News / Press

Neal Communities Starts 2012 With Higher Sales, Traffic

 SARASOTA, Fla., February 3, 2012 - Neal Communities continued its rise in home sales where it left off in 2011, recording a 43% increase in January with 33 homes sold – 10 more than the same month a year ago.

Neal Communities Expands Into Lee and Collier Counties

SARASOTA, Fla., February. 1, 2012 – Capitalizing on the national notoriety of being named America's Best Builder by BUILDER magazine and a record-breaking 2011 that has continued its momentum into 2012, Neal Communities has begun its home building business expansion into Lee and Collier counties.

Neal Communities Partners With Palmetto Youth Center

SARASOTA, Fla., January 24, 2012– Neal Communities recently contributed $2,000 to the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet, held by the Palmetto Youth Center. The banquet, held on January 13, was a stellar night for about 500-600 guests that included elected officials and other influential citizens in the community. The banquet serves as a kick-off for a weekend of events that included a parade, talent show, and a religious service.

Neal Communities Helps Sponsor Manatee County Fair

SARASOTA, Fla., January 20, 2012 – Neal Communities loves the Manatee County Fair and has long been a supporter of the event. This year, the home builder is sponsoring the ever-popular Rock-It the Robot. The 9 foot tall automation is a favorite of children and adults of all ages. The Fair, which is currently running, attracts thousands of visitors every year. The theme for 2012 is "A Star Spangled Year".

Neal Communities Named 2012 America's Best Builder By BUILDER Magazine

SARASOTA, Fla., January 3, 2012 -  Southwest Florida – Finishing out what has been one of the company's best years ever— with a total of 403 sales and 376 closings in 2011— Neal Communities has earned top honors from BUILDER magazine by being named the 2012 America's Best Builder in the 100-500 closings category. Read more...

Neal Communities Celebrates Record Breaking Success In 2011

SARASOTA, Fla., December 30, 2011 - Neal Communities celebrated an outstanding year with over 375 closings and 451 gross contracts spanning all price points. The average sales price was $283,867, contributing to a sales volume of over $115 million. This represents a 45% increase in sales over last year, making 2011 one of the most successful years in company history.

Waterscapes Pools & Spas Reports Record Sales In 2011

SARASOTA, Fla., December 30, 2011 - Waterscapes Pools & Spas— a division of Neal Communities— had 153 pool sales and 142 completed permits in 2011, making them the #1 pool builder in Manatee County. Waterscapes is only two-and-a-half years old and yet is one of the most active pool companies in Florida, with one source estimating the company is ranked #8 in the State.

Neal Communities Proudly Introduces Grand Palm - Neal's First New Community In Venice

SARASOTA, Fla., December 22, 2011 - Neal Communities has begun development and construction of the first phase of the Grand Palm community, located in Venice. After seven years of planning and working with the county, this is one of the first neighborhood approvals under the Sarasota 2050 initiative. The community will exemplify Neal’s commitment to sustainability, low-impact design, and economic stimulation.

Neal Communities Strengthens Families With Family Partnership Center

SARASOTA, Fla., December 14, 2011 - Neal Communities contributed $1000 to the Family Partnership Center’s 100 Hole Golf Marathon, held at the Ritz Carlton Members Golf Club earlier this fall. This was a unique golf outing where the golfers had exclusive use of the golf course for the entire day. Neal Communities was a corporate sponsor at the suggestion of local Realtor® Susan Hilton, a friend of both Neal and the Family Partnership Center.

Neal Communities Helps Kiwanis Club Of Lakewood Ranch

SARASOTA, Fla., December 13, 2011 - Neal Communities donated funds earlier this fall to the Kiwanis Club of Lakewood Ranch for the club’s golf tournament, held at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. Due to decreased funding for extracurricular activities, high school athletics have suffered county-wide. The goal of the tournament was to provide an opportunity for high school students to play in a tournament alongside other local teams and business leaders. It was held on a Wednesday, when Manatee students have a short school day.

Neal Communities Sponsors Annual "My Favorite Home" Contest

SARASOTA, Fla., December 12, 2011 - Neal Communities recently sponsored its annual “My Favorite Home” art contest at Robert E. Willis Elementary School, located in Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch. Students in all grade levels participated in the program in which they each created an image of a home on paper. The Willis teachers selected the top five for each grade level. Then, a group of community leaders chose the winner for each grade. The collage made by Hannah Coutsolioutsos in Mrs. Flynn's second grade class will appear on the front of the Neal Communities holiday card this year. A photo of all the winners along with Pat and Charlene Neal, art instructor Aaron Cratty, and principal Bill Stenger will be on the back of the card.

Neal Communities Helps Kiddie Academy Feed Empty Little Tummies

SARASOTA, Fla., December 2, 2011 - Neal Communities has contributed $500 to help the Kiddie Academy’s Apple Gala raise funds for Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies (E.F.E.L.T.). The mission of E.F.E.L.T. is to provide food for the weekends for homeless elementary students. They do this by filling back packs with foods that the children can easily prepare and eat over the weekends, when there is no school breakfast and lunch program. The Neal Communities contribution, combined with the $4000 raised at the Gala’s silent auction, raised enough to feed 100 children for one year. The Manatee school board estimates there are about 2000 children who are homeless—living in cars, group homes or motels.

Neal Communities Sets A Sales Record In November

SARASOTA, Fla., December 1, 2011 - Neal Communities signed 48 contracts for home sales in November, making it the best sales month this year. The buyers represent a cross-section of first-time buyers, empty-nesters, families, and second home owners who were taking advantage of the low interest rates and great home values. The activity was strong across all prices ranges and in all of the neighborhoods where Neal is building. There were 18 contracts alone in Woodbrook, Neal’s newest community. There have been 365 contracts so far this year, putting 2011 on track as a record-setting year.

Gail Shane & Friends Moves To Sarasota Talk Radio WSRQ

SARASOTA, Fla., November 30, 2011 - Gail Shane & Friends, now in its third year on the air, recently moved to Sarasota Talk Radio WSRQ 106.9 FM & 1220 AM. Gail Shane— the show’s creator, host, and executive producer— has served as the Realtor Liaison with Neal Communities for almost 5 of her 8 years with the home builder. Each week, a different Realtor® is selected to co-host the show with Shane. A local business and a non-profit organization are also featured. The show airs Saturday mornings from 10-11 AM and is archived online at www.GailShane.com or www.sarasotatalkradio.com.

Charlene Neal PureStyle Decorates Homes In Belleisle

SARASOTA, Fla., November 16, 2011 - Neal Communities is teaming with Christmas Traditions by Lux-Art Silks to create two holiday-themed model homes in the Belleisle neighborhood of Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch. The homes’ interiors, designed by Charlene Neal PureStyle, will showcase two distinct holiday decorating styles. The homes will be decorated and open November 18 & 19, 10 AM to 5:30 PM and noon to 5 PM on Sunday, November 20.

Neal Communities Signs 12 Contracts During Woodbrook's First Weekend Open

SARASOTA, Fla., November 14, 2011 - Neal Communities opened its newest neighborhood, Woodbrook on November 5 and welcomed hundreds of visitors and signed 12 contracts. The community, located off Lockwood Ridge and Honore Avenue, includes homes priced from the low $100,000s and ranging from 1079 to 2535 sf. Woodbrook is convenient to Bradenton, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch and will consist of 213 homes at completion. Amenities in the community include a pool, spa, cabana, grill, and playground.

Neal Communities Starts The Fourth Quarter Strong - Lakewood Ranch Home Sales Healthy In October

SARASOTA, Fla., November 3, 2011 - The rate of sales in October was anything but falling for Neal Communities. The company signed 29 contracts, with notably robust sales in Lakewood Ranch. There were 14 contracts in Central Park at Lakewood Ranch; 3 in River Sound, and 5 in Forest Creek. In the Lakewood Ranch Country Club, there were 2 in Edenmore, 2 in Greystone, and 2 in Belleisle at Country Club East. There was also 1 sale at Arlington Cove in Venice.

B.D. Gullett Students Benefit Indoors And Outdoors Thanks To Gifts From Neal Communities And Other Businesses

SARASOTA, Fla., October 27, 2011 - Neal Communities was a lead sponsor of the Third Annual B.D. Gullett Golf Challenge, held at University Park Country Club. Neal contributed $7,800. The event, organized by the school’s PTO, raised $36,705, which beat their goal of $30,000. The Challenge included 110 golfers and also featured a variety of raffles and prizes donated by various businesses. The money will be used to purchase a portable computer cart with 20 laptops and classroom resources, as well as to fund field trips. Neal Communities contributed $2,800 specifically to purchase the site license for the Accelerated Reader program.

Neal Communities Serves Up Support For Venice High School Volleyball

SARASOTA, Fla., October 13, 2011 - Neal Communities has donated $1300 to the Venice High School Volleyball program. The funds will be used for equipment, software, and other needs of the team. The Lakewood Ranch-based home builder is now actively building in three communities in Venice.

Neal Communities' Wisteria Park Almost Sold Out - Only Nine Opportunities Available

SARASOTA, Fla., October 12, 2011 - Wisteria Park in northwest Bradenton is now the last community available for families who wish to live in a new home within an established area. Wisteria Park is the neighborhood developed by Neal Communities with mature landscaping, no CDD fees, well-constructed homes, and appealing amenities in an ideal location near the beach. The dynamic neighborhood now has just four home sites, four feature homes, and one model home (by Charlene Neal PureStyle) available for sale through Neal Communities. Those who like to walk, jog, or ride bikes will find ample opportunities within and nearby Wisteria Park. It offers the beauty of the beach, the charm of the country, and the convenience of a town center.

Neal Communities Helps Make Back-To-School Better

SARASOTA, Fla., October 5, 2011 - Neal Communities recently contributed to the South County Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) back to school back pack program. About 700 backpacks were given to south county students who had a need. In addition to the donation from Neal Communities, Bealls Department stores, N and M Cool Today, and area churches also contributed funds. The Manatee YMCA helped with distribution of the backpacks. Neal Communities donated $600 and John Neal Homes contributed $400 for the Harllee Middle School students.

Neal Communities Reports Success After Hosting "Our Trade Partners Are Worth Gold" Event

SARASOTA, Fla., October 4, 2011 - Since Neal Communities is building more homes and creating new communities throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, the company has had a need for additional vendors and trade partners. Construction schedules have shortened, putting more demand on current partners. Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal’s pool division, has also been in need of trade partners. In order to meet this growing demand, the Lakewood Ranch-based home builder hosted the “Our Trade Partners Are Worth Gold” event on September 22 at the Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch.

Neal Communities Named A "Local Powerhouse" In Homebuilding - 39 Contracts Signed In September

SARASOTA, Fla., October 3, 2011 - The Bradenton-Sarasota housing market has been named by BUILDER magazine as one of the 10 healthiest housing markets, based on forecasts through 2012. The magazine estimates that housing prices will rise 2.8 percent next year, and the employment rate is expected to rise 3.7 percent. Neal Communities was cited in the article as a “local powerhouse” in terms of permit activity. Neal Communities wrote 39 contracts in September—a 90 % increase over August and a 111% increase over September, 2010. The Lakewood Ranch-based home builder has written more than 290 contracts in 2011 and is on track to sell 397 homes this year with expectations of surpassing 500 in 2012.

Charlene Neal PureStyle Interior Design Company Passes $1 Million In Sales For 2011

SARASOTA, Fla., September 23, 2011 - Charlene Neal PureStyle, Inc. recently celebrated their 1 year anniversary for expanding/opening the business to the general public. Known in the industry for their model merchandising, the company decided to expand and provide the same interior design services to residential private clientele. In the last year, PureStyle has provided full design services for over 38 residential clients and surpassed over $1.1 million in total company sales.

Neal Communities Sells Six Condos In The First 10 Days After Re-Launching Sales Efforts

SARASOTA, Fla., September 19, 2011 - Neal Communities recently re-opened its community at The Harborage to resounding success. Michelle Hunt, new homes sales representative at The Harborage, sold six condominium homes in just 10 days.

Neal Communities Has 25 Sales In August - Lakewood Ranch Builder Finds More Bright Spots In This Market

SARASOTA, Fla., September 1, 2011 - Neal Communities finished the summer strong with 25 contracts signed in August. There was strong activity in all home types and communities in Lakewood Ranch as well as Venice, Bradenton, and Parrish. The home builder has sold more than 290 homes this year and has already passed its sales numbers from last year. Additionally, there is strong support from real estate professionals. So far in 2011, Realtors® have chosen Neal homes 168 times for their clients.

Neal Communities Contributes To Ward Temple A.M.E. Summer Program For Children

SARASOTA, Fla., August 23, 2011 – Neal Communities has donated to the ongoing operating expenses of the Summer Community Outreach Program of Enrichment (S.C.O.P.E.). The program, held at the Ward Temple A.M.E. facility on 5^TH Street West in Bradenton, operated on weekdays from 8 am to 5:30 pm during the summer vacation. The program was open to children from ages 4 to 17.

Gail Shane And Friends Celebrates Second Anniversary

SARASOTA, Fla., August 11, 2011 – Gail Shane & Friends is now celebrating two years on the air with WTMY Radio AM 1280. Gail Shane— the show’s creator, host, and executive producer— has served as the Realtor Liaison for Neal Communities for the past seven years. Each week, this lively, one-hour talk show features a different local Realtor® who serves as co-host of the show. Gail and her co-host invite a business and a non-profit organization to be featured as well.  The show airs Saturday mornings at 10 and is archived for listeners any time at www.gailshane.com.

Neal Communities' Sales In July Are Maintaining Strong Momentum

SARASOTA, Fla., August 2, 2011 – Summer home sales continue to move at a record pace for Neal Communities, with July posting 35 signed contracts, on par with July 2010, when Neal opened the much-anticipated Central Park at Lakewood Ranch. Read more...

Neal Communities' Central Park At Lakewood Ranch Celebrates Its First Birthday - 143 Homes Sold

SARASOTA, Fla., July 26, 2011 – Central Park at Lakewood Ranch is marking its first birthday with a weekend event celebrating the neighborhood’s success.  Community-wide, there are 15 open models and have been 143 home sales. The community’s developer, Neal Communities, is responsible for 130 of the 143 sales and 11 of the 15 models. The Lakewood Ranch based builder has won 19 Parade of Homes awards for Central Park in addition to two 2011 Aurora Awards. Central Park won the Aurora and the Grand Aurora for best residential community under 500 acres.

Neal Communities Wins Three Aurora Awards In 2011 - In Total, 47 - More Than Any Other Home Builder In The Area

SARASOTA, Fla., July 25, 2011 – The Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) has awarded the Neal family of companies, all Lakewood Ranch based companies, three Auroras in this year’s Aurora Awards competition. The awards were presented during the SEBC’s Black Tie Gala/Spectacular at the Rosen Centre in Orlando on July 23, 2011. The Auroras are highly-respected awards, recognized for their rigorous competition and judging by distinguished home building professionals. Leisa Weintraub, John Neal, and Stephanie Nolan accepted the awards on behalf of the companies. Read more...

Waterscapes Pools & Spas Is Surfing Into Summer - Picturesque Pools Are All The Rage With Buyers

SARASOTA, Fla., July 21, 2011 – Waterscapes Pools & Spas has sold 97 pools in the first half of 2011, putting the company 17 percent ahead of projections. Waterscapes is building pools for new home buyers, existing homeowners, and communities. Higher pool sales are a sign of increased consumer confidence, as home buyers feel assured that values will increase and believe homes are a strong investment. Waterscapes is a division of Neal Communities that began a little less than two years ago. In that time, the company has sold 226 pools.

The American Dream Remains Supreme For Neal Homebuyers - 37 Contracts Make This Neal's Best June Since 2004

SARASOTA, Fla., July 1, 2011 - Proving the American Dream remains alive, Neal Communities’ robust June 2011 ended with 37 signed contracts. This count surpasses every June sales record the company has had since 2004.

Neal Communities Opens Longview Lake Park In Central Park At Lakewood Ranch

SARASOTA, Fla., June 30, 2011 – Neal Communities opens Longview Lake Park, the newest neighborhood of new homes in Central Park at Lakewood Ranch. There are 136 home sites, for homes from 2267 to 2912 square feet—the largest Neal is building in Central Park. Neal’s new Harmony model, a three bedroom, two bath with bonus room home, is now open to the public. There will be four models from the Bradenton home builder, all priced from the mid $200,000s. Longview Lake Park is the sixth and final neighborhood to open in Central Park, and the Harmony is Neal’s 11^th model featured in Central Park.

Neal Communities Breaks Ground In Woodbrook

SARASOTA, Fla., June 6, 2011 - Construction for Neal Communities' new neighborhood, Woodbrook, is now underway. The new community is located off of Lockwood Ridge Road and Honore Avenue, just south of State Road 70, across from Neal's nearly sold out Mandalay community. At completion, there will be 213 single family homes, ranging from 1079 sq ft to 2535 sq ft which include the Cottage and Celebration series of homes. Pricing will begin in the low $100,000s and the community is set to open in the fall of 2011.

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Neal Communities Creates Local Recovery - So Far In 2011: Businesses Added, People Hired, 152 Homes Sold

SARASOTA, Fla., June 1, 2011 – Neal Communities signed 44 contracts in May, making this the second biggest month, so far, in a year of exemplary sales success. Neal’s performance in May 2011 shows a 95% increase over May 2010. The company has not only sold new homes, it has also added new divisions and hired more professional staff. Additionally, Neal has started developing new communities in Manatee and Sarasota, creating hundreds of affiliated jobs.

Neal Communities Commits To 50 Years Of Contributions To Boys & Girls Clubs Of Manatee County Foundation

SARASOTA, Fla., May 31, 2011 - Neal Communities has committed to donate 1/4 percent of the closing price of every home sold in Canoe Creek to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County Foundation for the next 50 years. This applies to newly constructed homes as well as re-sales. The contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs could add up to several hundred thousand dollars over five decades.

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Neal Communities Joins Imagine School's Walk For Technology

SARASOTA, Fla., May 26, 2011 – Neal Communities is partnering with Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch to help them raise funds to purchase Apple Tablets for students.  Neal Communities is contributing $500 to the school’s first Run-a-Thon/Walk-A-Thon, in which students and staff secured pledges for each minute they run or walk. The public charter school is completing its third year educating VPK through eighth grade students. During the 2011-2012 school year, Imagine will welcome 130 additional students, bringing its total enrollment to 730.

Neal Communities Introduces First Continental Mortgage, Ltd

SARASOTA, Fla., May 23, 2011 – Neal Communities has entered a joint venture to create First Continental Mortgage, Ltd. As an affiliated business, First Continental will offer mortgages first to Neal new home buyers and then to other new and re-sale buyers. The company has hired its first loan officer, Todd Boese, a veteran of more than 12 years in the mortgage industry in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

Belleisle At Country Club East Takes Flight

SARASOTA, Fla., May 17, 2011 – Neal Communities is moving forward quickly in Belleisle in Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch. Since opening in February, there have been 19 sales in Belleisle. Buyers are attracted to these highly-valued homes thanks to features like tile roofing, brick paver driveways, and the community’s desirable location within Lakewood Ranch. The neighborhood has 10 available floor plans and 4 brand new models. Most enjoy views of the golf course, preserves or lakes.

Neal Communities Ranked In Top 100 Nationally

SARASOTA, Fla., May 13, 2011 – BUILDER Magazine has ranked Neal Communities #94 among home builders in the United States based on number of closings in 2010.  With 272 closings, this represents a 55 percent increase over 2009, where the company was ranked #126. It is one of only two privately owned, Florida builders on the list.

Forest Creek Turns Up The Volume And Cruises Into Its Newest Phase

SARASOTA, Fla., May 12, 2011 – After selling 17 homes in Forest Creek in March, and nearly 30 since the beginning of the year, Neal Communities is preparing to introduce the Cruise series of homes in a new section of the community. The Cruise series of homes range from 1040 to 1509 square feet, with contemporary floor plans, designs and landscape. These homes have sold well in River Sound, which is now almost sold out. Forest Creek is known as the community that launched the very popular cottage homes in February 2008, helping to keep sales of new homes competitive during the real estate downturn. Read more...

Neal Communities Gives Away $1 Million Of Incentives

SARASOTA, Fla., May 9, 2011 - New home buyers during the second quarter will receive $1 Million dollars in credit towards options or closing costs, making this an even better time to buy. The program is working well, as people are coming into model homes with incentives in mind and ready to buy. The Million Dollar Giveaway applies to anyone purchasing a Neal Communities home in Sarasota or Manatee.

Neal Communities Now Building In Arlington Cove

SARASOTA, Fla., May 5, 2011 - Neal Communities is now building in the Arlington Cove community in Englewood, where villas will be priced from $159,990. The Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder will complete the community, which will include 76 paired villas, located just off Route 776 south of Jacaranda Boulevard. Arlington Cove is conveniently located within four miles of three white sand beaches, excellent boating, fine dining and shopping, public and private golf and tennis clubs, and outstanding health care facilities.

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Neal Communities Joins the Crew by Partnering with Palmetto High School Rowing Team

SARASOTA, Fla., May 4, 2011 – Neal Communities is partnering with Palmetto High School’s rowing team to help the team purchase necessary equipment by contributing $2000. The rowing team’s home is the new Fort Hamer rowing facility in Parrish, Florida. Neal Communities is currently building in two communities, River’s Reach and Forest Creek, both within the Palmetto High School zoning district.

Neal Leads the Way Out of Recession Selling More Than One Home a Day in April

Neal Communities Sells Its 100th Home in Central Park

SARASOTA, Fla., April 25, 2011 – Central Park, the newest community in Lakewood Ranch, has sold more than 100 homes since opening less than nine months ago, averaging more than 11 homes sold each month. Neal Communities, the developer and one of the builders in Central Park, has opened five of the six neighborhoods within the 380-acre, gated community. The community opened last summer with Piedmont Park, Forest Park and Brickell Park and offered homes up to 2400 sq. ft. The community now offers homes up to 3000 sq. ft. and lot sizes that are larger in Claremont Park and Gramercy Park. At completion, there will be over 800 homes, ranging from 1040 to about 3000 square feet, with prices ranging from the $130s to $400s.

Neal Communities Sponsors Nolan Night On Main Street

SARASOTA, Fla., April 19, 2011 – Neal Communities is a Platinum Sponsor for the second annual Nolan Night on Main Street on Saturday, May 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Read more...

Neal Communities Welcomes Lee Wetherington Homes to Central Park

SARASOTA, Fla., April 18, 2011 – Neal Communities is pleased to welcome another Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder, Lee Wetherington Homes, to Central Park at Lakewood Ranch. In addition to Neal Communities, there are now three other companies that are building homes in this exciting community that just opened in July, 2010. Lee Wetherington will be building in the Longview Lake Park neighborhood, which has the largest home sites in the community. Their first model is the Springfield II, a two-story, 2945 square foot home.

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Neal Communities Donates to Sarasota Heat Softball Team

SARASOTA, Fla., April 14, 2011 - Neal Communities is the premier tournament sponsor for the Sarasota Heat 4^th Annual Golf Tournament. The Sarasota Heat 14/Under Girls Fastpitch Softball Team is a non-profit organization that provides an opportunity for girls to play softball. The golf tournament takes place April 23 at Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.

GE Appliances Names Neal Communities "2010 Single Family Builder of the Year"

SARASOTA, Fla., April 8, 2011 – GE Appliances recently named Neal Communities its “2010 Single Family Builder of the Year”. The Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder was chosen from a seven-county region for its continued commitment to excellence in the homebuilding industry.

Neal Communities Takes a Stand for Pets

SARASOTA, Fla., April 6, 2011 - As a part of its ongoing commitment to improving the overall quality of life of the community, Neal Communities is stepping up as a sponsor of the Humane Society of Manatee County’s (HSMC) Paws in Motion event. This is one of the two major fundraisers the Humane Society holds to support operations. The Paws in Motion dog walk takes place Saturday, April 9 at 9 am along the Riverfront in downtown Bradenton.

March Sales Up 100% From Last Year

SARASOTA, Fla., April 1, 2011 – The first Quarter of 2011 finished strong for Neal Communities, with a total of 47 sales signed for the month of March and 107 for the quarter.  This represents a 100 % increase over March 2010 and an 85% increase in sales over the first quarter of 2010. In March, activity remained vigorous as buyers realized that prices are not going any lower and the home they want may very well not remain available. These are solid buyers, not speculators or investors.

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Neal Communities Leads The Parade with 37 Awards

SARASOTA, Fla., March 18, 2011 -Neal Communities swept the Parade of Homes by winning 37 awards—which is three times the number of awards won by any other builder and 13 more than the company won last year. In addition to Neal Communities, three of its divisions--Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal pureStyle and Waterscapes Pools & Spas—won awards. The model homes are located throughout Manatee County. The homes range from cottages to country club luxury models.

Neal Communities Signs 39 Contracts in 28 Days

SARASOTA, Fla., March 18, 2011 – Neal Communities signed 39 contracts in the month of February at an average home price of more than $300,000, making this an exceptional month. This represents an increase of 85 percent in number of contracts over last year and the best month for sales since February 2004. Also noteworthy, there were 950 potential buyers who visited the community, representing a 95 percent increase over last February and the highest number of visitors since March of 2008.

Neal Communities Opens Belleisle: Resort Style Living Within Country Club East

SARASOTA, Fla., February 16, 2011 - Just in time for the Parade of Homes, Neal Communities is opening Belleisle, the newest neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East.  There are four models—two from the new Carefree Mediterranean style. The others are Neoclassical, the best selling style that sold so quickly in the Lismore neighborhood of Country Club West. The 173 home sites surround the new and exciting Residents Club, a Resort Style Recreation Center.

The Perfect Storm: Blizzards in the North Drive Home Buyers to Florida

SARASOTA, Fla., February 1, 2011 - With 23 signed contracts, Neal Communities has posted a 50 percent increase over January 2010. Also during this time, there was a 40 percent increase in the number of prospective buyers visiting Neal Communities’ model homes.

Neal Communities Adds Fun to the Fair by Sponsoring Events

SARASOTA, Fla., January 20, 2011 - Continuing in their commitment to the Manatee County Fair, Pat Neal and Neal Communities are again contributing generously to the event. This year, the Lakewood Ranch-based home builder is donating $3,500 to fund the petting zoo and pig races at the fair, which is going on now through the 23rd.