Submitted by Hall + Media Strategies

BABCOCK RANCH — Pre-construction incentives are driving rapid sales for homebuilders at Babcock Ranch. With time winding down on pricing and special offers, Florida Lifestyle Homes is kicking it up a notch.

The builder’s two-story Lauren model in the environmentally-friendly new town will come equipped with a brand new electric car for the garage.

"When we started looked at the types of incentives, we wanted to put together for Babcock Ranch we wanted to focus in on what the town is all about — sustainability, environmental stewardship, renewable energy," explained Denise Ogden of Florida Lifestyle Homes. "All of the exciting new things that are incorporated into the town are creating a whole new lifestyle at Babcock Ranch — and we wanted to equip that in a really powerful way."

Florida Lifestyle led off its pre-construction push in early November with the offer of an innovative Pedelec electric assist bicycle to anyone who contracts for construction of a new home before the end of 2017. The electric car will go to the buyer of their largest finished model — the 4,000-plus square foot Lauren.

Located on Lake Timber Drive, the home features a two-story great room and an expansive second story complete with two loft areas, a bonus room and a fourth bedroom. The buyer will have the turnkey option of moving right into the model, which comes fully furnished by Norris Furniture Interiors or, if they prefer, they can take advantage of a 5 percent model leaseback program. Either way, they’ll get their choice of either a Chevy Volt hybrid or the all-electric Chevy Bolt. As an added bonus, Florida Lifestyle will pass along the $7,500 tax credit that will accompany their purchase of the electric vehicle from Estero Bay Chevrolet.

General Motors rolled out the new, longer-range model of the all-electric Chevy Bolt in Florida last spring with a road trip to Babcock Ranch. The solar-powered town located northeast of Fort Myers off of State Road 31 was designed with electric cars in mind. Founder’s Square, the initial downtown district, is equipped with multiple charging stations where electric vehicles can plug in for a free charge. Every garage at Babcock Ranch comes wired to accommodate electric cars.

"We are fortunate to have outstanding building partners such as Florida Lifestyle Homes who share our commitment to environmental sustainability," said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners. "The electric bike and car offers are a creative way to promote the whole new lifestyle their buyers will experience at Babcock Ranch."