Holland USA, Inc.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Clowdus Team Again Leads Team Production

The Clowdus Team from Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Jonesboro/Clayton County office, led by Susan Clowdus, was named the company's July Team Agent Leader. This is the fifth time in 2008 that The Clowdus Team has led the company and the Jonesboro office in team production.

The Penny Henderson Team from the McDonough/Henry County was the No. 2 team producer during the month, and TeamTidwell from the McDonough office, led by Donna Tidwell, was No. 3.

The Clowdus Team was established in 1994 by Susan Clowdus, who has consistently been a top producing agent for Coldwell Banker Bullard since she first joined the company. She received the firm's companywide Top Producing Agent award every year from 1995 through 2001, was the No. 2 producer companywide the next two years, and was No. 3 companywide in 2004 and 2007, and was the companywide No. 2 team agent leader for 2005 and 2006. Clowdus has been in Bullard Realty's President's Club and President's Relocation Club,. She received the top award in her company 12 consecutive years for her cooperation with PHH Mortgage, was runner-up for this accolade, and she was named the 2003 Top Outgoing Referral Agent from Bullard's Relocation Department.

Over the years, Clowdus and The Clowdus Team have been named to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation's International President's Premier three times, the International President's Elite six times, and the International President's Circle twice.

Clowdus is a past president of the Metro South Association of Realtors.

She attended Clayton College and State University, completed the MLS Training Institute with honors, and took part in the Disney Institute of Customer Service and Floyd Wickman's "Sweathogs" sales and listing incentive program.

She and her husband Jimmy, who is a member of The Clowdus Team, are Henry County residents, and they have one son, John. They are members of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Luxurious Peachtree Hills Place Community is Fifty Percent Reserved

Isakson Barnhart is pleased to announce that its luxurious Atlanta community available to residents 55 and older, Peachtree Hills Place is fifty percent reserved. Upon completion, Peachtree Hills Place will consist of 266 luxury, villa-style residences in low- to mid-rise buildings and eight single-family homes. Homebuyers can choose from 18 floorplans that are designed specifically for the most discerning of shoppers and that exemplify luxury living at its best. Located in the heart of metro Atlanta, Peachtree Hills Place is minutes from downtown, I-285, I-75, I-85 and convenient to Hartsfield- Jackson International Airport.

“Thanks to our members, staff and community, Peachtree Hills Place has experienced great success throughout the past year,” said E. Andrew (Andy) Isakson, Managing Partner of Isakson-Barnhart Co. and Peachtree Hills Place member. “We are incredibly proud to hit this important milestone. Our members are captivated by the lifestyle offered at Peachtree Hills Place, a luxurious, maintenance free lifestyle that allows our members to truly enjoy all that life has to offer.”

Residents of Peachtree Hills Place will experience the best in new home features. Wood cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom lighting are a few of the state-of-the-art features found in homes at Peachtree Hills Place. Homeowners will also enjoy outdoor living with porches, balconies or private courtyards a part of most every home.

Peachtree Hills Place boasts an array of resort-style amenities including a 15,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor pool, warm water therapy pool, exercise room and spa. The award-winning clubhouse includes several dining venues, a library, business center and special interest rooms such as a billiards room and poker room. Developed on 23.3-acres, Peachtree Hills Place features multiple parks, walking paths, green space and a five-acre preserve.

The community will also address the wellness of its members, with a rich and versatile wellness program that will encourage exercise, nutrition and health screenings as well as physical activity. When health status changes, members will have access to an on-site health center as well as in-home care services offered on site.

Located in Buckhead in the heart of metro-Atlanta at the intersection of Peachtree Hills Avenue and Virginia Place, Peachtree Hills Place is conveniently located to the best shopping,
dining and entertainment that Atlanta has to offer. Buckhead itself features beautiful historic mansions, distinguished shopping and fine dining. Located adjacent to Midtown, residents of Peachtree Hills Place will enjoy close proximity to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Woodruff Arts Center, Piedmont Park and the Fox Theater.

Isakson Barnhart is Georgia’s developer of nationally recognized, award-winning residential communities for those age 55 and over. The company’s vision to provide amenity-rich, independent living for discerning adults was born out of the personal experiences of the family of Ed and Julia Isakson after their difficult search for a community that would provide an active lifestyle combined with on-site health care. This mission manifested itself in Park Springs, the company’s flagship property in Stone Mountain. Park Springs was nationally recognized by the 50+ Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the recipient of the 2005 Platinum Award for best large CCRC as well as the Gold Award for interior design. Now, Isakson Barnhart introduces another award-winning residential community in Peachtree Hills Place, named the best “On the Boards” large CCRC by the same group in 2006. Isakson Barnhart has carefully selected Life Care Services, LLC, the leading management company of senior communities in the nation, to partner in the planning and management of Peachtree Hills Place and Park Springs. For more information, visit www.peachtreehillsplace.com or call 404-467-4900.
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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Eight Individual Bullard Realty Agents Named to Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society

Eight sales associates from Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty have been recognized as members of the 2007 Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society. The distinguished membership is awarded to the top 11 percent of the more than 116,800 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

Recipients of this designation include Philip Born of the Jonesboro/Clayton County office; Janis Kraft, Patricia Roman and Martin Wise of the Peachtree City/Fayette County office; Bobbie Roper, Sandra Stephens and Brooks Brackett of the McDonough/Henry County office; and Sheri Sears of the Conyers/Rockdale County office.

These agents were recognized for their achievement 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.

The Bullard organization was founded in 1956 by the late Cliff Bullard and worked out a franchise agreement with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation in early 1998. It is the largest Coldwell Banker franchise in Georgia. Steve Bullard, current owner and president, 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 (http://cbbullard.com) 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.

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
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Prudential Georgia Realty Wins Consumers' Choice Award Fifth Straight Year

For the fifth consecutive year, Prudential Georgia Realty has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as a “Best in Class” company in the Executive Home Sales category. In addition, the Atlanta-based company, for the fourth straight year, has won a Consumers’ Choice Award for Best Commercial Real Estate Company. Metro Atlanta consumers and business executives were asked to rate the best area businesses in more than 100 categories.

The survey is conducted by the New York-based Harris Interactive Inc. market research firm. The Consumers’ Choice Award was first established in Canada in 1986 and expanded into the U.S. 12 years later. This year marks the ninth year the awards have been given in Atlanta.

“Today’s consumer wants to be informed and we strive to provide the most up-to-date information available in Atlanta, whether it’s updates on the market, mortgages, new listings or foreclosure properties,” stated Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman, who regularly posts a video message update with statistical data about the Atlanta real estate marketplace at http://www.AtlantaRealEstate2008.com. “We are honored and humbled that so many metro Atlantans are raving fans of our customer service and knowledge of the local real estate market. Now more than ever, it’s important to have a trusted advisor negotiating on your behalf and our agents are trained to do just that.”

Each agent within the company has a designated website and the http://www.PrudentialGA.com site offers consumers the opportunity to do customized searches, review virtual tours or multiple photographs for every Prudential listing from the ease and comfort of their home, receive instant notification when a new property comes on the market matching their search parameters, has an upcoming open houses feature, a search option for new home communities and even offers an updated foreclosure properties link on the home page.

Now in its 45th year, Prudential Georgia Realty has been serving the real estate needs of metro Atlantans since 1963. Prudential Georgia Realty, an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates (PREA), annually ranks among the top 50 real estate companies in America and was recognized as the 10th largest real estate affiliate within PREA at the organization’s annual convention held in March of this year.

In 2007, Prudential Georgia Realty was also honored as a “Best Place to Work in Georgia” by Georgia Trend magazine. It was the only nationally franchised real estate firm to make the list.
With the recent opening of a new branch office on the Cobb County side of Roswell and the breaking ground of a new location in Suwanee, Prudential Georgia Realty has 24 offices in 15 counties and more than 1,300 real estate professionals to assist people with their real estate needs. For more information on Prudential Georgia Realty or to search more than 100,000 available metro Atlanta properties, visit www.PrudentialGeorgia.com.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Parks & Mottola Agents Support Kool Kidz!

The sixth annual Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 6, at Cedargate Farms in Newnan. The special event benefits Kool Kidz, a not-for-profit foundation devoted to serving metro-Atlanta children with special needs. The Foundation focuses on providing programs that join challenged children with children of all ability levels so that they may learn from one another.

Parks & Mottola agent Twyla Wilson is the Chair of the 2008 host committee. Lesley Barber and Jennifer Beegle, also agents at Parks & Mottola, serve on the host committee with Wilson and 17 other ladies, including honorary chair and event host, Ann Beegle.

Instrumental in planning and coordinating the event, the all-volunteer Host Committee is responsible for numerous tasks integral to the success of the Kool Kidz Classic. Duties include securing sponsors, organizing auctions and raffles, recruiting volunteers, and even set-up, clean-up, and take-down of the event. The Host Committee meets on a regular basis throughout the year.

“Each of the women who volunteer their time give 100 percent. They share a passion for helping children,” explains Wilson. “We wear lots of hats and do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

In 2006, Parks & Mottola was a corporate sponsor of the Kool Kidz Classic. That same year, the company’s marketing director, Robin Stewart, provided volunteer publicity and public relations services for the tournament. The company is pleased to maintain its connection to and support for the unique, charitable Newnan event.

In addition to an eight-goal polo match that includes local, national, and even international players, a variety of other activities are also scheduled. Children’s games, silent and live auctions, a raffle, dance performances, and live music are part of the festivities. Traditional favorites like complimentary champagne and divot stomping are planned as well. Complete information, including how to purchase tickets for the 2008 Kool Kidz Classic, can be found online at www.KoolKidzClassic.com.

It is the mission of Kool Kidz Foundation, Inc. to provide the metropolitan Atlanta area with exceptional programs and services where all children, especially those with physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, can learn and play together in an inclusive and challenging environment. Visit www.KoolKidzFoundation.org to learn more.

Parks & Mottola Realty, LLC, is a Newnan-based real estate company serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, South Fulton, Meriwether, Troup and other counties for more than 23 years. Founded in 1985, Parks & Mottola employs more than 40 licensed salespeople specializing in residential, land, commercial and investment properties. The company has a full-time marketing and relocation director and is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of 145,000 associates assisting individuals and corporations in the relocation process. Parks & Mottola also offers land-planning services through a Certified Land Planner and Registered Landscape Architect. For more information on services or available properties, visit our Web site at www.ParksAndMottola.com or call 770.253.7005.
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Chantilly Station Welcomes the Redevelopment of the Executive Park

Chantilly Station is an intimate community that has been converted into a series of luxury condominiums. Located in DeKalb County near Briarcliff Road and North Druid Hills, Chantilly Station offers 35 condominiums reasonably priced from $189,900 to the $230s. Chantilly Station offers one- and two-bedroom homes in a convenient location near Cheshire Bridge Road, Briarcliff Road and Sheridan Road.

Residents of Chantilly Station will soon have access to the first suburban office park in the Atlanta area, which will combine office, retail, dining, residential and hotel components. DeKalb County is in the planning stage of a mixed-use makeover for the DeKalb Executive Park. The redevelopment project will bring increased commerce to the area and will be within walking distance for residents of Chantilly Station. This will transform Chantilly Station into a true Live-Work-Play community. Part of the redevelopment plan is to restructure the roads surrounding the Executive Park. This is great news for both residents and those who use the heavily trafficked intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff roads in north-central DeKalb.

This fully remodeled community offers single-level condominiums ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet. In addition, all homes offer a variety of luxurious features which are standard and are not upgrades as they typically are for other builders. Homes include granite countertops with tile backsplashes; spacious kitchen pantries; all stainless steel appliances including stackable washer and dryer; hardwood floors in the kitchen, foyer, living room, dining room and sunroom; indoor 5’ by 3’ storage rooms; gas-log fireplaces with granite surrounds and built in cabinetry. For entertaining friends and family, all homes also have a patio or deck off the main living area.

To make living enjoyable and convenient, Chantilly Station also features a swimming pool and pavilion, as well as superb access to I-85 and GA 400. Children attend Briar Vista Elementary, Shamrock Middle, and North Druid Hills High School.

To visit the community, take I-85 North to the North Druid Hills Exit and take a right onto Briarcliff Road. Follow Briarcliff Road to a right onto Sheridan Road. Turn right onto Chantilly Road, and the entrance to Chantilly Station will be on the left.

Exclusive sales and marketing is provided by Morris and Raper REALTORS®. For more information, call 404-235-2370.
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Friday, August 15, 2008

Actions Taken by the Georgia Board of General and Residential Contractors at its August 6 Meeting

The Georgia Board of General and Residential Contractors held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2008.

The Residential Division voted and accepted the recommendations from the previous committee meeting on applicant appearances, which was held on July 30, 2008.

At the July 30, 2008 meeting, the Residential Division held 73 appearances for applicants who requested that the Board reconsider the denial of their licenses. The Division overturned the denials of 21 applications for licensure, upheld the denials of 25 applications for licensure and tabled 18 applications for further review. Nine applicants did not attend their scheduled appearances.

The Georgia Board of General and Residential Contractors held 53 appearances for applicants who requested that the Board reconsider the denial of their licenses. The Board overturned the denials of 20 applications for licensure, upheld the denials of 20 applications for licensure and tabled 10 applications for further review. Three applicants did not attend their scheduled appearances.

The Board voted to approve 610 residential basic licenses, 241 residential light licenses and 253 general contractor licenses. The Board also voted to deny 7 residential basic contractor licenses, 2 residential light contractor licenses and 1 general contractor license.

The Board voted to accept the following Public Consent Orders for probationary licensure:
Scott Alan Belanger, McDonough.
Timothy Hand, Fayetteville.
Phillip Jason Flatt, Macon.
Douglas Eugene Majors, Cairo.
Jason Andrew Thomas, Colbert.
Gilbert Tillman, Griffin.

The Board voted to repost the following rule:

Rule 553-7-.02, Written Warranty for General Contractor: Defines written warranties and outlines the items that should be included in a warranty.

The Board will hold a public hearing and vote on Rule 553-10-.01 Inactive License, which provides methods by which a license can be placed on inactive status, at its September 3, 2008 meeting.

The Georgia Board of General and Residential Contractors will hold its next meeting Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. at the Professional Licensing Boards Division in Macon, Georgia.
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Nine Individual Bullard Realty Agents Named to Coldwell Banker Diamond Society

Nine individual agents with Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty have earned membership in the company's International Diamond Society, a level achieved by only the top seven percent of the more than 116,800 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

Honorees recognized for their performances in 2007 included Donna Daniel, Diane Maney and Dee Christian from the company's Peachtree City/Fayette County office; Tammi Lamb from the McDonough/Henry County office; Shannon Scott from the Newnan/Coweta County office; and� Sherry Mattox, Patricia Winston, Melissa Stephens and Patricia Ramsey from the Jonesboro/Clayton County office.

These agents were presented with this distinguished honor 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.

The Bullard organization was founded in 1956 by the late Cliff Bullard and worked out a franchise agreement with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation in early 1998. It is the largest Coldwell Banker franchise in Georgia. Steve Bullard, current owner and president, 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 (http://cbbullard.com) 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.

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.
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Time is Running Out to Take Advantage of Down Payment Assistance Programs Ending September 30, 2008

According to the new Housing Stimulus Law passed last month, many down payment assistance programs will not operate as they have in the past beginning October 1. A federal tax credit for first-time home buyers will be available, but home buyers planning to take advantage of down payment assistance programs and in the process of closing or searching for the perfect home need to act fast. Homes must close by September 30, 2008 in order to receive financial support from many programs.

Currently there are several charitable down payment assistance programs that help potential home buyers, including the Nehemiah Program in Georgia. The Nehemiah Program has given over $187 million dollars to help Georgian’s go from potential home buyers to homeowners. Thanks to McCar Homes’ easy closing process, potential home buyers can take advantage of this program before it is too late if they act now.

Potential homebuyers will find everything they want and need at a McCar Homes’ community. McCar has more than 25 communities located in the best locations throughout the Atlanta area. Every home includes state-of-the-art features and with several spacious floorplans to choose from, there is something for everyone at McCar Homes. Residents at one of McCar’s Atlanta communities enjoy luxurious amenity packages which include: community pools, cabanas, clubhouses, tennis courts, playgrounds and much more.

For more information on any of McCar Homes’ Atlanta communities, visit www.mccarhomes.com.

Dan and Elaine McSwain founded McCar Homes more than 50 years ago with a mission to build homes for buyers who desire the best homes in sought-after locations. Today, the
company has grown from a hometown builder into one of the nation’s top builders and is ranked 39th by Professional Builder. McCar Homes has earned numerous national and regional
awards. With an experienced team of professionals, McCar Homes sets a new standard for exceptional quality, innovative home design, outstanding amenities and customer satisfaction – building new home communities across the Southeastern United States including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. For more information, visit www.mccarhomes.com.
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Curcio Joins Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's PTC Office

Stephen Curcio has joined Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Peachtree City/Fayette County office as a sales associate.

Curcio, who is now with the Bullard organization as a result of its recent merger with Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates, has lived in Peachtree City for over six years. Originally from New York, he previously lived in Florida for 15 years.

He noted that his 25 years in the jewelry retail business has been a great asset in his transition to selling real estate. He received his real estate license in July of 2007 and has also completed Coldwell Banker FastStart.

Curcio, who has a great love for animals, volunteers his time working with different animal rescue groups.
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Bowen Family Homes Get an A+ in Summer School!

Bowen Family Homes recently held their last continuing education course for the month of July. The three part series focused on quality construction with an emphasis on building homes for long term value. The instructor was Robert T. Merz, who is the President of Construction Arbitration Associates, Ltd.

“Bowen’s summer learning series is really helpful for all involved. The realtors truly enjoyed seeing some of the beautiful homes in Stonehaven Pointe. The construction at Stonehaven is superior,” said Merz. “As I was teaching, we viewed several homes in the neighborhood. I looked for areas that needed improvement to use for instructional purposes, but honestly, the homes were built so well that flaws were not evident.”

In attendance at the CE class were over 25 co-op agents who were also impressed with the sound construction of the Stonehaven Pointe homes. About 75 percent of those individuals attended all three courses, and that enabled Merz to reference the homes at Stonehaven Pointe in the second class “How Quality Enhances Value.”

“Quality construction is an absolute necessity, especially in today's housing market. I was very pleased with the superior construction I found at Stonehaven Pointe,” said Merz. “Quality can be achieved in all price points to enhance value.”

The community offers many choices of popular design features and upgrades desired by many of today’s homebuyers, such as vaulted or sloped ceilings, elegant molding packages in dining rooms, marble vanities, separate garden tubs and showers, maple kitchen cabinets and hardwood floors in foyers. These features add to the value to a home, especially when constructed with high quality materials and attention to detail.

The 480 homes of Stonehaven Pointe are the Arts and Crafts style single-family component of the master planned Stonehaven community. homes are priced from the $190s.

Stonehaven offers amenities for everyone, from the elegant clubhouse where families can gather and entertain and the junior Olympic pool with slide and the aquatic play park where young children can splash to the multipurpose fields where anyone can go for a pick-up game of their favorite sport. The six tennis courts are lighted for play into the late hours, and sidewalks and streetlights throughout the community connect everything for easy, safe access. The community also has a dog park where residents can take their four-legged friends for playtime and to meet with their neighbors.

The families of Stonehaven Pointe and Stonehaven Terrace are served by Shiloh Pointe Elementary, South Forsyth Middle and South Forsyth High schools. The communities are located only 2 miles to the new Avenues Forsyth Mall, which is scheduled to open Spring/Summer of 2008. To visit, travel on Ga. 400 North to Exit 13 (141/Peachtree Parkway) and turn left onto 141. Turn right onto Highway 9, then left onto Piney Grove Road. Stonehaven Pointe is on the left. For more information on Stonehaven Pointe, call on-site sales agents Casey Wood and Jeff Anthony at 770-844-0779.

Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 43rd largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2007, Bowen Family Homes is a dynamic homebuilder with operations in Georgia, Florida and Texas. The Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Bowen Family Homes 6th among metro Atlanta builders in 2006 and 30th among Atlanta’s Top 100 Private Companies for 2006. Additionally, Bowen Family Homes was named the Georgia Family Business of the Year for medium sized companies by Georgia Trend and the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University in 2006. Bowen Family Homes ranked 78th on the 2008 Professional Builder Giant 400 largest homebuilders in the United States list. These successes have been achieved by simply offering the best new home value in all price ranges. For more information about Bowen Family Homes, please call their Atlanta region headquarters at 678-325-4554 or 1-877- MY BOWEN or visit online at www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
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HGTV’s FrontDoor.com Real Estate Offers the Top 10 Unique Selling Tactics to Lure Potential Buyers

BUSINESS WIRE --Say goodbye to the days when baking a batch of cookies and putting out fresh flowers before an open house would be enough to sell your home. In today's market, it takes more than that to attract buyers, and frustrated home sellers are resorting to some unusual methods to get their homes noticed. From clever to downright bizarre, FrontDoor.com HGTVs new award-winning real estate site shares its top ten favorite unusual home selling tactics. (http://www.frontdoor.com/top10)

1. Hold an open house party. Open houses are the norm when selling a home, but some sellers are upping the ante on the open house by offering wine, catered food, live music and prizes. A fancy shindig could start a buzz on your property and make your home memorable.

2. Take home staging to the extreme. It's well known that staging your home can help it sell faster, but some sellers are taking staging a step further with an ancient Chinese philosophy. Feng shui stagers rearrange the elements of a home to improve its chi, or energy. Good chi makes potential buyers feel more welcome.

3. Help serious buyers with financing. Many people who want to buy a home can't qualify for a standard mortgage right now, so sellers are offering a helping hand. Sellers have a few options when it comes to assisting buyers with financing, including offering lease-to-own deals, offering financing themselves, paying for closing costs or paying for points to lower the interest rate.

4. Have a little faith. Burying statues or medals of St. Joseph in the earth is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Most recently, home sellers have been burying the patron saint of family and household needs in their yards to help their homes sell faster. Thousands of sellers swear that a little divine intervention helped them get a sale.

5. Throw in some extravagant extras. In the past, a free big-screen TV was enough of an incentive to get your home noticed. Times have changed, and incentives are becoming more and more substantial. Sellers are throwing in all kinds of goodies, like free cars, vacations, pricey home upgrades and monetary incentives like a year's mortgage or a furniture stipend. One woman in Florida is even offering herself as an incentive she hopes to marry the man who buys her home.

6. Make your home a grand prize. After conventional methods fall short, some sellers are holding raffles and essay contests and giving their homes to the winners. This method is sure to draw attention, but beware: home lotteries are illegal in many states, so find out your state's regulations.

7. Get Web savvy. If the traditional method of selling your home through a real estate agent doesn't appeal to you, you may find an alternative process on the Web. Some sellers are auctioning off their homes on eBay, while others are swapping properties through sites like Pad4Pad.com and DomuSwap.com.

8. Let your house do the talking. After taking the traditional route of putting a For Sale sign in your front yard and placing an ad in the newspaper, try some hi-tech advertising. Some sellers and agents are using the Talking House radio transmitter, which allows you to record a customized message about the features of your home. Buyers can tune into a radio station to hear this message as they drive by your house.

9. Put your house on the auction block. Auctions are no longer just for homes that have been foreclosed on. Sellers looking to sell their homes quickly are choosing the auction route. Keep in mind that the total costs of auctioning off a home are often the same or more than the costs of selling a home through an agent.

10. Let buyers sleep on it. For serious potential buyers who are on the fence about buying your home, let them sleep on it, literally. By letting buyers spend the night in your home, you're allowing them to get the full experience of living there. A trial run could be just what they need to sign on the dotted line. Be sure to consult with your real estate agent or attorney first.

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Builder Offers Useful Insider Tips to Homebuyers Seeking Value in Current Housing Market

Builder Mark Smith knows the residential building marketplace inside and out. As owner of Conyers-based Classic Smith Neighborhoods Inc., a longtime builder of mid-level to high-end custom homes, Smith's many years of experience in working with buyers gives him the edge to deliver homes that are appealing, affordable and built to last.

"Everyone's hearing that this is a buyer's market and while that's true, buyers need to know the inside scoop on working with builders to get the kind of home they want," said Smith, who is currently building in several upscale communities in East Metro Atlanta, including Avignon and Underwood Crossing. "Builders and homebuyers form a team with the same objectives, no matter what the market, and by working together, much can be accomplished to the satisfaction of everyone."

Smith urges buyers to look carefully and critically at neighborhoods with homes they're considering for purchase, working from a list of 'must-haves' to find the best match.

"Think about location, quality of neighborhood, current design, comparable value, lot size and home features that are important to you and your family," he said. "Buying a home is perhaps the largest investment you'll make in your lifetime and you should give it thoughtful consideration. If you must have an open floor plan or a master suite with a separate sitting area, don't settle for anything less."

Smith says his company works hard to give homeowners the look they want, from the exterior to the interior by building them the home of their dreams.

"We begin with elaborately detailed entrances to our neighborhoods and take that detail to the home inside and out," he said. "New homebuyers should be impressed by their neighborhood's entrance and feel good about their home being a part of a masterfully planned neighborhood. Our homebuyers wanting to build have the opportunity to work one-on-one with our decorator to make the many choices that go into building your own home. It is an exciting time for most homebuyers, and we like to help make it a great experience by making it easy for them."

Because there are many new homes on the market, it could be even more confusing for today's buyers. Values have come down somewhat, but quality builders continue to construct homes with upscale features, such as granite countertops, generous trim packages and distinctive interior architectural features, niches and columns while maintaining their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

"In the current market, homebuyers will find that homes may be selling for less than they were valued one year ago, but the quality of our homes remains top notch," he said. "Today, even more special features are being added to our homes to attract the buyers. We pride ourselves on our Mark of Excellence in every home, and that will never change. We are offering brand new neighborhoods with all of the homes being investments that will offer faster future value.

"Don't let a bargain price sway you on a purchase," he said. "Make it a priority to locate a good neighborhood first, because your investment is in the neighborhood with the home of your dreams. And meet personally with the builder to discuss your choices, whether it's a completed inventory home or one that's in process. Even if the home is already complete, the builder can most likely work with you to customize it further by finishing a basement, installing additional built-ins or upgrading lighting and fixtures."

Many builders and developers are offering incentives for buyers, especially on inventory homes. Classic Smith Neighborhoods' inventory homes are built to sell, custom designed with all of the features today's homebuyers are looking for. This makes it easy for a customer to come in with a list of wants, but without a lot of time to build.

"Our incentives make it easier for the purchaser to get the deal of a lifetime on their dream home. This is an excellent way to find a good value," Smith said. "But don't overlook homes that are in various stages of completion, because you have more opportunities to make it your own by selecting carpet, hardwood floors, countertops, tile, paint colors, lighting fixtures and other extras. If you're not in a hurry to move in - say, you can wait eight to 10 weeks -- you have plenty of time to work with your builder to make your own selections. Most builders would be happy to work one-on-one with buyers to help them create and attain their dream home.

Mark Smith has been building homes in Conyers for nearly 25 years. Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers is the marketing team for Classic Smith Neighborhoods Inc. For information, call 770-483-2323 or visit the company's website at www.AmericanLandMart.com.
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Monday, August 11, 2008

Morris & Raper Announces Opening of New Bank Owned Properties Division - ForeclosedDeals.com

Builder foreclosures are expected to be in the billions in the next 12 to 18 months according to ViaSearch, a market research company based in Atlanta. As banks are forced into the business of selling and sometimes even building homes, this creates a niche in the new home market. Morris and Raper Realtors is uniquely positioned to capture this market due to their experience and reputation in the real estate industry, as well as their success with work outs.

Morris and Raper is pleased to announce the formation of a new bank owned properties division, ForeclosedDeals.com, to sell, market and service bank owned properties including raw land, developed lots and new homes – single family homes, condos and townhomes. While numerous companies provide foreclosure listings, Morris and Raper represents only new home foreclosures, not resales. Their new division is already up and running representing several communities.

“In over three decades of new homes sales, we've successfully connected more buyers and sellers of residential properties than virtually any other real estate company in metro Atlanta and the Southeastern United States,” said Gail Raper, Founder of Morris and Raper. “And this new division will give us the opportunity to continue to make those connections.”

This new division is headed by Rob Benware. With over a decade of sales and marketing management experience with companies including Disney’s Celebration, McCar Homes, and Traton Homes, Benware's leadership will allow this new division to provide a full service approach to selling bank owned properties including, in some situations, professionally decorated models and sales centers. All homes represented will have the advantage of creative Internet marketing and a new dedicated website (www.ForeclosedDeals.com).

Founded in 1979, Morris & Raper is the premier source of new homes and condominium sales and marketing information with the expertise to apply it for its team, its developer and builder clients and for homebuyers and sellers alike. The family of companies includes Morris and Raper Realtors, Morris and Raper Intown, Marketing Results, Model Residences and Mortgages On-Site, a joint venture with Wells Fargo. The companies combined provide one-stop shopping for sales, marketing, consulting, design and financing.
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Broadfoot Leads Sales for Rockdale

For the second time this year, Linda Broadfoot is the Individual Agent Leader for the Conyers/Rockdale County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty. The latest recognition was for July.

No. 2 top producing individual agent for the month was Antonio Brooks, and No. 3 was Sheri Sears.

Broadfoot, who has been a real estate professional for over 30 years, has been a member of the Million Dollar Club.

She relocated to Georgia in 2005 to be near her son and two small grandchildren. In Kansas, she was an active member of the Wichita Board of Realtors, Kansas Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. She served on various committees on the Wichita Board of realtors over the years. She is currently a member of the East Metro Board of Realtors and the Georgia Association of Realtors.

Broadfoot's in-depth real estate training includes courses in Real Estate Practices, Fair Housing, Economics, Financing, Legal Aspects, and Mortgage Fraud. She holds the GRI (Graduate of Realtor Institute) and ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designations.

Broadfoot and her husband Steve, to whom she has been married for more than 40 years, were lifelong residents of Kansas before moving here. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. They are partners in Conyers Pool and Patio, which is operated by their son and his wife.
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Prudential Georgia Realty Releases Latest Online Video Report on the Summer Real Estate Market

Prudential Georgia Realty recognized last year that consumers were confused by the conflicting stories and sensationalist headlines about the state of the local real estate market. To inform the home-buying and selling public, Prudential Georgia Realty launched the first Atlanta Real Estate video and free PDF report in the Fall, 2007, to provide consumers the real market facts plus valuable insight for buyers and sellers.

The latest report, known as the Summer edition, is now available for free viewing to the public at http://www.atlantarealestate2008.com. The free written PDF report which incorporates all the statistics and graphs can be downloaded from the link on this video as well.

The latest video installment offers details on local real estate market conditions, year-to-date trends, local and national foreclosure rates, current home values, new housing starts, inventory of homes on the market, specific opportunities for buyers and investors and why it remains an excellent time to invest in real estate in metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

The video is presented by Dan Forsman, company president and CEO. Forsman is recognized as an expert voice on real estate in Georgia. He has been featured on 11 Alive News, on CNBC’s Kudlow & Cramer, locally on 1160 AM business radio, and in numerous regional and national publications. Forsman served as president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors, the largest regional real estate board in Georgia and, for his vision and commitment to the real estate industry, was awarded Broker of the Year for all of North America by Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. in 2007.

The video discusses the current real estate marketplace and offers predictions on supply, sales and housing starts for the next two years. In the message, Forsman candidly discusses the current over-supply of properties, Atlanta home values as well as the positive long-term trends that will impact future home values for Atlanta. This latest State of the Market message includes the expertise of Executive Vice President for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, David Ellis, and President and CEO of Equity Depot (a leading company on foreclosure property data and tracking), David Cook.

“What the media reports aren’t telling you when offering sensationalist headlines and very little details or explanations in the stories, is that, while foreclosures have risen nationally, over half the reported foreclosures are located in just seven of the 50 states----California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana,” explains Forsman. “That’s a huge number in a very limited area. We just want consumers to have all the facts about the local real estate market. There is no national real estate market. Every city or state is different. We see the Atlanta market as a place of unique opportunity for well-informed buyers and that’s precisely what we’re doing---arming these buyers with updated information.”

The video, which will be updated again this Fall, can be viewed at http://www.atlantarealestate2008.com. A free PDF written report version is also available for download at this site. To contact Dan Forsman, call Prudential Georgia Realty at 770-992-4100. To conduct a complete search of all available properties in metro Atlanta or a foreclosures-only search that’s the most in-depth, up-to-date information in metro Atlanta, visit http://www.PrudentialGA.com.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

McCar Homes’ Garden Collection Brings Stylish New Floorplans to The Sanctuary at Lakeside Preserve

McCar Homes is pleased to introduce the Garden Collection at its prestigious master-planned South Fulton community, The Sanctuary at Lakeside Preserve. The Garden Collection offers four spacious floorplans that offer up to 1,654 square feet of living space. With open floorplans and an affordable price tag, homes from the Garden Collection are perfect for first-time homebuyers. Homes from the Garden Collection are priced from the high $150,000s.

The Garden Collection consists of the Ambrose, Cobb, Sobel and Welsh floorplans. These stylish two-story plans feature three bedrooms with two and a half bathrooms. Distinct features of the plans include two-car garages, rear patios and spacious master suites with large master baths and walk-in-closets. As with every home at Lakeside Preserve, homes from the Garden Collection offer many of the design features today’s homeowners are looking for, including upgraded appliance packages, designer lighting fixtures, a variety of flooring including hardwoods, and countertop and cabinet choices.

Homeowners will want to stay and play at The Sanctuary at Lakeside Preserve, where an exceptional amenities package of grand resort status will be open to all homeowners. Residents can gather at the impressive community clubhouse with neighbors for a game of cards, barbeques and good times or pack a basket and spend the day at the community picnic area. The two-story, multi-million dollar clubhouse will offer residents a casual place to relax and entertain featuring a grand family room, library, game room as well as a poolside cabana kitchen.

In the summer, everyone will want to sit back and relax or swim some laps at the swimming pool or meet up for a game of doubles at the lighted tennis courts. The Sanctuary at Lakeside Preserve’s esteemed aquatic center features a junior Olympic swimming pool, and children’s water park with a water slide and mushroom water feature. The tot lot is the perfect place to take the kids to play and everyone will enjoy the dazzling lake at the community. Any time of year is the perfect time to shoot some hoops on the basketball courts and to get some friends together for a game on the softball and soccer fields. The abundance of amenities offered at The Sanctuary at Lakeside Preserve will allow all homeowners to truly enjoy their living experience in this community.

To visit The Sanctuary at Lakeside Preserve to tour the neighborhood and visit the model home, take I-285 West / South to Camp Creek Parkway (Exit 2). Turn right onto Camp Creek Parkway. Travel approximately 2 miles and turn left onto Old Fairburn Road and Lakeside Preserve will be on the left. For more information, call 678-321-2510.

Experience Luxury Living in Historic Peachtree Battle

Kairos Development Corporation is pleased to offer interested new condo shoppers an opportunity to take a personalized tour of their luxury condominium community, The Astoria at the Aramore. This opportunity allows potential homebuyers to experience firsthand the exclusive lifestyle that this elegant new condominium community offers its residents while learning all about this boutique condo building in historic Peachtree Battle, which will include office condos and street level retail offering a variety of shops, restaurants and personal services. Condominiums at The Astoria, located in Buckhead on Peachtree Road, are priced from the $400,000s and penthouses are priced from the $900,000s. Interested shoppers can set up an appointment to tour the building by calling 404-355-6999.

The 70-condominium community offers homebuyers eight different residential suite floorplans, five Rockefeller Suites and two Vanderbilt Penthouses. No two condos are the same and homebuyers have the opportunity to choose from an array of high-end options designed by the nationally recognized Cooper Carry design team.

Every home at The Astoria is spacious and has an ample amount of space for entertaining. State-of-the-art features include 10-foot ceilings, large expansive terraces, granite/marble/limestone countertops and hardwood floors. Large floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of Buckhead to the north, Downtown to the south, Peachtree Creek to the east and Peachtree Road and Bobby Jones Golf Course to the west.

An abundance of amenities are offered at The Astoria to cater to homeowners, including a pool, heated spa, outdoor fireplace in elegant garden setting, private poolside cabanas, poolside summer kitchens and grilling areas, state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the sundeck, elegant clubroom with full catering kitchen, more than one acre of green space, media room, concierge, private guest suite for out of town guests, and street-level retail and dry cleaning services. For more information about The Astoria at the Aramore, call 404-355-6999 or visit www.theastoriacondos.com.

Sophisticated Office Condominiums Available at The Astoria

Kairos Development Corporation is pleased to announce that office condominiums are available now at their Peachtree Road condominium community, The Astoria at The Aramore. The Astoria at the Aramore's location between Buckhead and Midtown provides easy access to GA-400, I-75, I-85, MARTA and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The new building offers impressive skyline views, exclusive amenities and services and 800 to 30,000 square feet of customized office space.

“The office condominiums at The Astoria at The Aramore are ideal for companies looking for a prestigious address and elite amenities and services for the workplace,” said Kevin Brangers, Director of Real Estate Brokerage and Acquisitions for Kairos Development. “Located in the heart of Historic Peachtree Battle, the office condominiums allow companies to take advantage of the best restaurants, neighborhoods, cultural venues and entertainment that Atlanta has to offer.”

The Astoria offers a luxurious, state-of-the-art amenities package to office clients, including a grand lobby with 24/7 concierge, swimming pool, fitness center, catering kitchen, clubhouse and grilling area. Each office condominium will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for breathtaking skyline views of Buckhead to the north, Downtown to the south, Peachtree Creek to the east and Peachtree Road and Bobby Jones Golf Course to the west.

The retail space in the Aramore project is now fully leased, and include Pizza Fusion, Agera and Baccus Fit Spa, Mims dress shop, Starfish Restaurant, Restaurant Eugene, Holeman & Finch, H&F Bakery, Addictive Trendz and BB&T. All retail clients will be in and operational by November, making for convenient shopping, dining and other services for office clients.

To learn more about the office condominiums at The Astoria at The Aramore, call 404-355-6999 or visit www.theastoriacondos.com.

Kairos Development Corporation lives up to its Greek-inspired name, which challenges them to identify crucial moments to perform accurately so they can achieve their goals and meet
the needs of all. Driven by the desire to create aesthetically beautiful “Live Life Communities” and facilities that address their clients’ needs and distinctive styles, Kairos (ki-ros) offers a vast array of choices and options in each of its communities. Since entering the industry in the mid 1980s, the company has developed more than $400 million in Atlanta area real estate assets, including residential, retail and office properties. During that time, Kairos Development has received many outstanding awards. Most notable is the 2005 Development of Excellence Award presented by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Regional Business Coalition for the multi-use urban development and environmental buffer provided by The Aramore on the city’s famous Peachtree Road. Current projects include the Astoria, Avignon at Vinings, Buggy Works and Jefferson Station in East Point. For more information, call 404-350-1440 or visit www.kairosdevelopmentcorp.com.

Kairos Development Names Shelley Hall as Designer for The Astoria and Avignon at Vinings

Kairos Development Corporation is pleased to announce Shelley Hall as the designer at The Astoria at the Aramore and Avignon at Vinings. Hall brings a diverse design background to Kairos Development, with experience in everything from high-end residential to commercial properties. In her role at Kairos, she will assist buyers in the customization process of their homes, offering personalized service to select and coordinate the interior details of each home. Hall will also design the model homes at both communities. The Astoria at the Aramore is a boutique mid-rise condo building with residential, office and retail components in the historic Peachtree Battle area in Buckhead. Avignon at Vinings is a European-inspired townhome, condominium and single-family home community in historic Vinings Village.

“I was extremely impressed with the craftsmanship of the homes at both Avignon and The Astoria, and with the range of design options that I was given to work with,” said Hall. “I am very excited about working with Kairos Development.” For the past 12 years, Hall has owned her own design company, Green Creek Designs, Inc., and through referrals was introduced to Kairos and fell in love with the beauty of the homes at both The Astoria and Avignon.

“We could not be more pleased to have Shelley on board,” said Jack Williams, Business Director for Kairos Development. “Her experience will be extremely valuable in helping select the interior features and finishes that make each house a home and a reflection of the homeowner. Customization is key for our homeowners, and Shelley is an asset to making that process as smooth and as exciting as possible for our homeowners.”

With two distinct styles, The Astoria and Avignon give Hall the opportunity to incorporate several design elements. The Astoria has a traditional metropolitan feel, starting with the exteriors, which utilize both brick and glass. Every home at The Astoria exemplifies a luxurious, upscale lifestyle with crown molding and trim work, elegant cabinetry options, gorgeous marbles and granites, custom stone work and Thermador appliances. Avignon at Vinings has a European feel with a mix of brick, stone, castle entry doors, and wrought iron Juliette balconies on the exteriors. The beautiful interiors include unique features such as custom cabinets, granites and marbles in the kitchen and bathrooms, custom stone work, cedar beams, curving staircases, wrought iron railings, and built-in bookcases.

“I truly enjoy working with the homebuyers and helping them to make their residences a place that they can be proud to call home,” said Hall. “I want their homes to be elegant, but also a place where they feel comfortable entertaining and living. It is very important to me that each of these homes reflects the personality of that homebuyer.”

Hall has been a member of the design industry for more than 16 years. She has worked on residential projects in Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina. Over the past several years, she has worked primarily with builders and developers that have ranged in price point from the $250,000s to the multi millions. Although Hall has worked in several areas, she really feels that designing for builders and developers is her niche.

“In my years as a designer, I have worked in several fields, but I am happiest when I am designing for new construction,” said Hall. “I love being on the job site in my boots, and seeing the end result of the design plan. It is very rewarding.”

For more information on The Astoria, call 404-355-6999 or visit www.theastoriacondos.com. For more information on Avignon at Vinings, call 678-309-3183 or visit www.avignonatvinings.com.

Kairos Development Corporation lives up to its Greek-inspired name, which challenges them to identify crucial moments to perform accurately so they can achieve their goals and meet
the needs of all. Driven by the desire to create aesthetically beautiful “Live Life Communities”
and facilities that address their clients’ needs and distinctive styles, Kairos (ki-ros) offers a vast array of choices and options in each of its communities. Since entering the industry in the mid 1980s, the company has developed more than $400 million in Atlanta area real estate assets, including residential, retail and office properties. During that time, Kairos Development has received many outstanding awards. Most notable is the 2005 Development of Excellence Award presented by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Regional Business Coalition for the multi-use urban development and environmental buffer provided by The Aramore on the city’s famous Peachtree Road. Current projects include the Astoria, Avignon at Vinings, Buggy Works and Jefferson Station in East Point. For more information, call 404-350-1440 or visit www.kairosdevelopmentcorp.com

McCar's Popular Park Collection Now Available at The Gates at Johns Creek

McCar Homes is pleased to announce that floorplans from their popular Park Collection are now available at The Gates at Johns Creek. The Gates at Johns Creek is a luxurious gated community located in the newly incorporated City of Johns Creek. This prestigious location provides convenience to shopping, dining, golf courses and parks. Homes at The Gates at Johns Creek are available from the low $300,000s.

The Park Collection consists of six spacious floorplans ranging in size from 2,243 square feet to 3,200 square feet. The two-story plans feature four to five bedrooms with two and a half to three bathrooms. Every home in the Park Collection includes two-car garages, patios, spacious master suites, and laundry room located on the second floor. Half of the plans in the Park Collection also offer finished basements or recreation rooms with a kitchenette and an additional bedroom and bathroom. Feature upgrades are available including upgraded appliance packages, designer lighting fixtures, and a variety of flooring including hardwoods, countertop and cabinet choices.

The Gates at Johns Creek offers homeowners an array of first class amenities. Residents will enjoy swimming in the community pool, relaxing under the cabana and serving an ace on the tennis courts. Those looking for a quite stroll or a morning jog will also enjoy the lighted sidewalks meandering throughout the community.

Homeowners may also feel at ease knowing their children will receive the highest level of education attending North Fulton County schools of Excellence. Shakerag Elementary, River Trail Middle and Northview High school rated in the top 1% for overall achievement scores.
To visit the community, take I-85 to Sugarloaf Parkway and proceed westbound. Turn right onto Peachtree Industrial, then left on McGinnis Ferry. Turn left onto Technology Circle, and the community will be on the left. For more information, call 678-321-2530.

Dan and Elaine McSwain founded McCar Homes more than 50 years ago with a mission to build homes for buyers who desire the best homes in sought-after locations. Today, the company has grown from a hometown builder into one of the nation’s top builders and is ranked 39th by Professional Builder. McCar Homes has earned numerous national and regional awards. With an experienced team of professionals, McCar Homes sets a new standard for exceptional quality, innovative home design, outstanding amenities and customer satisfaction – building new home communities across the Southeastern United States including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. For more information, visit www.mccarhomes.com.
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Edward Andrews Homes Announced as Builder at Bryant Lake LaGrange Builder brings 40 years of experience to Troup County Community by PEC Development

PEC Development Group is pleased to announce Edward Andrews Homes as the builder in its newest community, Bryant Lake LaGrange, LaGrange's premier master-planned community. Edward Andrews Homes makes its introduction to the Atlanta market in the community, which will offer exceptional amenities and an active lifestyle. Formed by a partnership between two of Atlanta's leading real estate developers and homebuilders, the company brings more than 40 years of experience creating master-planned communities noted for remarkable quality of life, design excellence and authentic craftsmanship within an environment of natural beauty. Edward Andrews Homes will be building exceptional single-family homes in the community, perfect for a wide range of new home shoppers from first-time buyers, expanding families and those seeking to downsize with prices ranging from the $170,000s to $300,000s.

The 528-home community will offer a mix of single-family homes with a variety of floorplans ranging from 1,900 to 3,700 square feet. Construction on the first homes is underway and slated for completion early September.

“Edward Andrews Homes is proud to formally make its introduction to homebuilding at Bryant Lake LaGrange, a community that represents the company's vision of topnotch craftsmanship, an appreciation of the natural environment and a peaceful lifestyle,” said Paul Corley, Chief Executive Office of PEC Development. “We focus on offering homes built with the highest standards of quality and strive to build homes that instill pride within our homeowners, and we are very excited to provide this to the buyers at Bryant Lake LaGrange.”

From the oaks of Acorn Park to lush green spaces, Bryant Lake LaGrange offers an abundance of natural luxuries. Overlooking Bryant Lake, Pinewood Pavilion will be perfect for intimate social gatherings and large events. The community clubhouse offers a comfortable place to enjoy a book or quiet conversation as well as a meeting room, kitchen and gathering room with fireplace. For active residences, Pinewood Pavilion offers a fitness center. Homeowners will also enjoy playing tennis at one of the four lighted tennis courts; swimming at the aquatic center; walking or running on the paths that weave along the banks of Bryant Lake; lounging at the Gazebo or one of the many rich green spaces at Acorn Park, Longleaf Park or along the lakeshore; and fishing at Bryant Lake.

Bryant Lake LaGrange is located at the intersection of I-85 and Hamilton Road in Troup County, which is known as “the corridor of growth,” and is expected to see significant economic development and the resulting quality-of-life benefits. The community is located just three minutes from Downtown LaGrange, eight minutes from Kia Motors Corporation's West Point plant and 60 minutes from Atlanta. Excellent schools, recreation, shopping, and airports are located close by. Calloway Gardens Resort, Little White House at Warm Springs, Wild Animal Safari and exceptional fishing and water sports at West Point Lake are just minutes away. Bryant Lake LaGrange is close to dining, retail, healthcare, places of worship and an abundance of conveniences.

To visit Bryant Lake LaGrange, take I-85 South to Exit 14 (LaGrange). Turn left off the exit ramp and travel approximately one-eighth of a mile. Turn left into the community and travel down the parkway. The Sales Center will be on the left at 515 Bryant Lake Blvd, LaGrange, Ga., 30240.

Oakland Park Named Finalist in the 2008 ULI Atlanta Development of Excellence Awards Competition

Oakland Park, Atlanta’s first multi-family housing project to receive LEED certification, was recently named a finalist in the Atlanta district council of the Urban Land Institute's 2008 Development of Excellence awards competition. Development of Excellence awards are given to projects that are exceptional examples of good development. Winners will be announced at the Urban Land Institute’s annual awards banquet held at the Georgia Aquarium on September 18, 2008. Oakland Park is a 65-unit condominium building along the Memorial Drive revitalization district in Atlanta.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Smart Growth Network, there is a growing concern that the development trend of sprawl is not in the long-term interest of communities. Smart growth invests time, attention and resources in restoring community and vitality to abandoned center cities and older suburbs. Smart growth is also town-centered, transit and pedestrian oriented and has a mix of land uses and preserves open space and many other environmental amenities. Oakland Park is a perfect example of smart growth.

Oakland Park is an urban infill, mixed-use residential and commercial project that has become a catalyst for change within the neighborhood, providing opportunities for new businesses and a place for residential and retail to come together in a convenient, self-contained urban setting close to the amenities that downtown Atlanta and the surrounding
neighborhood offer.

“We are extremely honored to be named a finalist in the 2008 ULI Atlanta Development of Excellence awards competition,” said Simon Tuohy Financial Officer and Development Associate for Urban Realty Partners. “To be recognized among the best in Atlanta development is a huge accomplishment and is a great reward for all of the hard work and planning that has gone into Oakland Park.”

Achieving LEED certification means that a third party has examined Oakland Park and its design, construction and potential for energy efficiency, and verified the developers made sound decisions that resulted in a more efficient construction site, with very little waste going to the landfill, and in a high performance building that will use less energy over time. In fact, 1,500 tons (or 80 percent) of the waste generated during construction was diverted from landfills and recycled.

The six-story Oakland Park building is remarkable because of the “forever views” of the Atlanta skyline that can be seen across Oakland Cemetery, and because of the care taken by developers to create an environmentally friendly building. The developers, Melaver, Inc. and

Urban Realty Partners, made sound decisions that resulted in a more efficient construction site, with very little waste going to the landfill, and in a high performance building that will use less energy over time. Bamboo floors, oversized, operable, low-emittance windows, eco-friendly tile and paint, high-performance plumbing fixtures and energy efficient appliances are the interior hallmarks of Oakland Park, which features 65 one and two bedroom residences and 6,400 square feet of street-front retail.

Oakland Park includes Foxgloves and Ivy floral design studio, Stella Neighborhood Trattoria restaurant, and will include additional retail fronting Memorial Drive and Park Avenue. For more information, call 404-688-0300 or visit www.oaklandparkatlanta.com.

Oakland Park is the Nucleus of Emerging Area Condo community on Memorial Drive joins Cabbagetown, Grant Park and Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Park’s ideal location is perfect for new condo shoppers looking to live in the center of Atlanta's exciting urban revitalization district along Memorial Drive. Situated between Cabbagetown and Grant Park and directly across the street from Oakland Cemetery, Oakland Park not only refers to the condo community itself but to the community as a whole for many. Oakland Park, the first multi-family housing project in Atlanta to receive LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, bridges the gap between several established communities and provides residents with the opportunity to walk to premier shopping, dining or entertainment venues. As gas prices rise and concern about the environmental threats of driving increase, residents of Oakland Park can rest easy knowing that they can experience it all close to home.

“Oakland Park is defining this emerging area. Oakland Park is growing in popularity for residents because its central location ties Oakland Cemetery, Cabbagetown and Grant Park together,” said Allan Altman, Sales Associate at Oakland Park. “Whether looking for that perfect meal or activity, residents of Oakland Park will enjoy the luxury of having the best Atlanta has to offer within walking distance.”

For those who enjoy good food, fine dining can be found for every meal less than a mile from Oakland Park. Residents will enjoy close proximity to award-winning restaurants such as Ria’s Bluebird, Agave, Redfish, Carrol Street CafĂ©, Six Feet Under and much more. Other nearby Atlanta attractions include Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum, and The King Center. Outdoor activities including sports, picnics and walks can be enjoyed at nearby Grant Park, which consist of 131-acres of green space. Historic Oakland Cemetery also offers unique opportunities with several events offered throughout the year.

Best of all, residents of Oakland Park never have to leave the building to enjoy two of Atlanta’s most well-known establishments. Popular eatery Stella Neighborhood Trattoria and well-respected Foxgloves and Ivy are just an elevator ride away. Stella Neighborhood Trattoria is the newest creation from award-winning chef Rich Chey and features an Italian-inspired menu. Foxgloves and Ivy, originally located in the Virginia Highlands, has recently moved to Oakland Park and is the only American Institute of Floral Designers Accredited Design florist in Atlanta.

The six-story Oakland Park building is remarkable because of the “forever views” of the Atlanta skyline that can be seen across Oakland Cemetery, and because of the care taken by developers to create an environmentally friendly building. The developers, Melaver, Inc. and Urban Realty Partners, made sound decisions that resulted in a more efficient construction site, with very little waste going to the landfill, and in a high performance building that will use less energy over time. Bamboo floors, oversized, operable, low-emittance windows, eco-friendly tile and paint, high-performance plumbing fixtures and energy efficient appliances are the interior hallmarks of Oakland Park, which features 65 one and two bedroom residences and 6,400 square feet of street-front retail. For more information, call 404-688-0300 or visit www.oaklandparkatlanta.com.