Buying your home is supposed to be a big part of the American dream—but for many it’s starting to feel ridiculously unattainable. Prices have gone through the roof (excuse the pun!) and even when you find solid, affordable homes, bidding wars will likely leave you in the dust. You don’t need to read the news to know there’s precious little inventory and available homes are mostly all wrong. Too small or too old or in an undesirable location or just plain ugly. What’s a family to do?

We spoke to three couples whose stories end happily—but learning from their ordeal can help you avoid pitfalls along the way. Jack and Louanne were new to the area, having relocated from Kansas with their 10 year-old twins. They wanted a contemporary home, plenty of elbow room for the whole family, good public schools, and their max budget was $410K.

With high hopes, the family embarked on their home hunt—only to swiftly discover they weren’t in Kansas anymore! “We couldn’t afford anything decent in South Florida, despite what we thought was a healthy budget,” Jack told us. “My wife had her heart set on a bright open floorplan, a modern kitchen and stainless steel appliances. Instead, we nearly ended up buying a 1970s bungalow with all original fixtures, floors, and windows…”

But before they signed on the dotted line, a co-worker told Jack about Landmark by Lennar. The striking community of new three-bedroom townhomes in Doral checked every single box—and then some! Near excellent schools and close to Miami’s business and financial centers, Landmark is a sleek and stylish enclave offering on-trend designs, open floorplans, luxury kitchens, and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ homesfor unsurpassed connectivity. As the cherry on the cake, the twins were ecstatic to discover the community’s resort-style amenities, including an incredible pool, splash park, tennis courts, fitness center, BBQ pavilion, and more. Truly, discovering Landmark resulted in a happy ending for every single family member!

A second family, consisting of a mother, Maria, and her adult daughter, Isabel, were seeking a luxury condominium with two master suites in a cosmopolitan and international area. They had combed Brickell, but prices were cost prohibitive, as were the monthly HOA fees. The women had come close to giving up and just renting. “I want mom to have a room and bathroom comparable to mine,” Isabel told us. “I want her to have a pretty view, and access to a gym and pool so she has things to do when I’m at work.”

Miami Inventory Shortage

The women fell in love with the Cascade, one of three floorplans at Lennar’s Apex collection in the master-planned community of Park Central in Doral. Featuring two spacious master suites with beautifully appointed bathrooms and walk-in closets, the Cascade was exactly the space they had been hoping for, right down to the balcony overlooking a charming tree-lined street!

Just steps away, the Grand Clubhouse, with swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, and game room, to name a few, extends all the entertainment Maria could hope for. “And with Lennar’s Everything’s Included® package, we didn’t have to compromise on luxury features. We were able to pick the elegant colors and finishes we love, and it didn’t cost us a penny more.”

A third family, the Valois, thought their dream would be impossible to realize. “In France, we’re used to walking to restaurants and shops. We were looking for that kind of walkability in a dynamic urban location—not way out in the distant suburbs. A brand new home where nothing has been used before was also important for us. Brand new and big.”

The more the Valois looked, the more their wish list seemed unrealistic. Then one night while surfing the internet, Francine stumbled on Urbana in Downtown Doral. “We had struck gold!” she said, referring to the 4-story, 3,755 square foot townhome with a skyview terrace, private elevator, and 2-car garage that they ultimately purchased. “The space was absolutely incredible and in the thick of the action! We barely use our cars anymore! ” And because there were ready-built, move-in ready homes available, the Valois were in their home within days of wrapping up the contract.

Despite reports headlining the shortage of homes for sale, with Lennar, it IS still possible for buyers to have it all, a fact the media has also pointed out. So, it’s not just us being biased (even though we kind of are—we love our homes and making families happy!). It’s a fact that with Lennar, you’ll have a wide choice of different home types, communities, and locations throughout South Florida. We’d love to be a part of this important milestone in your life and help guide you along the way!

When you think of Florida, your first thought likely errs in the direction of a renowned pair of mouse ears, spinning teacups, and a lively cast of musical characters that are painted vividly in every childhood. And while Central Florida does offer its own sense of magic, the fact of the matter is that it’s not, well… home.

But traveling northeast along the Sunshine State, you’re bound to discover the historic districts, crystalline waters, and bright sandy shores of the Atlantic coastline. Moreover, you’ll find comfortable and scenic communities that feel like the perfect place to begin planting your family’s roots.

Welcome home to America’s First Coast!

Endless Amenities

It’s what’s inside that counts. And that’s why Lennar focuses on creating both simple and state-of-the-art features and designs that make a house a home.

For example, Grand Isles at Beachwalk incorporates popular luxury townhome floorplans throughout its neighborhood, as well as Lennar’s Everything’s Included® home packages so that homebuyers may find all of their dream features adapted seamlessly throughout their living spaces.

Additionally, most all of Lennar’s homes on the First Coast feature stainless steel appliances, wood-like tile floors, luxury technology, and more!

Luxury? Meet Lifestyle.

Achieving the next level of comfort and luxury at home shouldn’t necessarily require you to spend beyond your means. That’s why Lennar’s Jacksonville and St. Augustine communities were designed to encompass and enhance the natural sense of lavishness naturally found in the surrounding areas.

For example, the Beachwalk community in St. Johns County blends a traditional family-style neighborhood with the vacation-style outdoor amenities typically found at a resort. Its 14-acre lagoon, in particular, is an outstanding hallmark feature of the neighborhood, rendering every weekend at home as good as its own getaway.

The Palencia community, situated mere minutes from historic downtown St. Augustine, also features its own club and 72-par, 18-hole golf course, granting a welcoming neighborhood desired by families everywhere.

Family Life Reaches Beyond The Home

While what you find in your neighborhood certainly comes first, what about what can be found around it, like your children’s schools?

Lennar believes that a child’s education should take center stage, which is why its communities on the First Coast are placed strategically near some of the best schools to be found. Seacrest Harbor at Bannon Lakes, for instance, is located near several A-rated schools in St. Johns County — whose school district is one of the top-performing in the state.

Lennar neighborhoods are also near local sites of recreation and entertainment, often sitting a short car drive away from major interstates, attractions, beaches, and other well-sought destinations where you and your family can bond and form new memories together.

In all, with Lennar, you’ll find that the First Coast is your last stop in hunting for a new home. Be sure to register with Lennar today to learn more about its Jacksonville and St. Augustine communities and begin the journey to finding your forever home!

Sierra Ranches, Lennar’s finest collection in Davie, will open to the public on Sunday, March 22! With only 79 homesites starting from $1.1 million, Sierra Ranches will be a highly exclusive community of ranch-style estates, offering a captivating, small town feel close to abundant dining options, entertainment, and top-rated schools in one of Florida’s up-and-coming cities. Mark your calendars and come discover your brand-new, never-before-used home at Sierra Ranches, where your family will have ample room to flourish.

Rich with indulgence, life in this serene enclave will be unsurpassed. Imagine: views of family bike rides and majestic horses, just outside the community walls; a gated entrance for enhanced privacy; and sumptuous homes with vast green landscapes. Family-friendly and modern, Sierra Ranches will also offer:

Down to the pristine cabinets and flooring, every Sierra Ranches home will be meticulously designed to embrace a newfound sophistication. A choice of five open-concept floorplans will ensure the space you choose meets even your most particular preferences. Interior living areas, ranging from free flowing to more dedicated spaces, enable you to entertain guests extravagantly, while still offering little nooks to decompress. At the heart of the home is a gourmet-style kitchen, with energy-efficient stainless steel appliances and ample countertops, to inspire all kinds of culinary creations. Courtesy of Lennar’s Everything’s Included® package, you will also have the option to customize your home with the latest finishes and features, eliminating the need for any post move-in installations.

Delivering a seamless lifestyle, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs will be built into every home for exceptional connectivity and convenience, indoors and out. This will be especially useful when you have a home office, entertainment areas – such as a game room, private home theater, or loft – and an immense backyard. Whether you’re working from home to wrap up a project, watching a movie in surround sound, or gently rocking away on a hammock to the lovely Florida breeze, control is at your fingertips. Adjust the thermostat, locks, lights, and more – all at the touch of a button!

Sierra Ranches Lennar Broward

With homesites offering more than 20,000 square feet, every outdoor experience will be elevated beyond compare. Stepping into your covered terrace, a park-like setting lends itself to peaceful meditation sessions in the mornings and lively backyard soirees in the evenings. Pair this with an optional summer kitchen and second covered terrace – available in some floorplans – and you’ll be fully equipped to prepare refreshing cocktails for an unforgettable night under the stars.

As dynamic as your Sierra Ranches home, the surrounding Davie area will boast endless excitement for you and your family, as well as easy day-to-day commutes. Thriving businesses and cultural centers will offer plenty of investment opportunities, while access to top schools, such as Somerset Academy Middle School and Florida Atlantic University, means kids of all ages can benefit from a great education. During the weekends, your family can enjoy world-class shopping malls, botanical gardens, museums, and year-round attractions, like the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds.

Join us at our Grand Opening, on Sunday, March 22nd, to discover this premier community of luxury homes. With the help of our New Home Consultants, you could be one of the select few to choose your preferred homesite and secure your new dream home. We look forward to seeing you!

Lennar is excited to announce the Grand Opening of two new communities at the Gabion Ranch masterplan in Fontana will take place on Saturday, March 14. Home shoppers are invited to attend to enjoy The Habit food truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus complimentary refreshments, sweet treats and the first opportunity to tour the professionally-decorated model homes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are so excited to unveil the beautiful model homes at Skyview and Woodridge here at Gabion Ranch during the Grand Opening,” said Tara Conklin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Inland. “This is such a great masterplan no matter what stage of life you’re in, and we’re thrilled to bring two new collections of attached condominiums to Gabion Ranch.”

Skyview at Gabion Ranch offers a collection of contemporary condominiums with four distinctive floorplans to choose from. Home sizes range from approximately 1,399 to 1,720 square feet of living space with three to four bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms and two-bay garage.

Skyview at Gabion Ranch

Woodridge at Gabion Ranch presents another collection of attached condominiums, available in five distinctive floorplans. The townhomes range in size from approximately 849 to 1,826 square feet with one to three bedrooms, one and one-half to three bathrooms and one to two-bay garages.

Woodridge at Gabion Ranch

Every home at Gabion Ranch showcases Lennar’ signature Everything’s Included® program along with the world’s first Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ home designs. Homebuyers will enjoy added value through popular features and upgrades that come at no additional cost, including granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, integrated home automation and more as standard.

With multiple future recreation centers, plenty of entertainment options will be situated within walking distance from all the new home neighborhoods. These include brand-new clubhouses, event spaces, sparkling swimming pools, sports courts, plenty of parks, playgrounds, a dog park and more. So, you can enjoy easy access to everything needed to maintain a social, active and relaxing lifestyle.

The Grand Opening will take place at the Skyview and Woodridge Welcome Home Centers, located at 16502 Casa Grande Avenue in Fontana. For more information visit www.lennar.com/inlandempire or call (888) 203-9186.

About Lennar Corporation

Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. The Company builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of the Company’s homes and, through Rialto Mortgage Finance, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Lennar Ventures drives Lennar Corporation’s technology and innovation strategies.  For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.

Sometime between setting your New Year’s resolutions and getting yourself all worked up  for spring cleaning, you ran out of steam. In fact, you quit running altogether—or jogging or bicycling or exercising or dieting or, well, keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions.

Join the crowd. According to a social-fitness network that—let’s face it—tracks fit people, 80% of us who make those beginning-of-the-year promises quit by mid-January. We drop our vows to exercise more, practice better financial disciple or do better at work or school.

Still, Dallas apparently scores pretty well in the broken-promises department. Of 150 of the most populous cities among 182 U.S. municipalities surveyed in 2018, Dallas ranked 36th for keeping our relationship resolutions and remained within the top 100 cities in keeping up our health (we ranked 99th there). As for financial resolutions, not so much: 103.

Keeping in mind that spring and summer are the best seasons for homebuyers, perhaps now’s the time for a resolution or two about your finances, while checking out Lennar’s new homes for sale in Dallas, TX. Several red-hot new communities just opened for sale, including Fireside Park, with new homes for sale in Denton, TX, and Prairie Creek in Dallas.

Among several tips here to help you keep your resolutions—or, at least, keep them longer—how about recruiting a motivating compatriot? A friend calls that person an “accountabili-buddy,” and you two can help each other:

Set reasonable aims. Goals often implode when we realize we can’t possibly meet them.

Plan for speed bumps. Can’t make a workout one day or perhaps you busted your budget (or belly) on one of DFW’s dynamic eateries? Oh, well. Forgive yourself.

Make a commitment. That is, don’t make a resolution. Instead, make a, let’s call it, “determination.” In other words, determine where you want to be with your wallet, weight or whereabouts at a reasonable time and with reasonable expectations.

Finally, here’s a “resolution” that could be easier to keep, lots broader and even more fun:

Make more of the Metroplex. Soak up Dallas’s 20,000-plus acres of parks. Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center, within 32 miles of two Lennar communities with new homes for sale in Forney, TX, at Overland Grove and at Verandah, opening soon with new homes for sale in Royse City, TX. Take in the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, just 36 miles from Preserve at Honey Creek, coming soon with new homes for sale in McKinney, TX.

Everything’s Included® in Lennar’s new homes, and that includes keeping our resolutions to help homebuyers realize their goals and dreams. To learn more, contact Lennar’s Dallas-Fort Worth Internet New Home team at (866) 314-4477 and visit our website