Holland USA, Inc.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Peachtree City agents among top honorees at Metro Brokers gala

Twenty-three members of the Peachtree City office of Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate were among the honorees at the company’s annual awards gala held February 22 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.

Leading the awards parade from the Peachtree City office was Wendy Greene, Linda Stokes, Grady Dorn and Ken Mills. Greene took home two awards including Top Individual Sales Associate for Peachtree City. Stokes, Dorn and Mills took home two awards including Top Assisted Sales Associate in Peachtree City.

Jeannie Booker, Scott Bradshaw, Jody Flemming, Christy Fletcher and Wendy Greene were recognized for achieving Summit Century Club status, which recognizes sales associates who achieve more than $3 million in residential sales volume and had more than $100K gross commission income.

Kathleen Barlow, Tamara Bourne, Helen Davis, Grady Dorn, John Ford, Kay Fulp, Carolyn Jones, Chad Keith, Emily Kim, Bert McPeeks, Ken Mills and Linda Stokes were honored for achieving Summit Club status, which recognizes sales associates who achieve more than $3 million in residential sales volume and had more than $50K gross commission income.

In addition, John Ford was honored for attaining Commercial Million Dollar Club status, awarded for having closed more than one million dollars in commercial real estate sales volume over and above residential sales volume.

Cheryl Brandenburg, Kimberly Brecher, Ann Hale, Kenya Jones, Diane Matthews and Melissa Wright were also honored for achieving Medallion Club status, which is awarded for producing more than $1 million in sales volume during 2007.

The Peachtree City office includes 67 sales associates many with extensive knowledge of both the residential and commercial real estate market.

Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate, established in 1979, was recently named the largest real estate service provider in Georgia for the fourth consecutive year by Real Trends. Metro Brokers has 23 metro Atlanta and north Georgia offices and offers a wide range of real estate services including residential and commercial sales; pre- and post-license training; corporate relocation; new home sales and marketing; and insurance, mortgage and title/closing services.

The company is the largest GMAC Real Estate franchise in the world and has more than tripled in size over the last five years with almost 3,000 licensees, making the company the largest license holder in the state of Georgia. Metro Brokers is also the number one selling broker in metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

To contact Metro Brokers, call 404.843.2500 or visit metrobrokers.com.

Prudential Georgia Realty's Fayetteville office announces its top agents of 200

The Prudential Georgia Realty Fayetteville office, located at 834 S. Glynn Street, recently honored its top sales associates for 2007.

Top performers include:
Top individual listing and selling agent: Stephen Walker
Top selling and listing team: The Curtis/McInroe Team

Stephen Walker (www.walkersellshomes.com), a CRS, GRI, ASR, ABR, PMN, and SRES real estate designation holder, entered real estate in 1999. He has been an active member of the Fayette County Board and was named its Realtor of the Year in 2004. A Fayette County resident, Stephen Walker was featured on the January 2006 cover of Broker-Agent Magazine as the Broker-Agent of the Month.

Walker placed 4th on the company’s Top 25 Individual Agents list, out of 1,500 Prudential Georgia Realty agents. Stephen’s 2006 gross sales were $11 million with 38 closings. His 2007 sales once again placed Stephen on Prudential Real Estate Affiliate’s (PREA) Chairman’s Circle Gold award level, an honor achieved by only the top 3 percent of the more than 64,000 Prudential agents in North America.

Active in the community and his profession, Stephen has served as a Women’s Council of Realtors state committee chairperson, chaired several committees and served as the V.P for Budget and Finance and is currently serving as the Vice President of Professional Development for the Fayette County Board of Realtors. He is PTO President at Cleveland Elementary School and a member of Southside Church in Peachtree City.

The Curtis/McInroe Team (www.curtismcinroe.com) consists of Ernie Curtis and Kay McInroe. The pair cover both the residential and commercial real estate markets, with Kay specializing in residential real estate and Ernie in commercial properties. Their 2007 gross real estate sales placed them in the Leading Edge Society award level for sales performance, one of several award designations created by Prudential Real Estate Affiliates (PREA) as a national standard for its agents. The Leading Edge Society award is held by only the top 14 percent of the 64,000+ Prudential agent organization.

They are both Certified Skilled Negotiators, Corporate Relocation Specialists and nationally designated Fine Homes Specialists. Ernie holds the Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) designation and the Transnational Referral Certified (TRC) professional mark from the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Kay holds the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation. The team understands what it takes to market properties that have special characteristics in location, architecture or historical significance.

To stay on top of changes in the commercial real estate industry and network with other commercial Realtors, Ernie is a member of the CCIM Institute, the Realtor Land Institute and the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors. Kay is the 2008 president of the Fayette chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors and belongs to the Fayette County Board of Realtors.

“These agents find a way to serve their clients in the best and most professional way possible, year after year, no matter what the real estate market,” said Managing Broker Merry Holley.

To receive informed answers to your real estate questions or to reach these award-winning real estate professionals, call the Fayetteville office at 770-719-9400 or visit their web sites.

Prudential Georgia Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 36th for most 2006 transactions in the real estate trade magazine’s 2007 Power Broker Report.

For the last four consecutive years, Prudential Georgia Realty has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. The firm annually has real estate sales well in excess of $2 billion and is now in its 45th year of serving metro Atlanta. The company now has 24 locations in 14 metro Atlanta counties and 1,500 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.

Realtor Valerie Reynolds named Peachtree City Rookie of the Year for Prudential

Real estate professional Valerie Reynolds was recently named the 2007 Prudential Georgia Realty Peachtree City office Rookie of the Year.

Valerie joined Prudential’s Peachtree City office in The Avenues Shopping Plaza in June 2007. A Georgia Tech graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Computer Science, she has dabbled in the real estate market as an investor of rental property and land for five years – purchasing foreclosures on the courthouse steps and purchasing and subdividing land.

Valerie owned a Peachtree City-based computer graphics business for 12 years and has extensive hands-on marketing and business experience. Moving to metro Atlanta in 1978, she lived in Peachtree City for 17 years before moving to Coweta County, where she now resides. While 2007 was a successful year, Valerie has started 2008 with a great deal of momentum, selling nearly $1 million in real estate in January and leasing four properties.

Currently, Valerie is a member of an investment group which pools their money and trades in the stock market. She also oversees a $1.3 million investment portfolio as treasurer for The Atlanta Track Club Foundation. An avid runner, she has completed over 70 marathons and an Ironman Triathlon. For more information about the local real estate market, call Valerie Reynolds at the Prudential Georgia Realty Peachtree City office at 770-632-3860, email her at vreynolds@prudentialgeorgia.com or visit ww.valeriereynolds.prudentialgeorgia.com.

Prudential Georgia Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 36th for most 2006 transactions in the real estate trade magazine’s 2007 Power Broker Report.
For the last four consecutive years, Prudential Georgia Realty has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. The firm annually has real estate sales well in excess of $2 billion and is now in its 45th year of serving metro Atlanta. The company now has 24 locations in 14 metro Atlanta counties and nearly 1,500 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.

COLDWELL BANKER BULLARD ADVANCES IN PUBLICATION’S ANNUAL RANKINGS

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty has moved upward one step to the No. 12 position in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s annual listing of “Atlanta’s Top 25 Residential Real Estate Companies”. In addition, the company was ranked No 10 in the publication’s listing of “Atlanta’s Top 10 Residential of Real Estate Organizations.”

The rankings, which were based on 2007 gross residential sales volume in the Atlanta area, appeared in the publication’s March 21-27, 2008 edition. Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty, which was included in the listing of real estate organizations for the first time, is once again the highest-ranked real estate firm headquartered in the Metro South area.

The Bullard organization, founded in 1956 by the late Cliff Bullard, worked out a franchise agreement with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation in early 1998 and is the largest Coldwell Banker franchise in Georgia. Current Owner and President Steve Bullard has been with the company for more than 35 years.

The oldest and largest real estate company headquartered in the Metro South area of Atlanta, Coldwell Banker Bullard has its headquarters in Jonesboro. The organization now has other offices in Griffin, McDonough, Jackson, Peachtree City, Newnan, and Conyers, and a separate but affiliated company, Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers.

SEVILLE INCLUDED IN MAGAZINE'S LISTING OF "HOT 100 GREEN THINGS ABOUT ATLANTA"

Carl Seville, owner of Seville Consulting, was recently included in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine's "Little Green Book" feature earlier this year, being listed in the publication's "Hot 100 Green Things About Atlanta".

The magazine noted that Seville "helps homeowners, contractors and architects incorporate sustainable practices into new and existing homes and creates healthy, efficient and durable environments through training, consultations and project administration".

Also included in the "Hot 100" listing was EcoLumina, another project in which Seville is involved. EcoLumina is the Showcase House for the 2008 Southern Building Show, which is coming up June 11-13 at the Cobb Galleria Exhibition Center. EcoLumina, which is under construction in Sandy Springs with the Hoots Group as the builder, is the fourth annual Showcase Home and will be the first Showcase Home to be LEED certified, a certification program of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

Building professionals will tour the house during the Southern Building Show, and following the show, the owners of EcoLumina will continue to open the house to trade, consumer and legislative groups in order to further their dedication to green building education. More information about EcoLumina can be found at http://www.ecolumina.org/.

Carl Seville, who has both his home and his office in Decatur, is an Atlanta area-based green builder, educator and consultant on sustainability in America's home building industry. More information about his company, Seville Consulting, is available at http://www.sevilleconsulting.com/.

Considered one of the nation's leading experts on green building and remodeling, Seville was recipient of the 2005 and 2007 Green Remodeling Advocate of the Year and the 2004 and 2006 National Green Building Awards for Residential Remodeling from the National Association of Home Builders.

He was recently named Residential Green Building Advocate for the Atlanta chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. In this role, Seville will work closely with local homebuilders� associations and other green homes organizations, as well as within his own USGBC chapter, to explain and promote residential green building.

Over the years, Seville has earned five Excellence in Design Awards from Environmental Design and Construction Magazine, the Southface Energy Institute Award of Excellence for Environmental Stewardship, and the 2006 EarthCraft House Leadership Award. He has been featured in and writes for numerous publications, including Green Builder, HGTVPRO.com, Professional Remodeling, Qualified Remodeler, Remodeling Magazine, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Smart Homeowner, and Environmental Design and Construction Magazine.

Seville has over 30 years of experience in renovation and home construction. He was the founder and vice president of SawHorse Inc., an Atlanta design/build firm for 25 years before starting his current business.

COLDWELL BANKER BULLARD NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty Company has been named to the prestigious Coldwell Banker Chairman's Circle for the 10th consecutive year.

This designation is awarded to companies which attained closed adjusted gross commission income of $8,000,000 or more during the 2007 calendar year. Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty is one of only 78 Coldwell Banker companies throughout the world to receive the distinguished award.

As a privilege of membership, Steve Bullard, owner and president of the company, is invited to attend a retreat exclusively for Chairman's Circle members to be held at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. At that time, Bullard will be personally honored by top management, including Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Gillespie presented the award to Bullard at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference, held February 21 - 23 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The annual event brought thousands of Coldwell Banker sales associates, brokers, managers and employees together for an intensive professional development program and awards ceremony. The conference's keynote speakers were Bob Woodruff (co-anchor for ABC's World News Tonight) and his wife, Lee Woodruff. The couple recently released “In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love, Courage, and Healing,” a memoir about Bob's recovery after being seriously injured by a roadside bomb while reporting near Taji, Iraq.

“I am honored to recognize Steve and the Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty sales associates with the Chairman's Circle award; the most esteemed title a Coldwell Banker company can achieve,” says Gillespie. “Steve and his dedicated team demonstrate the highest professional standards and commitment to their clients. We are extremely proud of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty for its remarkable year in sales production, working hard to help our country's families to achieve home ownership.”

The oldest and largest real estate company headquartered in the Metro South area of Atlanta, Coldwell Banker Bullard has its headquarters in Jonesboro. The organization now has other offices in Griffin, McDonough, Jackson, Peachtree City, Newnan, and Conyers, and a separate but affiliated company, Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers.

The Bullard organization, founded in 1956 by the late Cliff Bullard, worked out a franchise agreement with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation in early 1998 and is the largest Coldwell Banker franchise in Georgia. Current Owner and President Steve Bullard has been with the company for more than 35 years.

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2006, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system number one in real estate for the seventh straight year and number eight among all franchisors. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,800 residential real estate offices and more than 120,000 sales associates in 42 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Mortgage is one of the largest telephone/web based lenders in the country. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, the world's largest real estate franchisor. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Career Night Planned at Coldwell Banker Bullard Newnan Office

The Newnan/Coweta County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty is hosting a Career Night for persons interested in exploring careers in real estate.

The Career Night will be held on Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m. at the company’s Newnan/Coweta County, located at 1605 Hwy. 34 East (Suite B) in the White Oak Professional Center, located directly across the highway from John Cullen Dodge. Refreshments will be served.

Linda Mitchell, managing broker of the office, encouraged those interested in exploring the real estate industry as a career option to attend the session. She said reservations should be made early, as seating is limited. Reservations can be arranged by calling Kimberly at 770-254-0079.
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Exclusive Arden Gate at River Bend Offers Large Lots, Custom Homes

Exclusive Arden Gate at River Bend Offers Large Lots, Custom Homes;
Builder Offers $10,000 Incentive, Will Consider Trade on Current Inventory


With only 11 building sites, Arden Gate at River Bend in Newton County will soon be "The" address for homeowners seeking Old South charm close to downtown Covington and the easy access of I-20. The community, built by Buddy Austin of SanBud Builders, features wooded home sites that range from 1.4 acres to more than 7 acres.

Austin has announced a $10,000 buyer bonus on the sale of the two existing homes in the community. He will also consider a trade with prospective buyers, according to Coldwell Banker American Land Mart agent Ann Bell.

"This intimate sidewalk community takes you back to a simpler time by the design of the homes and the sense of being one with nature," said Bell of American Land Mart, the community's exclusive broker. "The homes are all Southern Living style built on estate lots, many on the banks of the Yellow River."

Construction at the community has recently begun and currently there are two homes ready for immediate move-in. Priced in the high $400,000s, the generously sized homes are matched to the topography of each site; many can accommodate basements or terrace levels.

"The beauty of Arden Gate is that buyers can select the lot that suits them, then either select one of Buddy's plans or bring their own and he'll build it for them," Bell said. "This truly is a custom-home community that is being built with all the amenities that today's homeowners seek."

Spacious gourmet kitchens include stainless appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry. Master suites are large with separate sitting areas; the master baths feature spa tubs and granite double vanities. Hardwood flooring and lavish trim complement each plan that is designed for family living.

Each home is uniquely landscaped to showcase the exterior elevations and features of the lots. Lawns are sodded and irrigation systems are standard.

"This is very much a traditional community," Bell said. "Each home will have its own style and character because of the flexibility of bringing your own plan and ideas for the builder to construct."

Austin founded SanBud Builders Inc. in 1978 after years in the construction business as a trim carpenter. His attention to detail and concern for quality construction have made him an in-demand builder of custom homes. Many of his clients bring him referrals and repeat business. "We're indeed fortunate to have Buddy building this project," Bell said. With his dedication to quality and his experience as a custom-home builder, buyers here will have the best of all possible worlds.

Arden Gate at River Bend is close to the International Horse Park, downtown Covington and downtown Conyers. To reach Arden Gate, take I-20 East to exit 82. Turn north onto Ga. 138, then right onto Centennial Boulevard. Turn right onto Cook Road and Arden Gate at River Bend is on the right.

Arden Gate at River Bend is being marketed by Coldwell Banker American Land Mart Inc. Ann Bell (770-483-8925 ) and Sandi Austin( 770-652-1007) are the listing agents. For more information, visit www.Ardengate.info.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Wise Is February Agent Leader for Bullard Fayette Office, Company

Martin Wise has been selected as February Individual Agent Leader both for the company and for the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

The companywide No. 2 individual producer during the month was Michelle Munda of the Griffin/Spalding County office, and Steven Dickens of the Newnan/Spalding County office was No. 3.

No. 2 producer for the Peachtree City office during the month was Debbie Lowe, and No. 3 was Diane Maney.

Wise, who joined the Bullard organization recently as a result of its merger with Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates, has been in real estate for three and one-half years. A Million Dollar Club member, he has earned the Circle of Achievement and is a graduate of the Leadership Development Program. He holds the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative) and e-Pro designations.

In 2007, he was the No. 3 producer among the agents joining the Peachtree City Bullard office from Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates, and he earned Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society membership. He is a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors and the National and Georgia Associations of Realtors.

A Peachtree City resident, Wise holds a B. A. degree in business administration from the University of Utah.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Nestor Leads Jackson Office in February

Carla Nestor has been selected as February Individual Agent Leader for the Jackson/Butts County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Dennis Kitchens was the office's No. 2 producer during the month, and Julie Epperso was No. 3.

Nestor, who started working in real estate with Coldwell Banker Bullard five years ago, received her training through the Griffin Technical College online real estate course. She was awarded a company Certificate of Merit for in excess of one-half million dollars in sales during 2004. In 2005, she earned membership in the Bullard Bronze Society and was a member of the Million Dollar Club. Last year, she was awarded a Bullard Certificae of Merit for her performance.

She also has more than 30 years of experience as a school counselor with a Specialist degree in Education.

Nestor and her husband David are residents of Jenkinsburg. She is a member of the Jackson United Methodist Church, the William McIntosh Chapter of the D.A.R., the Georgia School Counselors Association, and the Georgia Retired Educators Association.

DICKENS TOPS SALES FOR NEWNAN OFFICE

Steven Dickens was once again named Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Individual Agent Leader for its Newnan/Coweta County office, and he was also the No. 3 invidivual producer companywide. The latest honors were for February.

Marcy Bucci was the No. 2 individual producer for the Newnan office during the month, and Linda Scott was No. 3.

Dickens started his real estate career with Bullard five years ago, transferring to the Newnan office early in 2006 from the Jonesboro office. He is a specialist in assisting private owners in buying and selling personal and investment properties, as well as serving many nationwide corporate clients in marketing their foreclosure properties.

Before entering real estate, he had a successful 15-year career in corporate management with Edison Bros. Stores Inc., Circuit City and Gateway Computers.

An Active Life Member of the Metro South Association of Realtors' Circle of Excellence, he was a top-selling agent for the Jonesboro office in 2005, being No. 1 in sales volume and No. 3 in generating income. He received Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation International Sterling Society membership in 2004 and InternationalDiamond Society membership in 2005. In 2006, he was in the top 2 percent of Coldwell Banker agents nationwide and gained membership in the Coldwell Banker International President's Elite, and was the year's top individual producer both companywide and for the Newnan/ Coweta County office. Last year, he once again earned International President's Elite status, was the top producer for the Newnan office, and was the No. 2 individual producer for the company.

Married to Vanessa Dickens, he is the father of three children, Austin, Meagan and Nic. The family lives in Newnan.

MUNDA CONTINUES AS AGENT LEADER FOR GRIFFIN OFFICE

Michelle Munda was named the February Individual Agent Leader for the Griffin/Spalding County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty, and she was also the month's No. 2 individual producer companywide.

Steve McCard was the Griffin office�s No. 2 producer during the month, and Brandy Matthews was No. 3.

Munda, who received her real estate training through MLS Sales Associate Training and who affiliated with Coldwell Banker Bullard in fall of 2001, is a resident of Griffin. Her business background includes 12 years in banking and investment.

In 2002, she was cited as the No. 3 producer in her office and received a Certificate of Merit from her company for her production. The next year year, she attained membership in the Million Dollar Club, was a member of Coldwell Banker's International President's Circle, and was the No. 1 producer for her office. Then, in 2004, she was selected to Coldwell Banker's International President's Elite, was again the top producer in her office, and was once again a member of the Million Dollar Club.

In 2005, Munda was honored as the Top Individual Agent Leader companywide and for her office. Her other 2005 recognition included selection to the Coldwell Banker International President's Circle and Million Dollar Club membership. In 2006, she was once again the No. 1 producer for her office and was No. 3 companywide. Other honors during the year include Million Dollar Club membership and selection to the Coldwell Banker International President's Circle.

Last year, her honors included No. 1 Individual Producer for both the company and her office and membership in the Coldwell Banker International President's Elite and the Million Dollar Club.

Sims Named Individual Agent Leader for Bullard Realty Jonesboro Office

Shonda Sims has been recognized as February Individual Agent Leader for the Jonesboro/Clayton County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Nancy Hollis was the office's No. 2 individual producer during the month, and Cynthia Brown was No. 3.

Active in real estate for seven and one-half years, Sims joined Coldwell Banker Bullard approximately three years ago. A member of the Metro South Association of Realtors, she is an Active Member of the Million Dollar Club. She is a graduate of the Leaders Choice Real Estate Professional Training and is a Certified Relocation Specialist.

In 2004, she earned membership in Coldwell Banker's International Sterling Society, was a member of Bullard's President's Relocation Club, and received the Top Incoming Referral Agent award from the company's Relocation Department. The following year, she led her office in production, was selected to the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society, and was again in the President's Relocation Club. In 2006, she was a member of the Bullard Bronze Society and repeated as a President's Relocation Club member, and last year, she was Top Producer for her office and earned membership in Coldwell Banker's International President's Circle.

Her website, www.shondasims.com, offers information and resources on the real estate buying and selling process.

Sims holds a B.A. degree in corporate communications from Northern Illinois University.

She and her husband Art are Stockbridge residents and have three children, Brandon, Brianna, and Brien.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Fayette Realtor Kay McInroe Becomes 2008 President of Women's Council of Realtors Fayette Chapter

Kay McInroe, a real estate professional with Prudential Georgia Realty’s Fayetteville office and a part of the award-winning Curtis McInroe Team, was recently sworn in as the 2008 president of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) Fayette chapter.

A Realtor for the last four years, Kay is an involved member of the real estate community. She has previously served as Vice President of membership for WCR and as President-elect in 2007. Kay also chaired the Cultural Diversity Committee for the Fayette County Board of Realtors, an organization to which she also belongs, and completed the board’s six month long Leadership Training Program in 2007. Kay is also a member of the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

Based out of Prudential’s Fayetteville office on Glynn Street, Kay sells real estate in partnership Ernie Curtis. Known as the Curtis McInroe Team, Kay specializes in residential real estate and Ernie focuses on commercial real estate and investment properties. For their 2007 sales performance the Curtis McInroe Team earned the Leading Edge Society award level, signifying they are in the top 12 percent of all 77,000 Prudential sales associates in North America.
Born and raised in India, Kay McInroe is fluent in Hindi and English. She has lived in the United States 17 years and moved to Peachtree City from southern California six years ago. Her husband, Bill, is a pilot for Delta Air Lines. In her spare time, Kay enjoys being active in the Peachtree City Optimists Club and the Kiwanis Club.

A portion of her commissions goes to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Sunshine Kids Foundation, an organization that helps kids with cancer and Children’s International.
To reach her for more information on the local real estate market, contact Kay McInroe at 770-719-9400 or visit www.ATLHomes4Sale.com to conduct a complete search of some 100,000 available properties in metro Atlanta.

Prudential Georgia Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 36th for most 2006 transactions in the real estate trade magazine’s 2007 Power Broker Report.

For the last four consecutive years, Prudential Georgia Realty has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. The firm annually has real estate sales well in excess of $2 billion and is now in its 45th year of serving metro Atlanta. The company now has 24 locations in 14 metro Atlanta counties and nearly 1,500 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

New Builder Licensing Discussed at Annual Legislative Reception

Photo: Senator Mitch Seabaugh, Senator Chip Rogers, Government Affairs Director for the Georgia Branch, Associated General Contractors Mark Woodall and Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG) Past President Bob Barnard, Barnard & Associates Remodeling (Fayetteville)

The Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG) held its annual Legislative Reception at The Freight Depot in Atlanta. Each winter, this event provides an opportunity for HBAG’s 12,800 statewide members to meet at the Capital and discuss industry-related issues with their local and state representatives.

Associated General Contractor Mark Woodall was among some of the local contractors attending the event. Woodall, along with past HBAG president, Bob Barnard of Barnard & Associates Remodeling out of Fayetteville, GA were able to meet with Senator Mitch Seabaugh and Senator Chip Rogers, Government Affairs Director for the Georgia Branch, asking very direct questions of their governing legislators.

“This meeting with our local legislators couldn’t have come at a better time for our builders and contractors,” stated Sandy Boda, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia. “Getting information and having discussions directly with our legislators is especially important as our building industry is again picking up steam.”

The Home Builders Association of Georgia is part of a three-tiered federation of organizations who share a common mission: to serve the housing industry and provide expanding opportunities for all consumers to have safe, decent and affordable housing.

Among the largest 100 Home Builders Associations in America, the HBA of Midwest Georgia serves over 700 members in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Meriwether, Heard, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Butts and Jasper Counties. For information on the association, call Executive Officer Sandy Boda at 770-716-7109.
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Friday, March 7, 2008

‘Dream Home’ Tour at SummerGrove Slated for March 15 & 16

SummerGrove is known for being one of the best-selling communities in the Atlanta area. The ‘Dream Home’ Tour, sponsored by The Home Source Realtors, will give visitors a sneak peak into the exceptional homes and lifestyle behind this master-planned community’s success.

The free Dream Home tour, scheduled for March 15 – 16, will showcase seven custom homes in the Estate neighborhood. Each custom home combines the appeal of SummerGrove with luxury living. The homes are nestled on premium homesites with stunning lake or golf course views. And, in addition to touring some of Newnan’s most desirable homes, there will be a drawing each day of the tour for a gift card to The Home Depot.

Tour goers will start at the SummerGrove Information Center by picking up a
registration card and tour map. Then, take the card and visit designated designer model homes within the community. Visitors must bring the completed card back to the Information Center to be eligible for The Home Depot gift card drawing.

Homes in the Estate neighborhood on the tour range in price from the $500s to over $800,000, and feature styles ranging from traditional to cottage-style.

“The Dream Home Tour gives visitors a chance to see all that SummerGrove has to offer and the exquisite custom homes that can be found here,” says Linda Huff, Broker for the builder services group at The Home Source Realtors. “SummerGrove’s unique atmosphere and resort-style amenities give residents and visitors a sense of luxury living at all price ranges.”

SummerGrove’s appeal is not limited to its award-winning home designs. The
community is known for having one of the area’s most expansive amenity packages.
Amenities include a private 18-hole, Golf Digest-ranked golf course, a 100-acre
lake, miles of pedestrian paths and sidewalks, three swimming venues, a tennis complex
and a variety of tot lots and neighborhood playgrounds.

SummerGrove is located at the intersection of Lower Fayetteville Road and
Shenandoah Blvd. in Newnan. Tour hours are Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday
1 p.m.-6 p.m. For more information on the Dream Home Tour, call (770) 252-9000, or visit http://www.summergrove.com/.
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Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Jonesboro / Clayton Top Individal Agents

TOP INDIVIDUAL agents from Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Jonesboro/Clayton County office for 2007 included Steven Dickens, top producer; Linda Scott, No. 2; and Shannon Scott, No. 3. The awards were presented at the company's annual Awards Breakfast, held recently at Eagle's Landing Country Club.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Career Nights Upcoming at Coldwell Banker Bullard Newnan Office

The Newnan/Coweta County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty is hosting two upcoming Career Nights for persons interested in careers in real estate.

The Career Nights will be held on Tuesday, March 18,. and Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m. at the company’s Newnan/Coweta County, located at 1605 Hwy. 34 East (Suite B) in the White Oak Professional Center, located directly across the highway from John Cullen Dodge. Refreshments will be served.

Linda Mitchell, managing broker of the office, encouraged those interested in exploring the real estate industry as a career option to attend one of the sessions. She said reservations should be made early, as seating is limited. Reservations can be arranged by calling Kimberly at 770-254-0079.
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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Face of Defense: Real Estate Agent Chooses to Serve

(Rizzo's not from Georgia, but thought you might enjoy reading about the path this Real Estate agent chose!)

A little more than two years ago, Juliana Rizzo was a real estate agent living in Long Island, N.Y., with her two children, Angelo and Amanda, when she decided it was time to fulfill her childhood dream.

That dream was to join the United States Army.

"As a little girl, I always wanted to join the Army, because my father and grandfather spent several years in the military and served their country proudly," said Rizzo, a supply specialist in Company E, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 12, Multinational Division Baghdad.

"I don't know if my father ever deployed, but my grandfather served in the Korean War and Vietnam," she said. "They've both become very successful (in jobs outside the military), but they started their education in the Army."

Rizzo, the daughter of an airplane mechanic and granddaughter of a NASA radio communications transmitter, also has achieved plenty of her own success in the short time she's been in the military.

"When (Rizzo) arrived to unit, only three days after the unit was established, she was a private fresh out of advanced individual training and she had a hip problem that really bothered her," said Army 1st Sgt. Foy Dix, of Company E. "I had a talk with her and told her that being in the Army means sometimes you have to overcome pain. Within 60 days, she nearly scored (the maximum) 300 points on her physical fitness test."

In addition to overcoming physical adversity, the new private also had to learn her job quickly and with little supervision.

"Her supply sergeant went to the basic noncommissioned officer course while the unit was still being set up, so she had to set up the unit supply office by herself," said Dix, a native of Ventura, Calif. "She also helped run a company that had no commander -- just a first sergeant and three flight lieutenants."

Even though her leaders said they already were impressed by her work ethic and determination in keeping track of more than $3.5 million worth of unit equipment, Rizzo's most attention-grabbing performance was yet to come.

"When we were in (Hohenfels, Germany) going through 'Iron Warrior' training, she went up to the Iraqi role players and started talking to them in their own language," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Cuomo, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, a native of Troy, N.Y. "Nobody knew that she spoke Arabic, and it especially shocked the role players; she was definitely the hero of the battle out there."

"I learned Arabic in my Long Island neighborhood, and I pretty much taught myself a lot of the (words and phrases) I didn't know," Rizzo said. "I'm not very fluent in Arabic, but I do know enough to communicate. I also speak Spanish, and I know some phrases in Hindu."

Rizzo does a lot more than just handle unit supplies; she operates the company arms room, does public affairs for Company E, and she takes time to listen to some of the issues her fellow soldiers are having, Dix said.

She made such a strong impression throughout the battalion that she was sent to the Warrior Leadership Course as a private first class, Cuomo said. Soldiers usually attend the course at the rank of specialist or sergeant.

"I went down and talked with the WLC sergeant major two days after the course started, and I asked him, 'If I had a high-speed private first class, would you take that person?'" he said. "The course was a little rough for her, because she was the only private first class there, but she made it through and graduated in the top 17 percent of her class."

Rizzo was promoted to specialist shortly after arriving in Iraq and went to the sergeant's promotion board four months later. She received 150 points in the promotion board, and was recently laterally promoted to corporal. She continues to set the standard and then to exceed that standard, Dix said.

"I just try to give 100 percent in everything I do," Rizzo said, "and I always try to do above what is expected of me."

The soon-to-be sergeant is taking online classes toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She said she hopes to one day be an Army career counselor or an Arabic linguist.

Dix said he won't be surprised if Rizzo is selected to be a staff sergeant by the end of her deployment.

"If she continues to do what she's doing know, I see her being a sergeant promotable before we leave Iraq," Dix said. "I know I couldn't do as much she does and continue to smile. I have no doubt that if I had five of her, I could run an entire platoon."

Author Army Sgt. Brandon Little serves with Task Force 12 Public Affairs in Multinational Division Baghdad.

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