From the Publisher
When I worked for city/regional magazines, a mainstay was the annual "best of" issue. In fact, local lifestyle publications everywhere always touted these annual compilations of the best this and the best that as their most popular, best-read issues of the year.
So I wondered why a new-home magazine couldn’t do the same thing. Finding no good reason why not, here then is
Orlando Homebuyer’s first annual Best of Orlando Real Estate issue.Of course, all of our selections are open to debate and we make no claims that our list is definitive or all-inclusive. Still, we had fun putting it together and I’ll bet you’ll find it useful as well.
Also in this issue, we cover the trend toward green—or environmentally friendly—building. We’ve been on top of this topic for several years, but this year there’s more to report than ever—including the region’s first-ever green-certified community.
If you think a home has to be made of thatch and powered by windmills to be green, then you’ll be surprised by what you read.
Finally, here’s a reminder to visit the Parade of Homes, April 6-20. The big event, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando, features 140 new and remodeled homes in all styles and price ranges.
You can get a free Parade of Homes Guidebook by logging onto
www.paradeofhomesorlando.com. Or you can pick one up at any 7-11, Wachovia Bank, Winn Dixie or Albertson’s. Most local realty offices will also have copies available.
Come see what’s new. There’s never been a better opportunity for you to get more bang for your housing buck than right now.
See you at the Parade!
—Mimi Briegel,
Publishermimib@florida-homebuyer.com