Take Note

PROMOTIONS
Centex Homes, which builds new single-family and townhomes priced from the $80s in three Tampa area communities, has launched 
its “Red Ribbon” inventory sale with discounted pricing, special financing and a wide range of free features and upgrades on homes that close in 2010. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales and marketing for Centex Homes in the Tampa region, says the company will pay up to 6 percent toward closing costs on select inventory homes and 
financing is available at no interest until July 2011. Strickler notes 
that Centex is offering its lowest prices ever along with the incentives on select homes at Stonebrier in Lutz, where homes are priced from $149,990; at Starling at FishHawk Ranch in Lithia, where new homes are priced from $221,990; and Magnolia Park in Riverview, where homes are priced starting at $89,990.

Southern Crafted Homes has announced a new partnership with the Southwest Water Management District to become the first builder in Pasco County to be Florida 
Water Star Certified. The Water Star program is designed to encourage builders to provide water-efficient options for homes and landscapes. To earn certification, checklists are used and performance criteria measured. Learn more about the program at watermatters.org.

AWARDS
William Ryan Homes has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its commitment to energy conservation through the agency’s Energy Star program.  From April 2009 through March 2010, the company’s Tampa Division qualified 57 homes for Energy Star certification. The company ranked seventh in total homes qualified among 43 
Tampa-area builders. Energy Star-certified homes include energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30 percent more efficient than standard homes.

The second annual Neal Communities Golf Challenge was a sold-out success for B.D. Gullett Elementary School. The proceeds after expenses were $19,100. Pat Neal, president of Neal Communities, added a $15,100 donation, making the total amount raised more than $34,000. The Gullett PTO, school faculty, staff, parents and community members came 
together to host the event at University Park Country Club. B.D. Gullett, located across from Central Park at Lakewood Ranch, is the newest elementary school in the area.

EXPANSIONS
Ashton Woods Homes has started presales of 33 new townhomes priced from the $160s in Highland Park, the homebuilder’s newest community located off S. Mobley and Racetrack roads in the Westchase area of Tampa. New townhomes at Highland Park will range in size from 1,887 to 2,129 square feet of living space and offer three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, two-car garages and private courtyards with every unit.