There's no place like Home-October 28, 2020

There’s no place like in PASCO & NORTH HILLSBOROUGH

Experience Is Essential In This Ever-Changing Real Estate Market

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he COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the upcoming Presidential election, has created an environment where sellers are holding off on listing their homes due to the uncertainty of the nation.

Because of this, this year’s real estate inventory is at an all-time low with only a 1-month supply of homes. To put it in perspective, a normal market is typically between a 4-month to a 6-month supply of homes.

A low inventory market makes it more difficult for buyers because they are now competing with a huge cluster of offers as soon as a house becomes listed for sale. Buyers have to act quickly, often offering well above the listing price.

Experience also is essential when selling a home in this market. Sellers need to evaluate all terms of the contract to determine which offer truly is the best for them. Price is an important component; however, the highest offer is not always the best.

Having an experienced agent review the terms of every offer, and discuss the benefits and risks of each one is essential in positioning the seller for the best possible outcome.

“With over 39 years of experience in the local market, we have the knowledge to navigate these hurdles and make our clients successful in this challenging environment,” says Holly Molnar Ruhlig, owner of Advantage Real Estate Services.

Advantage Real Estate Services is

a full-service real estate company representing buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property primarily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties. Agents at Advantage Real Estate Services understand local market trends, area home values, and critical information about area schools, roads and growth that impacts decisions behind buying or selling a home.

“We have a diversified team of agents, many having over 25 years of local real estate experience,” said Holly. “Our agents are experienced professionals who pride themselves on the highest level of customer service.”

Advantage Real Estate Services, located in a small neighborhood plaza on Bell Lake Road and Lake Padgett Drive in Land O’ Lakes, is where Holly’s parents, Lou and Sharon Molnar, started their real estate company, which they founded in 1981.

Fast-forward to 2020, and Holly has taken the strong work ethic she grew up with to rebrand the company.

“Not many businesses can say they’ve been in the same location for 39 years,” said Holly.

Holly’s mother, Sharon Molnar Johnson, still works alongside Holly, as well as Holly’s sister, Stephanie

Meid, and mother-in-law, Linda Ruhlig.

We’re truly a family business, and have created an environment where our agents and clients are extended members of our family,” said Holly, “It’s our collaborative approach that makes us different from other real estate offices.”

Holly and her sister grew up on Lake Joyce in Lake Padgett Estates, and both still call Land O’ Lakes home.

“We absolutely love Pasco County.

Our lifelong experience living here is a big advantage when working with people buying or selling homes in the area,” said Holly.

Advantage g Real Estate Services iis a full f ll service i reall estate t t company representi ting both b th buyers b and d sellers ll off residential id ti l and commercial property primarily in Pasco o, Hernando and Hillsborough counties.

Property management division is looking to add d additional properties to its rental program.

BUYING OR SELLING A HOM ME? Advantage Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate company representing both buyers and sellers of residential and commercial propertyy,, primarily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando Counties.

Headed up by Broker Holly Ruhlig, whose family has been involved in the local real estate market since 1981, agents at Advantage Real Estate Services understand local trends, area

Holly Ruhlig Broker/Owner 813-240-6768 hollyruhlig@advantagereservices.com

home values, and are knowledgeable about area schools, roads and growth that impact buying or selling a home.

“W Wee have a diversified team of agents who live in our market, many having over 25 years of local real estate experience,” said Hollyy.. “Our agents are experienced professionals who pride themselves on the highest level of customer service.

The Advantage team shares these reasons to use a licensed Realtor for buying or selling your home.

1. EXPER RT GUIDES: Whether you are buying or selling a home, the current real estate market is extremely competitive. Low interest rates coupled with very low inventory makes it very challenging. A Realtor is a knowledgeable expert who helps you prepare/negotiate the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. OBJECTIVE INFORMA ATION AND OPINIONS: Realtor can provide local information on utilities, zoning and schools, and have objective inf information formation about each property.

By understandingg both your needs and search

CALL ADVVA ANTTA AGE REAL ESTTA ATE SERVICES, FOR OVER 37 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERTISE

arrea, your Realtor can also point out neighborrhoods you don’t know much about, but which m might suit your needs better than you had th hought.

3. MARKETING AND EXP PANDED SEARCH POWERS: When selling your home, in addition to advertising your home, m many prospects for a home sale come from a Realtor’ ’ss contacts with previous clients, friends R an nd familyy.. Y Yoour Realtor will prescreen and acccompany qualified prospects through your prroperty — you never have to worry about alllowing strangers into your home. A Realtor caan help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites, and also help you avoid outoff-date listings that might be showing up as avvailable online, but are no longer on the markeet.

4. NEGOTIA ATION KNOWLEDGE: A Realtor will look at every angle from your perr-R sppective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to comm lete inspections and investigations of the propplete

ertyy,, before you are bound to finalize the purchase.

5. UP-TO-DA ATE EXPERIENCE: Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, and those sales typically have many years inbetween. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Realtors handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career and are experts at what they do.

6. YOUR ROCK DURING EMOTIONAL MOMENTS: A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And, for most people, buying a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

7. ETHICAL TREA AT TMENT T:: Every Realtor must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a Realtor’’ss client, you will receive honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

Heather Acevedo, Realtor 813-352-4881 heatheracevedo@ymail.com

Renee Borchin, Realtor 401- 368-6412 rlborchin@gmail.com

Eva Ebert, Realtor 813-546-4952 EvaEbert19@hotmail.com

Patrick Harpe,, Realtor 813-382-8888 patrickharperealtor@tampabay.rr y. r..com

Karen Hernandez,, Broker Associate 813-918-5765 thinkkaren@gmail.com

Kathy Huntzingerr,, Realtor 813-784-1346 khuntzinger@ymail.com

Jodie Maddaloni,, Realtor 813-382-2692 Jodiemaddaloni@gmail.com

Stephanie Meid, Realtor 813-695-0234 stephaniemeid1@gmail.com

Sharon Molnar Johnson, Broker Associate 813-245-4971 sharonmolnar1@aol.com

Heather Patierno,, Realtor 813-833-7804 Heather@advantagereservices.com

Linda Ruhlig,, Broker Associate 813-494-5433 lindaruhlig4@gmail.com

Trish Schaefer, Realtor 813-340-2947 trish@pascoliving.net

NOW INTERVIEWING G AGENTS! 3948 Laake Padgett Drr.. • Land O’ Lakes,, FL 34639 • 813-996-4747 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

October 28, 2020

Home is W Where The T Hea Heart art Is WHERE LAUGHTER IS SHARED, MEMORIES BEGIN AND HEARTSTRINGS ARE FOREVER JOINED TOGETHER. DISCO OV VER SMALL TOWN AMERICA AT AV AVALON PA PARK WESLEY CHAPEL,, WHERE YOUR FAMILLY Y WILL LIVE,, LEARN, WORK AND PLA AY Y.

… At Avaalon Park Wesley Chapel • Classic homes rich in design and skillfully crafted d parks, tree-lined streets and wide front porches • Neighborhood • Tr Traditional dow wntown with shops, restaurants and offfiices • Tr Trails connectiing neighborhoods to downtown • New homes frrom the low $200s to over $400s • Resort-style am menity centers with pools, wo workout areas, tot lots and splash pad • We Wesley Chapel schools, including on-site elementary school c school at community entrance • K-8 Pinecrest charter

LIVE THE LIF FE YOUR F FA AMILLY Y HAS ALLW WAYS IMAGINED IN OUR CHAR RMING COMMUNITY Y, AND ENJOY ALL THE CONVENIEN NCES OF MODERN LIVING.

MODELS OPEN - SUN-MON NOO ON TO 6 • TUES TO SA AT T 10 TO 6

5216 Autumn Ridge Drive Wesley Chaap pel, 33545

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Now Selling in Hawthorn Village

BRIGHTON 49 946 Autumn Ridge Drive–1,796 Drive 1 796 sq. sq ft. ft Quick Move-in

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3 bedrooms, b , 2 baths,, 2-car garage

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32655 Harmony Oaks Dr–1,995 sq. ft.

3 32648 Coldwater Creek Lp–2,001 sq. ft.

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3 bedrooms,, 2.5 baths,, 2-car garage 3 bedrooms,, 2.5 baths,, 2-car garage 4 bedrooms,, 2 baths,, 2-car garage

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Three Floorplans – 1,608 to 1,834 4 sq. ft.. • $232,,761 to $247,688

Avalon Park We Wesley Chapel is conveniently located 3.5 miles East of I-75 on SR 54.

33613 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

October 28, 2020

Fo or more information on this and other even nts,, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com y p or call 813-783-1515

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

Join The Fun At Avalon Park’s Holiday Wine & Food Pairing Party

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oin neighbors and friends Holiday Pairings on Nov. 18 for a Holiday Wines by Time for Wine Wine & Food Pairing special And appetizers/desserts by Dash of Salt & event at Avalon Park Wesley Pepper Chapel. You can join the Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. party in person at the develPayment or RSVP must be made by Nov. 12 opment’s community center, or via $25 per person, in-person Zoom. Either way, it’s a fun way to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel step back from the worries of the day 5060 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel and kick off the holiday season.

In person or by Zoom Co-sponsored by Time for Wine, a RSVP Cherly@timeforwine.net or Wesley Chapel-based company that AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/ has been hosting wine tasting events holiday-dinner-wine-pairing/ for 17 years, participation will be limFor information, call (813) 664-1430. ited to assure proper social distancing.

“We are planning for a small group of adults looking to have fun while learning about great wine options for your holiday dinners,” said Cheryl Visalli, who owns Time for Wine with her husband, Charles. “We will be tasting and sharing information about two Rieslings for our whites, three Pinot Noirs for our reds, and a port or sparkling for the dessert wine. We like to have a good mix of wines to please all the pallets of all our guests.”

Holiday foods to accompany the wines are being prepared by Chef Ghada of Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper, a Virtual wine tasting party hosted by New Tampa caterer known for its ex- Charles Visalli. quisite homemade cuisine and beautiful presentations. in the conversation and share what “Our food-pairing events include they like, and perhaps don’t like, fabulous food prepared by Chef about the wines,” explains Visalli.

Ghada — who brings a beautiful Those joining by Zoom will be spread of appetizers and main able to pick up their wine at the course samplers, and of course, to- Welcome Center for Avalon Park die-for desserts,” said Visalli.

Wesley Chapel on State Road 54.

Cost for the two-hour event is just $25 for those attending in person. ABOUT TIME FOR WINE Cheryl and Charles Visalli are wine For those joining by Zoom, there is no fee — only a request to buy two of experts who have traveled around the bottles of wine (at $20 each) the world visiting vineyards and selecting wines for their customers. being featured during the event.

“To make sure our Zoom guests Their journeys have taken them to are engaged in the tasting, we ask Italy, France, Germany, Argentina, them to choose at least two of the Chile, Australia, California and wines we are serving, so they can join Oregon.

“We love to travel to meet new people, and it’s so rewarding to disMore Avalon Park Events cover a new wine to share with our friends back in Tampa Bay,” said Drawing With Still Life Cheryl Visalli.

With Lionel Sanchez The company began 17 years ago Friday, Nov. 13 doing home wine-testing parties, 10 to 4 and has expanded to include “Teach Avalon Park Amenity Center ‘N Taste” classes, corporate events, 5060 River Glen Blvd custom gift baskets, an online wine Info at 813-783-1515 shop and even a wine club.

Pasco Fine Arts Council Workshop It also hosts charity wine tastings Avalon Aglow Holiday Celebration for nonprofit groups, and wine semiSat., Dec. 12 nars for businesses. A popular FREE Family Event holiday program is its "private wine " 5 to 8 pm – FIREWORKS at 9 pm labels with company logos, which Community performances, pictures with can include delivery to customers.

Santa, bounce park, vendors, food trucks In this age of social distancing, Inside Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Time for Wine has introduced a State Road 54, 3.5 miles east of I-75 Virtual Wine Tasting program.

“With virtual tasting, you can see

Food parings catered by Chef Ghada of Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper.

Cheryl and Charles Visalli, owners of Time for Wine.

the difference and taste the bright, diverse flavors of your customized wine selection,” said Visalli, who adds that the virtual tasting experience includes wine delivery to clients’ homes, along with a tasting portfolio.

Groups who have enjoyed virtual wine tastings include Girls Night In, No-Travel Family Reunion, Back-ToSchool Teacher De-Stress and Virtual Clubhouse Gatherings.

Go to TimeForWines.net for more information.

Pre-Selling Begins Soon In Summerstone New D.R. Horton community to have over 500 homes

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.R. Horton will begin pre-selling homes in the next month or so in its new Summerstone community located inside Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on State Road 54.

Inside the community’s new Westgate Village, Summerstone homes will be the first new homes in the third phase of this prestigious master-planned community. D.R. Horton announced in August that it will be building over 500 homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel over the next several years.

In addition to pre-selling homes, also underway is the construction of several D.R. Horton townhome and single-family home models, which will open in early 2021.

The Summerstone neighborhood will include D.R. Horton Express Series townhomes and single-family homes. Townhome models are the Vale and Glen floor plans, and singlefamily home models are the Denton, Cali and Elston.

Single-family homes will be built on 40-foot to 50-foot homesites, with nine floor plans ranging in size from 1,504 square feet to 2,601 square feet.

Homes will offer three to five bedrooms, two to three baths, and two-car garages, giving families square-footage options that best meet their needs.

Townhomes will include three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a one-car garage with a two-car driveway. Two floor plans will be available at 1,673 square feet and 1,758 square feet.

All D.R. Horton homes come equipped with a smart home au-

Allex

D.R Horton is building townhomes with two floor plans, the Vale and the Glen.

tomation system called Home is Connected, America’s Smart Home®. Both townhomes and single-family homes are built with concrete block on the first and second floors — a superior construction process. D.R. Horton is the only production builder that utilizes concrete block on two floors of its homes.

The Westgate Village community will embrace its own set of amenities for residents, including a resort-style pool, open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

AMENITIES AND DOWNTOWN

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, thoughtfully created for residents of all ages. New in 2019 was an expansive second amenity center with a zero-entry

pool, splash pad, spa and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy a wide array of other amenities, including another swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will interconnect with its planned downtown.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel soon will offer residents places to shop and work in its downtown center.

Infrastructure construction continues on the downtown’s first phase, which will include two office buildings, two mixed-use retail/residential buildings and a community park.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is east Pasco County’s premier masterplanned community to live, learn, work and play. The plan includes 4,800 residential homes and over a half-million square feet of commercial and civic uses. Residents are in

Freeport Affordable single-family homes, with all the upscale features standard in D.R. Horton homes, are coming to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

walking and bike-riding distance to schools, shops, restaurants, workplaces and recreational amenities.

Already, close to 2,000 people call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home, and 1,000 homes have been sold since it opened in 2012.

As the community continues to grow over the next several years, it will eventually be home to 10,000 residents.

For more information about D.R. Horton homes and the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

October 28, 2020

Meet Joe Barnes And His Incredible Gift

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Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning

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aving money and the planet can go hand-in-hand at home.

To green-up your clean-up and create healthier spaces, consider these tips: 1.Ditch paper towels for reusable cloths and sponges. Wash them regularly on the highest heat setting (dishwasher for sponges, washing machine for cloth), and use old t-shirts and towels to make fantastic reusable cleaning tools.

2. Opt for green cleaners. Most people want cleaning products that reduce the number of harsh chemicals their families are exposed to.

Good clean choices are multipurpose cleaning sprays and wipes from the Art of Green, which are tough on grease and grime as mainstream

brands, and safe for use around kids and pets, safe for sensitive skin, and are not tested on animals.

To find Art of Green products, visit artofgreen.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook for cleaning tips and tricks.

3. Skip store-bought air fresheners. Instead, simply boil lemon, cinnamon, cloves or any favorite plant for a natural, lasting aroma. You can further promote fresh air at home simply by opening windows whenever possible.

For a healthy home, prioritize cleaning habits that reduce your environmental impact and limit the harsh chemicals to which your family is exposed.

– StatePoint

Brand New Homes Starting in the $90K’s

oe Barnes is a very unusual real estate agent. Every time he closes a deal — whether it is a buyer or seller — he takes up to $1,000 out of his commission and puts it into his customer’s pocket.

The only stipulation Barnes has is that this $1,000 gift be spent with a member of his local networking group of like-minded businesses in Tampa Bay — businesses who uphold the same high business ethics that he attests to.

This group, called the WBTHnetwork, includes Kia of Wesley Chapel, Go Bulls Moving Company, Crystal Springs Water, and home services that include lawn, pool and housecleaning.

“Our goal is to connect real estate clients to local businesses to help build stronger communities.

We believe that by unselfishly giving cash incentives to customers to spend with local businesses, it will help create a stronger community that shares our vision,” said Barnes.

The $1,000 gift from Barnes and his Realtor associates is 100% transferable. “If a customer wants to give his $1,000 to a family member or friend, that’s absolutely fine,” says Barnes. “We want the money to go to the person who can use it most, and oftentimes the person who sold or bought the home can’t wait to share his incentive with someone who needs the money more than they do.”

While Barnes’ altruistic business approach is unusual, be assured there is no hidden agenda or alternative purpose.

“I’m asked all the time what’s in it for me, and the truth is that I fully believe that by incentivizing customers to spend their money locally on products and services they need, my generosity will be returned with repeat business and referrals,” said Barnes.

ABOUT THE WBTHNETWORK

Barnes and his WBTHnetwork are looking for partners in other business categories, including retailers, home furnishings, appliances, theme parks, hotels and restaurants, to name just a few.

“As our network grows in more areas, we will continue to develop and grow loyal and lasting relationships in our community,” said Barnes.

Barnes is the founder and CEO of WBTH, an acronym for We Buy This Home. “In an age where ecommerce has shifted the way most companies operate, our network helps keep local businesses relevant by focusing their attention on one common denominator — the customer,” explains Barnes.

Barnes has over 25 years of experience in generating revenue and helping national brands such as Ford Motor Company, Ashley Furniture, Nestle Water and many others to achieve sales targets and growth potential. He currently is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in New Tampa.

Businesses interested in interviewing for the WBTHnetwork are asked to call Barnes at (813) 862-7713, or email whybuythishome@gmail.com.

Home sellers and buyers also are invited to contact Barnes, to learn more about the up to $1,000 shopping spree they receive when closing a deal with the Realtor.

Take A Virtual Tour and Make It Yours!

Up to $1,000 in merchandise when you close on a home with Realtor Joe Barnes

3 Easy Ways to Explore our Quick Move-In Ready Homes

Celebrate the closing of your home with a $1,000 spending spree from Realtor Joe Barnes.

Choose the deal that’s best for you!

• Up to $1,000 toward a new or used vehicle at Wesley Chapel Kia • $1,000 at a local furniture store • Six months of services for lawn/landscaping, cleaning/maid, pool and many more

Live Virtual Showings Video Tours 3-D Interactive Model Home Tours Call to schedule a private tour or virtual showing

(844) 276-8964 Joee Barnes, Realtor Resiident of Lake Bernadette, Zephyrhills

An Age-Qualified Community 4604 Lake Crystal Boulevard Zephyrhills, FL 33541

81 13-862-7713 3 wh hybuythishome@g gmail.com Kelller Williams Realty New Keller w Tampa

“WE CONNECT REAL ESTA TA ATTE CLIENTTS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES TO BUILD STRONGER CO OMMUNITIES” October 28, 2020

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

ICI Homes Now Building in Lake Jovita Golf course community with large homesites and no CDD

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f you dream of a home in the rolling hills of North Carolina, but live in Florida because of its year-around sunshine, your work or family, here’s a new home opportunity that you’ll be glad you waited for.

ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best known and prestigious builders — is coming to Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club just north of Wesley Chapel. It will be building beautiful homes with unique floor plans on some of the largest and prettiest homesites in Tampa Bay. The builder is opening a new sales center in midNovember, and is now taking VIP reservations on 65-foot lots and 95-foot lots, as well as estate homesites with long-range vistas — some as large as 100 feet by 250 feet.

“Lake Jovita is like living outside in North Carolina, and then stepping inside to an open and sunlit Florida home,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “It’s like flipping a coin that you always win, because both sides give you want you want.”

ICI Homes has 75 lots in three Lake Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semicustom homes will range from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet, with pricing starting in the $300s.

Homesites in The Bluffs, which is located at some of the highest elevation in Florida, can accommodate floor plans up to 10,000 square feet designed as a family’s forever home.

“All of our neighborhoods in Lake Jovita have homesites that back up to a golf course, conservation area or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community to offer homes for less than $400s on such

large lots with privacy and pristine views.”

In addition to Lake Jovita’s enviable homesites, families are drawn to the community because of its easy access to I-75, and all the shopping, dining and entertainment in nearby Wesley Chapel.

“The State Road 52 exit that leads to Lake Jovita is just 10 miles north of Wesley Chapel,” said Jones. “It’s literally just a 20-minute drive into the heart of Wesley Chapel. Plus, just five minutes to the east is downtown Dade City and all of its old fashioned charm.”

Dade City, which was founded in 1884, is one of Pasco County’s oldest cities and also the county seat. It offers seven blocks of unique shopping and dining in a quaint downtown that boasts over 15 locally owned restaurants; art galleries; museums; fashion and vintage boutiques; antiques; and, shops for gifts, books, wine, pets and outdoor gear.

“People are attracted to Lake Jovita because it is close to all the urban action in Wesley Chapel and

Tampa, while their residence is in a lovely rural community that boasts some of the best golf in Florida,” said Jones.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club has two semi-private, 18-hole courses with challenging layouts. The 220-acre South Course opened in 1999 and was designed by PGA champion Tom Lehman. The course has played host to many important tournaments, including Stage 1 of PGA Tour Qualifying. The North Course opened in 2002 with a more modern style and dramatic elevation changes. Both courses provide expansive views of neighboring citrus groves and cattle ranches.

“This is an established development that already has over 700 homes, and is a unique opportunity for families looking to build a new home in a golf course community,” said Jones.

And, because Lake Jovita began building over 20 years ago, today there are no CDD fees, saving buyers thousands of dollars a year in additional taxes. The only community expense is a $600 annual fee from the

Homeowners Association.

ICI Homes has chosen its most popular floor plans for Lake Jovita, all with family friendly layouts, where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining happen cohesively. Homes feature an abundance of windows that bring the outside in. Floor plans include the Juliette, Costa Mesa, Egret II and Brooke, as well as the Heron, a brand-new floor plan that is being built as ICI Homes’model home, which will be ready for tour next spring.

Be one of the first families to schedule a safe one-on-one or virtual appointment at ICI Home’s new sales center. Call (855) 215-2054, or email Jones at gjones@ icihomes.com. The new Lake Jovita Sales Center will be at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526.

PERSIMMON PARK

ICI Homes continues to build in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. All homes in this ICI Homes community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community will have 150 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s.

In November, residents will be celebrating the grand opening of Persimmon Park’s amenity center, which includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area. Coming soon will be dog parks for small and large breeds, and paved trails that connect to the Wiregrass recreational parkway system.

For information about Persimmon Park, please call the sales center at (813) 302-7563, or stop by the model center at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

PROUD DLY BUILDING HO OMES FOR 4 DEC A DES D

Persimm Pe mon Paarrrk k Ne ew custom homes fro rom the high g $200s $

Persim Park A mon me openi nity Novem ng be 2020! r

PRIMROSE

LA ANT TA ANA

3559 Berrry Briar Drive, Wesleey Chapel, FL 4 Bed / 3 Bath / 2 Car / 2,434 2 ft²

3552 V Ve elvet Applle St., Wesley Chapell, FL 3 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Car / 1,793 ft²

$446,574 $446 574 4

$373,629 73 629

Coming Soon S to Lakee Jo ovvita!

N New custom h homes ffrom the h $ $300s

y ranked as a T To op 100 Homebuilder by Builder Magazine.

ICI Homes is nationally q. ft.

Custom floor plans from 2,000 to over 5,000 sq TBBA —T Taampa P Pa arade of Homes — Showcase winner two years running!

B Better Homes.

H . Bettter C Commu unities. ii For more information calll (813) 252-1108 or visit ICIHome es.com Prices and offerin ngs are subject to change. See a Sa ales Associate for details. Intervestt Construction of Ta T ampa, LLC 2660 0 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Suite 104, W We esley Chapel, FL 33544 / CBC# # 1262235

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

October 28, 2020

Cornerstone Pros Celebrates 16 Years As A Family Business

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hen Dana Spears f o u n d e d Cornerstone Pros in 2006, the company began as a small family business with just six employees. Today, 14 years later, it is still a family business, but now employs over 65 local residents who provide air conditioning, electrical and plumbing services to households in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties.

“Being bigger doesn’t mean we have lost the family values our company was founded on,” said Dana Spears, Cornerstone’s president. “It’s actually the reason we have grown so quickly, because family values allow us to retain and attract highly skilled workers who are dedicated to our customers.”

There is a misconception that because their overhead is greater, a big company charges more for their services than a small company.

“But, being bigger actually keeps our rates more affordable because we have low employee turnover and more buying power with our suppliers,” explains Spears. “It also allows us to offer our people year-around work, top pay and employee benefits that smaller operations often cannot afford.”

Spears and her husband, James, are hands-on business owners, and are joined by several members of

their family in the daily operation of their business.

All of Cornerstone’s technicians are specialists who have specific training in their field. “This means our A/C guys are experts at air conditioning, and do not go out on plumbing and electrical calls,” said Dana. “We have certified plumbers and electricians for those calls.”

Cornerstone Pros hires people who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, clean-cut, and live their lives with good ethics and morals.

“Our employees live in our service area, and are very committed to their family and community,” said Dana.

“Most have been with us for over five years, and we have techs who have worked here for all 14 years. In the trade industry, this kind of longevity is almost unheard of.”

Spears recognizes that providing excellent customer service begins with excellent employees.

“We’ve been successful because we’ve built our business on reputation and trust,” said Spears. “Our motto is to go above and beyond customer expectations, and every one of our employees strives to make that happen every day.”

Dana also attributes Cornerstone’s success to being a woman-owned business.

“Women understand that nothing is more important than being customer-centered. It’s the little things

that we do in the first 30 seconds that sets the tone for exceeding customer expectations,” said Dana.

“When people call, they assume we have the technical expertise to solve their problem,” she continues.

“What they remember is how they felt when they first talked to our customer service rep, or first meet our technician at their door. It’s the kind, helpful voice, the clean uniform and shoe covers, the tech who focuses on them and not their phone, that sets us apart.”

Every Cornerstone employee is trained to the company’s high customer service standards.

“As a mom and wife, I know how it feels to allow someone into your home,” Dana explains. “When we send a tech to a customer’s home, I feel just like I am sending them to my own home. Over two-thirds of our calls come from the woman in the family, and as a woman, I fully understand her concerns and expectations when she allows someone into her home.”

The Spears family has deep roots in the local community. James grew up in Tampa, and Dana graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School, as did three daughters and a son, all who now work for the company. The Spears’ youngest is a second grader at Land O’ Lakes Christian School.

The family’s connection to the community also is very strong.

Cornerstone Pros supports Oasis Pregnancy Center, sports programs at Land O’Lakes High School, the American Cancer Society, Operation Stand Down to support homeless veterans, Tighten The Drag Foundation fishing tournaments to benefit spinal cord research, and fundraisers for Xavier Johnson, a former Sunlake High football player who was injured.

“We want to give back to our community, which has done so much to support our business over the years,” said Dana. “This is who we are.”

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 as an air conditioning service company. It moved to its 4-acre site on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in 2011, and the following year added plumbing services. In 2014, it expanded again with electrical services.

In 2018, Cornerstone Pros built a 6,000-square-foot warehouse next to its headquarters on U.S. 41, to store air conditioning units of all sizes, and stock high-demand service items for its air conditioning, electrical and plumbing operations. It also stocks tankless hot water systems, and portable and permanent generators, including whole-house systems by Generac.

Phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Call at (813) 949-4445, anytime day or night. For more information, visit their website at CornerstonePros.com.

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