home home register here about town the homes the neighborhood the siteplan agents only faq builder story

The Lakehouse Priority Presale Program

Due to what is anticipated to be strong demand for The Lakehouse, we have implemented a Priority Presale Program. When we have a greater number of serious inquiries than available residences, we try to use a selection system that is equitable for everyone. This system allows potential homebuyers to become educated about the features and benefits of the community while we are still in our planning stages and take advantage of pre-construction pricing. It further allows us as the developer to better understand the needs and wants of our future homeowners allowing us to deliver the optimal floorplans and home features that not only meet, but exceed your expectations.

We ask that when registering, please take the time to consider and answer each question carefully as the information you provide will be used to determine many of the nuances that will be incorporated into the homes we build. In essence, by participating early you have the opportunity to not only get the best pricing possible, but also help plan your future community as an honorary member of the development team.

This Priority Presale Program is a unique concept and is not your average home buying experience. There are no model residences to view, and some of the information including floorplans, exterior elevations and home features may not be available for several months as details are being finalized. However, for those willing to venture in on our new concept, the rewards are endless. The Lakehouse anticipates opening for sales in the fall of 2006. We strongly encourage you to register to receive our latest and most up to date information “hot off the press” as soon as it becomes available. The order in which you register may be used to determine the order of home and homesite selection. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the Priority Presale Program sales process.

Whether purchasing as a new residence or as an investment, Priority Status Members can take advantage of the same pre-construction pricing and incentives. Be aware that if you intend to purchase for investment purposes, some restrictions may apply. Please view our investor policy.

  1. What is a Priority Presale Program?
  2. Why Register?
  3. By registering online, am I committing to purchasing a home?
  4. Why can’t I have all of the information now?
  5. What happens after I register for Priority Status?
  6. What type of information will I receive via email?
  7. How often will I be receiving email updates?
  8. What if I don’t receive an email update after I register?
  9. What type of homes will be offered at The Lakehouse?
  10. How many homes will be built at The Lakehouse?
  11. What company is developing The Lakehouse?
  12. Is The Lakehouse located on Lake Okeechobee?
  13. When will homes be available for move-in at The Lakehouse?
  14. What does Spectrum Builder Developer Services do?
  15. How do I qualify to participate in the priority presale program?
  16. What is the best way to ensure I have the opportunity to purchase a home?
  17. Where is The Lakehouse located?
  18. Where is Lake Okeechobee?
  19. What is a Neo-Traditional Community?
  20. What are some good examples of Neo-Traditional Communities that I can view or visit?
  21. What is the area’s major source of income?
  22. Where is The Lakehouse in relation to cities of interest along the Treasure Coast?
  23. What are some of the major roads leading to and out of the city?
  24. How many schools are in Okeechobee City?
  25. Will there be boat storage available at The Lakehouse?
  26. What sort of amenities will be available to homeowners of The Lakehouse?
  27. What is the Okeechobee Area best known for?

    Investor Restrictions
    Broker Participation Guidelines
    Priority Presale Events
    General FAQS

1. What Is A Priority Presale Program?

We implement a Priority Presale Program when the anticipated demand for a new community is strong. With an enormous number of serious inquiries and a limited amount of residences, we use a selection system that is equitable for everyone.

The Lakehouse presales are tentatively planned for Fall 2006. The location, time and format of the sales program will be provided via email to only those who register and qualify as instructed over the upcoming months.

2. Why Register?

Registration is necessary to receive important and time-sensitive updates via email on new information such as location, floorplans, renderings, site plan, amenities, included features, available options & upgrades, pricing, home owner association documents as well as information on any planned events, incentives and rules of participation as soon as they are released.

3. By Registering Online am I Committing to Purchase a Home?

No. By registering online you are not committing to purchase property nor is the seller guaranteeing you an opportunity to purchase.

Please keep in mind that registration alone does not guarantee the opportunity to participate in our sales program, or purchase a residence. Therefore, we advise you to check your email often for additional information on how to participate.

4. Why can’t I have all of the information now?

Not all of the information for The Lakehouse has been finalized and/or approved for distribution. We are still in the process of finalizing our floorplan designs, included home features and receiving final approvals from local government officials. As soon as the information is finalized and approved it will be provided to those of you who express interest. By distributing the information via email, all participants are able to receive the same information at the same time as soon as we can be reasonably confident there will not be significant material changes.
By registering online, you are assured to be the first to know, giving you the best chance to take advantage of this opportunity and purchase your dream home.

5. What Happens After I Register for Priority Status?

Once registered, you will begin receiving additional information via email, which will assist you in selecting the residence and homesite that are perfect for you and your family!

6. What type of information will I receive via email?

You will receive information on the residences, amenities, pricing and homesites as well as information on how to qualify to purchase a home.

A) Community Site Plan
B) Area Locator Map & Attractions
C) Floorplans
D) Amenity Overview
E) Home & Community Renderings
F) Included Home Features
G) Financing & Mortgage Options
H) Home & Homesite Pricing
I) Event & Sales Information
J) And much more….

7. How often will I be receiving email updates?

You will receive email updates at least once per month leading up to the sales grand opening.

8. What if I don’t receive an email update?

If you do not receive an email update we suggest you do the following:


A) Check your spam folder or junk email folder
B) Add the email address Iwanttolive@TheLakeHouseFL.com to your address book to ensure proper delivery of future emails
C) You may also re-register

9. What type of homes will be offered at The Lakehouse?

The Lakehouse will feature Bungalow and Cottage homes.

The Bungalow Series will feature homes ranging from 1,250 a/c sq. ft. to approximately 1,800 a/c sq. ft.

The Cottage Series will feature homes ranging from just under 2,000 a/c sq. ft. to over 3,000 a/c sq. ft.

10. How many homes will be built at The Lakehouse?

The Lakehouse will consist of 120 Single-Family homes when completed.

The first phase will consist of only 48 homes.

11. What company is developing The Lakehouse?

The Lakehouse is being developed by Straat Real Estate, LLC.

12. Is The Lakehouse located on Lake Okeechobee?

Lake Okeechobee itself does not have any homes built directly on it. The Lakehouse is located approximately 1.5 miles north of the lake with convenient access to the beach, marina and boat ramps.

13. When will homes be available for move in at The Lakehouse?

The Lakehouse is tentatively scheduled to open for sale in the Fall of 2006 with homes expected to be available for move-in during 2008. Your home delivery date will be more specifically determined based on your time of purchase.

14. What does Spectrum Builder Developer Services do?

Spectrum Builder Developer Services, LLC is a full service sales and marketing company representing Straat Real Estate. Spectrum BDS is the exclusive brokerage for the The Lakehouse community.


15. How do I qualify to participate in the Priority Presale Program?

The Priority Presale Program is still in the planning stages and will be determined more definitively in the summer of 2006 as local government approvals and final details of the community are put in place.

At that time we will provide everyone who registers with the specifics on the sales grand opening.

16. What is the best way to ensure I have the opportunity to purchase a home?

The best way to ensure you have the opportunity to purchase a home is by checking your email regularly and taking action as quickly as possible.

It is important that you review all materials as they are provided via email and online so you can educate yourself on our offerings and be as prepared as possible to make decisions.


17. Where is The Lakehouse located?

The Lakehouse is located at the northern tip of Lake Okeechobee in the City of Okeechobee.


18. Where is Lake Okeechobee?

Lake Okeechobee is known as Florida’s backyard and is easily accessible from anywhere in South Florida. It comprises a 730 square-mile area in Glades, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, and Hendry Counties. It is the second largest natural lake in the United States located in the south central part of the state.

19. What is a Neo-Traditional Community?

The Lakehouse in many respects is what is referred to as a Neo-Traditional Community. A Neo-Traditional Community is centered on the principals of creating a sustainable and thoughtful living environment through the careful planning of detailed architecture and the harmonious integration of parks, amenities and open green spaces intended on bringing people together and creating a well defined sense of place.

In addition, a Neo-Traditional Community is commonly known for a broad mix of residences featuring single and multi-family housing and a broad variation in home sizes creating diversity within the community.

20. What are some good examples of Neo-Traditional Communities that I can view or visit?

There are several great examples of Neo-Traditional Communities that you can view either online or in person. These communities have in many ways inspired our vision for The Lakehouse.

Celebration Orlando, FL

Baldwin Park Orlando, FL

Seaside Seagrove Beach, FL

Abacoa Jupiter, FL

21. What is the area’s major source of income?

The city of Okeechobee alone includes thousands of acres dedicated to cattle, dairy and citrus farming.


22. Where is The Lakehouse in relation to cities of interest along the Treasure Coast?

The Lakehouse is approximately an hour from:
• Palm Beach International Airport
• The city of West Palm Beach
• Palm Beach Gardens

The Lakehouse is approximately 30 minutes from:
• Palm Beach County – Jupiter/Tequesta
• Downtown Stuart/Palm City
• St. Lucie West
• Ft. Pierce


23. What are some of the major roads leading to and out of the city?

From the east coast of the state, SR 70, 710 and 441 will lead you to The Lakehouse. From the west coast of the state, SR 70 will lead you to The Lakehouse.

24. How many schools are in Okeechobee City?

There are 10-15 schools in the city of Okeechobee including public and private education, as well as a branch of Indian River Community College.

The schools neighboring The Lakehouse are some of the finest in the area.


25. Will there be boat storage available at The Lakehouse?

Yes. Each home will have the option of including a lake boat storage facility which will include:
o Boat & Trailer Storage
o Boat Wash
o Fish Cleaning Center

26. What sort of amenities will be available to homeowners of The Lakehouse?

The community will feature a resort-style lodge which is planned to include the following features:
o Media room/Home Theater
o Fitness Facility with sauna, spa & steam room
o Meeting area for HOA, parties and community gathering
o Light Catering Kitchen
o Restroom/Cabana facilities for pool
o Billiards Room
o Business Center
o Resort-style pool
o Putting green


27. What is the Okeechobee Area best known for?

The Okeechobee Area is best known for various types of farming and rural living. Okeechobee is rapidly becoming a destination location for seasonal and year round residents due to its comparable affordability to other locations in South Florida, the temperate climate and maybe most importantly the abundance of opportunities for people that truly enjoy the outdoors.

Okeechobee offers 736-square miles of fresh water on Lake Okeechobee while also offering thousands of acres for hunting, camping, hiking and exploring. The City of Okeechobee offers quaint small town charm featuring the lost treasure of family owned retail stores and restaurants while still offering many of the modern conveniences you would expect as a year round resident.



Investor Restrictions FAQ

Each homebuyer or household may purchase 1 residence.

Contracts are not assignable under any circumstance. Homes may be resold immediately after closing.

These homes may not be listed in the MLS until you own the home following your closing.

Homes may only be purchased by individuals and may not be purchased in the name of a business or corporation.

The Lakehouse Real Estate Commissions

Persons or Parties interested in purchasing a residence at The Lakehouse currently working with an agent or broker must register their agent or broker when completing the online registration form for the first time to secure a commission paid by the developer.

At the time of online registration you must select if you are currently represented by a broker, provide their first and last name and the name of their brokerage firm. If you are not represented by an agent or broker you will be asked to select, “No, I do not have broker representation”. If you are able to provide the brokers email address, we will notify the agent they have been successfully registered and by whom.

At any time, you may elect to have broker representation; but, the Developer will NOT pay a commission to the broker if they are not properly registered when completing the online registration form for the first time. If you terminate the broker/client relationship with the broker initially registered a commission will be paid at the Developers discretion. Under this circumstance, the developer reserves the right to not pay a commission if the Broker is not deemed the procuring cause of the sale.

Brokers also have the ability to use the “Spectrum 4 Agents” registration form and pre-register any and all clients they feel may be qualified candidates to purchase a home at The Lakehouse. If they submit their clients’ contact information prior to the client registering individually their commission will be protected.

Straat Real Estate, LLC will pay a commission of 3% of the gross residence sale price at closing.