Lakewood Ranch hosts annual 'Tour of Homes'

EAST COUNTY — As the real-estate market continues to gain momentum, Lakewood Ranch will celebrate its newest and best construction with the 16th annual Tour of Homes.

This year’s tour, which showcases the work of 15 homebuilders in 41 models, runs now through Nov. 17. Model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

“We do it every year; we continue to do it better,” said Jimmy Stewart, vice president of sales for LWR Communities, a subsidiary of Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. “We are going to have unprecedented attendance this year (based on what I have seen to this point). There’s a lot of pent-up demand. I think (people) are understanding it’s a good time to buy, still.”

This year’s tour also features several new communities, including Lennar’s Bridgewater development and the second phase of Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade Golf and Country Club. The Windy Hill neighborhood in Country Club East also opened.

As of Sept. 30, Lakewood Ranch visitor centers and models had greeted more than 23,000 guests, which is about the same as in previous years.

However, Stewart said he has seen an increase in the number of visitors who are ready to buy, as well as individuals who are ready to buy but need to sell their current home or have one other change that “needs to happen” before a new home purchase is possible.

Additionally, as of Sept. 30, Lakewood Ranch has had 453 new home sales for the year, up about 3% compared to 2012. The average home price also has increased by about 10% to more than $410,000, Stewart said.

For more information on the Lakewood Ranch Tour of Homes, visit lakewoodranch.com or visit one of Lakewood Ranch’s information centers to pick up a brochure containing a complete listing of home models and other information about the tour.

16th annual Tour of Homes
Oct. 25 through Nov. 17
Model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Pick up a Tour of Homes packet at one of three information center locations:
• 6620 University Parkway, Sarasota
• 6310 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (Summerfield)
• 8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (The Lake Club)

By the numbers
15 Number of builders featured in this year’s tour
16 Number of years the Tour of Homes has occurred
41 Number of model homes featured in this year’s tour
150 Number of Realtors who attended the tour’s preview party Oct. 22

HAPPENINGS DURING THE TOUR
While the tour showcases the finest in Lakewood Ranch construction, it also highlights the cultural offerings within the community. Below is a listing of upcoming events.

Music on Main — 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Pinchers Crab Shack Second annual Stone Crab Fest — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 2, at Pincher’s Crab Shack, 10707 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch

Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Alumni Event — noon Nov. 4, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Golf outing starts at noon and is followed by dinner and silent auction. Info, [email protected].

Lakewood Ranch Bicycle Tour — 8 a.m. Nov. 9, at the fountain on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Join ambassador Greg Spring on a 10-mile, one-hour tour through Lakewood Ranch.

SunCoast Food and Wine Festival — 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 9, at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. Info, suncoastfoodandwinefest.com.

Thunder Fun Day — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9, at The Out-of-Door Academy, 444 Reid St. Event features contests, inflatables, food, music and more.

Creative Arts Association Show and Sale — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Festa Italiana — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16, at Central Park Community Amenities Center, 12150 Forest Park Circle, Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy children’s activities, craft vendors, traditional food, dog costume contest, opera, the Sarasota Mandolin Orchestra and more.

Lakewood Ranch Walking Tour — 8 a.m. Nov. 16, at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 6655 Greenbrook Blvd. Join Ambassador Greg Spring for a two-mile, one-hour nature walk through Lakewood Ranch.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected]