A central Florida developer recently announced its plans for a 2,245 home community in Bartow, which is waiting on approvals. 

It's proposed name is Emilie Springs, and it is located on highway 60 which will likely be popular with people commuting to the Brandon area for work, as well as locals looking for a new community with three amenity centiers, each with a pool, pickleball courts and tennis courts. Throughout the community there will be 11 ball fields, dog parks, walking and biking trails, and parks. 

They are planning four phases, with the first having 528 single family homes, the second with 623, the third with 449 and the last with 645. 

The community will be split into two, Emilie East and Emilie West. 

The lots will include 40', 50', and 60' options. Likely offering three different buildout options with each more optioned out than the other. 

The project has a proposed to donate a police substation, fire station, or EMS facility to the city. 

This is anticipated to be a 5-10 year project if approved by the City of Bartow, with construction beginning in late 2025. 

Cant wait until then? Check out the New Homes for Sale in Bartow to see whats available. 

Thinking about calling Davenport Home? You are not alone. Over the past 10 years Davenport has gown tremendously, both with new homes and supporting shopping, entertainment, medical facilities, and schools.

Video embed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43sbGeE2gUk

Why Davenport?

Davenport, Florida is a smaller (but rapidly growing) community that is 30 minutes South West of Orlando with I-4 splitting the city, making it very popular for commuters or families that love that Orlando attractions but don't want the higher cost of homes that the Orlando area brings, but more on that in a minute. 

Disney, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, SeaWorld, and so much more are all within 45 minutes.

Affordability

Browse ALL homes for sale in Davenport. 

Depending on where you are in Davenport, home prices typically range from $50,000-$100,000 less than homes in the Orlando area, and even more when compared to areas like Winter Park or Doctor Phillips. 

🏡 Browse the most popular price range, Homes for sale in Davenport between $300-$400K.

Growth

In the past 10 years Davenport has experienced tremendous growth both in new homes, and local shopping, entertainment, and medical facilities. Everything you need is typically within 10-15 minutes from home without the need to drive to Orlando. 

Location

Davenports location at I-4 and Highway 27 offers tremendous access East and West, as well as North and South. This interchange is highly used daily by thousands of people. 27 runs all the way from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Miami, covering nearly 1400 miles.  I-4 runs East- West from Tampa to Daytona Beach. There are multiple other major highways that intersect both roads, giving great access to the entire state. 

Family Friendly

Davenport offers something for everyone, with many attractions including Legoland, as well as good schools, and plenty of outdoor parks and recreation centers. Many of the newer neighborhoods have community pools that are resort style offering playgrounds, water features, and more!

If you are shopping for a new home in the Central Florida area, you have probably come across the term CDD or Community Development District. 

What is a CDD?

CDDs are a local, special-purpose government framework authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, and are an alternative to municipal incorporation for managing and financing infrastructure required to support development of a community.

What does that mean? 

It means the developer has essentially taken a loan to develop the community, including roadways, infrastructure, and any amenities the community may have, and they are paid back over a period of typically 30 years, and are divided among the homeowners in the particular community the CDD covers and is based on lot size. 

Why do so many new communities have CDD fees?

The reason so many new communities have CDD fees is because the developers have the option to borrow the money to develop the community instead of paying out of pocket the hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars it costs to build a new neighborhood.

How are CDD fees paid?

CDD fee's are billed yearly with your property taxes, but unlike property taxes that are paid in arrears your CDD fee is paid in advance. If you financed your property your mortgage company has broken down the CDD fee and Taxes and that is added to your monthly payment, is escrowed, and paid on your behalf. If your home is paid off you are responsible for your property tax and CDD bill. 

Is the CDD the same as the HOA?

No, The CDD and the HOA are separate and have different functions. The HOA covers things like what color you can paint your home, what type of fencing you can install, and polices properties that are not keeping their landscaping up or have broken down cars etc.  The CDD is for the infrastructure and amenities. Typically communities that have a CDD also have a HOA, but many HOA communities do not have a CDD. 

Is a CDD bad?

CDD's aren't for everyone, but they are not bad. Check out this video:

CDD communities typically have more and better amenities than a non CDD community, and you get what you pay for. If you want things like community pools, clubhouses, tennis or pickle ball courts, then a CDD community is probably right for you. If you do not want any of that, you may want to look elsewhere to save yourself the CDD fees. 

If you do not want to buy a new home in a CDD community we have the search set up for you!

Lakeland New Construction with No CDD

If you are looking for a BRAND NEW home in Dr Phillips, Just outside of Orlando, Check out the Homes For Sale in Parkview Reserve by Pulte Homes. It is really your only option for brand new homes in the area. 

Dr. Phillips is in the "Golden Triangle", named for its location roughly 10-15 minutes to SeaWorld, Disney, and Universal. You are in the middle of it all with fantastic shopping and dining options. 

Why do people love living in Dr Phillips?

Dr. Phillips is just outside of Orlando and offers what many people think is the best location for access to what you need, but a small town feel when you are home. There are many lakes and preserves for outdoor activities such a boating, hiking, fishing, and enjoying outdoor activities. 

The city covers roughly 5 square miles and has exceptional amenities to keep you busy at all times. This includes some of the finest restaurants, and most popular shopping destinations. If you are new to the area be sure to check out The Marketplace at Dr Phillips, as well as The Pointe at Dr. Phillips. 

If you are looking for fine dining a few of the most popular are Seasons 52, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, Yard House, and STK Orlando are a few to get you started. 

Dr Phillips School Info:

Dr Phillips is also home to some of the top rated schools in the area, attracting families looking for great options for their children. Dr. Phillips is home to a highly regarded school district, offering excellent educational opportunities for students.

Public Schools:

Dr. Phillips High School.

Dr. Phillips Middle School.

Sand Lake Elementary School.

There are also some Private Schools to consider:

Orangewood Christian School: This private school offers a Christian-based education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and character development.

The First Academy: This private school provides a college preparatory curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Browse ALL homes for sale in Dr. Phillips.

The Winter Haven Chain Of Lakes is a very popular boating destination for people even outside of the area. 

Browse all homes for sale on the Winter Haven Chain Of Lakes.

The South Chain is the most popular, and includes the following lakes, in order from most northern to most southern.

Starting at the Top of the map

Lake Jessie

Lake Jessie is home to Jack Browns Seaplane Base, which is connected to the Winter Haven Airport. Lake Jessies is just shy of 190 acres, and is connected to Lake Idylwild at its South East side. It has mostly single family homes around its shores, but the North East side is Airport land. Lake Jessie is a dead end.

Lake Idylwild

Lake Idylwild is just under 100 acres of water, and connects Lake Jessie, Lake Hartridge, and Lake Cannon. The Moose Lodge is located on the South side bordering the Lake Cannon canal. To the West is the Canal to Lake Hartridge.

Lake Hartridge

Lake Hartridge covers nearly 430 acres and has the Winter Haven Airport to its west. There are some condos on Lake Hartridge, but the majority of its shoreline is Single Family homes. The Locks to the North Chain are on the North East side of the lake, but more on the North Chain in another post. There is a public boat ramp on the South West side of the lake, south of the canal.

Lake Cannon

Lake Cannon is covers roughly 333 acres and there is a public boat ramp on W Lake Cannon Drive on its West side. The lake is mostly residential lakefront homes, however Casarena Townhomes are located on the North Side. There is a canal on the East Side to Lake Mirror and Spring Lake.

Lake Mirror

Lake Mirror is a smaller lake at 130 acres, and the bridge to it from Lake cannon is very low so use caution. Ben DeHaven grew up on lake Mirror and spent plenty of time on the chain of lakes.  Lake Mirror is almost completely single family homes, with a small parcel that will likely one day be developed into apartments or townhomes on its North East side. 

Spring Lake

Spring lake is the smallest on the chain at only 24 acres, and is home to a very popular 55+ Community of condos Spring Lake Towers. There are only two homes on the lake as most of it borders 6th Street. Spring Lake is a dead end.

Lake Howard

Lake Howard is a popular lake due to Old Man Franks being located on its South side, offering a dock for boaters to stop in for food and drinks. They also have live music on the weekends. It is mostly residental single family homes around its shores. Lake Howard covers 624 acres and has two canals, one to Lake Cannon and the southern one to Lake May. There is a small boat ramp on its East side with 4 parking spots. It also has the South Lake Howard Nature Park on its South East corner. 

Lake May

Lake May is a small but busy lake. On its canal from Lake Howard is Carribean Bay and a bait and tackle shop. On the lake is Tanners Lakeside, a very popular destination for boaters where they have food and live entertainment and music. There is also Twisted Prop on the North East corner, another bar and grill that provides live music on the weekends. Lake may is also home to Marine Supply, which offers boat storage and sales. They are also the only location on the lake that sells fuel. There are a few canals on the East side of the lake that do not go to another lake, but more single family canal front homes. Lake May leads to Lake Ship via its South canal.

Lake Shipp

Lake Shipp is a medium size lake at 276 acres, and is where most people launch their boats. There is the William G Roe boat ramp on the East Side and the Lake Shipp boat ramp and park on the West side. For dining there is Harborside, on the southern shore, right next to the canal leading to Lake Lulu.

Lake Lulu

Lake Lulu is a 315 acre lake with homes and condos on its North side, and vacant land/wetlands on its South side. There is a canal on the South West corner that you can navigate but it is a dead end and is the overflow to Peace Creek that eventually flows into the Peace River. On the North east side is the canal to Lake Roy, and on the East is the canal to Lake Eloise. Lake Lulu residents have placed a slalom course on its south east side for the skiers. There is no public boat ramp here. 

Lake Roy

The Canal to Lake Roy is the longest on the South Chain, and covers roughly 75 acres. There is a boat ramp in the South East side of the lake. Lake Roy is a dead end.

Lake Eloise

Lake Eloise is one of the best known lakes in the area. It is home to Legoland and the Legoland Water Park. You can catch the Ski Show at 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00 daily, weather permitting. Aside from Legoland Lake Eloise is all single family homes, and some of the most expensive in the area! Lake Eloise covers 1174 acres and is typically 10-18 feet deep. Lake Eloise leads to Lake Summit on the North East corner, and Lake Winterset on the South East side. On the south side is Little Lake Eloise, but it is just a smaller part of the larger lake. 

Lake Summit

Lake Summit is a smaller lake, but is home to a boat ramp on its western side that offers deeper draft and t-top boats access to Lake Eloise and Lake Winterset, depending on water height. It has Legoland Waterpark on its South East side, but other than that is all single family homes. 

Lake Winterset

Lake Winterset is Ben's personal favorite lake as it is spring fed and more clear than the others. On the weekends many boaters gather here to raft up and enjoy the beautiful weather. Lake Winterset is 556 acres and has both single family homes and townhomes around its shores. Some of the most expensive neighborhoods in Winter Haven are here. Renaissance is one great example. At the South East side of Winterset is Little Lake Winterset, a secret that Ben doesn't want you to tell anyone, because that's where you'll find on the weekends, hanging with friends and family. Lake Winterset does not have a public boat ramp, and is the end of the South Chain.

If you are wanting to buy a home on the Chain Of Lakes in Winter Haven, give Ben a call at 863-333-5053 to go over your needs!

In todays market. many buyers that we work with in relocating to the Central Florida area are opting for New Construction due to the builder paid closing costs and rate buy downs, which save you both money out of pocket at closing as well as monthly on your mortgage payment. 

But since it's a new home you do not need a home inspection do you? 

YES!

You are able to get your BRAND NEW home inspected to see if its being build correctly. I spoke with Wayne of Check Twice Home Inspections about it and we made a video just for you! 

What does a New Construction Home Inspection look for? 

They typically offer three separate inspections. And none of them are required, but we feel the expense is worth the piece of mind when you are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on your Central Florida home. 

Pre Slab Inspection

A Pre Slab Inspection is where the inspector gets to take a look at the plumbing and footers BEFORE concrete is poured over the top. Why does this matter? What if a pipe is not glued together and roots are able to grow into it? What if the pipe isn't pitched correctly and wont allow a toilet or shower to drain properly? See what we are saying, there are lots of things to look out for. 

Pre Drywall Inspection

A Pre Drywall Inspection is likely the most important, as it gives the inspector a chance to see through the walls, look at all of the electrical wiring, make sure the wires are of appropriate gauge for their circuit, and in the correct places. They can also see if vent pipes are property vented or if they just terminate in the walls or attic. 

They also look for proper connections of the lumber to the slab and walls, as well as the trusses to the block, and frame if a wood frame second story. 

Final Inspection

This inspection is similar to an inspection you would get on a resale home, just for a new one. They test the outlets, make sure the drains are draining, the water heater is heating, the appliances are heating and cooling like they should. There is a huge list of things they check so we are not going to go over everything on this blog post. 

So it doesn't matter if you are looking for New Homes For Sale in Lakeland or a Historic home for sale in Dixieland thats over 100 years old, at Haven Realty & Investments we believe its best to inspect! 

Wind-Mit and 4 Point

Not only do Home Inspectors do the inspections, they also do the required Homeowners Insurance inspections, a Wind Mitigation report and a 4 point, which covers everything your insurance agent is going to as you when you are shopping for insurance so you can get the very best deal possible! 

Ready to buy your BRAND NEW house in Central Florida? Give us a call at 863-333-5053

Check out these RV Bay homes in 55+ community in Polk City, Mt Olive Shores! 

If you love living the RV lifestyle and are looking for your central Florida home base, MT Olive Shores North may be the luxury gated community for you! They make it easy for you to take off on your next big adventure and not worry about things like lawn care, and the gated and guarded entry keeps your home secure!

Mt Olive Shores North has something for everyone, from lots with Pads (and maybe a shed) to the casitas with pad, to the largest homes with RV garage, you can find your perfect spot here! 

With easy access to I-4 from 33, you can quickly leave home and get out of town! The guard keeps the neighborhood secure, and the included lawn care means you don't come home to an overgrown lawn! 

The community features two clubhouses one with a screened pool, the other with an open pool. There are 6 tennis/pickleball courts, and plenty of road to go for a walk or a bike ride. 

Check out everything for sale in Mt Olive Shores North!

These luxury homes come with hookups for power, water, and sewer so you can have your RV fully ready at all times to unhook and go!

Come on a tour with me of this BEAUTIFUL modern luxury home just south of Lakeland! This home has so much that I cannot cover it all in this video, but if you are interested in knowing more or having your own private tour, give me a call at 863-333-5053! Check out everything for sale in Canterwood.

This home was built in 2021 and boasts 8,100 square feet of living area on its 1 acre lot. Upon entering the home you are greeted by 24' tall ceilings in the great room, and an impressive view of the private resort style swimming pool with slide, swim up bar, and zero entry area. 

Ben spent an hour touring this home and made a video tour of it, check it out!

The kitchen is outfitted with GE Cafe appliances, including 3 ovens! There is also a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a built in coffee maker, and a professional gas stove with a 500 gallon propane tank to keep you cooking! There is also a passthrough window to the outdoor kitchen if you decide to move the party outside. 

You can control much of the home with the Control 4 System, turning lights on or off, controlling temperature and even the pool from your phone. 

This isn't your style you can check out all homes for sale in Lakeland over $1,000,000. We can help you find your perfect dream home here in Central Florida!

Located in Central Florida just one hour to both Tampa and Orlando is a small community for the aviation enthusiast in your family. Ridge Landing Airpark is a private gated airpark community with a private runway. Want to know more? Read on!

Check out if anything is available in Ridge Landing Airpark lots For Sale.

Ridge Landing Airpark is a 99 lot community with new homes being built currently. There isn't one builder doing this community, but you can buy a lot, pick your builder and floor plan, and create your custom dream home with airplane hanger right here in Polk County, Florida! 

Check out this video about it!

The lots in Ridge Landing are 1+ Acre, and you must build on them within 5 years of purchase. ALL of the lots in the community have access to the 3000x60' paved runway via grass taxiways. 

Ridge Landing is located on Highway 27 in Frostproof, Florida. Just South of Highway 60 that cuts through Lake Wales, Ridge Landing gives its homeowners easy access North and South via 27 and East and west via 60. If you are flying in its location is Coordinates 27º45’N/81º35’W, Elevation is 144’ (44m) above sea level, Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is 122.9, Runways are 15 and 33.

Ben was out showing some new construction homes in Plant City to a family relocating all the way from UTAH! 

And we were SHOCKED when we found out how much home you get for the money at Farm At Varrea!

Being just 30 minutes from Downtown Tampa, and 45 to MacDill Air Force Base, these new homes are priced at least $100,000 LESS than a home located in Tampa proper. Thats incredible!

So let's dive into why this is such a big deal. Plant City, located in Hillsborough county is most populated county in the area with almost 1.5 million residents calling the area home. So why is it so much more affordable? Plant city is located to the West of Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other cities, where land prices are lower, so a developer can scoop up a large parcel of land for much less than they can in the bigger areas. 

Does that mean there is nothing to do in Plant City?! Absolutely not! Not only is it home the the Strawberry Festival, it has a fantastic historic downtown area with boutique shopping and local restaurants. If you do find yourself needing to get to Tampa or even Orlando, its 30 minutes or about an hour to get to Orlando for attractions like Disney, Sea World, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. 

What about the Beaches? There are many to choose from, all within a hour to an hour and a half, making for an easy day trip to the beautiful Gulf Of Mexico and some of the best beaches in the country!

So Why Farm At Varrea? First off, D.R. Horton is developing the entire community and has just finished some beautiful amenities such as the two pools, one with a slide! The dog park, playground, and 1/2 basketball court and fitness center are all completed and opening any day now, as you can see from the video!

Browse ALL homes for sale in Farm At Varrea! Remember give us a call at 863-333-5053 BEFORE you go talk to the builder reps so we can help you get the best deal possible on your new home near Tampa! 

Farm At Varrea will be home to over 1900 families once construction is complete, likely in 2026. There will be a Hillsborough county public school within the neighborhood in a later phase. 

The homes here range in size from 1600 square feet of living area to over 3300! They are also building Villas and Townhomes for more maintenance free living!