Tag: New Construction

  • The Complete Guide to WildBlue on Corkscrew in Estero, Florida — Lakefront Living, Builders, Amenities, Pricing & Everything You Need to Know

    The Complete Guide to WildBlue on Corkscrew in Estero, Florida — Lakefront Living, Builders, Amenities, Pricing & Everything You Need to Know

    Looking for homes in WildBlue? See prices, fees, amenities and current homes for sale on our WildBlue community page →

    If you are looking at communities along the Corkscrew Road corridor in Estero, Florida, there is a strong chance WildBlue is already on your radar — and for good reason. This is not just another subdivision with a pool and a gatehouse. WildBlue is one of the largest and most unique master-planned communities in all of Southwest Florida, and it offers a lifestyle that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the region.

    I am going to break down everything you need to know about WildBlue — the community layout, the builders, the home sizes and pricing, the amenities, the lakes, the fees, the schools, and what it is actually like to live here. Whether you are a buyer relocating to Southwest Florida, an investor evaluating the Estero market, or a current resident thinking about selling, this is the guide that gives you the full picture in one place.

    Where Is WildBlue Located?

    WildBlue is located on Corkscrew Road in Estero, Florida, approximately three miles east of Interstate 75. The community is bordered by Corkscrew Road to the south and Alico Road to the north, placing it in unincorporated Lee County with a Fort Myers mailing address — but make no mistake, this community is functionally in Estero. It borders the Village of Estero’s city limits to the north and sits in the heart of the Corkscrew Road corridor alongside communities like Corkscrew Shores, The Place at Corkscrew, Bella Terra, and Verdana Village.

    The location is one of WildBlue’s biggest selling points. You are minutes from Coconut Point Mall, Gulf Coast Town Center, Miromar Outlets, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). You have quick access to I-75 heading north toward Fort Myers or south toward Naples and Bonita Springs. The Gulf beaches are a short drive west on Corkscrew Road to US-41 and beyond.

    Community Overview — What Makes WildBlue Different

    WildBlue spans approximately 3,500 acres, making it one of the largest residential developments in the region. But the acreage alone does not tell the story. Here is what makes WildBlue stand apart from virtually every other community in Southwest Florida:

    The Lakes. WildBlue was built on the site of a former limestone mine, and the developers took full advantage of the existing terrain. The community features over 800 acres of freshwater lakes — not small retention ponds that developers market as “lake views.” These are massive, open-water lakes that allow full-power boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, canoeing, and fishing right from your backyard.

    There are three main lakes in WildBlue. Wild Blue Lake is the largest at approximately 600 acres. Vista Lake is approximately 225 acres, and Indigo Lake rounds out the trio. All three lakes allow wakeboarding and water skiing. Wild Blue Lake and Vista Lake also permit jet skis. Kayaks, canoes, and sailboats are welcome on all three lakes. If you own a waterfront home, you can build a private dock behind your property. Off-lake homeowners can store their boats in their garages and use the community boat ramp.

    This is the single biggest differentiator for WildBlue. There is no other community in Southwest Florida offering this level of on-premise freshwater boating and water recreation on lakes this size. It is a genuine lakefront boating lifestyle without ever leaving your neighborhood.

    The Preserve Land. In addition to the 800+ acres of lakes, WildBlue includes approximately 1,329 acres of pristine preserve land. The developers invested over $8 million in environmental improvements to restore wildlife corridors and reclaim streams that had been blocked by invasive plant species. The result is a community surrounded by natural beauty — not just landscaped medians, but actual Florida wilderness. Expect to see eagles, ospreys, egrets, herons, and other native wildlife regularly.

    The Public Park. WildBlue also donated 488 acres to Lee County for the creation of a public park. This park will be managed by the county and will add even more green space and recreation to the area.

    The Builders at WildBlue

    WildBlue is a collaboration between four of the most recognized homebuilders in Southwest Florida. Each builder occupies its own section of the community with its own home designs, price points, and lot configurations. Here is the breakdown:

    Lennar Homes (Vista WildBlue Section)

    Lennar is the master developer of WildBlue and builds in the Vista WildBlue section, an enclave of over 400 Executive, Manor, and Estate homes surrounding the 225-acre Vista Lake.

    • Square footage: approximately 1,800 to 3,800 square feet
    • Bedrooms: 2 to 5 bedrooms depending on floor plan
    • Over 15 models to choose from
    • Lennar’s Everything’s Included philosophy means most upgrades come standard
    • Wi-Fi Certified Home Design with integrated smart home features

    Pulte Homes

    Pulte is known for their Life Tested floor plans designed around how people actually live, with flexible spaces and open layouts.

    • Square footage: approximately 1,600 to 4,000 square feet
    • 12 floor plans available
    • 256 homesites
    • One- and two-story options
    • Strong customization and design center options

    Stock Development (Stock Signature Homes)

    Stock is the luxury builder at WildBlue. If you are looking for the highest-end finishes and custom options, Stock is the builder to look at.

    • Square footage: approximately 2,500 to over 4,000 square feet
    • 148 homesites on WildBlue Lake with direct lakefront views
    • Nine floor plans available
    • Award-winning builder with hundreds of industry awards across Southwest Florida
    • Custom estate home options approaching $4 million or more

    WCI Communities (a Lennar Company)

    WCI builds Estate-level homes surrounding the main 560-acre WildBlue Lake.

    • Square footage: approximately 2,800 to 3,800 square feet
    • 3 to 4 bedrooms
    • Wi-Fi Certified Home Design with smart home automation and Amazon Alexa voice control
    • High-end upgrades and finishes included

    Home Pricing at WildBlue

    WildBlue offers an extremely wide price range depending on builder, floor plan, lot location, and upgrades. Here is the general pricing landscape based on current and recent market activity:

    • Vista WildBlue (Lennar): Homes from the $400s into the $800s
    • Pulte Homes: Homes from the $400s to over $1 million
    • WCI Communities: Homes from the $500s to over $1 million
    • Stock Signature Homes: Homes from the $600s to over $4 million (custom estates)

    Recent resale activity in WildBlue has shown closed prices ranging from the mid-$600s for smaller floor plans to over $4 million for premium lakefront Stock estates. The community currently has resale homes and remaining new construction inventory available.

    For buyers evaluating WildBlue, it is critical to understand the difference between the initial builder base prices and the final purchase price after lot premiums, upgrades, and customizations. That gap can be significant — especially with Stock and WCI. Working with an experienced local broker who knows the community, the builders, and the current incentive landscape is the best way to avoid surprises.

    Amenities at WildBlue

    WildBlue’s amenity package is one of the most comprehensive in the Estero and Fort Myers market. The clubhouse sits on its own 20-acre peninsula overlooking WildBlue Lake, and the list of inclusions is extensive:

    Water and Recreation

    • Full-power freshwater boating on 800+ acres of lakes
    • Boat launches and marina
    • Private docks for waterfront homeowners
    • Kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, sailing, fishing
    • Wakeboarding and water skiing on all three main lakes
    • Jet skiing on Wild Blue Lake and Vista Lake
    • Lakeside beach with cabanas

    Fitness and Sports

    • State-of-the-art fitness center with movement studio
    • Resort-style swimming pool and lap pool
    • Tennis courts with pro shop
    • Pickleball courts
    • Bocce ball courts
    • Basketball court
    • Beach volleyball
    • Flex-field green space
    • Outdoor yoga lawn

    Dining and Social

    • Full-service on-site restaurant and bar
    • Outdoor patio dining
    • Indoor dining room
    • Bourbon Bar lounge
    • Poolside cafe and bar
    • Multi-function room for private events

    Family and Lifestyle

    • Staffed kids club at the fitness center
    • Private massage and facial rooms (spa services)
    • Conference room
    • Community dog park
    • Playground and tot lot
    • Walking and biking trails through 1,329 acres of preserves
    • Event lawn

    This is not a community where you need to leave the gates to find something to do. Between the lakes, the dining, the fitness facilities, and the sports courts, WildBlue functions like a private resort.

    HOA and CDD Fees

    Like most newer master-planned communities in the Estero and Fort Myers area, WildBlue has both HOA (Homeowners Association) fees and CDD (Community Development District) fees. Here is how they work:

    HOA Fees: WildBlue has a Master HOA that covers community-wide amenities, common areas, gates, landscaping of shared spaces, and lake maintenance. Individual neighborhoods within WildBlue may also have their own sub-association fees covering neighborhood-specific items. Combined HOA fees vary by neighborhood and builder section but generally range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month depending on the section and the level of services included.

    CDD Fees: The CDD is a separate special-purpose government district that finances infrastructure — roads, water management, utilities, and recreational facilities. CDD fees are added directly to your annual property tax bill, not billed separately by the HOA. In the Estero and Fort Myers market, CDD fees in newer communities like WildBlue typically range from approximately $2,000 to $5,000 per year depending on the lot and section.

    Important note: When evaluating the total carrying cost of a home at WildBlue, you need to add your mortgage payment, property taxes, HOA fees, CDD fees, and insurance together to get the real monthly number. Many buyers look at the listing price and forget that CDD fees alone can add $200 to $400+ per month to the tax bill. I break all of this down for my clients before they make an offer so there are no surprises at closing.

    Schools Near WildBlue

    WildBlue is zoned for Lee County public schools. The schools serving the WildBlue area include:

    • Elementary: Pinewoods Elementary (Niche grade: B)
    • Middle: Three Oaks Middle School (Niche grade: B+)
    • High School: Estero High School — home of the Wildcats, offering the Cambridge AICE program and dual enrollment options (Niche grade: B)

    Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is also located just minutes away for college-age students or continuing education.

    For families considering private school options, there are several well-regarded private and charter schools in the greater Estero and Bonita Springs area within a short drive.

    British West Indies Architecture

    All homes in WildBlue are designed in a British West Indies architectural style, creating a cohesive tropical aesthetic throughout the community. This means you will see consistent design elements like metal roofing accents, coastal color palettes, shuttered windows, covered lanais, and tropical landscaping across all four builder sections. The result is a community that looks and feels intentionally designed rather than a patchwork of random styles — which adds to the long-term property value and curb appeal.

    Investment Potential and Resale Market

    From an investment and resale perspective, WildBlue has several things working in its favor. The community is nearing its final phases of new construction, which means supply is tightening. Once the builders sell their remaining inventory, every future transaction will be a resale — and that typically strengthens pricing for existing homeowners.

    The Corkscrew Road corridor continues to see development and infrastructure investment, which supports long-term property values. The combination of the lake lifestyle, the amenity package, and the Estero location (equidistant to Naples and Fort Myers) makes WildBlue attractive to a wide range of buyers — retirees, families, seasonal residents, and relocating professionals.

    Recent resale transactions show homes selling anywhere from the mid-$600s for smaller Lennar models to over $4 million for premium Stock lakefront estates. Price per square foot for resale homes has been ranging from approximately $400 to over $900 per square foot depending on the builder, lot position, and upgrades.

    Nearby Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

    WildBlue residents have quick access to some of the best shopping and dining in all of Southwest Florida:

    • Coconut Point Mall — upscale outdoor mall with dining, shopping, and entertainment
    • Gulf Coast Town Center — major retail and entertainment hub including a movie theater
    • Miromar Outlets — designer outlet shopping
    • Corkscrew Road corridor restaurants and retail — growing rapidly with new dining and service options
    • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) — minutes away for frequent travelers
    • Gulf beaches — Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, and Lovers Key are all a short drive west

    Who Is WildBlue Best For?

    WildBlue is an excellent fit for several buyer profiles:

    • Boating and water sports enthusiasts who want full-power freshwater boating without trailering to a public ramp
    • Families who want space, newer construction, strong schools, and outdoor recreation
    • Relocating professionals who need easy access to I-75 and RSW airport
    • Luxury buyers seeking custom lakefront estate homes from a builder like Stock
    • Investors looking at a community with tightening supply and strong long-term fundamentals in the Estero market

    Why Work With a Local Estero Broker

    WildBlue is a complex community with four different builders, multiple neighborhoods, varying lot premiums, CDD structures, and an active resale market layered on top of remaining new construction. Navigating all of that without an experienced local broker who knows the community is a risk — especially when it comes to understanding the true total cost of ownership, negotiating with builders, and identifying the best value opportunities in the current market.

    I am John Colin Simoneau, broker-owner here in Estero, Florida, and I work with buyers and sellers across Estero and Southwest Florida every day. I will give you an honest, no-pressure assessment of what the market looks like, what your home is worth, or what your buying options are — and I will make sure you have professional representation every step of the way.

    Contact me today for a free consultation, a market analysis, or to schedule a private tour of WildBlue.


    Ready to Talk?

    Call 781-484-6310 or email Broker@JohnColinandCo.com. Office: 9470 Corkscrew Palms Cir #101, Estero, FL 33928.

    Looking for homes in WildBlue? See prices, fees, amenities and current homes for sale on our WildBlue community page →
  • The Complete Guide to Verdana Village in Estero, Florida — New Construction, Amenities, Pricing & Everything You Need to Know

    The Complete Guide to Verdana Village in Estero, Florida — New Construction, Amenities, Pricing & Everything You Need to Know

    Looking for homes in Verdana Village? See prices, fees, amenities and current homes for sale on our Verdana Village community page →

    If you have been looking at new communities in Estero and Verdana Village keeps coming up, you are not imagining things. This community is one of the fastest-growing and most talked-about developments in all of Southwest Florida right now, and for good reason.

    I’m John Colin Simoneau, broker-owner here in Florida, and I put this guide together so you can walk in fully informed — whether you are buying your first home, relocating to SWFL, looking at new construction, evaluating it as an investment, or thinking about listing a home you already own in the community.

    This is not a builder sales pitch. This is a real breakdown from a local broker who knows the Estero market inside and out.

    Where Is Verdana Village?

    Verdana Village is located off Corkscrew Road in Estero, approximately six miles east of Interstate 75. The community sits between Fort Myers and Naples, which puts it in the sweet spot of Southwest Florida — close enough to everything without the congestion and price tags of coastal zip codes.

    The address you will navigate to is 18389 Parksville Drive, Estero, FL 33928. From I-75, take the Corkscrew Road exit (Exit 123) and head east. You will pass Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point on your way in. The community entrance is on the south side of Corkscrew Road, just east of Old Corkscrew Golf Club.

    The location gives you quick access to:

    • Miromar Outlets (5 minutes)
    • Coconut Point Mall (5 minutes)
    • Gulf Coast Town Center (10 minutes)
    • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) — 20 minutes
    • Barefoot Beach and Lovers Key — 25 to 30 minutes
    • Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) — 10 minutes
    • Downtown Fort Myers — 25 minutes
    • Downtown Naples — 30 minutes

    If you work anywhere along the I-75 corridor between Naples and Fort Myers, this is one of the most centrally located communities you will find at this price point.

    The Developer and the Builders

    Verdana Village is a master-planned community developed by Cameratta Companies, one of Southwest Florida’s most well-known land developers. Cameratta is responsible for the overall vision, the amenity campus, the commercial components, and the environmental preservation throughout the community’s 2,100-plus acres.

    The homes themselves are built by two nationally recognized builders:

    Lennar — Known as the “Everything’s Included” builder. Lennar homes come with most popular upgrades already baked into the base price — stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile flooring, impact-rated windows and doors, and smart home prewiring. Lennar typically builds homes that are ready or near-ready for move-in, which makes them popular with buyers who do not want to wait through a full custom build timeline.

    Pulte Homes — Pulte takes a more customizable approach. Their Life Tested floor plans are designed with flexibility in mind. You choose your lot, select your floor plan, and then personalize finishes and options. Pulte is known for quality construction and strong warranties, including an industry-leading 10-year structural warranty.

    Both builders are publicly traded national companies with deep track records in Florida. Having two builders in the same community is actually a big advantage for buyers because it creates price competition and gives you more variety in floor plans, lot sizes, and pricing tiers.

    Home Styles and Floor Plans

    Verdana Village offers exclusively single-family homes. There are no condos, townhomes, or high-rises here. The community is broken into multiple series based on lot size and home size:

    Pulte’s Scenic Series — The smallest lots. Homes range from approximately 1,405 to 2,615 square feet. Two to five bedrooms. Two-car garages. This is where you will find the most affordable entry point into Verdana Village.

    Pulte’s Distinctive Series — Mid-size lots. Homes range from approximately 1,670 to 3,416 square feet. Two to five bedrooms. Two to three-car garages.

    Pulte’s Prestige Series — The largest Pulte lots. Homes range from approximately 2,808 to 5,363 square feet. Three to seven bedrooms. Three-car garages. The Stellar Grande is the flagship model at over 3,400 square feet.

    Lennar’s Executive Series — Popular mid-range homes. Models include the Trevi (approximately 2,032 square feet, 4 bed / 3 bath), the Venice (approximately 1,849 square feet, 3 bed / 3 bath), and the Capri (approximately 1,707 square feet, 3 bed / 2 bath).

    Lennar’s Manor Series — Larger homes including the Summerville II (approximately 2,444 square feet, 3 bed + den / 3 bath), the Amalfi (approximately 2,529 square feet, 4 bed / 3 bath), and the Richmond (approximately 2,805 square feet, 4 bed / 3 bath).

    Lennar’s Estate Series — The largest Lennar homes in the community. These sit on the biggest lots and range from approximately 2,361 to 3,945 square feet. Estate homes come with the full slate of Lennar upgrades including larger baseboards, built-ins, and premium finishes.

    Lennar’s Villa Series — A newer addition offering attached villa homes starting in the mid-$300s. These are smaller, lower-maintenance options with 2 bedrooms and approximately 1,400+ square feet.

    Between both builders, there are well over 20 distinct floor plan options. Whether you need a two-bedroom lock-and-leave or a seven-bedroom multigenerational home, Verdana Village has something that fits.

    Pricing — What Homes Actually Cost

    New construction pricing from the builders currently starts in the low $400,000s for Pulte’s smaller Scenic Series models and Lennar’s Villa homes. Most homes in the community fall in the $500,000 to $800,000 range depending on floor plan, lot premium, and upgrades.

    Lennar’s Estate homes and Pulte’s Prestige Series can reach into the $700,000s, $800,000s, and beyond with premium lots and customization.

    Current active listings range from approximately $400,000 to over $1,400,000, with the highest-priced homes being fully upgraded estate models on premium water lots.

    The key takeaway on pricing — Verdana Village offers one of the best value propositions in Estero when you factor in the amenity package, the gated community, new construction quality, and the location. Communities with comparable amenities in the area often start at $700,000 or higher.

    HOA Fees and CDD — The Full Cost Breakdown

    This is where a lot of buyers get confused, so let me break it down clearly.

    Verdana Village has both an HOA fee and a CDD (Community Development District) assessment. They are two separate things.

    Monthly HOA Fees vary depending on which neighborhood within Verdana Village your home is in:

    • Neighborhood 1 (original sections): Approximately $329 to $350 per month
    • Neighborhood 2 (newer sections): Approximately $353 to $385 per month

    HOA fees are collected quarterly and cover master amenities access, common area landscape maintenance and irrigation, lake maintenance, staffed gate and vehicular access control, and professional property management.

    CDD Assessment is collected annually on your property tax bill, not as a separate payment. CDD fees range from approximately $1,300 to $2,060 per year depending on your neighborhood and lot size. The CDD funds the infrastructure — roads, drainage, utilities, and community-wide improvements.

    One-Time Fees at Closing:

    • $1,500 capital contribution
    • $1,000 transfer fee

    Annual Food and Beverage Minimum: $480 per year (collected as $40/month). This is spent at the on-site restaurants and cafe within the community. You are not paying extra — you are just committing to spend $40 per month on food and drink at your own community’s restaurants, which most residents exceed easily.

    When you add it all up, a typical homeowner in Verdana Village is looking at roughly $400 to $500 per month in total recurring fees (HOA + CDD broken down monthly + F&B minimum). That is competitive for the level of amenities you are getting. Many comparable communities charge more and offer less.

    The Amenities — This Is Where Verdana Village Separates Itself

    This is the section that sells people. The amenity campus at Verdana Village is consistently ranked among the best in Southwest Florida, and once you see it, you will understand why.

    The Main Amenity Center (East Village)

    • Resort-style zero-entry swimming pool with cabanas, daybeds, and water features
    • Oversized spa
    • Indoor full-size basketball court
    • Indoor pickleball courts — Verdana Village is one of the only communities in the entire state of Florida with indoor pickleball and tennis
    • Indoor tennis courts
    • Outdoor pickleball and tennis courts
    • Bocce ball courts
    • State-of-the-art fitness center
    • Movement and yoga studio
    • Pro shop
    • Playground
    • Dog park

    On-Site Dining

    • Full indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant
    • The Cafe — casual dining and coffee
    • Craft lounge

    Having restaurants inside your community is a major lifestyle perk. You can walk or golf-cart to dinner without ever leaving the gates.

    The West Village Amenity Center (Now Open)

    • Second resort-style pool and spa
    • Lap lanes for serious swimmers
    • Community room with catering kitchen
    • Outdoor pavilion
    • Recreational field

    The Shoppes at Verdana Village

    Verdana Village also has a commercial component right at the entrance to the community. This includes a Publix grocery store, Dunkin’, The UPS Store, The Nail Spa, and additional retail space. You can handle your daily errands without leaving the neighborhood.

    Lifestyle Programming

    A full-time lifestyle director plans regular events, social gatherings, fitness classes, and community activities. Whether you are a young family, a retiree, a seasonal resident, or somewhere in between, there is programming designed to keep you connected and active.

    Schools Serving Verdana Village

    Verdana Village is zoned for Lee County public schools:

    • Elementary: Pinewoods Elementary (GreatSchools rating: 8/10) — approximately 7 miles
    • Middle: Three Oaks Middle School (GreatSchools rating: 5/10) — approximately 9 miles
    • High School: Estero High School — approximately 9 miles

    The Lee County School District also offers school choice, which allows families to rank preferred schools within designated zones and apply for magnet programs or transfers.

    For higher education, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is about 10 minutes away. Florida Southwestern College is also nearby. High school students can take advantage of dual enrollment programs at both institutions.

    Several private and charter schools also serve the South Lee County area for families who prefer alternatives to public schooling.

    Who Lives in Verdana Village?

    The community attracts a genuinely diverse mix of residents:

    • Young families drawn to the new construction, the playground, the schools, and the family-friendly programming
    • Retirees and empty nesters who want a maintenance-included lifestyle with resort amenities and social events
    • Snowbirds and seasonal residents who want a turnkey Florida home they can lock and leave
    • Remote workers who want a premium lifestyle in a lower-cost-of-living market
    • Investors who see the long-term value in a growing community with strong rental demand

    The community is still actively building, which means you will see construction activity. But that also means you have the opportunity to get in at current pricing before the community is fully built out and prices reflect a mature, completed development.

    Investment Potential

    From an investment standpoint, Verdana Village checks a lot of boxes:

    Appreciation potential — You are buying into a community that is still being developed. As more homes are completed, the amenity campus matures, and the commercial component fills out, values tend to rise. Buyers who got into communities like The Brooks, Stoneybrook, and Pelican Sound early saw significant appreciation over time.

    Rental demand — Southwest Florida’s rental market remains strong, especially for newer construction homes in gated communities with premium amenities. Verdana Village’s location near the airport, FGCU, and major employment corridors makes it attractive to both long-term and seasonal tenants.

    Builder incentives — Builders periodically offer incentives including closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and upgrade packages. Working with a buyer’s agent (which costs you nothing — the builder pays the commission) ensures you know about every available incentive and have someone negotiating on your behalf.

    Resale velocity — With 94 homes selling in the past year and a list-to-sale price ratio above 96 percent, homes in Verdana Village are moving. That kind of market activity tells you demand is real.

    How Verdana Village Compares to Other Estero Communities

    If you are considering Estero, you are probably also looking at some of these:

    vs. Stoneybrook — Stoneybrook is an established golf community with lower price points and proven appreciation. Verdana Village offers newer construction, more modern amenities (especially the indoor sports complex), but comes at a slightly higher price point for comparable square footage.

    vs. The Place at Corkscrew — Located right next door on Corkscrew Road. The Place offers a similar new construction vibe but is a smaller community with fewer amenities. Verdana Village’s amenity campus is significantly larger and more comprehensive.

    vs. Corkscrew Shores — Another Corkscrew Road community. Corkscrew Shores is generally more affordable but has a smaller amenity package and fewer builder options.

    vs. WildBlue — WildBlue is a premium community with higher price points and larger lots. If your budget is north of $700,000 and you want estate-style living, WildBlue is the step up. If you want the best amenity-to-dollar ratio, Verdana Village wins.

    vs. The Brooks — An established luxury community with golf, multiple villages, and mature landscaping. Price points are higher and homes are older. Verdana Village gives you new construction and modern amenities at a lower entry point.

    The bottom line — when you compare what you get for the money, Verdana Village is extremely hard to beat in the Estero market right now.

    Tips for Buying in Verdana Village

    If you are seriously considering Verdana Village, here is what I tell every buyer:

    Use a buyer’s agent. It costs you nothing. The builder pays the agent’s commission. But having your own representation means someone is reviewing your contract, negotiating on your behalf, watching for red flags, and making sure you are not overpaying for lot premiums or unnecessary upgrades.

    Visit both the Lennar and Pulte sales centers. They are separate operations with different floor plans, pricing, and incentive structures. Do not assume one is better than the other without seeing both.

    Understand your CDD. The CDD is not an HOA fee. It is a tax assessment that funds infrastructure. It will appear on your annual property tax bill. Make sure your lender includes it in your monthly escrow calculation so there are no surprises.

    Ask about current incentives. Both builders rotate incentive programs — sometimes it is closing cost assistance, sometimes it is rate buydowns, sometimes it is free upgrades. Incentives change monthly and are not always advertised publicly.

    Check lot premiums. Not all lots are priced the same. Water views, preserve views, south-facing exposure, and corner lots all carry premiums. Make sure you understand the total cost before you commit — base price plus lot premium plus upgrades equals your real number.

    Think long-term. The community is still being built. If you buy now, you are getting in at development-phase pricing. Five years from now when the community is fully built out with 2,000-plus homes and a mature amenity campus, pricing will look very different.

    Ready to Explore Verdana Village?

    Whether you are looking to buy new construction, purchase a resale home, or you already own in Verdana Village and are thinking about selling, I would love to help.

    I’m John Colin Simoneau, broker-owner here in Florida, and I work with buyers and sellers across Estero and Southwest Florida every day. I will give you an honest, no-pressure assessment of what the market looks like, what your home is worth, or what your buying options are — and I will make sure you have professional representation every step of the way.

    Contact me today for a free consultation, a market analysis, or to schedule a private tour of Verdana Village.


    Ready to Talk?

    Call 781-484-6310 or email Broker@JohnColinandCo.com. Office: 9470 Corkscrew Palms Cir #101, Estero, FL 33928.

    Looking for homes in Verdana Village? See prices, fees, amenities and current homes for sale on our Verdana Village community page →