Real Estate Deal of the Week: The Isles on Palmer Ranch

He says, "I have an excellent prospect for this week's Real Estate Deal. What do you say to The Isles on Palmer Ranch, a community of new homes built by DiVosta? The Isles are located just off Honore south of Clark Road. It's one of the newer developments in Palmer Ranch."

"I know The Isles," she says. "We have clients who bought there and they love it! It’s a beautiful master-planned community built around lakes and native preserves. The residents enjoy relaxed, easy living with a heated lagoon pool, lighted tennis courts, bocce ball, basketball courts and a lakeside Town Center. But no golf."

"Exactly!" he says. "So many people ask us for a resort-style community but don't necessarily want golf. Plus, it is managed on-site by a full-time professional community manager and a Social Director who assures there will always be lots of fun things to do. Kind of like Julie from The Love Boat, only better."

She says, "Okay, what else do we love about The Isles?"

He says, "Everything about this community revolves around resort-style living with loads of opportunities to make new friends and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. The amenities are exceptional: the 11,000 square foot Town Center includes a fully-equipped fitness center, multipurpose rooms (ideal for playing cards, conducting meetings or hosting informal social events) a service kitchen and a post office. In fact, everything about The Isles 'sings holidays,' as the expression goes."

She says, "That must be a British expression, since I’ve never heard it. But you are right again. If you visit the community’s website, you’ll see a complete rundown of all the activities and, my goodness, they seem to have it all. Here's just a sample: They have knitting and craft groups, a social singles evening, health seminars, a happy hour pool-side, a family night pool-side, concerts and --- this one sounds like it could be my personal favorite --- 'Ladies night out Sip and Dip!'"

He says, "For those into more healthy activities there are tennis clinics, fitness classes, aerobics and yoga classes. Basically every recreational amenity you could ever want without leaving the community. Okay --- now about the homes. There are great choices; something for everyone, in fact. They have town homes --- basically first or second-floor condominiums --- and single-family, maintenance-free homes."

She says, "Prices in The Isles for re-sales start at $219,000 for a three-bedroom condo with 1,890 square feet, to $417,000 for a four-bedroom, single-family home with 2,521 sq ft. DiVosta also offers new construction with the three-bedroom Kendall model available for $257,990. At present there are only nine homes available for re-sale. Eight more are under contract preparing to close, and there have been 21 sales since January 1, 2012, which speaks very well for the community. Those numbers indicate we are getting close to a 'balanced' real estate market."

He says, "I like 5725 Fossano Place. This is a beautiful three-bedroom condo that takes full advantage of panoramic lake views. This second-floor unit has a wonderful screened lanai, a perfect spot to relax and watch wildlife on the lake. And by wildlife, I mean the wading birds --- not the neighbors! The kitchen is highly functional and features the 'big three' features every buyer wants: wood cabinetry, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The master suite is fairly large for a home of this size and has its own set of sliders to the screened lanai. The bath is like stepping into a posh spa and includes a walk-in closet, dual sinks and separate tub and shower. A separate guest bedroom and bath is located at the front of the homee, and in between is a good sized den/study, so there is a nice separation between bedrooms. Add to this a separate laundry room with loads of storage space and a two-car garage, and you really have everything you need. This one is listed for $269,000."

"Okay," she says, "I'm going with one of the maintenance-free single-family homes. 5912 Mariposa Lane is 2,500-plus square feet of pure luxury situated on a lot with premium views of the lake, two canals and the clubhouse grounds beyond. It enjoys a great room floor plan with a flexible living room/dining room space that could just as easily be converted to a fifth bedroom, den or perhaps a game room. As I said, there are loads of luxurious upgrades. The home was built in 2007 using DiVosta's signature solid-poured concrete and reinforced steel, then was freshly updated in 2011. Note the 16-inch porcelain tile, lovely granite counter tops in the kitchen and baths, multiple French doors, vessel sinks in the baths --- the list goes on. The decor in this one is superb. The sellers got it exactly right. The other thing I love about this community is its Homeowner Association Fees, which include all the landscaping, basic cable, security monitoring and all of the recreational and social amenities. All of this for $417,000."

"Well, there you have it," he says. "Two more great buys, this time in Palmer Ranch."

She says, "I'll bet you a quarter my pick goes under contract in 30 days or less."

He says, "A quarter? What can you buy for a quarter? Why don't I just give that to you right now?

"It's just an expression, Donald," she says, "but I bet it will sell fast."