Teamwork Produces Palencia Laurel Award Winners

May 11, 2005 -- Palencia's phenomenal sales and marketing success was rewarded at the prestigious 2004 Laurel Awards for real estate excellence during the 11th annual awards gala held Friday night at the Florida Theater.

The Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association presented Palencia with two Laurel wards for Site Agent of The Year - Partnership and Top Producer Developer Single Family - Team.

Knowing what today's homebuyer is looking for comes from the combined years of experience found in the Palencia sales team. The winning team of Pud English, Nita Roberts, Charlene Cunard and Lance Winter led by sales and marketing director Naomi Lumley are responsible for the Palencia's unparalleled sales success.

The Hines master planned community is located on 1,450 acres off US Highway 1, bordering Florida's pristine Intracoastal Waterway and nestled in a serene and historic setting between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

From the opening presentation to follow-up to the closing, each possesses a unique ability to build a strong bond with the customer - evident by the bottom line - outstanding sales figures. Last year alone the foursome achieved a remarkable $135 million in sales in 2004. But that bottom line success would not be attainable without unequalled customer service.

"We are very fortunate to have an experienced, professional team of sales associates who care about the customer, as well as making the sale," said Walt O'Shea, Hines vice president.

This high-energy, motivated Palencia sales team has contrasting styles, but the combination of talent, knowledge and the drive to accomplish individual and team goals has forged a successful team partnership. The team has also chaired dozens of committees that have strengthened the industry and benefited those less fortunate. They help organize events and functions that fortify the industry. Each has been named a top producer throughout their career.

Each member of the team works to build trust, only accomplished by knowing their product inside and out and going the extra mile for unequaled customer satisfaction.

The sales team is able to offer a wide variety of home styles and variety of price ranges. Palencia's master plan was creatively designed to blend a wide variety of home styles and price ranges into one community. Palencia includes single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, multi-million dollar estate homes, unique live/work units and marsh front estate lots.

Palencia has been recognized for encompassing all the best - quality residential construction, recreation, shopping, golf and a spectacular natural landscape all found in one community. Ideally situated as the central gathering point of the community, Palencia Village features the golf clubhouse, swim and fitness center, tennis center, the golf practice facility and the picturesque Village Green.

The two Laurel honors come on the heels of the community being recognized with two Best In American Living Awards by the National Association of Home Builders, one for Best Smart Growth Community and Best Community Amenity - The Palencia Club.

From Jacksonville, take U.S. Highway 1 south to Palencia Village Drive, located east of International Golf Parkway in St. Johns County. The Palencia Information Center is located approximately one mile inside the entrance.

Hines is a privately owned real estate firm involved in developing, acquiring, leasing and managing real estate, as well as providing extensive international investment management and advisory services. The Hines portfolio of projects completed, underway, acquired and managed for third parties includes more than 700 properties representing over 244 million square feet of office, mixed-use, industrial, hotel, medical, sports facilities and residential properties, as well as large, master-planned communities and land developments. With offices in 69 U.S. cities and 12 foreign countries, and controlled assets valued at approximately $11 billion, Hines is one of the largest real estate organizations in the world.

For more information about Palencia, call (904) 810-0500, or visit Palencia online at www.VivaPalencia.com. The Sales and Information Center, as well as all model homes, are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.