Category: Blog

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (August 4, 2026) – SimplyDwell Homes will host a Grand Opening celebration for Madera at Wellen Park on August 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The event will feature a food truck, various activities and a tethered hot air balloon ride that will allow guests a unique perspective overlooking the Wellen Park area.

Madera at Wellen Park in Venice is located at 19936 Madera Circle. It will offer 4 new townhome plans ranging from 1591 square feet to 1717 square feet.  The homes will range from 2 to 4 bedrooms with 2 to 3 baths and the option for a loft or office.

This boutique 32-unit development will feature covered porches and patios along with 16 unique end units offering a two-car garage and primary ensuite on the main level.

Located near I-75, Madera is only a short walk to Wellen Park’s Main Street and Cool Today Park, the Atlanta Braves training Stadium. It is less than 10 miles from Southwest Florida’s beaches and is close to a planned Benderson shopping destination. Residents will enjoy a wide variety of nearby retail and entertainment options. Once the Manasota Beach extension is complete, expected by early 2027, residents will have an even more direct route to the beach. 

Families will access Wellen Park High School, a new state-of-the-art 81-acre campus in Sarasota County scheduled to open next month.  Just 3.3 miles from Madera, the high school features a modern 325,000-square-foot facility, a nine-lane track and a synthetic turf field.  Elementary students will attend Taylor Ranch Elementary School in Venice, a top-rated school known for academic excellence since 2001.  

Among the local highlights are proximity to Cool Today Park, the Atlanta Braves spring training stadium, a less than a mile drive to the State College of Florida, Wellen Park Plaza and Main Street Shops and a six-minute drive to Warm Mineral Springs. Biking, walking trails kayaking and many golf courses are all located within a 10-15 minute drive in all directions. 

SimplyDwell is committed to providing attainable homeownership opportunities for young professionals and families in the Sarasota-Manatee region. The company focuses on constructing homes starting in the low 300’s, addressing a critical price point for many aspiring homeowners. Their approach features simplicity and affordability, offering move-in-ready homes that can be personalized over time. 

“Madera will offer homeowners a great entry point to the housing market, with quality homes at an attainable price, that allows Simply Dwell customers to accrue equity,” says Jag Rupnarain, division president for Simply Dwell Homes.  “Madera is ideally located for families and individuals seeking to take full advantage of the lifestyle that Southwest Florida offers, while finding a home option that allows that lifestyle at a price point they can afford.” 

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla., (March 3, 2025) – SimplyDwell Homes, a Neal Communities company, announced two recent donations to local organizations.

The company donated $5,000 to the Palmetto Multicultural Festival, a free, family-friendly event that included food, entertainment, arts, and a kids zone, which took place in early February.

In addition, SimplyDwell donated $1,400 to serve as a name sponsor for the Braden River Little League, the SimplyDwell Homes Junior division in the Braden River Little League.

“It is an amazing thing to have a company like Neal Communities, sponsoring us,” says Grover Keltz, construction manager. “The boys and I are very excited to be able to represent SimplyDwell Homes and  Neal Communities.  I truly appreciate the support from my employer. They really care about the local communities and want to give back. It is an honor to wear the name on our shirts.”

Many of these donations came as a result of a Neal Communities employee who is actively involved in these organizations. By making a request through the company’s Plan for Giving, the company supports causes that are important to its staff along with quality-of-life initiatives and education.

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

SimplyDwell is a housing initiative offered by Neal Communities designed to provide homeownership opportunities for young professionals and families in the Sarasota-Manatee region. The program focuses on constructing homes priced under $400,000, characterized by simplicity, offering a basic product that homeowners can personalize over time.

Owning a home is a significant milestone for many people. While renting offers flexibility, homeownership provides a multitude of long-term benefits. Let’s explore why owning a home is often a superior choice.

Building Equity: Your Investment Grows

One of the most compelling advantages of homeownership is the opportunity to build equity. Each mortgage payment you make contributes to the ownership stake in your property. Over time, your home’s value can appreciate, increasing your net worth. Unlike rent, which pays for someone else’s mortgage, your mortgage payments work toward making you a homeowner.

Stability and Control: Your Space, Your Rules

Homeownership offers stability and control over your living environment. You’re not subject to the whims of a landlord or the uncertainty of lease renewals. You can customize your space to your preferences, whether it’s painting walls, remodeling a kitchen, or adding a backyard garden. This sense of ownership can significantly enhance your quality of life.

Tax Benefits: Government Incentives for Homeowners

Homeownership often comes with attractive tax benefits. Property taxes, mortgage interest, and potential property tax deductions can provide substantial savings. Consult with a tax professional to fully understand the specific benefits available to you.

Long-Term Financial Security: A Solid Foundation

Homeownership can provide a strong foundation for your financial future. As your home appreciates in value, it can serve as a valuable asset. In addition, owning a home can improve your credit score, making it easier to qualify for loans and other financial opportunities.

If you’re considering taking the leap into homeownership, explore the options available we, at SimplyDwell Homes, have in Sarasota and Parrish. Affordable new construction homes in Parrish and new homes Sarasota offer excellent opportunities to find your dream home. Consider the long-term benefits and make an informed decision that will positively impact your financial future.

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can be daunting to think about furnishing it. With so many beautiful pieces to choose from, it’s easy to get carried away and overspend. However, there are plenty of ways to create a stylish and comfortable space without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for furnishing your first home on a budget:

Start with the Essentials
Before you start shopping for furniture, make a list of the essential items you need. This might include a bed, a sofa, a dining table and chairs, and basic kitchen appliances. Once you have a list, you can start looking for deals on these items.

Shop Smart
There are many ways to save money when shopping for furniture. Look for sales and discounts at furniture stores, department stores, and online retailers. You can also find great deals at thrift stores, consignment shops, and garage sales. Another great option is to consider affordable new construction homes in Sarasota, where you might find packages that include basic furnishings.

DIY and Upcycle
If you’re handy, you can save money by building your own furniture or upcycling old pieces. There are many tutorials and plans available online to help you get started. You can also find inspiration for upcycling projects on Pinterest and other social media platforms.

Get Creative with Decor
Decorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use inexpensive items like plants, artwork, and throw pillows to add personality to your space. You can also find inspiration for decorating on a budget on blogs and websites like HGTV and Better Homes & Gardens.

Embrace a Minimalist Aesthetic
A minimalist aesthetic is a great way to create a stylish and affordable home. By keeping your space clutter-free, you can make it feel more spacious and inviting. You can also use multifunctional furniture to save space and money.

Conclusion
Furnishing your first home on a budget is possible with a little planning and creativity. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and comfortable space that you’ll love for years to come.

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