Career Nights Planned at Coldwell Banker Bullard McDonough Office

The McDonough/Henry County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty has scheduled Career Nights one Thursday night each month through November for persons interested in careers in real estate.

The Career Nights will be held on June 5, July 10, August 7, September 11, October 9, and November 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the company’s McDonough/Henry County office, located at 4295 Jodeco Rd., McDonough. Refreshments will be served.

Barry Buttram, managing broker of the office, urged those interested in exploring the real estate industry as a career option to attend one of the sessions. He said reservations should be made early, as seating is limited. Reservations can be arranged by calling Bunny Hopson or Anne Patrick at 770-914-9250.

The Reserve at Dog River Opens in Douglasville

The Reserve at Dog River is a unique 29 home community in Douglasville offering large custom-built homes on five acre or larger home sites. Located less than 20 miles from Atlanta, homes in The Reserve at Dog River are convenient to the shops and restaurants of the city, while still offering residents a resort-like atmosphere. Homeowners enjoy the peace and quiet of being located on Dog River. Homes are priced from $600,000 to $1,500,000 and are built by Clear Creek Communities.

The homes at The Reserve at Dog River are all unique and offer a variety of choices in floor plans and added features, enabling homeowners to customize their dream home. Homes are a minimum of 4,000 square feet and include features such as open floor plans, high ceilings, two story foyers, curved staircases, upgraded kitchens with large pantries and center work islands, as well as unique trim packages and finishes. There is also plenty of space in these luxury homes with an array of private studies, keeping rooms, basements, additional bedrooms, and media rooms being frequent. Home styles range from three story brick traditional to spacious ranches. Several homes are built along the creek and a beautiful decorated model home is available to give perspective home buyers ideas.

In addition to the endless attributes of the lavish homes themselves, the neighborhood also has several perks including secluded walking trails and magnificent views. The Reserve backs up to the 800 acre Dog River Park which offers fishing, biking and equestrian trails.

The Reserve at Dog River is located just off I-20W. Take I-20 West from Atlanta to Chapel Hill Road (exit 36), go south to Hwy 166, west (right) on Hwy 166 and travel approximately 6 miles to Phillips Mill Rd., turn right on Phillips Mill Rd, and then turn right on Rand Drive.

Exclusive sales and marketing is being provided by Morris & Raper. Interested homebuyers should contact Linda House by phone at 404-392-2921 or visit www.TheReserveatDogRiver.com.

Caroline Simmel Joins PEC Development Group

– PEC Development Group is pleased to announce that Caroline Simmel has joined the company as a special consultant to manage lot sales for the developer’s project, Estates at Fernwood Creek, in Cherokee County. Simmel joins Teresa Schaefer on the Builder and Developer Services team at the community forming a unique platform designed to efficiently manage the builder program. In this capacity, Simmel will work to create and execute the builder program on behalf of PEC Development Group and the builders in their communities.

Simmel’s diverse background in advertising, marketing and sales offers a unique approach to project planning, land acquisition and disposition, as well as new business development with the commercial and residential real estate markets. Simmel was previously in a similar position with Jenny Pruitt New Homes Services.

Paul Corley, Chief Executive Officer of PEC Development states, “Caroline brings a unique perspective on development to PEC. Her depth of industry knowledge allows her to think about projects from a variety of angles and come up with creative solutions for builders, as well as land.”

Creating communities and enriching lifestyles are the guiding principles on which PEC Development Group built its reputation as one of the leading real estate and property development companies in the Southeast. The developer is currently creating the following memorable communities: James Creek in Cumming, Ga., The Park at Heritage Ridge in Newnan, Ga., Overlook at Battery Creek in Beaufort, S.C., Bryant Lake in LaGrange, Ga., Hampton Oaks in Fairburn, Ga., Estates at Fernwood Creek in Woodstock, Ga., Riverbrooke in Canton, Ga. and Sandtown Park in Marietta, Ga.

Through every step in the planning and development process, PEC Development Group sets the highest priority on creating residential and mixed-use, master-planned communities that offer homebuyers a rewarding overall quality of life. This is achieved by providing residents with numerous social and recreational opportunities in an environment where the natural beauty and integrity of the land has been carefully preserved.

PEC Development Group creates master-planned communities with carefully crafted home sites and livable amenities to enhance the homeowner’s quality of life in Atlanta, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. In addition to popular swim/tennis facilities and sports courts, PEC communities include dedicated public green spaces, such as certified wildlife habitats and large parks with nature trails. This combination of carefully planned home sites, built amenities and natural common areas creates a hometown feeling for residents and establishes communities that families are proud to call home. For more information on PEC Development Group, visit www.PECdevelopment.net.

Bowen Family Homes Raises Money for Relay for Life

Bowen Family Homes has shown its support for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life by raising over $3,500 for their team. To motivate the entire company to donate to the Bowen team, six of Bowen’s volunteers, including owner Tip Cape, had jars on display in the office, in which employees would add money. At the end of the fundraiser, whichever volunteer’s jar had the most money in it got a cream pie in the face.

This year the six volunteers on the chopping block were Randall Moore, Steve Palmer, Josh Bowie, Jeremy Patterson, Chris Hill and Tim Cape. However, at the last minute, Reiner Reitig sacrificed himself for Steve Palmer and took his place in the competition. When it came time to analyze the results, the company added funds to the jars with less, making the in-office rivalry a six-way tie and all six got a pie in the face.

In addition to the Pie in the Face Fundraiser, Bowen Family Homes collected money for their Relay for Life team by offering employees the opportunity to wear jeans to work everyday for an entire week for a $5 flat fee.

Through the combined efforts of the casual work week and the Pie in the Face Fundraiser, Bowen was able to raise $1,800 for their Relay for Life team. The team also received over $1,700 in additional donations, bringing the total to more than $3,500. The Gwinnett Relay for Life event was held May 9 to 10, 2008.

The Bowen Family Homes Relay Team consisted of 13 Bowen Family Homes employees and family members, Casey Bruce, Marie DeLeon, Lauren Evans, Stephanie Jodecke, Bonnie Marshall, Marie McIlrath, Jamie Muffuletto, Jeremy Patterson, Misty Patterson, Angie Shipley, Krysten Shipley, Randy Wade and Tamra Wade, each of whom committed to raising monies for Relay.

They not only raised money--Bowen Family Homes employees gave out decks of cards to Relay For Life participants to pass time at their campsites as they waited for the runners. In addition to the cards, as the race came to an end, they also gave out matches to help light the luminaries lining the track.

For many people who attend Relay For Life, one of the most moving parts of the event is the Ceremony of Hope. As the light dims over campsites and team members complete laps, the night is brightened by the glow of lighted bags called luminaria, each of which has a special meaning. Some luminaria celebrate the survivorship of people who have battled cancer and lived to tell the tale. Many commemorate the lives of those who have been lost to this disease. All represent a person who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to be touched by that experience.

Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 25th largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2005, 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 was ranked 83rd on the 2007 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.

Only a Few Homes Remain at McCar Homes’ Carrington in Cobb County

Only a Few Homes Remain at McCar Homes’ Carrington in Cobb County
Just eight homes remain along the historic Silver Comet Trail

– McCar Homes’ Carrington community is 70 percent full and only eight homes remain along the historic Silver Comet Trail. Carrington is a luxury townhome community located in sought-after Cobb County and offers homeowners the opportunity to live in a historic setting with all the modern luxuries of today.

Townhomes at Carrington are priced from the $140,000s to $160,000s, and are available in three bedroom plans with two and a half bathrooms at approximately 1,588 square feet. Homes along the Silver Comet Trail feature great views of trees and portions of the trails. The interiors include state-of-the-art features such as upgraded appliance packages, designer lighting fixtures, a variety of flooring including hardwoods and countertop and cabinet choices.

Living within walking distance of one of the state’s most popular trails allows residents to exercise the natural beauty of the Silver Comet’s hike and bike trails. Carrington’s homeowners will also enjoy the community swimming pool and cabana modeled after the original Silver Comet Trail train station. Residents will enjoy close proximity to some of the best shopping areas in Cobb County including The Avenues at West Cobb and Arbor Place Mall.

Children at Carrington attend Powder Springs Elementary, Copper Middle and McEachern High schools.

To visit Carrington, take I-75 North to Barrett Parkway and turn left. Proceed 12 miles and turn right on Powder Springs Road. Travel to C.H. James Parkway and turn left. Continue to Florence Road and turn left. Community will be on the right. For more information on Carrington, call (770) 439-7038.

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. 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.

The Housing Market

We all know that the credit crunch is for real and is creating turmoil in the housing industry. It has unsettled the confidence of investors on Wall Street and consumers on Main Street. Market analysts and the media have piled on, sounding a death knell for the housing industry: We have heard the claims that there is no mortgage money, foreclosure rates are skyrocketing nationwide and home values are in a free-fall with no bottom in sight. But is it really true?

Conforming Markets Operating Normally

First, regarding the credit crunch, there is no question that a major shakeout is occurring in the subprime market, creating turbulence in the broader financial markets.

But what the media is not reporting is that there is no credit crunch for qualified buyers taking out conventional loans for under $417,000. And this is where the bulk of all home loans are made. The reason why this market continues to operate normally is because loans up to this amount can be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, having the implicit guarantee of the federal government.

While underwriting standards may have tightened for all loans, credit-worthy home buyers should have no problems finding conventional, conforming mortgages at very attractive rates. In fact, today’s mortgage rates remain near historic lows, in the range of 6 percent for fixed-rate, 30-year loans.

Nonetheless, getting the word out that mortgage money is available at very attractive rates for credit-worthy borrowers is vital to boosting consumer confidence and traffic of prospective customers.

Foreclosures are High but Limited in Scope

There is no question this is a serious problem. But again, a close examination of the facts shows that for a vast majority of the country, there is no foreclosure crisis.

While foreclosure rates have increased this year, almost all American home owners are making their mortgage payments on time.

Most foreclosures are concentrated in the once super-heated markets in four states: California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada. The Midwest is also experiencing problems as a result of continuing job losses in the manufacturing sector.

Breaking down prime and subprime loans, nearly 97 percent of prime borrowers – the bulk of the mortgage market – are up-to-date on their payments. The problem is in the subprime market, where about 17 percent of borrowers are behind on their mortgage payments.

But it’s also important to remember that 37 percent of all single-family homes are owned debt-free – without any mortgage – and that home owners nationwide have built up $11 trillion in equity that provides a good cushion against any decline in values.

It’s also important to note that a high percentage of foreclosed loans to date – particularly in California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida – have been among speculators or investors who were looking for quick profits and just walked away from their investments when the housing market cooled.

The Myth of Declining Home Values

Lets explore some of the facts surrounding the claim that home values around the country are in a free-fall.

Except for about 30 or so high-flying metro markets where home values doubled in four or five years, the correction in the home values has been relatively modest. Different economic and job-market conditions directly affect demand for new and existing homes in every market.

Treasury Secretary Paulson made the same point in a March 26 address to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “We do not have a national housing market,” he said, adding that housing markets are unique and those experiencing the biggest price corrections are in areas that had the greatest overbuilding.

Part of this problem is due to an influx of speculators in some large markets who helped drive prices up to unsustainable levels.

For example, nearly all the markets that posted the largest average decline in home prices during the past year – Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego and Tampa – have appreciated in value by more than 77 percent since January 2000, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller home price statistics. Two of these markets – Miami and Los Angeles – were up by more than 100 percent over this period.

It makes sense that the most super-heated housing markets in California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida are now experiencing the most serious market corrections. For the rest of the country, however, the price adjustments have been relatively modest.

The fact is, now is an exceptionally good time to shop for a new home. Buyers with good credit, a job and steady income will find there is plenty of mortgage credit to be had at good rates. With home builders appropriately cutting back on new supply to meet current market conditions, they are also offering great incentives to boost sales.

This is a boon to home buyers. But six months or a year from now, as the supply-demand equation rebalances, builders may stop offering these incentives.

The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia serves over 700 businesses in the building industry in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Meriwether, Heard, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Butts and Jasper Counties. For information about the association, call Executive Officer Sandy Boda at 770-716-7109.

By Sandy Boda

Real Estate Firm's Leader In ‘Power Book 2008’

Steve C. Bullard, owner and president of the Coldwell Banker
Bullard Realty organization, was recently included in the Residential
Real Estate section of “The Power Book 2008”, a recently-
distributed publication of the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Called “A Guide to Atlanta’s Top Industry Leaders”, the
publication is described as a map to the top 50 leaders in each of
six industries: commercial real estate, residential real estate,
banking and finance, health care, hospitality, and law and accounting.

The publication noted that Bullard, who has a bachelor’s
degree from Georgia State University, is former president of the
Metro South Association of Realtors and currently serves as director and is on the executive committee of the Georgia Metro Listing Service. He is also president of Bullard Property Management and The Brokerage Inc.

The publication reported that Bullard considers his most
notable accomplishment is observing the growth of his company from 50
associates to more than 350 associates.

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 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
the separate but affiliated company, Coldwell Banker American Land
Mart in Conyers.

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Brock Built Builds a Better Community

Atlanta’s largest intown homebuilder, Brock Built, is partnering with WSB-TV Channel 2 in the “Going Green 2008” campaign, an important program addressing an issue that is changing the quality of life of every citizen in Georgia. As part of that effort, Brock Built has started construction on an environmentally-friendly demonstration home in its Atlanta West Highlands Community. When complete, the home will be open for tours and auctioned to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Groundbreaking for The Green House began in March and work is progressing quickly. When complete, the home will showcase environmentally friendly and sustainable design features attainable for the typical Atlanta family. Contributions are being solicited for funds, services, building materials, fixtures, appliances and everything else necessary to build the home. All participating vendors are required to demonstrate that their contribution will promote EarthCraft standards.

The EarthCraft program is a voluntary green building program which serves as a blueprint for healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. EarthCraft homes are thoroughly inspected and tested (for factors such as air leakage and carbon monoxide safety) before the homeowner moves in. They are proven to help save energy and water and conserve natural resources. They are more affordable because they help homeowners lower energy costs by up to 30%, lower maintenance and repair costs, and even lower doctor’s bills for health problems related to poor indoor air quality.

“Brock Built has always considered the environment when planning our communities,” said Steve Brock, owner and CEO of Brock Built, LLC. “Large green spaces, walking paths, and close proximity to mass transit are just a few of the EarthCraft House standards we’ve incorporated into our community plans for years. The Green House will offer all of these benefits and countless others. Plus, we’re excited that we can further help the community by giving all of the proceeds from the sale of the home Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.”

Construction on The Green House is expected to be complete in August, when the public will be invited to tour the home. WSB –TV will film the entire building process and will run a special one-hour prime time program in September telling the story of the innovative partnership behind the home’s creation, as well as the remarkable transformation of the larger West Highlands community. The program will also help consumers understand what they can do in their own homes to go green.

The Green House will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in October 2008. All proceeds from the sale will be given to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization that provides care, research, teaching, wellness and charity care for the children of Atlanta.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the country,is a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic and volunteer support of our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a million patient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac, neonatal, orthopaedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric specialties. To learn more about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, visit our Web site at www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS.

Brock Built has been making an impact on the Atlanta residential real estate community for more than two decades. Steve Brock, founder, established Brock Built with a mission to build superior homes at an exceptional value for his customers, while improving on the surrounding community at large. With a focus on the Westside of Atlanta, Brock Built’s goal is not to change existing communities but to recreate them into more livable environments, where current residents and new homeowners can feel at home. By building new homes and bringing new neighbors in to underdeveloped parts of the city, economic development is promoted and these neighborhoods become vital parts of the city. To date, Steve Brock has built more than 1,000 homes in Atlanta. Brock Built neighborhoods offer the convenience and amenities of city living with the charm of a bygone era within the peaceful surrounds of the suburbs where generation after generation can call home. For more information on Brock Built’s communities or The Green House, visit www.brockbuilt.com or call 404-351-7555.

Start-Up Company Gives Realtors Important New Tool

BUSINESS WIRE--Potential homebuyers wanting to know more about the home behind the “For Sale” sign in the yard used to have to call the Realtor or hope there was an information sheet on the premises. No more.

A Tennessee start-up company now allows Realtors to post text messages and even photos of the home straight to the potential buyer’s cell phone.

“You drive by the house, and you want to know more before you even consider calling the real estate company. With RTextUSA, you can dial up basic information and even photos right from your car,” said Phillip Poynor, founder and CEO. “The real estate community has enthusiastically embraced our product as an important new tool in communicating with prospective buyers.”

The company, based in suburban Nashville, has spent the last 12 months perfecting the technology of the product, and reaching out to area Realtors. RTextUSA launched on March 20, 2008, to wide acclaim and is now targeting markets across the Southeast.

“We have selected a good price point that enables Realtors to add this feature to their listings without adding a lot to their marketing budgets,” said Poynor.

RTextUSA offers a free 30-day trial period, which allows brokers and agents to assign up to 100 transferrable property codes to numerous property listings.

Nashville Realtor Karen Hoff of Historic & Distinctive Homes and Sales Manager Charles Hughes of Celebration Homes in Franklin, Tenn., have been beta testers over the past four weeks.

“This is a very logical application of text-messaging technology,” Hoff said. “It’s really appealing to the 20-something generation, and that’s a good part of my business. But even older folks are texting these days, and I think a lot of people will be using this service – it should do very well.”

Hughes agreed, saying the service will be appealing to both homebuyers and real estate agents. “This is an easy way to generate new business,” Hughes said. “RText offers a less invasive means for buyers to access property information.”

Also testing for RText were Shelbyville, Tenn., Realtors Josh Simmons and Dorothy Parker.

“We received a lead on one of our listings after only two days using RText,” said Simmons of Keller Williams Realty. “We’ve already taken down our brochure boxes.”

“It’s very easy to use,” added Parker of Exit Celebration Realty & Auction.

Co-founders Poynor, 29, Josh Carney, 29 and Bradley Barrett Jr., 26, have drawn upon their own work experiences in the real estate industry to ensure that the product meets the current needs of Realtors.

For more information about RText, visit its Web site at www.RTextUSA.com or call (866) 579-8398.

Lowe Tops Company, Fayette in Individual Sales in April

Deborah Lowe was the April Individual Agent Leader both companywide and for the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

No. 2 individual producer for the company during the month was Michelle Munda of the Griffin/Spalding County office, and Diane Maney of the Peachtree City/Fayette County office was No. 3.

Maney was no. 2 producer for the Peachtree City office, and Donna Lasseter was No. 3.

Lowe, who has been in real estate for 25 years, joined the Bullard organization as a result of its merger with Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates several months ago. In 2007, she was the No. 3 producer among the former Fulton agents now with Bullard, and she qualified for the Bollard Bronze Society.

A Million Dollar Club member from 1987 through 2007, she holds the ABR, GRI, ePro, SRES and ASR designations.

Lowe is a Tyrone resident and is a member of the Community Emergency Response Team and the executive committee of the Fayette County Board of Realtors. She is a former Rotarian.

Isakson Receives 2008 Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award

E. Andrew (Andy) Isakson, founder of Isakson-Barnhart Properties, Inc., and Managing Partner of Isakson-Barnhart Co., LLC, developer of Peachtree Hills Place, was named one of the 2008 recipients of the Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award by the Healthcare Georgia Foundation for his long-standing work with HealthMPowers, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that provides comprehensive health programming to schools throughout Georgia.

The award was presented yesterday during the Healthcare Georgia Foundation's Connections 2008: Strengthening the Health of Georgia Through the Nonprofit Community conference. The award honors Isakson's dedication and commitment to advancing the health of all Georgians and expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare for underserved individuals and communities.
Isakson, who is very active and engaged in community organizations contributes time, ideas, expertise and financial resources to numerous organizations. He is the co-founder and chairman of the Board of Directors for HealthMPowers, which now serves more than 36,000 students in the state of Georgia annually. HealthMPowers provides students, teachers and families with health information, skills, resources and motivation to take responsibility for their own health and serve as role models.

He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Chattahoochee Nature Center and served as chairman of Emory University’s Center for Health in Aging Advisory Board.

“Andy is a quiet leader who has shown his dedication to the children and citizens of this state through his unselfish gifts of time, dedication and resources,” said Christ Kay, executive director of HealthMPowers, who nominated Isakson for the award. “His commitment to improving the quality of life across all age spans in Georgia is to be commended. HealthMPowers would certainly not be where it is today, serving more than 70 schools, without his enthusiastic and active support.”

Award recipients must have volunteered or be volunteering their time for a health-related, nonprofit organization. They also must demonstrate a strong sense of passion in their commitment to improving the lives of others and have made a substantial commitment and impact to improve the quality of health in a community in Georgia. Additional requirements include contribution of time to the community and ability to serve as a role model and inspiration to others.

Isakson's career includes more than 33 years experience in commercial and residential real estate in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Following his mother’s death seven years ago, Isakson took a leadership role in the development of senior residential communities in Georgia. Her struggles with Alzheimer’s inspired him to develop continuing care retirement communities.

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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Five Tips to Help You Gear Up for the Homebuying Season

(ARA) - It’s time to gear up for the busy spring and summer homebuying season. Buyers and sellers alike have come to expect that there are greater options available during this time of year as more people tend to be in the market for a new home. So what is behind this trend and how can you make the most of the buying and selling season?

Why Now?
The Kids. Many homeowners, especially those with school-aged children, prefer to plan their move around the summer. By starting the homebuying process in spring, most children can finish the year at their current school and start fresh at their new school in the fall.

The IRS.
Tax refund checks start hitting mailboxes in spring. For people in the market for a new home, a tax refund is an added bonus that they can put towards the down payment.

The Weather.
For people living in northern climates, the thought of moving during winter holds little to no appeal. As the weather turns milder, the idea of making a move becomes more realistic for many.

How do I Make the Most of the Season?
If you’re one of the many millions of Americans buying or selling a home this year, you’d probably prefer to make the move as smooth as possible. Start early.

“From searching and touring houses to the negotiation, home inspection and closing, buying the home that perfectly fits your needs can take a lot of time, especially if you don’t know the process,” says Frank Destra, managing director and senior vice president of national sales for Ditech, one of the nation’s leading online mortgage lenders. “By learning and understanding the steps in buying a home, you will be ready to go through the process and complete it efficiently so you can soon begin enjoying your new home.”

Here are some tips from Ditech that will help make your spring or summer move stress-free.

1) Review You Credit Report. Whether this is your first time buying a home or your 10th time, it is always in your best interest to keep an eye on your credit report to make sure your credit history is accurately reported. Your credit history has an impact on what loans you can qualify for as well as the interest rate you will be offered. Report any errors to the credit reporting agencies right away, so that your credit report is accurate when you’re ready to apply for home financing.

2) Get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved is one of the first steps in the home buying process. By getting pre-approved, you will receive a loan commitment for up to a certain amount from your lender before you find a home, based on a review of your credit and finances. Pre-approval makes your home search more efficient by allowing you to focus only on the homes you know you can afford. It also is beneficial to have a pre-approval letter in your possession when you submit an offer on a home, so the seller knows you are serious about buying the home.

3) Know what you want. Sitting down and figuring out what kind of home and neighborhood you would prefer in the beginning of your home search will save you a lot of time. Make a list of the features that are most important to you. Start with determining the number of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as other personal requirements you might have such as an office versus a den, one or two stories, etc. Also, think resale before you ever set foot in a home. The neighborhood, schools, parks, shopping, transportation accessibility, and proximity to key points in the city are all characteristics that will remain important when you decide to sell your home at some point in the future.

4) Review financing solutions. There are a variety of financing options available to homebuyers, and your particular situation will play a factor in figuring out what financing solution might work best for you. An experienced loan officer will take the time to review the home financing process, define terms, and listen to your concerns to get you a loan that fits your needs. In addition, home lenders such as Ditech (www.ditech.com) offer a number of online resources, such as payment calculators, glossaries, etc. to help homebuyers better understand which financing options might be right for them.

5) Negotiate. Once you find the home of your dreams, work with a real estate agent to negotiate the price and present your offer. Motivated sellers may be willing to reduce their price, or even pay part of the closing costs. Also, if you are looking at new construction, make sure any incentives being offered are tied to the home. For example, if a builder offers a cruise or flat-screen TV, ask for the value of the item to be discounted from the purchase price of the home. You are purchasing a home and that should be your focus -- not the giveaways.

If you’re ready to contact a mortgage lender and begin the process of buying a new home, contact Ditech at (800) DITECH-3 or www.ditech.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

STEVEN ROSEN AND HIS TEAM ARE HONORED BY PRUDENTIAL GEORGIA REALTY

The ‘R’ Team, headed by Steven Rosen, President of Steven Rosen, Inc., has been a top-producing real estate team here in Georgia since 2002. With Prudential Georgia Realty’s Peachtree City since 2003, The ‘R’ Team has consecutively been one of the top teams in that office, including being named the #1 team in both 2005 and, most recently, 2007.

In fact, when awards for 2007 sales production were given out companywide this Spring, the Rosens were named the #8 team for all of Prudential Georgia Realty, a company with nearly 1,500 Realtors. In addition, they earned the prestigious Chairman’s Circle Gold Award, signifying they are in the top 3 percent of some 64,000 Prudential agents in North America. With more than 43 closings, Peachtree City Managing Broker Steve Quinn also recognized The ‘R’ Team for having the most sales in his office in 2007.

Team leader Steven Rosen attributes the team’s success to the use of technology and websites. Many of the team’s sales comes from referrals by past clients. Steven is assisted by his wife and co-founder of The ‘R’ Team, Carol Rosen, who is also a licensed Realtor and works primarily administratively; full-time Realtor Janine Banko; part-time agent Kerri Richard and Karen Dembsky, a referral agent and professional home stager.

The team has continued this sales momentum into 2008. Despite what some are considering a more challenging market, they have already closed approximately $1.2 million in sales with an additional $1.5 million in pending sales. Their selling price point ranges from $150,000 to well over $1 million. Steven Rosen also represents builder Rick Conaway of Southern Comfort Classical Homes, an exclusive, high-end, custom builder in the Smokerise Communities.

To learn more about The ‘R’ Team or the local real estate market, contact the Rosens at 404-936-3516, by e-mail at stevenandcarol@msn.com or visit one of their highly acclaimed websites at www.AtlSouthSide.com to conduct a complete search of some 100,000 available metro Atlanta properties.

Prudential Georgia Realty (www.PrudentialGeorgia.com) 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. It is the 10th largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 41st for 2007 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2008 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 more than 1,400 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.

Make the Most of Your Tax Rebate: Reinvest in Your Home

ARA – In an effort to jumpstart the struggling economy, the federal government has approved an economic stimulus package that will send rebate checks to qualifying taxpayers, some as early as May. Homeowners can use this refund to invest in home improvements that add value in a difficult housing market.

Qualifying individual taxpayers will get up to $600 in rebates, working couples $1,200 and those with children an additional $300 per child. Add that to the average refund some taxpayers can expect after filing their taxes ($2,548 in 2007, according to CNNMoney.com) and that’s approximately $3,800 in total refunds from the federal government this year.

Investing these dollars in home improvements, such as replacing old leaky windows with newer, energy efficient ones, can offer homeowners a significant return on investment. Some experts believe that replacement windows are one of the best home improvement investments you can make in your home.

“Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs Value Report estimates that a homeowner may recoup 81 percent of the cost of installing low maintenance replacement windows at resale. That means on an $8,000 window replacement project, homeowners may recoup $6,480 at the time of sale.

In addition, new energy efficient windows can lower heating and cooling bills, improve a home’s comfort and aesthetics, and add long-lasting value.

There are some important things to keep in mind when choosing new energy efficient windows. Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen, suggests homeowners look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that they are energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing inefficient single pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows could save up to 15 percent on your energy bills.

Evanich adds that Renewal by Andersen energy efficient windows are designed to perform at even higher standards. They come standard with High-Performance Low-E4 glass which is over 14 percent more energy efficient than stringent ENERGY STAR requirements and is 56 percent more energy efficient in summer than ordinary dual pane glass.

With a substantial savings in energy costs along with a solid return on investment from home improvement projects, buying energy efficient windows is a wise use of your rebate dollars. And, if you ever decide to sell your home, energy efficient windows can give you the edge -- and often a higher resale value -- over other sellers in an increasingly competitive housing market.

For more information on choosing energy efficient windows, visit renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Prudential Georgia Realty's Peachtree City Office Announces Its Top Individual Agents for 2007

The Prudential Georgia Realty Peachtree City, located in its state-of-the-art facilities in The Avenue Shopping Plaza at the corner of Hwy. 54 and Hwy. 74, recently honored its top individual sales associates for 2007.

Kerri Crozier was the Individual Listing Agent of the Year for the Peachtree City branch, selling 13 or her 14 listings. Realtor Rose Davis was the Individual Selling Agent of the Year for closed transactions with buyers.

Kerri (www.KerriCrozier.com) is a local graduate of McIntosh High School and earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech. Residing in Peachtree City, she specializes in residential real estate, first-time home buyers, rental and investment properties in Fayette and Coweta counties. Professionally, Kerri is a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors, where she is a member of the board’s Million Dollar Club for high annual sales, the Georgia Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

Rose Davis (www.rosedavis.org) has been a Fayette County resident for more than 20 years and a Realtor for nearly a decade. A Georgia native from East Point, she is a graduate of Briarwood High School and the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. Rose specializes in residential real estate, corporate relocation, military and airline transfers, first-time home buyers, land and investment properties in Fayette and Coweta counties.

Professionally, she is a member of the Fayette Board of Realtors, where she is an active member of the Million Dollar Club for consistently high annual sales, the Fayette chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors, the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, and the National Association of Realtors. To better assist her clients, Rose has earned her Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), eCertified Realtor status, Certified Skilled Negotiator (CSN) and Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) designations as well as her associate broker’s license. In addition, Rose is the only one at her office to hold the Certified Marketing Specialist designation.

For 2007 sales, both Kerri Crozier and Rose Davis made Prudential’s Leading Edge Society for high annual sales, signifying they are in the top 14 percent of some 64,000 Prudential agents in North America.

“I am proud to have these individuals on our Peachtree City sales team,” said Managing Broker Steve Quinn. “They have an excellent knowledge of the local real estate market and always go above and beyond for their clients.”

Prudential Georgia Realty’s Peachtree City and Fayette County offices have, together, gained #1 market share in Fayette County for residential real estate. To contact these agents, please call the Peachtree City office at 770-487-8300 or visit their web sites.

Prudential Georgia Realty (www.PrudentialGeorgia.com) 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. It is the 10th largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 41st for 2007 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2008 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 more than 1,400 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.