The Florida Times-Union – D.R. Horton/Victoria Lakes

Named the nation’s number one builder for the seventh consecutive year by Builder magazine, D.R. Horton’s North Florida division is celebrating this great achievement by introducing to home shoppers its gorgeous new single-family community, Victoria Lakes.

D.R. Horton buyers can experience homebuilding at its finest within the North Jacksonville neighborhood. Featuring the remarkably priced, quality-crafted residences for which the builder is renowned, Victoria Lakes also showcases some new additions to D.R. Horton’s award-winning product lines.

Affordably priced from the mid-$150s, Victoria Lakes is ideally nestled in a tranquil natural setting that provides for maximum relaxation and energy renewal. Homes range in size from a spacious 1,322 to 3,406 square feet. The community features 42 home sites with picturesque frontages of 50 and 70 feet.

In addition to outstanding price points, D.R. Horton homebuyers also can take advantage of great financial programs and incentives such as the U.S. Economic Stimulus Plan and the City of Jacksonville’s “Head Start to Homeownership” (H2H) Program. Both lend exceptional value to your housing dollars.

The government’s Economic Stimulus Plan offers qualified first-time homebuyers who purchase and close before December 1, 2009 a chance to receive up to an $8,000 tax credit. This credit does not have to be repaid.

Eligible first-time homebuyers who participate in the “Head Start to Homeownership” Program can receive city-sponsored financial aid in the form of down payment and closing cost assistance. This support will be in the form of a second or third mortgage, at zero percent interest for 15 years. Mortgage amounts range from $10,000 to $14,999. Preferred program lenders, such as DHI Mortgage, make navigating the home buying process easy. This is a mortgage on which the buyer does not make payments.

“Homebuyers have plenty to be excited about. It’s definitely an unprecedented time to buy,” said Cristy Griffin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for D.R. Horton. “We are beginning construction on five new inventory homes within Victoria Lakes, and four of the floorplans are new designs. We have revamped some of our home styles with particular emphasis on enhancing the exteriors.”

Home shoppers are invited to Victoria Lakes for informative model home tours, given from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Buyers have 22 architecturally distinct home designs from which to choose, including D.R. Horton’s new floorplans, the Marco, Clearwater, Sebring and Turnberry.

The Marco is a beautiful floorplan featuring 1,322 square feet, three ample bedrooms and two baths. A warm and welcoming foyer lends entry into an open gourmet kitchen featuring a modern appliance package, easy-care floors and spacious cabinetry. Owners can effortlessly go from indulging in delicious meals to retreating to the spacious gathering room. From there, a breezy back patio is the perfect place to unwind at days end. The ample owner’s suite also offers a welcome respite, luxurious bath and plenty of storage within its walk-in closet. A split floorplan, the Marco offers maximum privacy. Its second bath is ideally situated central to two additional bedrooms. Owners also have easy access to a convenient laundry room located inside and adjacent to a generous two-car garage.

A stunning single-family residence, the Clearwater features three bedrooms and two baths within a spacious 1,540 square feet. This affordable, family-friendly home boasts a living and dining room combination perfect for casual entertaining. The gourmet kitchen with modern appliance package is ideally located between the oversized gathering room and a cozy breakfast nook. The private owner’s suite, in which buyers can select optional master bath upgrades, provides an indulgent place for relaxation. The Clearwater’s two additional bedrooms easily can be converted into a home theater, children’s playroom or office. A generous two-car garage offers plenty of storage space and great weather protection. Owners also can choose to add an optional, covered front porch.

The Sebring is a contemporary floorplan featuring 1,741 square feet of living space. Thoughtfully planned interior amenities include four generous bedrooms and two ample baths. An inviting front entry leads to a centrally located living and dining room combination. The gourmet kitchen is ideally situated central to a cozy gathering room with fireplace and an intimate breakfast nook that features modern appliances, easy-care cabinetry, countertops and flooring. The relaxing owner’s suite includes a luxurious master bath and spacious walk-in closet. The Sebring’s additional three rooms is perfect as home office space, a media room or guest room. The home also features a convenient laundry room, plenty of additional closet and storage space, a relaxing back patio and a great two-car garage.

“Energy efficiency is very important to D.R. Horton. It can save homeowners hundreds of dollars on utility bills each year,” said Cathy Scott, new home consultant for D.R. Horton. “Among other interior and exterior amenities, our homes within Victoria Lakes include a 14 SEER HVAC system and Low E vinyl windows.”

With a quick jump onto one of the city’s major thoroughfares, residents have numerous business, educational, cultural and social opportunities located just minutes away. From downtown Jacksonville’s burgeoning entertainment and business districts to the area’s exciting sports, dining and arts venues, Victoria Lakes residents have a wealth of activities to enjoy.

“In addition to great local recreation, residents also can beat the heat by enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool, or catch up on their reading on the spacious sundeck,” said Scott. “Our children’s playground is a great place to spend quality family time.”

Close to I-95, I-10 and 9A, Victoria Lakes is just a short commute to Jacksonville’s Southside, Mayport Naval Air Station, Jacksonville International Airport, and renowned medical facilities such as Shands Jacksonville Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic.

D.R. Horton continues to enjoy its well-earned reputation as an industry leader in innovative new home construction, land development and sales management. Its exceptional portfolio includes a diversified mix of world-class single-family residences and multi-family communities. Currently, the company builds in 27 states and 82 real estate markets, and it enjoys the number one ranking in the nation for closings by Builder magazine for the seventh consecutive year. D.R. Horton also is the number one builder in Northeast Florida, a multiple Parade of Homes™ and Laurel Award winner and a recipient of the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s (NEFBA) prestigious “Builder of the Year” award.

Victoria Lakes homes are currently being sold from D.R. Horton’s Eagles Hammock sales center located at 2825 Eagle Preserve Boulevard in North Jacksonville. From 9A, turn onto Alta Drive North (Yellow Bluff Road). Eagles Hammock is approximately 4.5 miles from 9A. The community entrance is on the right. For more information, call (904) 751-3614 or visit the Web site at www.drhorton.com.

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