Category: News

Back-to-School Season Brings Plenty of Outdoor Fun

Posted on August 21, 2017 by - News

Kids running with backpacks on

As the weather cools down and the sun stays out, there is plenty of fun to be had for visitors and new residents of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

School is back in session! As summer wraps up and kids head back to school, fall is just around the corner. For many Floridians, this is the most pleasant time of the year–cooler weather, quieter beaches, and settling back into normal routines and rhythms.

With cooler outside temperatures, Manatee and Sarasota County’s locals enjoy the best of the West Central Florida great outdoors. Here are a few of the favorites.

Ringling Bridge

Just over a half mile long, the Ringling Bridge connects Downtown Sarasota and Lido Key. Besides its practical use, the Bridge offers breathtaking sunset viewing spots from Longboat and any of the Lido Keys. With a broad, spacious sidewalk for bikers, wheelchairs and families with little ones, an evening spent watching a sunset over Ringling Bridge is one you won’t soon forget. Take a look at their website for more information.

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

For West Central Florida residents, the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival is an October family favorite. At the Festival, attendees can shop local vendors, run through the corn maze, and play with animals in the petting zoo.

Myakka River State Park

This Old Florida gem allows visitors kayak, hike, bike, take a nature tour and enjoy all kinds of native Florida wildlife. The Park, located just minutes from I-75, has thousands of alligators for visitors to view from the main park trail. Check out the Myakka River State Park website to learn more.

Robinson Preserve

While it’s known as Northwest Bradenton’s park off the beaten path, Robinson Preserve isn’t far from Bradenton’s urban center. The park owns a host of beautiful trails for walking and running–a perfect area for 5k and 10k races. Whether you’re walking the dog, spending time with the kids, or looking to enjoy a nice walk with a cool summer breeze, Robinson Preserve is the place to be during the fall season. Learn more at the park’s website.

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market

Calling all local shopping connoisseurs! The Sarasota’s Downtown Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning year-round from 7am – 1pm. While attendance slightly dips during the hot, muggy summer months, the hustle and bustle picks back up in the cooler fall months. With a variety of goodies and goods, there’s always something local that is bound to catch your eye! Parking is a breeze as well–the garage across from Whole Foods has ample spaces to park. Visit the Farmers Market website for more information.

Music on Main

On the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., locals can gather on Lakewood Ranch’s Main street to enjoy live music, beer, wine and plenty of food. Bring your family, friends, dogs, and chairs to the event for the ultimate experience! The event is usually packed, so overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center off University Parkway east of I-75.

In fall, there is something for everyone in the Sarasota and Manatee County areas. As one of the most scenic, relaxed and desirable places to live in Florida, it’s no wonder why thousands of people every year decide to call West Central Florida their new home.

For those looking for a change of pace and a host of fun activities to enjoy year-round, look no further than Sam Rodgers Homes, located right by all the action.

Explore Sam Rodgers’ beautifully designed homes in West Central Florida!

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7 Reasons to Buy a Brand New Home—Not a Resale One

Posted on July 21, 2017 by - News

When home buyers consider what they want in a new home, a few “biggies” may come to mind–a “new home feel,” savings on bills, and the opportunity to personalize a home to your liking.

While there are “two types” of new homes–those that have previously been occupied (used) and those that are yet to be lived in (brand new)–features like the ones listed above are exclusive to the latter group. In fact, many of these brand new homes are yet to be built.

Much like buying a used home, buying a brand new home has its pros and cons. At the end of the day, however, purchasing a brand new home is the way to go. Here are seven reasons why.

Easier to Purchase
In all reality, most home builders have their own financing departments because it makes it easier for builders to obtain a mortgage. If buyers want to avoid doing the heavy lifting of acquiring a mortgage, then buying a brand new home is more advantageous. Why? Because the home builder has a vested interest in getting you financing.

In addition, there is not as much competition among buyers for brand new homes–because buyers are likely exploring their options within brand new neighborhoods, that means more options to choose from.

Make it Yours
One of the most exciting aspects about purchasing a brand new home is the ability to personalize it. Unique design is a benefit exclusive to new home buyers, as they are able to rearrange areas of the home as well as select the material of some interior features. While resale homes are built with interior features that someone else already selected, newly built homes offer countertops, cabinets, and home appliances that can be altered to the taste of the new home buyer.

Save Green
With energy efficient initiatives finding their way into the real estate market, newly-built homes are much more energy efficient than homes built in the past ten years. Between new energy efficient features like solar panel roofs, triple-pane windows, and thermostats controllable from a cell phone, new homes offer what resale homes lack–short and long term energy savings.

Air Quality
With stricter, heightened air quality standards setting the pace for new home builders, new home buyers are reaping the benefits–with high-performance air filtration and energy efficiency, buyers of brand new homes can enjoy better interior air quality at more convenient rates.

Less Home Maintenance
With more modern home designs (more open floor plans and higher ceilings), today’s new homes reflect more modern home lifestyles. Additionally, contemporary homes built with more cutting-edge features also require less upkeep from homeowners. With everything in mint condition and proper working order, there is no need for repairs. Like newer vehicles compared to older ones, newer homes don’t demand the frequent maintenance and upkeep often demanded by resale homes.

Safety & Security
While some resale homes offer a handful of up-to-date features, most resale homes simply cannot offer the type of safety and security features that brand new homes can. With state-of-the-art technology like new circuit breakers, electric garage doors, home fire systems and updated home security systems, owners of brand new homes don’t need to worry as much about safety and security. Instead, they can rest easy.

What Really Matters
Being the first one to step foot into a home that’s 100% yours is one of the best parts of purchasing a new home. The emotional connection of owning and maintaining a personalized home that is all yours is undoubtedly a special feeling and one that will stick with you and your family forever.

Buying a brand new home is more than taking care of practical home needs–it offers numerous advantages like increased home safety, plenty of opportunities to save on bills, and the luxury of a personalized touch that resale homes can only hope to offer.

Those features, in fact, are the luxury of buying a brand new Sam Rodgers home.

Explore a diverse range of beautiful home designs, find one you’d like to personalize, and be the first to step inside a brand new place to call your own.

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West Villages: The Not-so-Hidden Gem of Florida’s Gulf Coast

Posted on June 14, 2017 by - News

"North Port Welcomes You-West Villages" sign

Sam Rodgers is proud to build in West Villages, one of Southwest Florida’s most prestigious communities and the 4th fastest-selling, master-planned community in the country.

There’s new construction in Venice! As a truly master-planned community, West Villages takes master planning beyond streetscapes and neighborhood names—this community is designed with human connectivity at the forefront.

Perfectly seated between Florida’s Gulf of Mexico and the pristine Myakka River, West Villages thrives as a vibrant Sarasota community conveniently located just minutes from Interstate 75. Filled with exciting amenities and home features, West Villages is more than a collection of neighborhoods–it’s a destination.

Throughout West Villages, residents can catch glimpses of native wildlife and agriculture as they explore and enjoy Florida’s warmth, natural beauty, and best outdoor attributes just minutes from their home. Additionally, a 33-acre park–the largest park in the area–is set to open in mid-2018, and will function as a perfect place for families to play, relax and enjoy the outdoors.

While it’s quite a benefit to live near the great outdoors, prime entertainment options are just minutes away. A downtown area featuring boutiques, shops, specialty restaurants, and fitness centers is located just minutes from West Villages. With fresh entertainment options for every day of the week, there is plenty of fun to be had in the downtown area.

Adding to the fun, local residents are excited to welcome the Atlanta Braves. The main Spring Training corridor stretching from Ft. Myers to Tampa now includes Sarasota County where the Atlanta Braves will be throwing the first pitch of their Spring Training in 2019.

The game stadium, practice fields and event pavilion will also provide the surrounding area with another excellent location for events like concerts, fundraisers, farmers markets, and car shows.

The neighborhoods within West Villages each have their own set of spectacular features. Gran Paradiso in Venice, a West Villages neighborhood where Sam Rodgers Homes currently builds, boasts a premier clubhouse, library, activity rooms, resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and playground, all just walking distance from residents’ front doors.

Sam Rodgers Homes is proud to build beautifully appointed homes in West Villages, where residents can enjoy top-quality amenities year-round. Quality construction, customized design and personalized floor plans to suit each family’s needs are the pillars of the Sam Rodgers brand.

As a family-owned and operated business, community, craftsmanship, and strong relationships are values that Sam Rodgers always holds close to home.

Visit the Sam Rodgers website to learn more about the company and the unique line of premier, semi-custom homes offered in Southwest Florida.

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Sam Rodgers’ “Summer of Fun” in Full Swing

Posted on May 9, 2017 by - News

summer_fun2

With numerous community events stretched across the 2017 summer season, there is plenty of fun to be had with Sam Rodgers Homes.

For anyone associated with Sam Rodgers, this summer is set to be packed with fun.

With multiple events taking place throughout the next few months, residents and nonresidents alike can participate in drawings, contest entries, and prize wheel spins.

All summer long, there will be a prize wheel situated in both an HBT model home and a Sam Rodgers model home.

Individuals can spin the wheel for a chance to win premium ticket items, gift cards, and entries into the Summer of Fun grand prize: a brand new, pristine outdoor grill.

Those touring either the HBT or Sam Rodgers model home may submit entries for the grand prize drawing. Participants are allowed more than one entry, but each participant is capped at one entry per home visit.

With multiple Summer of Fun events on the horizon, visitors are sure to enjoy the variety of community happenings Sam Rodgers has to offer.

All Summer of Fun events will take place at the Heron Park Models. Check out some of the upcoming dates below:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Events Location: Heron Park Models

Grand Prizes:
Weber Summit E-470 4-burner, gas grill with side and rotisserie burners, $1,899.00 $5,000 design credit with builder of choice

May 2017

  • Saturday, May 13 → Sports Day 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Monday, May 15 → Mimosa Monday! 3:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Monday, May 22 → Mimosa Monday! 3:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Thursday, May 25 → Late Afternoon Realtor Event (open to all Realtors)
  • Monday, May 29 → Mimosa Monday! 3:00 – 5:00 pm

June 2017

  • Saturday, June 10 → Life’s a Beach! Event
  • Monday, June 12 → Mimosa Monday!
  • Thursday, June 22 → Late Afternoon Realtor Event – (Realtor Appreciation for those who have had sales at GHL)
  • Monday, June 26 → Mimosa Monday!

July 2017

  • Thursday, July 13 → Sweet Treats – Early Morning Coffee & Sweet Treats
  • Monday, July 17 → Mimosa Monday!
  • Monday, July 31 → Mimosa Monday!

Sam Rodgers Winner at 2017 Parade of Homes

Posted on April 14, 2017 by - News

parade_of_homes

Sam Rodgers Homes is proud to announce that we have won major awards at the 2017 Parade of Homes!

Two models, from two separate communities received special recognition. The Napoli at Gran Paradiso was awarded both Best Floor Plan and Best Kitchen in Category 15, while The Magnolia at GreyHawk Landing earned Best Curb Appeal, Best Kitchen, and BEST OVERALL in Category 7.

While this is the first time that The Magnolia has been awarded a Parade of Homes distinction, it’s no surprise why. The Magnolia model, one of Sam Rodgers’ most popular homes, is built for entertaining. It comes equipped with a large formal dining room and chef-inspired, ‘see it to believe it’ kitchen.

Also a first-time award-winner, The Napoli has been recognized by Parade of Homes for its exquisite, signature floor plan. Another Sam Rodgers favorite, this model includes large, open interior spaces with expansive views of an oversized outdoor living area.

In addition to what’s easy to see in these award-winning homes, all Sam Rodgers homes include an extensive list of hidden features built-in for peace of mind and reduced maintenance.

See for yourself why Magnolia and Napoli won these prestigious awards!

Category 7

Best Curb Appeal – Best Kitchen

and BEST OVERALL

Sam Rodgers Homes ~ Magnolia at GreyHawk Landing

https://b2srh.wpengine.com/sr-home/magnolia/

 

Category 15

Best Kitchen (Tie)

and Best Floorplan

Sam Rodgers Homes ~ Napoli at Gran Paradiso

https://b2srh.wpengine.com/sr-home/napoli/