HabiJax to host free Homebuyer Information Session, 6 p.m. tonight

Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville, Inc. (HabiJax) will host a Homebuyer Information Session tonight, Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m., at the HabiJax Main Office located at 2404 Hubbard Street. This free and informative session is open to all interested in homeownership.

Attendees will learn about the HabiJax criteria for homeownership, the stages of the approval, the homebuyer processes, and more.

HabiJax, founded in 1988, has become the largest non-profit affordable housing provider in Duval County, helping improve urban core neighborhoods in Jacksonville, including New Town. HabiJax is one of the most successful Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States, having provided homeownership opportunities and other housing services for more than 2,000 families.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit www.habijax.org or www.facebook.com/habijaxfans.

elacora is launching the Serena Collection of homes in its Madeira at St. Augustine community. This Collection features larger homes on wider home sites and continues to offer Madeira’s unique floor plans, quality construction and energy efficiency features not typically found in new homes. Homeowners will also have access to the new Residents Club, set to open in May. The spacious amenity center will feature a clubhouse, fitness center, pool with lap lanes spacious shade pavilion and adjacent party plaza.

The Madeira at St. Augustine community includes homes from distinct collections and all homes include solar panels to harness energy from the Florida sun.

“We are thrilled with the strong interest we’ve received for both the current Portada collection and the new Serena collection,” said Victoria Robbins, exclusive agent for elacora Northeast Florida. “There are several move-in ready homes available and we are offering a choice of buyer incentives: Seller paid closing costs, $8,000 prepayment of CDD fees or a $8,000 Design Center allowance. These homes have three distinct elevation styles, all feature tile roofs and are priced from the mid $200s.”

The Serena Collection is in response to market demand. These homes will include three-car garages and will range from 2,280 square feet to 2,808 square feet. These homes, priced from $299,900, will contain flex options and standard solar panels.

“We are proud to be the only homebuilder in Northeast Florida to include solar panels in our new homes,” said Robbins. “The panels harness Florida’s abundant sunshine to reduce electric bills. In addition, homeowners are eligible for a federal tax credit in the year of purchase.”

The Capri model’s open plan allows for warm gatherings and the model’s optional sunroom grants additional living space and views of the adjacent lake.

The Serena Collection homes currently under construction and will include several move in-ready homes and a designer-decorated model home. For more information about the current homes that are available for move in and the newly launched homes in the Serena Collection, visit or call the sales office. The community is conveniently located on U.S. 1 in northern St. Augustine. The sales office is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. To schedule an appointment to tour the community’s models, call (904) 484-9024 or visit www.elacora.com.

The interiors of the new homes at Madeira at St. Augustine are tastefully designed.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design received Laurel Award honors for interior design excellence from the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council. The firm’s Laurel Awards include:

• Best Interior Merchandising in the under $100,000 category for the New Town model home by Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax)
• Best Interior Merchandising in the $600,001-$750,000 category for the Madeline model by ICI Homes at Tamaya
• Best Sales Office for the Anastasia Club at Del Webb Ponte Vedra

The three Laurel Awards are among 68 Laurel Awards the company has received in the event’s 20 year history. Sisler Johnston Interior Design has more than 30 years designing successful interiors for residential and commercial clients.

“I am honored to receive the Laurel Awards and appreciate the recognition from my industry peers,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and allied member, ASID. “These awards also acknowledge the outstanding product by the teams at HabiJax, ICI Homes and Del Webb/Pulte Homes. It is a privilege to contribute to the success of our clients.”

ICI Homes of Tamaya swept the annual Laurel Awards competition, receiving nine awards including the Grand Laurel. The annual Laurel Awards are hosted by the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) and presented to those in the industry who have demonstrated sales, building and design excellence.

“We are genuinely honored to be recognized by the Laurel Awards judges and our peers in the building industry for our success at Tamaya,” said Don Wilford, president of ICI Homes’ North Florida Division. “The Laurel Awards are a testament to the dedication demonstrated by our team at Tamaya, where we aim to provide the highest quality of design and construction with an exceptional lifestyle. I hope this recognition will encourage everyone to visit our community and learn more about Tamaya.”

Tamaya received Laurel Awards in several categories including:

• Best Architectural Design ($401,000-$500,000 – Detached) – Marabella at Tamaya
• Best Architectural Design ($401,000-$500,000 – Attached) – Madeline at Tamaya
• Best Architectural Design – ($201,000-$300,000 – Detached) – Juliet at Tamaya
• Best Sales Office over 800 square feet – Tamaya Vision Center
• Best Logo – Tamaya
• Best Radio Commercial – Tamaya Grand Opening
• Best TV Commercial – Tamaya Grand Opening
• Site Agent of the Year – Emily Thompson, ICI Homes of Tamaya

Earlier this year, ICI Homes was recognized by NEFBA as the 2014 Builder of the Year.

HabiJax recently hosted 50 college students who contributed volunteer hours with the organization building homes in Jacksonville.

Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville, Inc. (HabiJax) recently hosted 50 students from various national colleges and universities as part of the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge.

During the first two weeks of March, HabiJax hosted students from Community College of Philadelphia; Simpson College; University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill; University of Notre Dame; and Vanderbilt University. Each student made a small financial donation and contributed volunteer hours building homes on the construction site. In partnership with Riverside Presbyterian Church, HabiJax provided housing, meals, refreshments, construction skills training and a safe, fun experience throughout the Collegiate Challenge.

“HabiJax is always grateful for our generous and dedicated volunteers who strive to better the communities in which we live,” said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke. “We enjoyed working with the students as part of the Collegiate Challenge and we look forward to continuing to do so through this great program in the future.”

Now it its 25^th year, Collegiate Challenge serves as an alternative spring break trip for energetic volunteers helping to further Habitat for Humanity’s mission of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since Collegiate Challenge began, more than 208,000 students have spent their spring break volunteering across the country donating more than $20 million to Habitat affiliates nationwide.

Clockwork Marketing Services President Maxine McBride accepted the award for Best Ad Campaign March 13

Clockwork Marketing Services recently received top honors at the Laurel Awards, winning Best Ad Campaign for its original concept advertisements on behalf of The John Gorrie a condominium.

Presented by the Northeast Florida Builders Association Sales and Marketing Council, the Laurel Awards recognize excellence in marketing, sales and design in the home building industry in Northeast Florida.

“Clockwork is proud to receive this award in recognition of our work on this historic condominium. We are pleased to be part of its success,” said Maxine McBride, president, Clockwork Marketing Services.

Clockwork Marketing Services’ “My Buyer” and “My Home” advertising campaign for The John Gorrie a condominium is a monthly series of print advertisements for Realtors and homebuyers that has been consistently published for more than one year and has established a readership following of its own.

Clockwork Marketing Services has received numerous other awards and accolades for its work on behalf of clients. For additional information on Clockwork Marketing Services, visit www.clockworkmarketing.com or call (904) 280-7960.

FHA and VA financing available at Cedar Bay in North Jacksonville

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions that many people face in their lifetime. It is often viewed as out of reach by those who question whether it is more cost effective to rent versus buy.

As the housing market and the national and local economic climates change, there are options for buyers of all ages in various financial brackets.

At Cedar Bay, a GreenPointe Homes community in North Jacksonville, several financing options are available to prospective buyers, including FHA and VA loans. Those who use a FHA loan may pay as little as 3.5 percent for a down payment and for first time home buyers eligible for a VA loan, no money down is needed and the home is 100 percent financed. Home and lot packages begin in the mid-$170,000s and Cedar Bay buyers can purchase one of the few remaining lots on the Broward River, a tributary of the St. Johns River, and select from GreenPointe Homes’ award-winning floorplans.

“The piece of information prospective homebuyers repeatedly find most surprising is that a brand new single family home could cost less money per month than a rental home or apartment,” said Margaret Jennesse, Chief Operations Officer of GreenPointe Homes’ East Florida Division. “Homes at Cedar Bay are available and ready for move-in now so your family can be settled in quickly.”

Cedar Bay’s proximity to regional military bases such as Kings Bay Naval Station and Mayport Naval Station, downtown Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville International Airport attracts established professionals, families and first-time homebuyers alike. Cedar Bay is located only one mile from Interstate-295, which provides a short drive to Interstates 95 and 10, giving residents access in minutes to nearly every section of the Jacksonville area. The Jacksonville International Airport is approximately five minutes from Cedar Bay, the drive time to downtown is 15 minutes or less and residents can be at area beaches in less than a half hour.

“North Jacksonville is a growing community and is just a short distance from all that the metro-Jacksonville area has to offer,” said Vicki Bratvold, president of GreenPointe Realty. “Residents at Cedar Bay enjoy its quiet, family environment. I encourage everyone to visit Cedar Bay and discuss available financing options.”

Homes at Cedar Bay range in size from 2,138 square feet to 3,022 square feet, boast open floor plans with high ceilings, tall cabinetry, and upgrade options are available. All GreenPointe Homes residences are equipped with a number of energy-efficient features. The community is also built with respect for its natural surroundings, features wide streets with sidewalks, and offers a community Park overlooking the river for residents that includes a play set and picnic tables.

For more information about GreenPointe Homes and Cedar Bay, call (904) 619-1928 or visit www.cedarbayjax.com.

Siena at Nocatee Town Center

New homes today are much different from the designs that you may recall from your childhood. Today’s lifestyles, along with new materials and new technologies, are changing the way we live and build.

Architects and designers are constantly transforming home designs to accommodate the changing needs and expectations of home buyers. Here are the top trends in today’s home design.

Tamaya featuring interiors by Sisler Johnston Interior Design

Great room plans. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by large multipurpose areas for family living and entertainment. Even in generous-sized homes, many new home buyers are choosing great room plans in lieu of separate formal living and dining spaces. When it comes to new homes, buyers are making smarter choices and using their space wisely. They want a home designed with living spaces they’ll use rather than purchase a home with rarely used or wasted spaces.

Super Kitchens. Kitchens are truly the heart of today’s home and have grown in size by more than 30 percent. Even the casual or novice chef desires a kitchen equipped with designer cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Kitchen islands with seating areas are also popular.

Flexible Floor Plans. Everyone wants their home designed to be unique and meet their individual needs. Not everyone wants a kitchen or bath designed in the same way. Many home designs offer flexible options so that the living space may be adapted for a variety of uses, such as a study, bedroom or formal dining room. Sliding doors and pocket doors also increase flexibility.

Outdoor Living Spaces. Bringing the inside out and the outside in is a key element in today’s home designs. Sliding glass doors leading to lanais and decks help to create a seamless transition. Today’s homeowner wants an outdoor living room with an expansive patio or lanai designed with upscale furnishings, lighting and décor. Outdoor entertainment areas may include seating, fireplaces, summer kitchens and water features.

Abundant Storage. Today’s homeowner wants storage space including spacious walk-in closets and built-in cabinets. Stop and drop areas, located near the garage or laundry, provide cubbies and places for shoes, keys and backpacks. The desire for storage has led to garages growing in size by 10 percent. Three-car garages with designated storage spaces for bikes, golf carts and other items are popular.

Energy Efficiency. Today’s homebuyers want their homes designed with materials and advanced technologies that address home energy consumption. ICI Homes offers the Nest Learning Thermostat, which creates a custom temperature schedule for your home, and automatically turns itself down when you’re away. Homebuyers are choosing more LED lighting fixtures, which do not have to be replaced as often. Dimmer switches are also popular and can enhance a room’s ambiance as well as save the homeowner money.

The best inspiration for home design can be found in builder model homes. Visit ICI Homes at Tamaya and at Siena at Nocatee Town Center.

About the Author

Mark Lucas is the director of product development for ICI Homes, where he leads the ICI Homes product design team in creation of innovative new floor plans and personal customization, an essential part of ICI’s business. In his free time, Lucas enjoys sailing, backpacking and travel, especially to European destinations where his interest in seeing medieval castle architecture provides some of the inspiration for his landmark designs.

Home improvement enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) annual Construction Industry Trade Expo and bring some fresh ideas home.

The event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at the UNF University Center. Admission to the NEFBA Trade Expo is free and the event is open to the public.

Exhibit booth space is available to interested builders, developer and industry professionals. Sponsorships costs begin at $575.

For more information, contact Corey Hacker at (904) 725-4355 or [email protected].

Eric Ogle named Chef at Amelia National Golf & Country Club

Amelia National Golf & Country Club by ICI Homes has announced Eric Ogle as Chef of the property’s full-service restaurant, Amelia National 19th Hole Bar & Grill.

With more than 25 years in the restaurant industry, Chef Ogle has experience working in the golf community at established country clubs as food and beverage director/executive chef; and has been recognized as a top Food and Beverage Director within the golf industry.

“Chef Ogle brings a new twist to the dining experience at Amelia National,” said Don Wilford, division president for ICI Homes North Florida. “His experience in the kitchen and creativity with preparing delicious meals has been enjoyable for our homeowners and visitors.”

Amelia National 19th Hole Bar & Grill is open to all Amelia National Golf & Country Club members and their guests Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Amelia National Golf & Country Club is a vacation-like community set on an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio, truly embodying country club living at its best. Interested homebuyers can visit the sales center at Amelia National Golf & Country Club 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and tour its amenities including the fitness center, tennis facility, golf course, dining room and swimming pool.