Harbor Hills Country Club

A Taste of Italy at Harbor Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Join friends & neighbors Friday night May 14th in the Harbor Terrace dining room for a gastronomic trip through Old Italy with Guest Chef Paul Bruno. Reservations are required for this, "Touch of Class," special event, so call the Harbor Hills Reception desk as soon as possible to guarantee your seat at the table. Enjoy Cocktails & Live Entertainment as you indulge in a meal that includes appetizers such as Hot Antipasto & Homemade Fettuccine Filo Di Pomodoro as well as a specially prepared dessert. Cocktails will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by Dinner at 6:45 p.m. You will be asked to select a main course at the time of your reservation.

Main entree selections:

Veal Milanese
Thinly breaded veal chop fried golden brown

Chicken Francese
Fresh chicken breast lightly dipped in flour & egg and sauteed with a lemon butter & wine sauce

Pork Braciole
Thinly sliced pork rolls with fresh herbs braised in white wine & tomato sauce

Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp sauteed with garlic, white wine, herbs & lemon butter

***This is a specially prepared event & reservations are required by May 12th.

***Cost: 29.99

Harbor Hills Participates in Your Wedding TV Bridal Show

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Harbor Hills Country Club participated in the Your Wedding TV Bridal Show Sunday, April 25th, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando.

Brides were amazed by the beauty of Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club and many fell in love with the thought of a romantic terrace wedding overlooking Lake Griffin. Brides were even more impressed with the fact that Harbor Hills hosts wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions making it a stress free experience for both the wedding parties & their guests.

Harbor Hills has multiple reception halls of varying sizes to accommodate both large & small groups as well as an abundance of on-site services including; two kitchens for freshly prepared gourmet meals & buffets, two fully-stocked lounges with spectacular views of Lake Griffin, rehearsal dinners, state of the art sound systems and over-sized dressing rooms.

As Christy Rich, Harbor Hills Developer,Michael Rich's wife, & Terry Cox, Banquet Director of Harbor Hills, presented the many great features of the 35,000 square foot facility overlooking Lake Griffin, many brides vowed to call on Monday to setup appointments to see Harbor Hills.

What a fantastic Sunday Bridal Show and a great opportunity to get out and show Central Florida Brides how Harbor Hills is one of Central Florida's perfect wedding locations.

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Congratulations to The Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club Men’s Tennis Team for winning the Florida USTA Regional Championship. This is a tough competition and the first time in the team's history that players at this level have won the championship in the tri-country area. The Harbor Hills Men’s Tennis Team defeated the Jonesville Tennis Team from Gainesville 3-1 on April 11th. Good luck in the Florida USTA Sections on April 30th - May 2nd.

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club supports our local athletes and wishes the team the best of luck in the upcoming competition.

Active lifestyles, healthy living and regular exercise are important parts of the Harbor Hills lifestyle. Harbor Hills Tennis Center is open seven days a week and may be contacted for information on private lessons, group lessons or upcoming tournaments at 753-9376.

Kid's Camp T-Shirt Contest Still Accepting Entries

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Mark your calendar; July 12th - 16th, for Harbor Hills 15th Annual Kid's Camp. There is still time to submit your original design for this year's official Kid's Camp T-Shirt Contest. The winner will have their shirt design and name printed on all the T-shirts for this years official Kid's Camp.

Kid's Camp is a fun-filled week, devoted to kids ages 6-14, and includes golfing, tennis, cooking, lifeguard supervised swimming, games and crafts. Enrollment is limited to 36 children and open to the public with first preference given to Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club members' children and grandchildren . It is a wonderful opportunity for children who live at Harbor Hills get a chance to meet and make friends with children and grandchildren from all over the United States!

T-shirt designs should be submitted via email to Kim Smith at ksmith@harborhills.com or dropped off at the clubhouse. Contestants must be enrolled in Kid's Camp 2010 before submitting their original T-shirt designs. The winner will be announced in May and posted on the Kid's Camp blog page.

Kid's Camp 2010 applications, rules for the new T-shirt contest and further information for this year's camp may be found on the Kid's Camp Blog page.

Tennis- Fastest Growing Sport in America

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in America, according to a recent article published on the USTA website. The USTA attributed the increase to the continuing efforts in developing the growth of the sport at all levels; from local communities to the most recognized professional tournaments.

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club's Tennis Center maintains top-notch courts & facilities that attract competitive tournaments like the USTA Junior Super Series that took place last weekend. Harbor Hills Tennis Professional John Nattolly has been involved in organizing and hosting tennis tournaments for over 30 years and conducts USTA tournaments at Harbor Hills throughout the year.

The USTA Junior Super Series held last weekend showcased some of the best junior tennis players in the state. Harbor Hills scenic and unspoiled location makes its Tennis Center not only a great place to play, but a great place to see some of the finest tennis players in Florida. Enjoy playing a spectator in one of the most affable environments for tennis competitions and tournaments. Harbor Hills is located away from the busy congested areas often surrounding tennis centers and attendants enjoy a scenic and preserved environment. Spectators are welcome and tennis tournaments are open to the public as well as members and residents.

Winners of the USTA Junior Super Series singles competition include Ricky Symanksi of Clearwater, Kentaro Ishihara of Orlando, Justin Vergauwen of Longwood, Oscar Toro of Winter Garden, Sarah Baron of Orlando, Alexa Ricci of Longwood, Isabella Krupa of Wesley Chapel and Lillie Mehan of Gainesville. Winners of the USTA Junior Super Series doubles competition include Ricky Symanski of Clearwater, Jason Shkodnik of Bradenton, Abby Lindsley of Melbourne and Gabriela Winter of Orlando. Harbor Hills congratulates all the winners and participants of the USTA junior tournament for all their hard work and athletic commitment.

Active lifestyles, healthy living and regular exercise are important parts of the Harbor Hills lifestyle. Our members and residents thrive in Central Florida's warm weather that allows them to stay active year round. Harbor Hills Tennis Center is open seven days a week and may be contacted for information on private lessons, group lessons or upcoming tournaments at 753-9376.

Harbor Hills Wednesday Night Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Join friends and neighbors tomorrow night & enjoy Harbor Hills' Wednesday night Members dinner buffet with two for one cocktails, wine & beer. Every Wednesday members gather in the Harbor Dining Room, overlooking the pool terrace, and feast on a specially prepared dinner buffet with several entree choices, steaming side dishes and a crisp salad bar with all the accouterments.

This Wednesday's menu will feature a fresh catch of the day and piping hot meatloaf. Reservations are available until 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday and can be made by calling the Harbor Hills Reception desk at 753-7000.

Tenors Extraordinaire Debut at Harbor Hills Country Club

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club welcomes The Tenors Extraordinaries: Chris Bolus, Fran Crispi & Jeff May this Friday, April 23rd 2010. This melodious concert will be held in Harbor Hills magnificent Harbor Terrace Dining Room and includes our Signature Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet. Enjoy this evening of live entertainment and fine dining in one of Harbor Hills most scenic dining rooms.

Dinner reservations are available from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the concert will begin between 7:30 & 8:00 p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy the show directly from their dining tables.

The concert will feature Romantic Neapolitan Ballads, Italian Arias, Broadway Tunes and other popular favorites. A special guest appearance will also be made by Tony Battaglia.

Concert with Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet ~ $17.99
Reservation are limited. Call Harbor Hills Reception Desk ~ 753-7000

Harbor Hills Builds Innovative New Home in Bella Vista

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:27:00 +0000

Harbor Hills Development is excited to start construction on a new innovative floor plan that will undoubtedly compliment the exclusive group of homes already established in the new Bella Vista neighborhood. The Arrezzo model is a gorgeous 3 bedroom & 2 ½ bath open floor plan with a spacious kitchen and study. As with all Harbor Hills homes, the Arrezzo has Double paned, insulated windows with Low E glass installed for maximum energy efficiency.The interior of the home features spectacular arches and the layout is smartly designed for everyday living as well as entertaining.

Harbor Hills Sales & Design team works personally with each client to ensure their home is designed and constructed to the specifications that suit their individual lifestyle. The construction department continues to work with the clients as the home progresses to make sure everything is just as they imagined. This home features a custom kitchen and entertainment area designed exactly to the client’s specifications.

“People's home really reflect their sense of style. We give them choices and let them design it the way they want it. This is really turning out to be an awesome one.” Sales Director Sean Rich said of the Arrezzo model. “It has all the features of a grand luxury home but with better function and use of space.”

With the opening of its new Bella Vista neighborhood, Harbor Hills added three new floor plans to its distinguished collection of homes. Combine the recent promotional pricing available for new homes with the growing collection of home offerings and you will find an opportunity like no other in Central Florida. A chance to build your home exactly as you envision, at record low prices and in a community as distinguished as Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club is a rare combination. Learn more about our Golf &Tennis Stay N Play and come experience first hand the Harbor Hills lifestyle.

Harbor Hills Golf Pro Brady Godfrey With Tip of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Putting has been acknowledged as "a game within a game," and it is a great equalizer in a game that would otherwise be dominated by the strong and mechanical. If you don't putt well, you don't play well.

There is an old adage that states, "The best way to putt is the way you putt best." Putting is unique in that it is individual and there are many varied styles, however all good putters apply the following technique:

Use An Accelerating Stroke:
A lot of pressure putts are missed because the player decelerates through the ball, resulting in a weak stroke that barely has a chance of making it to the hole, let along going in.

If you are victimized by this, concentrate on one thing the next time you face an especially important putt:

Keep both hands moving smoothly through the ball and down the target line on the forward stroke. In doing so, you will make a more confident pass at it and will at least give the putt a chance of going in by getting it up to the hole.

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club offers professional lessons that will help you improve your game for the upcoming season. Contact the golf professionals at our pro shop to inquire about private lessons. Harbor Hills golf professionals can help improve your over all game or focus on a specific area of play. Contact our pro-shop for more details or to schedule your next tee time.

Harbor Hills Hosts Ping Demo Day

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:48:00 +0000

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club will host a Ping Demo Day Tuesday, April 27^th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Ping golf clubs are used and praised by some of the world’s finest professional golfers. Find out if you can improve your game with one or more of these internationally acclaimed clubs.

This is a great opportunity to test out one of Ping’s numerous new clubs or any others that you might have set your sights on. Don’t miss this chance make sure you get the club that works best for your particular style of play. Harbor Hills’ staff golf professional, Brady Godfrey, will also be available for consultation. If you would like some individual time with the Ping Representative, sign up with Brady Godfrey at the Pro Shop to schedule an appointment. Harbor Hills is an authorized Ping Dealer and Custom Ping golf club fitter.

Have a friend who is just getting serious about the game of golf? Perhaps it is time to bring their game to a new level and consider a set of professional clubs or a custom fitting. Harbor Hills Ping Demo Day is open to the public, so bring a friend and show off Harbor Hills Country Club and how our wonderful golf staff can help improve their game.

Ladies, this would be a wonderful forum for the Swinging Niner’s to incorporate into their regular Tuesday game and lunch at the Signature Grill. Perhaps consider inviting a few non-members to join in the fun and see first hand the benefits of Club membership. For more information, please contact Harbor Hills Pro Shop.

Harbor Hills Congratulates Terry Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:36:00 +0000

It was definitely a weekend for golf. The mild and clear weather brought many out to play the course while others gathered at Harbor Hill's Clubhouse and watched this year's Augusta 2010 Masters Tournament.

Still, members at Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club have been making their own history out on the course. Terry Martin, Harbor Hills member since 2007, shot is age - a rare feat in the game of golf. After several weeks of coming in just a point too high, Terry finally hit his number during his game last Monday.

Congratulations Terry ! We will leave it up to you to tell your score!

Harbor Hills Golf Pro Brady Godfrey With Tip of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Use An Accelerating Stroke:

A lot of pressure putts are missed because the player decelerates through the ball, resulting in a weak stroke that barely has a chance of making it to the hole, let along going in. If you are victimized by this, concentrate on one thing the next time you face an especially important putt:

Harbor Hills Expands Casual Dining Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:42:00 +0000

People may not always like change, but they do like variety. So, starting May 20th, Harbor Hills will offer"La Pergala," a culinary adventure of al a carte dining in the Signature Grill on Thursday and Sunday evenings.

Guest Chef Paul Bruno will prepare delicacies from an al a carte menu that will vary each week. Members and residents are welcome to experience an evening of fabulous food and made to order cocktails from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. each Thursday and Sunday. This event will be open to the public, so our extended neighbors in Central Florida are welcome to come experience a taste of Harbor Hills.

More information is available at Harbor Hills Clubhouse or by calling the Reception Desk at 753-7000.

Harbor Hills Treasure Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:41:00 +0000

Join friends and neighbors Friday, April 16th at 4:oo p.m. at the Harbor Hills Clubhouse for the year's first community treasure hunt. Prizes and the activities are suited for all ages and the cost is five dollars. Sign up early and please specify either children or adult participants.

Harbor Hills Development Guides Clients Through Homebuilding Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:16:00 +0000

Building a home is not just about selecting the right location and picking the perfect floor plan. It is a journey that without the right guidance can become riddled with stress & runaway budgets. Harbor Hills Development’s General Partner, Michael Rich, has over 40 years of experience in Florida real estate development and believes in a team approach to each home he builds. Mike, also a licensed real estate broker, steers the teams in business decisions, real estate, design, financing and client sales.

“There are so many details to cover when building homes of this caliber that you really have to break down the process. We find this the best way to build the home our customers want in a way that doesn’t overwhelm or frustrate them,” said Mike. “We have a flexible but structured process that makes our buyers feel more at ease.” Guiding this process are Harbor Hills’ four most important principals; communication, organization, personal attention & integrity.

Every member of the Harbor Hills team is committed to these principals and the focus is on customer satisfaction and quality of workmanship. Mike depends on his two sons, Sean & Adam, to head up the sales team and show new clients the type of lifestyle & home that can be expected in this unique golf course & lakeside gated community.

“Activity has really picked up here,” said Sean, who also lives in the community with his young family. “We are seeing about 50 new faces a week in our sales center.” Sean & Adam are more than just experts on Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club; they are ambassadors of the community. You might see Sean, getting golf tips from a group of members or Adam fixing a resident’s computer. And on Wednesdays, at the members’ weekly buffet, you are sure to see all three, Mike, Sean & Adam, sharing a meal with friends & neighbors. “Meals are a big thing around here,” laughs Adam. “We meet nearly everyday for lunch at the clubhouse restaurant. It keeps us involved in the community as well as the business. With us, it’s really one in the same. Keep the community strong and the business prospers.”

Harbor Hills Development makes their smaller size work to the advantage of their customers. “The fact that we are a smaller company means that we are in constant contact with each other & our customers. It allows us to work with our customers in a way that larger builders just can’t.” said Mike. “We have every aspect of the building process covered. Kyle Snyder handles construction, Angela Rogers handles design and Kim Smith makes sure the project stays on track and in budget. We all work together and most importantly we all work with the customer.”

Duane & Margo Gawron, new residents in the Exclusive Bella Vista community agree. “There was really no comparison,” Duane says with Margo agreeing whole heartedly. “We had a rural setting with absolutely no congestion. The hills were there. The trees were there. And we had a vista of Lake Griffin on top of it all.”

Still, construction integrity and the ability to design the home the way they wanted it were just as important to Duane and Margo as location and community. “Special and quality – that’s what we wanted and Mike Rich and Kyle Snyder gave us what we asked for and then some.” This is not the first custom home The Gawron’s have built. In fact, it’s their fifth. “It can be testing,” Duane says of the building process. “But with these guys and all the people who worked with us, the level of anxiety was definitely low, and actually quite pleasant.”

Kyle, Director of Construction and Harbor Hills’ contractor maintains the integrity of the construction standards. “I’ve worked with the big corporate builders, and their system is simply not set up to build the type of personal relationships we develop with our client’s here.” said Kyle. “The customer and the quality of our homes are always kept at the forefront of any project.” Kyle personally conducts both a framing walk thru and closing walk thru with each client, and usually a few more in between. He carefully walks buyers through their home pointing out areas of significance and answering any questions on construction.

As far as what goes into the homes, Angela Rogers, Harbor Hills Design Coordinator, helps to guide buyers through the endless sea of design ideas and choices. Buyers are able to select every aspect of the home from countertops to cabinet layouts; to paint colors and flooring selections. Harbor Hills works with clients until they get the buyers distinct styles and selections incorporated into the home. “At that point, the house really becomes theirs,” said Angela. “Our clients already have strong ties to the home; but it’s great to see the emotional attachments begin to form.”

Harbor Hills commitment to personal attention goes beyond just having the client select countertops and cabinet. Customers are guided through the complete process whether they select one of Harbor Hills fifteen model home plans or the custom home of their dreams. The architect is consulted, floor plans are often modified to suit particular clients needs, the electrical plans are modified and everything is reviewed. “We are always customizing our homes to meet clients’ needs and keep up with the ever changing market conditions & latest design trends.” said Mike.

Kim Smith, Harbor Hills Construction Manager, makes a final review of the blueprints with the buyer and the home is ready to permit. “We don’t really ever build the same home twice.” said Kim. “Each one is its own special project.”

Simply stated, this gated golf course community is special. Nestled among the hills that overlook Lake Griffin, it is a place people want to live. Harbor Hills doesn’t just offer a great home on a great lot, it caters to each individual and offers a lifestyle that people want.
“The relationships we build with our customers don’t stop when the home is finished. They become part of the community and we see them at lunch, sit with them at dinner shows, play golf or tennis with them. For me, that is really the best part, said Mike. “All the work we put into our homes really only depends on two simple things: We want their homes to be better than they even imagined and we want their lives to be enriched by where they live. That’s how high we aim.”

The first part of our New Bella Vista private enclave is now developed and we have delivered our First Homes. Several other homes are under construction. Several more homes are about to be started including a New Model the Arrezzo. Stop by the Clubhouse for information
Bella Vista is an enclave of vast vistas and rolling hills nestled in a naturally secluded community that is the ideal location to build the custom home of your dreams. Many of the home sites in Bella Vista at Harbor Hills feature fabulous golf course views. A limited number of the most pristine home sites remain, please call for complete details. Our custom team is ready to guide you through the steps to finding the perfect home site and floor plan to build the home of your dreams:
THE LAND - We will be happy to give you a private tour of all of the available home sites to help you choose the perfect site based on views and the type of home you want to build.
THE HOME - We'll work together to find a home plan with the features that you have dreamed of (casita, courtyard, infinity pool, wine cellar, theatre room, gourmet kitchens, you name it we have done it.)
THE FINANCING - We can also introduce you to lenders with competitive financing rates for our custom homes

For information on how Our Team can help you build your Dream Home stop by our Real Estate Information Center in our Clubhouse or call us at 1-800-822-5558 or email us at harborhillssalesinfo@harborhills.com

Harbor Hills Easter Sunday Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:12:00 +0000

Feast with family and friends at Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club’s Annual Easter Sunday Brunch. There are still a few coveted reservations for this tantalizing spread of fine foods set amongst breath taking views of Lake Griffin.

Our Easter Sunday Brunch menu is specially designed by our Executive Chef every year and the results are always spectacular. This year’s brunch features Carved Leg of Lamb with Mint Jelly, Oven Baked Ham, Cod Fromage, Chicken Piccata & Carved Prime Rib of Beef. Accompaniments include Scalloped Potatoes, Rice, Fresh Spring Vegetables, Fresh Fruit & Cheeses, Assorted Salads & Salad Bar, Fresh Baked Breads & Pastries as well as a spectacular array of Homemade Desserts including Sugar Free options.

The cost for adults is $30 and $13 for children ages four through ten. Call the clubhouse reception desk at 753-7000 to secure your reservation. In honor of the occasion, jackets are requested.

Men's Member Guest Tournament Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:41:00 +0000

Congratulations to Bruce & Roger Wiegmann, winners of Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club's Annual Member's Guest Tournament. The three day event culminated Saturday night with celebratory drinks & dinner and the Wiegmann brothers & their wives paused for a brief photo opportunity.

One of the most popular tournaments, Harbor Hills Men's Member Guest starts out with a practice run on Thursday that usually include the member's guest & each of their spouses. Member's guests are known to travel from out of state in order to play in this much anticipated annual tournament.

Harbor Hills Men's Golf Association hosts several major tournaments and competition stays steady throughout the year. Our championship golf course is accoladed for being a true member's course and one that can continue to challenge your game time and again.

Harbor Hills Easter Egg Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club hosts its Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 3^rd at 2:30 p.m. Club members & guests are invited to this special Family Gathering for children. Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club will sponsor the event that includes an Easter Egg hunt for prize filled eggs and a personal visit from the Easter Bunny. The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the Harbor Hills Playground next to the tennis courts and is a wonderful opportunity for children, parents and grandparents to gather and celebrate the holiday. Participants should plan to arrive 15 minutes early, bring a basket for each child participating and a camera to record these cherished memories.

Harbor Hills celebrates the diversity of our wonderful golf course community and supports activities for members of all ages. Become a member our unique and diverse community. We invite you to visit and tour our wonderful Lakeview Village neighborhood. Don't miss out on the new promotional pricing just announced for new homes in this beautiful neighborhood. Enter you name and phone number in the adjacent box and contact one of our community representatives immediately.

There are many reasons to buy a new home at the Harbor Hills Country Club

noreply@blogger.com (Harbor Hills) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:13:00 +0000

The reasons are many but here are just a few:

The ultimate benefit of buying new home at Harbor Hills is having the opportunity to make the home truly yours. They are created using up to date designs and top of the line construction materials, mechanicals, and finishes. Our homes come with a 10 Year Warranty.

The reality is it’s a great time to buy a new home at Harbor Hills. Prices are down, interest rates are extremely attractive and the selection of available homes couldn’t be
better. Harbor Hills is the finest gated country club community in the area.

A special report released by Florida Homebuyer magazine highlights the pitfalls of buying a foreclosure or a shortsale.

Buyer Beware
Short sales and foreclosures may not be such bargains after all. by Glen Shirley

There’s no question that prices on foreclosures and short sales sound attractive.
Increasingly, however, buyers are becoming disillusioned by the lengthy and convoluted process required to finance such purchases and by expensive and unanticipated repair costs caused by neglect and outright vandalism. There are many reasons to buy a new home versus a foreclosure or a short sale, say experts. First, new homes are protected by warranties, meaning there’ll be no unpleasant surprises in case flaws are discovered in workmanship or mechanical systems. By law, conventional sales on new or resale homes require full disclosure of any problems with the property and the seller can be held liable if a problem arises as a result of an issue that wasn’t fully disclosed at the time of the sale.
With foreclosures, however, it’s always a “buyer beware” situation. When you buy a foreclosed home, you have no recourse against the seller if there are construction defects, environmental hazards or problems of any kind. The fact is, many owners stop caring for their homes when they realize that foreclosure is imminent. Others go so far as to damage their homes before vacating.

While blatant damage is easy to see, other less obvious problems, such as mildew, can arise when a home sits vacant for a long period of time and is not maintained. And the buyer is responsible for repairs. “I looked at a lot of foreclosures,” says Nicole, a 27-year-old first-time buyer who asked that her last name not be used. “The condition on most of them was just horrible. Cabinets were stripped off the walls. Fixtures were gone. Once you factored in the cost of repairs, it just wasn’t worth it.” In addition to the investment required to make a neglected home habitable, the price of a foreclosure can be pushed up by multiple offers.

Increasingly, buying and selling foreclosures is becoming the province of professional investors, not people who actually intend to occupy the homes. That means the price at which a property sells is often significantly higher than the price at which it was offered. And banks will insist that repairs be made as a condition of obtaining a mortgage loan. If these costs are included in the loan amount, you could find yourself paying as much for a damaged home as you would have paid for a comparable new home in pristine condition.
Short sales are different from foreclosures, but they have their own set of challenges. A short sale occurs when a homeowner who wants to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure gains lender approval to sell his or her home for less than they owe. In such cases, the lender calls the shots. Even if the owner accepts your offer, obtaining lender approval is a time-consuming process that can take several months. So short sales require time, patience and may result in disappointment since lenders frequently reject offers that are below market value. Still, new-home builders have responded to the competitive challenge that foreclosures and short sales represent. Many offer incentives such as below-market financing or help with closing costs, which can save thousands of dollars and make it easier to qualify. Plus, in addition to warranties, new homes are equipped with the latest leading-edge technology in terms of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. And because you’re purchasing directly from the builder, closings can take place quickly. Of course, the ultimate benefit of buying new is having the opportunity to make the home truly yours. In many cases you’ll be able to customize your home, selecting items such as cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. Rather than making due with someone else’s choices, you have the advantage of living in a home and a neighborhood that truly reflects your taste, lifestyle and personality. The reality is it’s a great time to buy a new home. Prices are down, interest rates are extremely attractive and the selection of available homes couldn’t be better. If you’re a risk-taker or an investor, a foreclosure or even a short sale could be right for you. But for most people, when making an investment as significant as a home purchase, the bottom line is peace of mind.

With the opening of Bella Vista and our newly discounted pricing in Lakeview Village, it has never been a better time to purchase a new home at the Harbor Hills Country Club. Please click here to request additoinal infomation.

Hilarious Entertainment at Harbor Hills Assisted Living: The Musical

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:33:00 +0000

Assisted Living: The Musical will premier Friday, March 26th at Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club at 7:30 p.m. Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett perform their latest acclaimed satire mixing a vast array of pop songs and bending them to the tune of of growing old ...albeit....not so gracefully.

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club will start the evening off with a Seafood & Prime Rib Dinner Buffet beginning at 5 p.m. and the show will commence with theater seating at 7:30 p.m. in the Regency Room. There are only a few coveted seats left for this "laugh out loud" event, so don't pass up the chance to see this hilarious performance.

Central Florida's most luxurious gated golf course community regularly hosts premier local and national entertainers. Harbor Hills unique location and facility size makes it a spectacular venue to bring neighbors together for wonderful food & entertainment.

Experience the Harbor Hills Lifestyle to its fullest potential and check out our special savings promotion for award winning new homes in our beautiful Lakeview Village neighborhood.

Bridal Show at Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club will host this season's Bridal Show Saturday, March 21st from Noon til 4 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to preview Central Florida's most exclusive & unique wedding destination. The Cherished Bride Bridal Show will be an unforgettable event that no bride will want to miss. There will be a spectacular Bridal fashion show, lively entertainment, scrumptious appetizers sampling, door prizes and hundreds of unique wedding ideas, tips & services.

Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club is one of the most unique and spectacular wedding destinations in Central Florida. Our secluded & romantic location is defined by gently rolling hills and magnificent views of Lake Griffin.

Please contact our wedding & banquet coordinator for more information on how Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club can help make your special day a perfect one to remember.

Substantial Savings on Last Few Lakeview Lots in Harbor Hills Country Club

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:04:00 +0000

Don’t miss this last chance opportunity to build the home of your dreams in Harbor Hills Lakeview Village. New homes in Lakeview Village have been heavily reduced in order to sell the last few available home sites at our best prices in years. Lakeview Village is set along gently rolling hills with a magnificent view of Lake Griffin. We invite you to see for yourself all that Harbor Hills has to offer with a personal tour of our magnificent Georgian style clubhouse and the last available home sites in Lakeview Village.

Harbor Hills has over fifty years of combined building experience and our homeowners enjoy the freedom to design nearly every aspect of their new home to specifically suit their lifestyle. Our award winning model homes are a combination of the best home designs complemented by some of the most elegant elevations.

Explore one of the best active adult communities in Central Florida where growing families and mature adults to reside together in a flourishing and interactive community that keeps everyone feeling young. Our residents and members enjoy a community and lifestyle like no other in Central Florida where neighbors are good friends and dinner at the clubhouse is as quaint as a family supper.

New T-Shirt Contest for Kid's Camp 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:36:00 +0000

Harbor Hills 15th Annual Kid's Camp has been scheduled for July 12th - 16th 2010 and will start this year with an exciting new T-shirt Contest. Contestants create an original T-shirt design and submit the entry to Harbor Hills before April 26, 2010. The winner will have their original shirt design and name printed on all the T-shirts for this years official Kid's Camp T-shirt.

Kid's Camp is a special week, devoted to kids ages 6-14, and filled with golfing, tennis, cooking, lifeguard supervised swimming, games and crafts. Enrollment is limited to 36 children and first preference is given to the children and grandchildren of our members. It is a wonderful opportunity for children who live at Harbor Hills get a chance to meet and make friends with children and grandchildren from all over the United States!

Each T-shirt design should be submitted via email to Kim Smith at ksmith@harborhills.com or dropped off at the clubhouse. Contestants must be enrolled in Kid's Camp 2010 before submitting their original T-shirt designs. The winner will be announced May 21, 2010 and posted on the Kid's Camp blog page.

Kid's Camp 2010 applications, rules for the new T-shirt contest and further information for this year's camp may be found on the Kid's Camp Blog page.

Membership Provides Privileges and Friendships

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Members at Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club enjoy a mid-week gathering every Wednesday evening for cocktails and a fully stocked buffet dinner. Members relax with drink specials including a variety of two for one wines, beers & cocktails. This week features a favorite for many..."Fried Chicken" with all the right fixings. For those who prefer a lighter fare, the Chef has arranged for a new fish, often referred to as the Grouper's closest cousin, a mild white fish that will be baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce. As always, there will be a salad bar, variety of fresh side dishes and a tempting dessert table. Reservations may be made until 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday by contacting the Clubhouse Reception Desk.

Membership at Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club guarantees that you get the most out of our beautiful community. Our Championship Golf Course, Secluded Tennis Courts, Jr. Olympic sized Pool, Spa & Fitness Rooms are all here for your enjoyment. Still, our members agree that the most cherished benefits of membership are the life long friendships and camaraderie shared between our members.

Our gated golf course community filled with exquisite new luxury homes, beautiful vistas and wonderful social amenities is truly one of the most unique in Central Florida. To be more involved in Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club community please contact Terry Cox at the clubhouse for more information on membership.

Vieni a cena da noi?

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Rogers) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:27:00 +0000

Vieni a cena da noi? Or, for those who may not have brushed up on their Italian recently, "Would you like to have dinner with us?" Join friends & neighbors Friday night March 12th in the Harbor Terrace dining room for a gastronomic trip through Old Italy with Guest Chef Paul Bruno. Reservations are required for this, "Touch of Class," special event, so call the Harbor Hills Reception desk before Wednesday, March 10th to guarantee your seat at the table. Enjoy Cocktails & Live Entertainment as you indulge in a meal that includes appetizers such as Caprese Prosiutta, Penne Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Almond cake for dessert. You will be asked to select a main course at the time of your reservation. Main entree selections:

Stuffed Pork Chop: Glazed brown & then baked with Parmesan, Mozzarella, Romano, sage, basil & peppers

Veal Saltimbocca: Veal dusted with bread crumbs and glazed with lemon sauce & served with prosciutto over a bed of spinach

Chicken Aromatico: Prepared with sage, basil, mint, Romano & Parmesan with a light tomato sauce

Flounder Arreganato: Baked with a lemon wine sauce, oregano & parsley

All entrees will be served with Potato Croquette & Broccoli