Builders prepare for new community's big reveal

After nearly two years, Neal Communities prepares to show off one of its latest communities right around the corner from Lakewood Ranch — Eagle Trace.

However, the opening celebrations, to be held Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, don’t mean construction crews can hang up their hard hats just yet. The team is in the process of preparing 89 home sites as part of an expansion to Neal’s existing 182-home Eagle Trace project.

“Many builders buy (already prepared) lots, but we try to integrate homes into the land and get the area the way we want it first,”Neal Communities President Pat Neal said.

While embarking on the next phase of Eagle Trace, Neal keeps in mind his target audience — active adults, families and retirees. Neal hopes to attract more families to his new community; it’s a demographic he says has not been too active in the housing market. At Neal, homebuyers in their 20s and 30s account for only one-third of homes sold. He hopes to change that by offering specific features to hone in on what buyers want.

By utilizing more than five models offered on site, including two villa-style homes, and offering larger spaces ranging from 1,772 to 2,443 square feet, he hopes to draw in the family crowd.

If spacious housing options don’t draw in buyers, he hopes the family-friendly amenities, such as a playground, community pool and two dog parks, will help attract hesitant, housing market-shy purchasers.

Neal said he hopes to sell all the homes in the community within two years and four months.

AT A GLANCE:
Neal Communities has several communities under construction in the East County area.

Eagle Trace
258 — Number of homes at build out

3 — Number of model homes completed

Grand Opening Dec. 7

Central Park
826 — Number of homes at build out

528 — Number of homes closed

Woodbrook
224 — Number of homes at build out

165 — Number of homes closed

Fairfield
140 — Number of homes at build out

31 — Number of homes closed

Belleisle at Country Club East
172 — Number of homes at build out

150 — Number of homes closed

Highlands at Country Club East
188 — Number of homes at build out

22 — Number of contracts pending

Miramar at Country Club West
104 — Number of homes at build out

71 — Number of homes closed

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].