who gathered to learn the newest trends and successes for advertising and marketing. This year Kathie presented somewhat of a sequel from her 2009 presentation on Social Media with the company’s website management team, Mitch Levinson of mRELEVANCE. In 2009, Mitch and Kathie were just introducing how to get started with social media and Internet marketing. This year they were able to provide results and prove how Highland Homes can track new home sales to those marketing efforts.

Highland Homes was viewed as a leading builder in the new social media movement and now credits many of their sales to social media. This has been a big year for Kathie as in the Fall of 2009, she was appointed a Trustee for the State Sales and Marketing Council. Locally she is serving her 2nd term as the Chair for the Polk County Builder’s Association Sales and Marketing Council. Kathie has been a member of the board of director’s for the Sales and Marketing Council in Polk County since 2006 and was involved in other SMC’s throughout the state since 2000. She has been instrumental in bringing educational courses to several HBA’s across the country.

At the International Builders Show Kathie was awarded a Travel Grant by the Professional Women in Building (PWB) and elected as the new Trustee for District 5 of the PWB. The PWB and SMC councils have applauded her efforts for educating others about the industry for continued growth, as well as offering her educational courses free for those who want to learn and earn designations in the building industry. Congratulations to Kathie McDaniel for involvement in the industry when others are fleeing to new careers.

Highland Homes is instrumental in the local, regional and national marketplace for new home builders. The are also setting the pace for another remarkable year and this is obviously a remarkable company looking forward to 2010.