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OCTOBER 2005

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Ready for Gainesville

Ready for Gainesville, Gainesville, FL CONSTRUCTION of residential housing is a common sight in Gainesville. But mixed in with familiar development names is a company that is new to the area. Florida Southeast Development Corporation (FSDC) has converted The Greens, a 202 unit golf course condominium complex at West End in Newberry. With an affordable price range of $120,000 - $200,000 each, these homes are expected to sell out soon. Ken Mamula, president of the Tampa-based company, is about to announce more offerings in the Gainesville area.

What is the driving force for selling these condominiums? A report from the National Association of Realtors states that for the first time on record, the national median price of a condo is actually higher than that of a single family home. Single professionals, divorcees, active retirees and single parents are starting to prefer lower-maintenance condos to houses requiring yard work. There is also a desire among buyers to live in an urban setting with a shorter commute and easy access to restaurants, entertainment and recreational facilities.

Florida Southeast has specialized in condominium, apartment, office and retail projects since 1986. Mamula, however, has worked on residential developments of all types for close to 30 years. While the company is well-known for projects throughout Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and other states, The Greens is Mamula’s first foray into Gainesville.

So what makes his company stand out in an area that is no stranger to multi-unit housing? Simply put…service. FSDC is a customer-focused company. Although a successful project depends upon the right combination of timing, economics and sound decisionmaking, it is management and customer service that make the difference in today’s real estate world.Florida Southeast’s personalized services to residents and investors, as well as turnkey marketing of a community, help to ensure that the development sells quickly. When this happens, the property value of the development increases – which in turn helps the residents and the community as a whole.

FSDC is also one of the first industry leaders to incorporate a Mold Prevention Program on all of their new construction projects. Once a project is completed, the maintenance staff is required to be certified in the prevention and correction procedures for mold. In the humid southeast, this is especially helpful for maintaining property value as well as contributing to the good health of residents.

Mamula believes that one of the keys to a healthy economy is home ownership. “It helps the economy in many different areas, not just in real estate” according to Mamula. “Private ownership is like a pebble in a pond. You start buying furniture, you start buying things to fix up your home.” Moderately priced condominiums like The Greens make home ownership easier than ever for area residents.

Mamula is also an avid supporter of the University of Florida, and was honored by the school’s Center for Real Estate Studies this past spring for “Exemplary Service and Commitment” to the program. It is his affection for the area, combined with FSDC’s outstanding sales efforts and quality construction, which have brought success for The Greens. Mamula believes that the healthy economy of Gainesville is an excellent place for the continued growth of his company. G

Please visit the Florida Southeast website at www.flsoutheast.com