Author: SparkDev

LAKEWOOD RANCH REPORTS RECORD SALES FOR AUGUST, YEAR

Lakewood Ranch had a record-setting 189 sales for the month of August, up from 115 in 2019. The Ranch secured 1,197 new home sales through the end of August of 2020, beating last year’s numbers by 8 percent.

Although sales at all price points have been strong, the luxury market is performing extremely well, said Laura Cole, senior vice president for LWR Communities, LLC.

Low interest rates continue to drive demand for homes, as does the pandemic-era desire for floorplans with independent offices, separate entertainment rooms, technology packages, and pools and increased outdoor living space. Another noteworthy trend is the demand for multi-generational floorplans to accommodate family members, both seniors and adult children.

“Although demand remains strong from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets, we have seen a sizeable uptick in Florida buyers from throughout the state, especially Tampa, Orlando, and the east coast,” Cole said. “Activity amongst Lakewood Ranch buyers is also notable, with many current residents looking for new homes with larger floorplans.”

Many buyers have noted that COVID-19 has accelerated life plans to reestablish roots in an environment that affords a more connected and active lifestyle, while offering ample open space and tranquility. Lakewood Ranch’s vast green space, amenities, and vast array of modern floorplans has become very attractive to those seeking to escape urban centers.

Even with restrictions in place, buyers have been purchasing homes – in many cases, sight unseen – with the help of interactive chats and virtual community presentations from the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, as well as builders’ virtual tours.

For more information visit lakewoodranch.com.

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Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 41,000 residents and features A-rated schools, a hospital, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2020 

For more information contact:
Lisa M. Barnott, (941)757-1542
Lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB’S GOLF SHOP RANKED No. 1 AMONG PRIVATE CLUBS

PGA magazine has named Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s golf shop as best among private clubs.

“The 2020 season has been challenging for golf shop retailers,” said Rick Summers, publisher and CEO of PGA Magazine. “At the same time, it has presented unique opportunities for facilities to move in a positive direction with creative merchandising, strong club logos and multi-functional apparel.

“Bryan McManis of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club uses a combination of great amenities, a member-friendly pricing structure and a keen eye for trends to enhance his club’s status as a premier private facility,” Summers said.

McManis, who is the director of golf at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, has also been named the 2020 North Florida PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year for private facilities.

McManis said the members’ 15-percent-over-cost pricing plan is one of the things that fosters an environment for purchasing.

“The programs and offerings we have are very member focused and have changed over the years as we continually react to trends, change in market conditions, and embrace technology in the golf business,” McManis said.

One such market condition has been the advent of the COVID-10 pandemic. Adjustments to the operation of the golf club and its amenities ensured that those who wanted to relax and recreate in a socially distant, responsible manner, could still do so at their club.

“The overall sentiment is that the members were thankful to have something to do during the pandemic that made them feel safe,” McManis said.  

In fact, members played more golf than ever; from May 1-July 31 of 2019, members and their guests played 12,240 rounds; over the same period this year, 15,413 rounds were played – members only – a 26% increase year-over-year.

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The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club features three courses with a total of 54 holes of championship golf, a 400-yard practice range, state-of-the-art golf academy, 20 tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts, a 24-hour fitness facility, two award-winning clubhouses. For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club visit lakewoodranchgolf.com.