National builder enters local luxury market

A luxury homebuilding division of national firm D.R. Horton, Emerald Homes, has entered the Gulf Coast market with new projects in Sarasota and Tampa.

In Sarasota, according to a release, the company is building in what's commonly called the West of the Trail neighborhood, near downtown. It has three homes ready for move in, another eight under construction and nine available lots. Prices start from the mid-$500s, according to the firm's website.

In Tampa meanwhile, the firm has a presence in the Bayshore and South Tampa neighborhoods. It has three homes under construction in that market, with five more to start in the next 30 days.