As I mentioned in an earlier post (see http://SandySpeaks.com/Disney), Walt Disney World announced the opening of a new residential resort that will be nestled amongst the theme parks in Orlando.  This week, Disney announced the builders who will be participating in creating this one-of-a-kind community.  As a real estate broker in Celebration, I’ve had the privilege of working with most of these builders personally and recommend each one highly.  If you would like more information on this incredible opportunity, please contact me at Sandy@SandySellsFlorida.net.  Below is an excerpt from this week’s press release…

(September 28, 2010)– Seven prestigious homebuilders have been selected by Disney to design and construct the luxury homes in the unique resort community of Golden Oak at Walt Disney World® Resort. Each of the builders is purchasing initial individual homesites, allowing construction of the first showcase and spec homes to begin immediately. Since Disney announced the project in June, the company has seen significant interest from potential buyers. Inquiries have come from as far away as Brazil and England – and domestically from New York to Texas to California. The selected builders are currently designing home plans in preparation for the launch of homesite sales later this year. “The homebuilders for Golden Oak have impressive track records of success and dedication to the highest level of quality,” said Page Pierce, vice president, Disney Resort Real Estate Development. “We look forward to seeing their beautiful homes come to life in Golden Oak through their fine craftsmanship and signature styles.”

Golden Oak will initially consist of three types of single-family homes: Village, Estate and Grand Estate Homes. Village Homes will capture the romantic look of a Mediterranean village on homesites up to one-quarter acre. Estate Homes, on approximately one-half acre homesites, will offer a variety of architectural styles including Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colonial and Island Colonial. At up to three-quarters acre in size, Grand Estate Homes will include architectural styles consistent with Estate Homes and will accommodate the needs of large families. The custom homebuilders for the Golden Oak Village Homes are CAHILL, Goehring & Morgan Construction, Inc., and Issa Homes.

The custom homebuilders for Golden Oak Estate Homes and Grand Estate Homes are Derrick Builders, Inc., Jones-Clayton Construction, J. Richard Watson Construction Company, Inc., and Ray Coudriet Builder, Inc.

These experienced custom builders are creating residential design concepts for interested buyers and showcase and spec homes, consistent with the unique architectural aesthetic of the Golden Oak community. Disney conducted a rigorous process to select the homebuilders for Golden Oak. Superlative experience building custom luxury homes in high-end Central Florida communities, expertise in the specific architectural styles planned for Golden Oak and a demonstrated reputation for quality design and construction were some of the criteria used in the selection process. Golden Oak may invite additional builders in the future, as the community and demand grow.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Disney also unveiled the handcrafted sign at the entrance to Golden Oak, the result of many hours of artistry. The name, Golden Oak, is inspired by Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall, California, where some say gold nuggets were found in 1842, a filming location for segments of the Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950’s. In addition to the ranch’s official use for The Walt Disney Company, the ranch served as a place of respite and relaxation for Walt and his family. Golden Oak at Walt Disney World® Resort will offer families that same sense of magic and enchantment that Walt believed to be so important. Beyond the literal connection to Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch, the iconic oak tree symbolizes the family, stability, and heritage that this community will encourage. The tree also pays subtle homage to Walt’s “Dreaming Tree,” the tree in his childhood hometown that provided shade for his many hours of daydreaming.

Golden Oak at Walt Disney World® Resort

Golden Oak at Walt Disney World® Resort is a luxury, master-planned gated community being developed at one of the most extraordinary family vacation destinations in the world. This one-of-a-kind resort development will feature custom homes with world-class architecture, surrounded by Florida’s natural environment. Residents will enjoy elite resident services, privileges at Walt Disney World® Resort and access to select amenities at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort.

(Image: Bill Perry / FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Photo of oak tree not associated with Disney)

I’ve lived and worked as a real estate agent in Celebration, the town that Disney developed in Orlando, for over 10 years.  I love Celebration!  You know whenever Disney puts their mark on something, it’s going to be extraordinary.

Next on Disney’s agenda is the development of an exquisite, upscale community located inside Disney… nestled between The Magic Kingdom and Epcot!  This luxurious neighborhood is known as Golden Oak, named after a ranch in California where Walt Disney would retreat to continue working on his creation known as “the most magical place on Earth”.  As a young boy, Walt would sit under a large oak tree and dream.  Aren’t we glad he did?

Golden Oak will be a gated community situated on 980 acres, with almost half of the acreage consisting of conservation land.  It will ultimately be filled with 450 luxury residences, with prices starting at $1.5 million.  It will consist of gorgeous, custom single family homes and lovely, Tuscan-style courtyard homes.

The folks who purchase in Golden Oak will choose a homesite and then plan their dream home, to either reside in or enjoy as a vacation home.  The first release of these desirable homesites is taking place now, with less than 30 being offered at this time.  I’ve had the privilege of working with the sales staff and builders who are in place at Golden Oak as they were involved in the development of Celebration.  You can rest assured they will bring professionalism and perfection to the Golden Oak experience.

Residents of Golden Oak will enjoy many amenities including private VIP transportation, theme park benefits, special event tickets, exclusive community activities, concierge services, a private clubhouse featuring fine dining and upscale fitness facilities, and access to the largest Four Seasons Resort in North America.  The Four Seasons Resort planned for this brilliant community will boast an 18-hole golf course, restaurants, and a relaxing spa.

As a real estate broker in Florida, it would be my pleasure to send you more information on this extravagant piece of the most magical place on earth, to accompany you on a private tour of the area, and to act as your “eyes and ears” while your Disney dream home is under creation.  Please feel free to contact me at Sandy@SandySellsFlorida.net or at 407.592.HOME (4663).

(The photo of the European Country Estate was taken by Simon Howden ~ http://freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=404 and is not a rendering of a home at Golden Oaks)

I had to write my annual poem
   As 2009 comes to an end
I am full of love and gratitude
   That to all of you I had to send.

Jake is now three years old
   He is friendly and such a little man
He is very tall with a head full of curls
   He speaks Spanish, sings songs, and is Mommy’s biggest fan.

Stephanie is a full-time student now
   And I can’t believe that Hailey has turned ten
I lost both Shakespeare and Spencer
   I sure miss my sweet, furry friends.

My family is happy and healthy
   A great-nephew named Luke Ryan arrived
I’m available to consult about real estate
   I still eat Mila each day to feel healthy and alive.

I created Gratitude Boot Camp
   Where I coach about counting your blessings
There is a Gratitude Boot Camp fan page on Facebook
   I can’t wait to see what miracles GBC brings.

I’m the Leader in Orlando and Celebration
   For a wonderful organization
Women’s Prosperity Network
   Is expanding throughout the Nation.

I’ve created a mantra for the New Year
   Let’s all say it together
Stand tall, Smile, and Shout Out Loud
   “2010 is my best year EVER”!

           HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This update on the new tax credit for homebuyers is courtesy of Steve Birk with Element Funding.  I have personally used Steve for the financing of my home and have referred customers to him and they have all been extremely satisfied with his professionalism, knowledge, and service.  For all of your mortgage needs, Steve can be reached at SBirk@ElementFunding.com or at 407.367.5573.  Here is the information:

*First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

*Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

*What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

*Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction

It’s important to remember that the tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

*Higher Income Caps

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to  $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

*Maximum Purchase Price

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

————————

Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. For more information or answers to specific questions, please call or email Steve today.

In addition, you may be able to benefit from additional housing related provisions, including the following:

————————

*Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs

This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.

*Landmark Energy Savings

This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.

*Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing

This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section 8) to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.

*Expanding Housing Assistance

This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties.

If you have any questions about your specific situation or would like to discuss how you may benefit from this program, please call or email Steve and he will meet with you to discuss your needs.  Again, Steve can be reaced at SBirk@ElementFunding.com or at 407.367.5573.

If you would like to receive a list of homes that have your desired criteria or have any questions about purchasing a new home, please feel free to contact me at 407.592.HOME (4663) or at Sandy@SandySellsFlorida.com.  It would be a pleasure to serve your real estate needs.