Category: Blog

Neal Donates Additional Funds for New Digital Art iPad Lab

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (December 11, 2024) – Three Gene Witt Elementary (Manatee School District) students were chosen for the holiday cards in the Neal Communities’ 23rd My Favorite Home Art Contest.

Approximately 670 students from Gene Witt Elementary in Bradenton, Fla., participated, creating their own “My Favorite Home,” as students in grades K-5 designed their vision of an ideal home, with winners in each grade level – a total of six winners selected – with the top three home designs featured on holiday cards for Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes and SimplyDwell Homes.

Winners included kindergarten student Benny Burdick, whose design is featured on the Neal Communities Card; fourth grader Evalyn Gale whose design is featured on the Neal Signature Homes card; and first grader Avery Bush whose design is showcased on the Simply Dwell Homes card.

Benny Burdick explained that his inspiration for his house came from his family’s cabin, noting that it is a tiny, skinny house and he just really likes skinny houses while Evalyn Gale says she wants to live in the mountains that that is why she designed her house to be in the mountains.

Avery Bush said that her design inspiration came from a toy she has at home. “It is a mushroom, so I decided to make my favorite home a mushroom house that looked like my favorite toy. The round roof might help in a hurricane, like an umbrella.

Students took an architectural approach to the contest, according to visual arts teacher Kimberly Hoy. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through the region, the students have taken a step back to think about innovation that would help their favorite home better withstand the storms.

“Following the hurricanes, it was interesting to see how our thinking turned to innovation when we started to look at architecture in terms of challenges that prompted change like weather,” says visual arts teacher Kimberly Hoy. “We saw an “imaginary” house example that was up on pylons, so water could flow through underneath. The kids immediately started talking about the storm surge and how this was the way many of the newer beach houses are built today. We identified this as an innovation in comparison to many older homes that were built at sea-level and destroyed by storm surge. I challenged the kids to think about a problem their favorite home might solve. This prompted some of the kids to revise and add changes to their designs.”

Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the school for its participation in the contest, including $1,500 for supplies to execute My Favorite Home. The remaining donation will go toward the creation of a Digital Art iPad Lab at Gene Witt Elementary. Following the contest, Neal Communities learned that the Digital Art Lab fundraising was $2,500 from its goal and chose to donate that amount to help Hoy reach her goal.

“Through a variety of fundraising activities, along with the arts millage funding that is generously provided by our community, and now the generous donation of Neal Communities — I believe we will finally have the funds to purchase our lab,” Hoy says. “Digital Art is really the way of the future for many young artists. I am so thankful for the generosity of our community and Neal Communities in bringing this opportunity to our kids. They are going to be ready to take that leap into the future of art creation and hopefully we will inspire many new “imagineers” of the future.”

To Our Valued Customers impacted this hurricane season –

We know that in the aftermath of these unprecedented hurricanes, many in our community are facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives and homes. At SimplyDwell we would like to help those affected through this challenging time with heartfelt support and meaningful assistance.

As part of our commitment to those affected, we are offering a special assistance program^* to help ease the financial burden of starting over. Here’s what we can do:

• • Increased Incentives on Move-In Ready Homes: We have a large selection of move-in ready homes for immediate occupancy.
  • Reduced Deposit Requirements: We will substantially lower the deposit amounts to make purchasing a new home more accessible.
  • Maximized Closing Cost Contributions: We are increasing our contribution to closing costs, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket during this challenging time.

We understand that rebuilding after such a loss can be stressful, and if you have been significantly impacted by these storms, we want to be by your side every step of the way. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect new home, one that will provide you with the comfort and stability you need. We’re also here to help you through the closing process to make it as quick, easy, and seamless as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to learn more about this program or discuss how we can help. Together, we will build something stronger.

To make an appointment, please call (941) 845-6325 or click below to send us a request through our website.

CONTACT US 

*This program does require proof of damage or loss, through an insurance claim number or other means, as to be defined by your sales associate. (“Promotion”) valid on new home contracts entered as of 10/15/24 – 12/31/24 on all eligible Quick Move-in Homes (each, an “Eligible Home”). Available for conventional conforming loan limits, owner occupied only. Actual savings will vary by the community, floor plan, lot premium, options of home and availability. Other restrictions may apply. For eligibility, Qualified Buyer must (1) pre-apply with Affiliated Lender by visiting https://www.nealcommunities.com/finance-your-home/ prior to submitting offer to qualify for the Promotion; (2) utilize the services of Closing Agent selected only by Seller and finance with Affiliated Lender; and (3) satisfy all other closing date and eligibility criteria. Seller reserves the right to modify the Promotion’s terms and/or Promotion Period at any time prior to contract. Buyer is not required to finance through Affiliated Lender and/or to use such Closing Agent selected by Seller to purchase a home; however, Buyer must use both the Closing Agent selected by Seller and finance through Affiliated Lender to receive this Promotion. Interest rates and available loan products are subject to underwriting, loan qualification, and program guidelines. Maximum seller contributions apply. Not to be combined with any other incentive offer, except as otherwise expressly set forth above or in an Incentive Addendum to the Purchase Agreement. Other restrictions may apply. Not all Borrowers will qualify. Neal Communities Funding LLC., NMLS # 1378794, 495 North Keller Road, Suite 550B, Maitland, FL 32751, Licensed locations: FL: MLD1250 |www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Buying a home is a huge step, and securing the right financing is a key part of the process. At SimplyDwell, we understand that getting a mortgage can feel overwhelming, but with Neal Communities Financing (NCF) by your side, it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s how we make it easier:

1. Tailored Mortgage Options: NCF works with you to find the mortgage that best fits your budget and needs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a specific loan type, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
2. Closing Cost Assistance: We know that upfront costs can be one of the biggest hurdles in buying a home. That’s why SimplyDwell offers closing cost assistance to help you save money and move into your new home without added financial stress.
3. Streamlined Process: With NCF, everything is handled in-house, which means faster processing times and fewer headaches for you. Plus, we’re always available to answer any questions along the way.
4. Budget-Friendly Payments: Owning a home doesn’t have to break the bank. NCF can help you find affordable monthly payments that fit your financial goals—so you can start building equity without feeling overwhelmed.

Not sure where to start? Check out these resources to learn more about home financing:

The CFPB’s Mortgage Basics

NCF’s Mortgage Options

With SimplyDwell and NCF, financing your dream home has never been simpler. Ready to get started? We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Aidan and Katie Alderman embody the spirit and resilience of young homeowners navigating today’s challenging real estate market. Their story, intertwined with their deep-rooted connections to Sarasota, offers a lens into the importance of affordable housing solutions to keep young talent in the region.

Both Aidan and Katie grew up in Sarasota, with Aidan being a fifth-generation Sarasotian. Their decision to stay in the area was deeply influenced by their familial ties, professional opportunities, and love for the local lifestyle. Today they both work for local, privately owned companies. “We love where we were raised,” Katie says. “We enjoy being on the water and spending our time with family and friends.” Despite the challenges in the housing market, their desire to remain close to family, friends, and familiar surroundings kept them rooted in Sarasota.

However, the path to homeownership for Aidan and Katie was fraught with obstacles, primarily centered around affordability. Sarasota’s housing market, with starting prices just shy of half a million dollars for homes often requiring significant renovations, posed a significant barrier.

“Homes in Sarasota start around $400k+ and a home in that price range is probably an older home that needs a remodel or upgrades,” Katie adds.

“By the time we put a down payment to get the lowest possible monthly payment, we wouldn’t have enough cash for those larger repairs and furnishing the new home. That made it impossible,” Aidan says.

The Aldermans’ story is a microcosm of a larger trend affecting young Americans nationwide. Homeownership rates among younger generations are significantly lower compared to previous generations. Factors such as rising home prices, stagnant wages, and increased living costs contribute to this decline. According to a report by intermediary services company IPX1031, younger generations face substantial hurdles in achieving homeownership, with many feeling that owning a home is currently unattainable. In Sarasota, the challenge is compounded by the region’s popularity and the resulting high demand for housing.

In the face of these challenges, SimplyDwell emerged as a solution for Aidan and Katie. SimplyDwell is a housing initiative offered by Neal Communities designed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for young professionals and families in the Sarasota-Manatee region. The program focuses on constructing homes priced under $400,000, a crucial threshold for many aspiring homeowners like the Aldermans. SimplyDwell’s approach is characterized by simplicity and affordability, offering a basic product that homeowners can personalize over time.

“We were attracted to the simplicity of the product. It’s affordable, and we were able to purchase it. Now over time we get to make it our own, by upgrading light fixtures, adding accent walls, all the little weekend DIYs.” Katie shares.

The Aldermans’ experience with SimplyDwell was filled with significant moments of joy and relief. The first walk-through of their under-construction home in the Broadleaf community of Parrish, was particularly memorable. As a young, engaged couple—Aidan was 25 and Katie 22 at the time—they were overwhelmed with emotion, realizing that this home would be the starting point for their married life.

“The first time we walked the home while it was under construction, I just remember looking at Aidan and being overwhelmed with emotion,” Katie recalls. “We purchased the house as a couple, and knowing this would be where we would start our married life and where we possibly grow our family brought on so much excitement and in some ways relief. It really is the American Dream.”

Living on a lake lot, they now enjoy beautiful sunrises and the tranquil presence of local wildlife from their kitchen and living room, small yet significant moments that enrich their daily lives.

Aidan and Katie recognized that homeownership involves sacrifices and that the long-term benefits outweigh short-term inconveniences.

“At the end of the day, a home has many parts and many hands that come across it. It is understandable that it is not always ‘perfect.’ We are thankful for what we have because it is more than many others,” Aidan adds.

Programs like SimplyDwell by Neal Communities are not just beneficial but necessary to ensure that young professionals can afford to live and work in the area. By providing attainable housing options, SimplyDwell helps to retain talent, fostering a vibrant and diverse community.

Katie and Aidan are vocal advocates for SimplyDwell, sharing their positive experience with others in the community. They see the program as a crucial solution to the housing affordability gap, providing opportunities for homeownership that would otherwise be out of reach for many young professionals.

“I tell everyone about it. I think it is a great option and fills a much-needed gap in the market,” Katie says. Their support for SimplyDwell is rooted in their belief that such programs are essential for the long-term growth and stability of the Sarasota-Manatee region.

The couple’s homebuying journey is a testament to the importance of affordable housing initiatives in retaining young talent and supporting community growth. Their story highlights the need for innovative solutions like SimplyDwell, which offer hope and opportunity in a challenging market. As Sarasota continues to grow and evolve, programs that prioritize affordability and accessibility will be crucial in ensuring that the community remains vibrant and inclusive for generations to come. The Aldermans’ experience serves as an inspiring example of how determination, coupled with the right opportunities, can turn the dream of homeownership into a reality.