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La Fiesta Mexicana

Very Local, Very Good Mexican.  Come hungry in your shorts, tee shirts, jeans, and sandals.  This restaurant is casual, clean and the service is friendly and quite good, a perfect Casual Dinner you do not have to cook.  The Chips and Salsa are fresh, and I personally think the Guacamole served here is the best I have had since Mexico.    The beer is ice cold and everything we have ever ordered has been served hot and delicious.  The mole is outstanding, the sauces are flavorful, and we have enjoyed every enchilada, burrito, and fajita that has come to our table.    Bring a Group or come alone, however do not miss giving this local gem a try.

Florida decorating is light, airy, bright, colorful, and comfortable.  I love the comfort of a Recliner, but strongly dislike the look. Recently while shopping, I found myself in a furniture store.  While wandering around I experienced an epiphany of sorts.  The new recliners are sure not the recliners of my youth, they are sleek, stylish, and quite comfortable.   Got me thinking, what a nice addition a recliner would be in our home. Glad to say, our Solivita Floorplan is generous, providing room for a reading/relaxing spot in our master bedroom and the chair on the left would be a perfect fit. I love the look of Urban Modern and Mid-Century Design and this comfortable chair, paired with a small table, and a floor lamp will be a nice touch. A great place to relax with a book, kick my shoes off, do a bit of research, edit some listings, or just enjoy a few peaceful moments in the quiet of our Central Florida Home. Time to look at the fabric selection and do a bit of Shopping…..

Think you don’t need a Realtor representing you when you are shopping new construction, think again.  Your Realtor is the Pro On Your Side during the Entire Process.  From floor plan to lot choice, I will be your eyes and ears and help you avoid unexpected issues that can arise when building a new home.  It is important to have an experienced, knowledgeable professional on your side, even if the process seems straightforward.

Your realtor will assist with negotiations, after all, that is what realtors do for a living. Your Realtor will be with you from start to finish assisting you with the builder.  When I work with clients building new homes, I meet each client at the Sales Center, answer questions that arise while choosing floor plans, finishes, colors, materials, etc. and I share my wealth of knowledge to assist you in building the home of your dreams.   I will review your contract, be on site for all inspections, and keep a watch over your new build.  I am the third party representing your interests in this transaction and I will provide insight into deadlines, contractual changes, and I make sure that you and your investment are fully protected throughout the entire process.  

There are many choices to be made when building a new home and I will advise you of smart upgrade choices.  Sure, you want upgrades, we all want upgrades, and the builders sure love to sell upgrades, but not all upgrades are created equal.  I will point you toward the upgrades that will get you the most “bang for your buck” when it comes to resale value; and I will be happy to point you in the right direction when it comes to finishes that pay off on a resale.  

Don’t forget, everyone at the Sales Center is Polite, Friendly, and happy to work with you, but remember, they work for the builder, I on the other hand work for you.  Before you visit the Sales Center give me a call and I will be happy to arrange an appointment with you.  

SOME PEOPLE HAVE BRAG BOOKS AND SHOW PICTURES OF THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.  LEE AND I GAVE BIRTH TO BELLA VERDE REALTY AND ARE VERY PROUD OF THE BUSINESS WE GREW WITH YOUR HELP.  BELOW FIND THE STATS THAT GIVE US BRAGGING RIGHTS:
As of 1/12/2018 Bella Verde has:

23 Active Listings and

4 Pending Listings (Homes Sold but not yet closed)

 
In 2017 Bella Verde Sold:

36 Homes

And we listed 47 Homes

We are Always Actively Working FOR and WITH All of Our Clients.  Please call, email, or text Lorraine, Lee, or any of our Agents for information on any residence or property you may want to view.  Stop by and see us at 149 Bell Tower Xing in Solivita.  We are always happy to meet with you and to answer any questions you may have.
Solivita is in Central Florida and is an Acclaimed, 55 Plus Community.

Beautiful Steakhouse, reminiscent of New York Steakhouses, honestly if my eyes had been closed I would have thought I was “back in the day” dining at Peter Lugers in Brooklyn.  But my eyes were open, and Charley’s brought back Nice Memories of earlier years.  Charley’s is clean, comfortable, modern, dark, and delicious just the way you expect a Steakhouse to be.  Charley’s has multiple locations, two that are an easy drive from Solivita.
Our waiter was knowledgeable, he explained the subtle differences of each cut of beef and the flavor profiles each cut offers.  He explained the difference between Wagyu Beef and Kobe Beef and we each selected our steaks.  None of us were disappointed, from cocktails to steaks, dinner was delightful.  Our sides were equally delicious, and our service was wonderful.  Our table started with the Grilled Caesar Salad, and along with our steaks we shared Au Gratin Potatoes, Cedar Plank Cauliflower, and Jumbo Asparagus.  Charley’s is not a Tuesday Night Meal, but rather a Really Nice Meal, to be enjoyed on a Special Occasion.  
The sides were as good as the steaks, in fact the sides were so good, my sister said “next time I dine in Charley’s I am skipping the steak and just enjoying the sides.”

We had so many events scheduled in December that we found it hard to keep track of all the events happening in and around Solivita.  We Enjoyed Scrooge the Musical at Osceola Playhouse.  This was a fun event.  Osceola Playhouse is in Kissimmee, only a short drive from Solivita, their website is osceolaarts.org. and it is worth a visit.  The playhouse is a nice spot to see a show, take an art or pottery class, or volunteer and share your talents while learning some new ones.  Osceola Arts always has something going on.   You can buy a ticket for the season and see all their offerings or just purchase a ticket for one show.
We visited Gaylord Palms and experienced Christmas Around the World Ice Event, the Enchanting Light Show, the Cirque Unwrapped Show, and enjoyed the beautiful Christmas Trees at Gaylord.   We visited the Alpine Village, took pleasure in sharing dinner with family, and ended our evening with Coffee by the Firepit.   Gaylord Palms is only a few short miles from Solivita.
We took the children skating in Celebration and we watched the snowfall, Florida Style.
Solivita had a Great Holiday Kick Off to the Season with their Tree Lighting Celebration.  Later we took a golf cart ride around our community to view our neighbors brightly decorated homes and enjoyed hot chocolate on Lemon Grove Drive.  
New Year’s Eve is always fun in Solivita.  We had cocktails, attended the dinner at Mosaics where we enjoyed the company of friends while listening to music.  The Street Party was fun too, we danced the night away in the warmth of the Central Florida Weather.  I think this may have been one of the warmest New Year’s Eves in years.   Solivita poured Champagne, handed out horns and hats, dropped the ball, and began 2018 with a Great Fireworks Display.   What a Pleasure, to have well planned events in our community; nice dinners, dancing, entertainment; all easy and fun since we just hop in our Golf Cart and Go.  Which by the way, was decorated for New Year’s Eve.  
To finish a month of Celebrations, this Saturday we are going to neighbors for their Annual New Year Brunch and on Sunday we are attending Casino Night.  Oh, Monday is Trivia, the plans and events just keeps on coming.  Better look at our calendar as I know we have more planned and we do not want to miss any of it.    Come to Solivita and see for yourself how lovely life in Central Florida truly is.  We Do Live Better Here for Less.  Our neighbors and our neighborhood is active.  You can be busy or not, it is all up to you.    You can participate in planned activities or plan your own.  Spend a day on the golf course, an afternoon at the pool, or an hour playing tennis, all in your own backyard surrounded by beauty and warm weather.  

It’s a New Year, It’s a New Start.  Time to Take Action and Make 2018 The Year for YOUR New Start.  
From the Peaceful Ponds teaming with fish and gators to the beautiful birds that live in our community, and the flocks of birds that winter with us.  Sometimes, it seems that living in Florida is almost too perfect!
Driving to work this morning in Solivita I witnessed an eagle dive into the Lake on Shorehaven in search of breakfast, what a magnificent sight.  Unfortunately, the fish got away, so not so magnificent for the eagle, but certainly a Wonderful Start to my day.  That experience got me thinking back to the days when I lived up North and commuted to work in the Winter.  The traffic, the pollution, the potholes, the ice, snow and slush, and the worst part for me, finding the time to wait while the car warmed up.  
At the start of my working life it was all fun.  I enjoyed long walks in the freshly fallen snow, building of snowmen, skating on the lake in the park; I did not even mind the snow shoveling so much.  My favorite winter memories are of coming home, my cheeks rosy red and cold, and enjoying the warmth of an evening by the fire. Must admit, by the time I was rounding my late 30’s the charm of winter had worn off and Lee and I were happy to find our perfect place in the Sun.    
Call or Email Us, and we will be happy to help you Find Your Perfect Place in the Sun.  

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A Tranquil Haven: Solivita, The Retirement You’ve Dreamed Of

Got up this morning feeling lucky, not lottery lucky, but just lucky in general. We live in a beautiful community surrounded by great friends and neighbors. We can stay “on campus” all day yet still have lots to do; golf, tennis, fishing, gardening, walking, running, the options seem to be endless. I love to go for a ride in the golf cart, stop and visit with friends, park the cart at the bistro, enjoy a flatbread, walk up to the lending library, or have a snack at the grill.   A simple, pleasant way to spend the day. No traffic, no gas nor tolls, no horns beeping, and no commotion.
Solivita is a lovely community. On days when I am feeling pressured I sit back, drink in the pleasant surroundings, and let the stress dissolve. I feel blessed that we found and embraced this community and built our lives here. Solivita is virtually maintenance free, surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty, and our weather is pleasant, most of the time. The skies, even on the hottest days, are always a deep shade of blue. I Could not, nor would I, ask for more. I invite you to visit Solivita and see for yourself how good life can be.
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Solivita Discovery Days!

3 Days & 2 Nights 

$129+ tax for 2 people (Certain terms and conditions apply.)

Solivita invites you to preview the best years of your life for three days and two nights. Experience one of the best premier “55+” communities.

• 3 Days/2 Nights for $129 (Certain terms & conditions apply)
• Explore the Solivita lifestyle firsthand
• Stay in a fully furnished guest home
• Enjoy complimentary lunch and dinner
• Cruise around in your own golf cart
• Use all recreational facilities during stay
• Meet Solivita residents & Realtors Lee & Lorraine Valdes (owners) of Bella Verde Realty

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Call (407) 641-2688 or Complete Form Below To Reserve Your Solivita® Discovery Days Visit

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Rethink Retirement: Indulge In A Thrilling Active Retirement Lifestyle

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Retirement doesn’t have to be sitting on the couch, watching reruns of your favorite television show. Imagine yourself looking out to a beautiful lake while painting a picture, or ceramic. Later you check out the fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment. You decide you want to play a round of golf instead.
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Where to Retire Magazine has named Solivita one of the country’s best master-planned communities. Solivita is celebrated, admired, and with an active 55+ Community with over 4,300 acres of great natural beauty, pristine ponds, conservation, walking and biking paths for your enjoyment, it’s easy to see why.
Solivita offers 150,000 SF of fabulous amenities designed to create an active country club lifestyle. Included in the amenities are two resort style complexes; the PALMS, and the RIVERA SPA AND FITNESS CENTER. Together these complexes include outdoor and indoor heated pools, multiple hot tubs, exercise suites with aerobics studios, highly trained coaches, cardio & exercise equipment, active dance and fitness classes, and an indoor temp controlled walking track.

Throughout the community you will find lap and splash pools, multiple hot tubs, a softball diamond, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickle ball courts, and horseshoe pits. Solivita is the home of two championship golf courses, waterfront restaurants, a library, a sports bar, a driving range, a lake for dragon boating and kayaking, parks and a community garden. In downtown Solivita you can explore your creative side at the sculpture and ceramics studio or enjoy movie screenings, dances, concerts and theatrical productions in the 17,000 SF Starlite Ballroom. These amenities are for your enjoyment. This is the time you worked your entire life to enjoy and Solivita is the place to enjoy your time.