By John Ney

When Hurricane Andrew, the second most devastating hurricane in U.S. history next to Hurricane Katrina, struck southern Florida in August 1992, Valrico developer Michael Owhadi lost his greatest investment, his home. While the loss of his home was tragic, he learned from the experience and is applying his knowledge to the construction of Southern Oaks Grove, a new Valrico community.

"We are using building codes from Miami in the construction of new homes here in Valrico," says Owhadi, who lives in one of his Valrico communities.

Some of the enhancements in new building construction include double panel windows, R30 insulation in the roof, ceramic tile with underlay and interior walls on a 16-inch center rather than a 24-inch center.

"We pay a little more for our subcontractors, but they are the best in the business," adds Owhadi.

The 41-acre residential development, which was once an orange grove, is the third community built by Owhadi, who is also responsible for Valrico Lakes and Harvest Field, in the Valrico area.

Southern Oaks Grove has a total of 134 lots of which 64 have already sold. The new community opened a year ago and is likely to be sold out in another year with final completion of home building slated for 2009.

William McGarland, Southern Oaks Grove sales manager, indicates that the goal is to sell six homes per month. He feels optimistic the goal will be reached in June 2007.

A new model called the Cambridge will be introduced within the next month. The Cambridge is considered a starter home costing $229,900 for a three bedroom, two baths, and 1,570 sq. ft. living space home. Homes in the community range from the 1,570 sq. ft. living space starter home to a 2,860 sq. ft. living space home costing $386,000.

Upgrades are available at an additional cost.

Owhadi is offering buyer incentives including no closing costs and no interest payments during the period when the home is built as long as the buyers utilize the developer's mortgage company and finance the home with a construction loan.

To stimulate home sales, Owhadi says he would like to see property taxes reduced. "Reducing property taxes would help the new buyer, builders, and the Florida economy," says Owhadi. "Florida has two main tenants, building and tourism. We need to continue to stimulate these items to grow out economy."