BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Neal Communities sets record in November
Neal Communities signed 48 contracts for home sales in November, making it the company’s best sales month of 2012.

There were 18 contracts alone in Woodbrook, Neal’s newest community. There have been 365 contracts so far this year, putting 2011 on track as a record-setting year.

“We are no longer at the bottom of the real estate market,” said Neal Communities’ President Pat Neal. “We are decidedly on the trend up. Today’s buyers are savvy. They see the value in buying new and recognize that prices are rising while interest rates are low, making this a critical juncture.”

For more, visit nealcommunities.com.

+ Home-Tech launches apprenticeship program
Home-Tech, an East County air conditioning and major appliance sales and service provider, is now accepting applications for its apprenticeship program, which provides on-the-job training for qualified job seekers.

Each year, Home-Tech hires eight to 12 apprentice technicians who receive a unique opportunity to earn while they learn at the company’s in-house training facility and out in the field along with a senior technician. This year, for the first time, the company will train service technicians at its new $1.3 million, 10,400-square-foot service office, technical training center and showroom on Lena Road in the East County.

Beginning in January 2012, Home-Tech apprentices will undergo an eight-week training program at the center’s classrooms, which include appliances and an HVAC system for hands-on practice. After completing the classroom training, each apprentice is assigned to ride along with a senior technician for 45 days before they begin to handle routine calls on their own.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, drug-free, with a good driving record and no criminal record. Interested applicants should call 800-433-9740, Ext. 298.

+ Tidewater Preserve adds community rep
WCI Communities named Nate Macione as second community representative at Tidewater Preserve, the 373-acre gated master-planned community in Bradenton.

With more than 20 years experience in sales and operations in the Boston area, Macione has spent the last decade in real estate.

Tidewater Preserve offers carriage homes, villas and classic homes ranging from 1,721 to 2,718 square feet with prices starting from $184,990. The Welcome Center, 4700 Tidewater Preserve Blvd., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call 465-4001.

CornerStone Title offers Hot Properties event
CornerStone Title hosted a Hot Properties event Nov. 14, at The Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch.

CornerStone Title served as host for a room of buyer’s agents, listing agents and other real estate professionals in for a networking and property pitch event.

Hot Properties is a unique event during which listing agents pitch their “hottest property” speed-dating style in 50 seconds or less.

Watch for the next Hot Properties Event by connecting with CornerStone Title at www.cornerstonetitle.biz.