Miami-based HomeLand Investment Company has announced the grand opening of Coral Gardens at Kendall, a new community located at S.W. 162nd Avenue and 68th Street, which will feature energy- efficient luxury homes certified by Florida Power & Light Company's BuildSmart program. BuildSmart homes are as much as 30 percent more efficient than state standards, helping owners keep energy bills down for as long as they own their home.

Homes that qualify as BuildSmart homes receive above-code insulation, window and air-conditioning units for maximum savings on utility bills. FPL makes its own inspections to ensure that the highest grade of insulation and energy-efficient air-conditioning systems are installed. Homes with tinted glass windows and porches or overhangs in patio areas further shield the home from the sun and earn higher BuildSmart ratings.

All 60 Coral Gardens homes will earn FPL's certification, adding HomeLand to the growing list of builders in South Florida who build 100 percent BuildSmart homes.

"Buyers know it's a good deal to take advantage of homes that are constructed in a way that will help them keep their electricity bills down," said Nilo A. Hernandez, president of HomeLand Investment. "FPL's BuildSmart program helps us make homes that have many advantages and extra value for a buyer."

  In addition to energy savings, BuildSmart homes offer these benefits:

  * A thorough inspection and certification by state-accredited FPL
    representatives
  * Enhanced resale value due to the efficiency upgrades and certification
  * An environmentally friendly house

HomeLand Investment Company began construction on the Coral Gardens at Kendall development in May and expects the community will be completed by December of 2001. The modern, well-designed and planned homes will range in size from about 1,485 for the Segovia model to 2,328 total square feet for the Bilbao II. They will achieve substantial energy savings with a variety of efficiency components, including high-efficiency air-conditioning systems, programmable thermostats, high levels of insulation and more.

In addition to the upgraded efficiency, design and amenities filling each home, Coral Gardens is a community with beautiful lake views. Coral Gardens offers residents generously landscaped homes with ample room in the back yard for pool and deck, and includes many upgrades for buyers such as large tiles and laminated cabinets. Further, Coral Gardens' homes do not have the added burden of homeowner association or maintenance fees.

"This outstanding new community is one of several new communities which showcase the BuildSmart program and the intelligent, energy-efficient home construction," said FPL BuildSmart representative Joseph Mojica.

"We're very pleased HomeLand is a 'smart' builder and our partner in promoting quality, energy-efficient homes for Florida residents," said Mr. Mojica.

For more details on the new communities, call the sales center at HomeLand Investment Company 305-385-9400.

For a free information package on BuildSmart and energy-efficient home construction, call 1-800-DIAL-FPL or visit http://www.fpl.com/.

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SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company