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Press
Service Keeps PGI Homes thriving in Southwest Florida, Florida Weekly-February 24, 2011 Retiree Raul Hauser wanted his current home to be the last one he had built. He got exactly what he wanted. Mr. Hauser, 68 and wife Donna live in a spacious waterfront pool home in Cape Coral. They chose to have PGI Homes, which serves Sarasota to Collier Counties, build the residence after consulting with other builders. "We looked at everybody, everybody that was active in the Cape at the time," Mr. Hauser said. "We knew we wanted water. We coudn't find a home on the Cape." They looked at the PGI Homes model in Cape Coral but didn't think the model was big enough. Tia Farhat, who handles sales for the builder, suggested they visit the builder's model in Punta Gorda. "We saw one of their larger homes and liked it," he said.But the model was one story, and they wanted a second floor. No problem. Anthony Farhat, head of sales and marketing, had an architect modify the floor plan. "Anthony was very good at that," Mr. Hauser said. "He knows how to modify a home without destroying it." Mr. Hauser said he had two homes built when he lived in the Northeast. "Although they were good relationships with the builder, I was aware of a lot of things the builder said but didn't do," he said, noting that at times, the exchanges with the builder got "a little heated." This time, "it was such a delightful experience," he said. "The punch list was very, very small." The Hausers' home has 3,500 square feet. Instead of three bedrooms in the original plan, they have four. They made a fifth room into a media room and have three bathrooms. Their pool has a 7-foot high cascading waterfall, Mr. Hauser said. And what Mr. Farhat said he would do, he delivered. "He basically made me a bunch of promises, and he kept every one of them," Mr. Hauser. "I got a very high-value home, which I could not have duplicated with anyone else." It's that kind of service that has kept PGI Homes thriving in Southwest Florida. Mr. Farhat said the company has four homes in various stages of deposit and permitting and about a dozen in the due diligence process. Mr. Farhat said most of the homes the company builds in Charlotte County are in Burnt Store Isles and Punta Gorda Isles. "Our bread and butter is really the PGI and BSI customer," he said. "If we do get something north of the harbor, it's in South Gulf Cove." At the peak of the residential market, he said PGI Homes built one or two homes valued from $2 million to $4 million a year. Mr. Farhat said the builder's target customer has been the retiree, who typically wants a saltwater lot and a residence 2,600 to 3,000 square feet under air. The company's most popular floor plan is the Signature, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan with a den. It has 2,578 square feet of living area. "That's really been 80 percent of my gross revenue," he said. When things were better, we definitely did some high-end projects." Mr. Farhat said the company has been able to deliver homes whose price per square footage is $80. "It's very, very competitive," he said. "We're finding it's just general value. They want the most value for the smallest dollar." To keep prices down, he said he teamed with competitors on joint trade agreements. He partnered with a competitor in Lee County, though that same builder was not a competitor in Charlotte County. "We negotiated trade agreements across the board," he said. The result was a drastic reduction in price. For example, a Signature home on a saltwater lot in Punta Gorda that cost $380,000 in 2005 cost $200,000 after the negotiation, he said. One of the features the PGI team mentions to customers is that its homes are built with interior and exterior wind-pressure standards. The homes can handle wind strength of more than 150 mph, Mr. Farhat said. Not all builders offer the interior wind pressure standard, Mr. Farhat said, and PGI Homes had the option of not continuing to do that. "People who are going with us, they're going to appreciate us," he said. "We decided we could keep that in." "We don't have to shutter our homes," Mr. Farhat said. "We never liked shutters because they weren't aesthetically pleasing." Mr. Hauser said the wind-pressure package was important to him. "He showed us homes that they built in the Punta Gorda area," Mr. Hauser said. "His houses held up (after Hurricane Charley). Nothing was damaged except a few rooftops. That certainly had an effect on me." Burnt Store Isles residents Robert and Belinda Moore considered multiple builders before deciding on PGI Homes. "That was a selling point," Mr. Moore said of the wind-pressure standards. "I do honestly believe they build a solid home." PGI Homes broke ground in December 2009 on the Moores' home, which was completed last July. "When I was still working, I was looking for a place to retire and wanted to live on the water," Mr. Moore said. The Moores, who lived in Georgia when they began their search, started looking in Sarasota and traveled south. They decided on Punta Gorda because "We fell in love with it," said Mr. Moore. They liked Burnt Store Isles better than Punta Gorda Isles because it was the newer community. The Moores considered other builders, including ones that have been among the Lee Building Industry Association Parade of Homes award winners. Their visit to a PGI Homes model helped them decide. "We just felt that the house and everything they had was the best value," Mr. Moore said. "They build a beautiful home." They chose the Royale floor plan, 2,897 square feet of living space. Like the Hausers, they requested some modifications to the plan. They extended the roof line of the lanai and changed the guest and master bathrooms. Mr. Moore said he compared PGI Homes products to those of nearby Charlotte County competitors, some of them longtime builders of similar types of homes. But the competitors couldn't approach the incentives offered by PGI Homes, he said. PGI Homes offers upgrades at silver, gold and platinum levels. The Moores chose the platinum level, as did the Hausers, which Mr. Moore said "came with a lot of upgrades," such as extra molding in the master bedroom and coffered ceiling in the great room. Mr. Moore estimated that PGI Homes built his home for about $300,000 less than it would have cost him if a competitor built the same house. Annual Florida open house weekend set for March 26-27, Florida Weekly-March 17, 2011 Expect plenty of blue balloons, flags and open house signs to dot the county landscape Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27. Indeed, the Florida Realtors 2nd annual Florida Open House Weekend won't go undetected in the area as much as it did last year, when some construction companies and real estate agencies did not participate because they didn't know about the event. The Florida Realtors online site indicates more than 50,000 blue balloons with the Realtors logo will be used in the event. Area Realtor associations and boards will receive the balloons free and distribute them to brokers. Some agents are displaying small American flags on properties. Open houses will feature literature about each residence, the area, lenders and purchase information. Tia Farhat is in charge of sales and marketing for PGI Homes Inc. in Southwest Florida. She said the builder will have Cape Coral and Punta Gorda models open for display. One model is two stories and the other is a single story, both in the range of 2,300 to 2,600 square feet. She is trying to get as many balloons as she can get for the properties, and said she will add shiny decorations to the signs. Mrs. Farhat said she expects the models to be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26, and from noon-5 p.m. March 27. Refreshments will be provided, she said, and customers who decide to build with PGI Homes can register for a prize featuring a free built-in. "I think it's a great thing for Florida," she said about the weekend event. "It gives everybody a little boost. It gives everyone an opportunity to see what's out there." Top Producer for Remax, July 6th, 2009
Charlotte Sun Congratulations, Tia Farhat, for being a Top Producer for Remax Anchor Realty in 2008! Top Lee County Home Sales, January 4th, 2009
Gulf Returns The most expensive home to sell in Lee County Florida during December was a single-family waterfront estate built by PGI Homes in Cape Harbour Preserve. This 3 story custom home featured 5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and a 4th floor observation desk. The selling price was $2.2 million. Congratulations to selling Realtor Tia Farhat of RE/MAX Anchor Realty. The Communicator, November 1st, 2008
North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc Thanks to so many people, our 3rd annual Hob Nob was a great success. For the first year the event was held in the courtyard behind City Hall. Mother Nature heard our pleas, and provided us with beautiful weather and a beautiful evening. Thank you to the committee which includes: Beth Mayberry (Busey Financial), Beverly Grove (PGI Homes), Bill Wardell (Calusa National Bank), Gail Kitson (PGI Homes), Mimi Steagar (North Port Tae Kwon Do), and Russ Smith (Exceptional Properties Group). The event was made possible by the businesses and candidates that supported it with booths, food, and beverages: Buffalo Wild Wings, Busey Bank, Calusa National Bank, Carrabba's, Exceptional Properties Group, Gold Coast Eagle, Kinetico Quality Water Systems, North Port Herald, North Port Tae Kwon Do, PGI Homes, Publix, ROI Media, and Smoothie King. This annual event continues to grow, and if you couldn't make it this year, we look forward to seeing you next year! North Port Fire Rescue, Ground Breaking Ceremony
October, 17th 2008 Groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Port Fire Rescue - Station 82 and North Port Police Sub-Station was held October 17, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. Participating were Police Chief Terry Lewis, Commission Chair Fred Tower, Fire Chief William Taaffe and Anthony Farhat of the PGI Group, builders for this project. Florida Weekly, 8/21/2008
PGI Homes Open House in Cape Coral, FL. PGI Open House in Cape Coral. Some in attendance were: Bruce Laishley, Paige Kreegal, Dr. Fuchs (and wife), Sheriff Mike Scott, Rocky Farhat, and Anthony and Tia Farhat. Summer Wine Soiree
Florida Weekly - June 12th, 2008 PGI Homes hosted "The Summer Wine Soiree" in honor of the Rauschenberg Center for living. Over 300 in attendance at the newest PGI Homes estate in Cape Harbour. Some individuals in attendance were: Patty Purtee, Steve Westphal, Lenka Doyle, Rosa and Gail, Anthony and Tia Farhat, Geoffrey Stilwell, Rocky Farhat, Charlie Harrison, and Matt Uebelacker. Florida Sun/4-2007
PGI Homes featured in German magazine on LTU Airlines.
Florida Sun/3-2007
PGI Homes featured in German magazine on LTU Airlines Florida Home Builder, March/April 2007
Making history as first bathroom to grace the cover of Florida Home Builder, Award-Winning PGI Homes. Florida Sun/2-2007
PGI Homes featured in German magazine on LTU Airlines Florida Sun/1-2007
PGI Homes featured in German magazine on LTU Airlines
ABWA 'Home for the Holidays' opening gala is Thursday
Cape Coral Breeze, 11-27-2006
The Signature 300" model by PGI Homes located at 218 W. Cape Coral Parkway was selected this year for the "Seventh Annual Home for the Holidays" by the Cape Coral Caloosa chapter of the American Business Women's Association. This year's theme is "Christmas throughout the Decades." Florida Sun/April 2006
PGI Homes featured in German magazine on LTU Airlines
Area Builder Tests Starter-Home Market
The Sun, Tuesday, April 25, 2006 Local builders are beginning to rediscover that there may be a potential market in building starter homes, mainly for young families with both parents working. Among these is Punta Gorda's PGI Homes, which is making a major departure from its traditional high-end work by launching Entryway Homes. Buyers of Entryway houses will be able to choose about a half-dozen variations in kitchen counters, cabinets, floors and wall colors. Also, a model center is located at 2384 and 2374 West Price Boulevard., North Port. They are fully furnished and available for viewing 7 days a week. CCCIA Builders Showcase Award Winner
Gulfshore Business, April 2006 PGI Homes, Southwest Florida's premier custom builder receives several awards in the 2005 Builders Showcase. CCCIA Builders' Showcase
2006 The family will enjoy the inviting design of the Key Largo. This brilliant two-story home is loaded with included features. The entertainment suite is always the perfect room for the grandchildren or guests. CCCIA Builders' Showcase
2006 Our number one selling home, the Signature 300 is designed for the entertaining family.This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home includes a library and a 2.5 car garage. You and your guests will embrace the comfort offered by the island kitchen and summer kitchen on the veranda. Lee BIA Parade of Homes, 2006
PGI Homes is proud to present our award-winning Key Largo. Our inviting design offers a spacious three-bedroom, two-bath spectacular retreat with a two-and-one- half car garage. This creative and functional floor plan includes an entertainment suite providing relaxation for your guests. PGI Homes' quality and livability will emphasize your Florida flare.
Living Area.... 2,386 SQ. FT
Total.............3,333 SQ.FT LEE BIA Parade of Homes, 2006
PGI Homes provides everything you need to live your premier Florida lifestyle. Feel the presence of our unparalleled and design as you enter the Signature 300. Our number one seller offers an awe-inspiring three-bedroom, two-bath custom home with a library. Make your dream a reality while entertaining your guests on the veranda with a summer kitchen.
Living Area......2,629 SQ. FT
Total...............3,596 SQ. FT
2005 Excellence in Business Employee of the Year Winner
The News-Press, November 2005 PGI Homes own Carolyn Walton receives the honor of Employee of the year. 2005 Nominee for Employee of the Year
The News-Press, November 2005 2005 Excellence in Business Employee of the Year nominee, Tia White, employee of PGI Homes Tia White doesn't just sell homes... she creates unique relationships with her clients. As the Sales Associate and Manager of PGI's Sales Office and Model Center in Cape Coral, Tia is committed to providing her customers with uncompromising service and personal attention that is second to none. Tia began her career at PGI Homes in an entry-level position with her sights on becoming a sales associate. Being the self-motivator that she is, Tia worked at the front desk and enthusiastically took on additional duties, managed the daily operations of the Sales Office and assisted the President of Marketing. Soon, Tia was promoted to sales, and in her first month made $1.8 million in sales. She is on the course to break the $2 million mark for her second month in sales. When asked what advice she would offer to anyone else starting in the field, she quickly answered: "You have to go into it full force, with all you have. You have to believe in the company you're working for. You need to be patient and love what you are doing." Cape Coral Excellence in Business
The News-Press, 11-21-2005 Southwest Florida's premier custom builder, PGI Homes, was nominated in for Business of the Year. PGI Homes, Inc. is one of Southwest Florida's premier custom homebuilders. It is a family business led by Rocky, Tim and Anthony Farhat. Together, they bring the experience, dedication, and dependability that assure the best construction of any new home. They are preferred builders in various prestigious developments; the exclusive builder of Linkside in Burnt Store Marina and The Soundings; and were the first builder to partner with Will Stout in developing Cape Harbour. They are the only Realmark Medallion Builder qualified to build in all three of Realmark's developments - Cape Harbour, Cape Royal and Burnt Store Marina. Upon entering a PGI model center, it is evident that their product displays their own unique characteristics of individuality, style and class that are second to none. Customers find that from the initial contact, design and laying out of master prints, the PGI building experience is the most honest, pleasurable and satisfying. "A good home should be innovative and hold its value upon resale so the next generation of homeowners will also enjoy and appreciate their new home," Rocky explains. PGI Homes is the proud recipient of many home building industry awards including the prestigious Aurora Awards.
Model Home of the Week
The Breeze, November 19th, 2005
PGI Homes, Cape Coral "Model Home of the Week". The Signature 300 is a 2629 square foot great-room home including 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, den, and a 2.5 car garage. PGI Homes, "what you see is what you get" philosophy includes tile roofs and floors, granite countertops and wood cabinets in the kitchen, and decorative moldings Model Home of the Week
The Breeze, September 24, 2005 "What you see is what you get" excluding furnishings. There are minimal upgrades in our models. Standard Features: Tile, round corners, crown molding, large baseboard, custom "built-ins," tile roof.
Kitchen Features: Island kitchen with hanging soffit, summer kitchen, granite counters, custom wood cabinetry, upgraded appliances, hanging pot rack above island, under cabinet lighting, granite backsplash.
Bath Features: Granitex counters, raised panel cabinets, Roman shower, dual vanities, granitex tub.
Construction Features: CBS with solid pour tie beam, reinforced method of construction called "open construction," a stronger measure of engineering.
Energy Package: Radiant barrier, tinted glass, R-30 insulation.
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