Leslie Terek Joins PTC/Fayette Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty

Leslie Terek is now a sales associate with the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Terek, who has been in real estate since may of 2003, is now affiliated with the Bullard organization as a result of the recent acquisition of Century 21 Southern Crescent. She has earned the GRI designation and has been named to the Fayette County Board of Realtors' Million Dollar Club and Circle of Achievement.

She is a member of a sales team with her brother, Kenneth Edmondson, and her uncle, Dave Edmondson, who was the owner of Century 21 Southern Crescent, is now an associate broker with Bullard.

Terek, a Fayetteville resident, is a member of Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
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Heritage Bank Offers First Time Home Buyers Seminars on Southside

Jonesboro - Clayton Co.

First Time Home Buyers Seminar - A seminar for potential first-time home buyers will be presented Tuesday, August 4th at the Heritage Bank Branch, 101 N. Main St., Jonesboro. The one hour seminar at 7pm will provide information on the 1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit and how to qualify for a mortgage.

Seminar fee is $10 and reservations are required. The first to call and register will receive a confidential credit analysis. For more information or reservations, call Barbara Stevens 770-515-7001.

Fayetteville - Fayette Co.

First Time Home Buyers Seminar - A seminar for potential first-time home buyers will be presented Thursday, August 20th at the Heritage Bank Community Room, 440 Jeff Davis, Fayetteville. The one hour seminar at 7pm will provide information on the 1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit and how to qualify for a mortgage.

Seminar fee is $10 and reservations are required. The first to call and register will receive a confidential credit analysis. For more information or reservations, call Barbara Stevens 770-515-7001.

McDonough - Henry Co.

First Time Home Buyers Seminar - A seminar for potential first-time home buyers will be presented Thursday, August 27th at the Heritage Bank Community Room, 203 Keys Ferry, McDonough. The one hour seminar at 7pm will provide information on the 1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit and how to qualify for a mortgage.

Seminar fee is $10 and reservations are required. The first to call and register will receive a confidential credit analysis. For more information or reservations, call Barbara Stevens 770-515-7001.
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"This Old House" Names the Best Old-House Neighborhoods

The housing boom may be over, but the This Old House editors have tracked down 51 great neighborhoods that have promising futures and homes that truly deserve a long-term commitment. The Best Old-House Neighborhoods appear in the July/August issue, on newsstands June 29, and online at www.thisoldhouse.com/best-places.

This Old House scoured the United States, and for the first time, Canada, to find unique, tight-knit neighborhoods for their second annual search for the best old-house neighborhoods. These places might not be on your radar, but deserve to be, according to the magazine’s editors.

This Old House magazine (pg. 48) and thisoldhouse.com feature 51 great spots that fit the criteria of old-house neighborhoods – architectural diversity, craftsmanship of the homes, and the preservation momentum in the area as well as neighborhood amenities including walkability, safety and community. With the help of PreservationDirectory.com, neighborhood groups, real estate agents, and preservation societies, This Old House compiled their list of the best places to track down, fix up, and fall head over heels for.

The Best Old-House Neighborhoods are:

ALABAMA
Capitol Heights, Montgomery

ALASKA
Ketchikan

ARIZONA
West University, Tucson

ARKANSAS
Eureka Springs

CALIFORNIA
Temescal, Oakland

COLORADO
The North Side District, Pueblo

CONNECTICUT
Old Wethersfield

DELAWARE
Smyrna

FLORIDA
Seminole Heights, Tampa

GEORGIA
Newnan

HAWAIIL
anai

IDAHO
Weiser

ILLINOIS
Elgin

INDIANA
Woodruff Place

IOWA
Guttenberg

KANSAS
Leavenworth

KENTUCKY
Covington

LOUISIANA
Lower Garden District, New Orleans

MAINE
Douglas Park, Brunswick

MARYLAND
Lauraville, Baltimore

MASSACHUSETTS
The Highlands, Fall River

MICHIGAN
The Vine Neighborhood, Kalamazoo

MINNESOTA
Morgan Park, Duluth

MISSISSIPPI
Poplar Springs Historic District, Meridian

MISSOURI
The Southmoreland Neighborhood, Kansas City

MONTANA
Hi Bug Neighborhood, Red Lodge

NEBRASKA
The Dundee Neighborhood, Omaha

NEVADA
Virginia City

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Hopkinton

NEW JERSEY
Atlantic Highlands

NEW MEXICO
Huning Highlands, Albuquerque

NEW YORK
Richmond Hill, Queens

NORTH CAROLINA
East Durham

NORTH DAKOTA
Southside Historic District, Fargo

OHIO
College Hill, Cincinnati

OKLAHOMA
Guthrie

OREGON
Boise, Portland

PENNSYLVANIA
Beaver

RHODE ISLAND
Quality Hill, Pawtucket

SOUTH CAROLINA
Georgetown

SOUTH DAKOTA
Central Residential Historic District, Brookings

TENNESSEE
Fayetteville

TEXAS
Houston Heights, Houston

UTAH
Sugar House neighborhood, Salt Lake City

VERMONT
The Hill Section, Burlington

VIRGINIA
Church Hill, Richmond

WASHINGTON
Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood, Yakima

WEST VIRGINIA
Wheeling

WISCONSIN
Brewer’s Hill, Milwaukee

WYOMING
South Wolcott District, Casper

CANADA
St. Patrick’s Ward, Guelph, Ontario

This Old House Ventures is America’s premier home enthusiast brand, netting 50 million multi-media impressions each month through its award-winning television, print, and web properties. The leading consumer publication for home how-to and inspiration, the award-winning This Old House magazine currently has a circulation of 950,000 and reaches an audience of almost six million.
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Realtor Mark Spain Ranks #2 Agent in USA by the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal/LORE 2009 Real Estate Top 400 Professionals list was released in June. It is based on a survey of more than 7,000 brokerage firms, associations of Realtors® and hundreds of other sources to determine the top agents in the United States. Atlanta-based Realtor Mark Spain and his RE/MAX Greater Atlanta real estate team of 10 people were honored as the #2 team in the United States for most transaction sides.

Only three other Georgia real estate teams made this list, with the next team placing 64th (review complete list at http://online.wsj.com/ad/top100teamsides.html). The ranking is broken down by teams and individual agents, with a top 100 list each for transaction sides and for sales volume. Mark Spain also appeared on the team sales volume list in the #9 spot and was the sole representative for Georgia on this ranking.

Mark Spain Team’s 2008 sales marked the eighth consecutive year the team has exceeded the $100 million annual sales mark. They averaged more than a closing a day with 535 closings for a total of $131 million in gross sales. Based on this performance, the Mark Spain Team was named the #2 Team in the U.S. for closed transactions by RE/MAX International, earlier this year at the company’s annual sales convention.

“We’re seeing some positive signs in the metro Atlanta market with sales activity picking up and foreclosure inventory continuing to get snapped up. Once there are fewer available foreclosure properties, it’s very likely we’ll start seeing home prices increase. This summer is an excellent time to begin searching for a home while it’s still a buyer’s market, including excellent mortgage interest rates and the very generous first-time home buyers’ $8,000 tax credit that expires in December,” said Mark Spain.

Mark’s team regularly ranks in the top 10 teams worldwide out of nearly 100,000 RE/MAX agents in more than 65 countries. At the end of 2006, Mark Spain surpassed the billion dollar sales mark for lifetime transactions and is believed to be the youngest Realtor to accomplish this in the least amount of time—11 years. Spain has also received numerous industry honors, like twice being named a Top 50 Realtor on the Rise in the U.S. by Real Estate magazine as well as being inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from RE/MAX International in 2004.

An Atlanta native, Mark Spain is a University of Georgia graduate. He is affiliated with the RE/MAX Greater Atlanta office at 5591 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road in Atlanta, an office frequently named the #1 RE/MAX location in the world in terms of sales volume. The Mark Spain Team specializes in assisting home buyers and sellers in the North Atlanta region in all price levels.

To learn more about the Mark Spain Team, call 770-886-9000, toll-free at 800-241-3970, or visit http://www.markspain.com to conduct an online home search of available metro Atlanta properties, request a free online home evaluation, sign up for a free monthly e-newsletter about the real estate market at http://www.markspain.com/Newsletter%20Sign%20Up.htm or to learn more about becoming a first-time home buyer.
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Bullard Agents Named to Coldwell Banker Network's International President's Elite

Two individual sales associates with Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty’s McDonough/Henry County office have been named to the company's International 2008 President's Elite. Only one percent of the more than 107,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system qualified for the distinguished group.

The two agents, Tammi Lamb and Phil Wagner, were recognized for this honor at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference, held March 1-4 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex. The annual event united thousands of Coldwell Banker sales associates, brokers, managers and employees for an intensive professional development program and awards ceremony.

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 McDonough, Jackson, Peachtree City, and Newnan, and a separate but affiliated company, Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers.

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

Even during a challenging real estate market, the Bullard organization has continued to grow, having added three companies, Coldwell Banker Joe T. Lane Realty, Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates and Century 21 Southern Crescent, through acquisitions since September of 2007.

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2007, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the eighth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,800 residential real estate offices and nearly 117,000 sales associates in 47 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 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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Amenities Now Open at Hanover Place and Hanover Pointe

The warm weather amenities at Bowen Family Homes’ Hanover Place and Hanover Pointe communities have now opened for the summer. With lighted tennis courts and an aquatic center, residents all of ages will enjoy a summer of fun without leaving home. This summer instead of spending money on a vacation, residents at Hanover Place and Hanover Pointe can save money with a staycation thanks to the amazing community amenity package.

Hanover Place, a single-family home community in sought after South Forsyth, and Hanover Pointe, a townhome community across the street, share the fabulous resort-style amenities offered by Bowen Family Homes. The community amenity package features four lighted tennis courts, an aquatic center with a mushroom fountain, a neighborhood pool, a playground, a cabana for lounging with friends and family and lighted sidewalks throughout the communities.

Hanover Place offers 12 single-family home designs that include two-story and ranch-style home plans ranging in size from 2,329 square feet to 3,397 square feet of heated living space. Elegant interiors include gas fireplaces, marble vanities in bathrooms, large kitchens with maple cabinets and Whirlpool appliances, oversized owner’s suites with spacious owner’s bathrooms and much more. Homes at Hanover Place are priced from $299,900.

Hanover Pointe offers spacious garage townhomes featuring three bedrooms with two and one half to three bathrooms. Many floorplans include a two-story foyer with rod iron banisters, a spacious kitchen with maple cabinets and granite countertops, hardwood floors throughout the main floor, an oversized owner’s suite, upstairs laundry and much more. The beautiful townhomes at Hanover Pointe are affordably priced from $194,900.

To visit these beautiful communities take GA 400 North to Exit 12B West (McFarland Parkway). Travel West on McFarland Parkway. Turn left on Union Hill. Hanover Place will be located on the right and Hanover Pointe will be located on the left.

Come fall 2009 children at Hanover Place and Hanover Pointe will attend Midway Elementary, Piney Grove Middle and South Forsyth High schools. For more information on these Forsyth County new home communities, visit www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
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Three Move-in Ready Homes Available at Berkeley Chase

Presales available on remaining Carter model home sites

Bowen Family Homes’ popular gated Berkeley Chase community currently has three homes available for immediate move-in and seven presales available on remaining home sites. The move-in ready homes feature two Burton Models and one Lakeland Model. The pre-sales, all feature the Carter Model, and will be available for a November/December move-in. Berkeley Chase is a beautiful, brick townhome community located in Norcross. The two-story townhomes are affordably priced from $209,900.

The Burton Model features three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and includes a loft on the second floor. The kitchen and breakfast areas have wonderful views of the family room, creating a wonderful atmosphere for the homeowner who likes to entertain. The main level includes a separate dining area, while the laundry room has been placed upstairs for the owner’s convenience.

The Lakeland Model includes three bedrooms and two and half bathrooms and features an owner’s suite with a walk-in closet. A two-story foyer, dining room and open view of the family room from the laundry room upstairs highlight this model.

The Carter Model features three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms with a loft that can be converted into a fourth bedroom. An open two story foyer and large owner’s suite with a walk-in closet, separate tub and shower make this a perfect home for someone who is looking for luxurious living. A formal dining room and spacious family room are ideal for hosting guests or dinner parties.

The two-story townhomes are all roughly 1850 square feet of living space and buyers may choose from three different elevations. Children who live in Berkeley Chase will attend Berkeley Lake Elementary, Duluth Middle and Duluth High schools. To visit Berkeley Chase, travel I-285 to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Turn left onto South Old Peachtree Road. Berkeley Chase is on the right.

“Berkeley Chase is an ideal community for residents interested in amenities and outdoor recreation, said Beth Barrett, community sales manager at Berkeley Chase. “We are located just a mile from West Gwinnett Park and Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art facility with an indoor competition pool and 750-seat spectator area.”

Berkeley Chase is also within walking distance to Pinckneyville Park, a multi-sports complex that includes seven-field baseball/softball complex and a roller hockey rink. Residents can take advantage of the 1.1 mile paved multi-purpose trail, roller skate in the free skate area or watch

the children play on one of the four playgrounds. For dog lovers, Pinckneyville Park has a three-acre dog park. The Berkeley Chase community is conveniently located in Norcross near Berkeley Lake, and is conveniently located off Peachtree Industrial with easy access to Ga.141/Peachthree Parkway and I-285. This location offers close proximity to the shops and restaurants of The Forum and Gwinnett Place Mall, but also is a quick commute to the unique shops and entertainment at Discover Mills and the Gwinnett Arena. Residents at Berkeley Chase have a myriad of convenient options for dining, shopping, entertainment and exercise.

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 5th among metro Atlanta builders in 2007 and 40th among Atlanta’s Top 100 Private Companies for 2007. 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. Earlier this year Bowen Family Homes launched their social media marketing plan with a new company blog, www.bowenfamilyhomesblog.com and presence on several social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. 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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The Pace of Home Price Declines Moderate in April According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices

/PRNewswire/ -- Data through April 2009, released today by Standard & Poor's for its S&P/Case-Shiller(1) Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices, show that, although still negative, the annual decline of the 10-City and 20-City Composites improved.

"The pace of decline in residential real estate slowed in April," says David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at Standard & Poor's. "In addition to the 10-City and 20-City Composites, 13 of the 20 metro areas also saw improvement in their annual return compared to that of March. Furthermore, every metro area, except for Charlotte, recorded an improvement in monthly returns over March. While one month's data cannot determine if a turnaround has begun; it seems that some stabilization may be appearing in some of the regions. We are entering the seasonally strong period in the housing market, so it will take some time to determine if a recovery is really here.

"The stock market bottomed in March and measures of consumer confidence have turned upward. This report shows that these better spirits are also appearing in the housing market," Mr. Blitzer commented.

In terms of annual declines, the three worst performing MSAs continue to be the same three from the Sunbelt. Phoenix was down 35.3% in April, Las Vegas declined 32.2% and San Francisco fell 28.0%. Denver, Dallas and Boston continue to fare the best in terms of annual declines down 4.9%, 5.0% and 7.7%, respectively. Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Portland and Seattle posted record annual declines in April. For the month Dallas was the best performer returning +1.7%, while Las Vegas was the worst performer down 3.5%.

Looking at the data from relative peaks-through-April 2009, Dallas has suffered the least, down 9.6% from its peak in June 2007; while Phoenix is down 54.1% from its peak in June of 2006. Excluding Dallas, all of the 20 metro areas are in double digit declines from their peaks, with 10 of the MSAs posting declines of greater than 30% and two of those - Phoenix and Las Vegas - in excess of 50%.

The table below summarizes the results for April 2009. The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices are revised for the 24 prior months, based on the receipt of additional source data. More than 21 years of history for these data series is available, and can be accessed in full by going to www.homeprice.standardandpoors.com.

Metropolitan April 2009 April/March March/February
Area Level Change (%) Change (%) 1-Year Change (%)
------------ ----- ---------- ---------- -----------------
Atlanta 105.36 0.3% -1.5% -14.8%
Boston 146.45 0.4% -2.0% -7.7%
Charlotte 118.69 -0.5% 0.3% -10.0%
Chicago 122.30 0.0% -3.1% -18.7%
Cleveland 98.07 1.2% -0.9% -10.5%
Dallas 114.39 1.7% 0.1% -5.0%
Denver 122.17 1.5% 0.1% -4.9%
Detroit 69.92 -1.5% -4.9% -25.4%
Las Vegas 112.39 -3.5% -3.8% -32.2%
Los Angeles 159.37 -0.9% -1.4% -21.3%
Miami 145.77 -2.0% -3.6% -27.3%
Minneapolis 108.63 -0.7% -5.9% -22.1%
New York 170.33 -1.7% -2.6% -12.5%
Phoenix 104.45 -2.2% -4.5% -35.3%
Portland 146.85 -0.6% -2.1% -16.0%
San Diego 144.43 -0.1% -1.5% -20.0%
San Francisco 118.46 0.6% -2.2% -28.0%
Seattle 149.38 0.2% -2.0% -16.8%
Tampa 140.41 -0.7% -2.7% -21.3%
Washington 167.30 0.8% -1.3% -16.9%
Composite-10 150.34 -0.7% -2.1% -18.0%
Composite-20 139.18 -0.6% -2.2% -18.1%
------------ ------ ---- ---- -----
Source: Standard & Poor's and Fiserv
Data through April 2009


The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices are published on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00 am ET. They are constructed to accurately track the price path of typical single-family homes located in each metropolitan area provided. Each index combines matched price pairs for thousands of individual houses from the available universe of arms-length sales data. The S&P/Case-Shiller National U.S. Home Price Index tracks the value of single-family housing within the United States. The index is a composite of single-family home price indices for the nine U.S. Census divisions and is calculated quarterly. The S&P/Case-Shiller Composite of 10 Home Price Index is a value-weighted average of the 10 original metro area indices. The S&P/Case-Shiller Composite of 20 Home Price Index is a value-weighted average of the 20 metro area indices. The indices have a base value of 100 in January 2000; thus, for example, a current index value of 150 translates to a 50% appreciation rate since January 2000 for a typical home located within the subject market.

These indices are generated and published under agreements between Standard & Poor's and Fiserv, Inc. The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices are produced by Fiserv, Inc. In addition to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, Fiserv also offers home price index sets covering thousands of zip codes, counties, metro areas, and state markets. The indices, published by Standard & Poor's, represent just a small subset of the broader data available through Fiserv.

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NAEBA Calls on Congress to Establish a Federal Mandate for Real Estate Agency Disclosure

/PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA) released a letter to Congress on Wednesday urging members to include real estate agency disclosure language in legislation relating to mortgage lending reform, including the Anti-Predatory Lending Act and the ongoing discussion over the formation of a Financial Products Safety Commission.

"Too many consumers have no idea that when they contact an agent listing a home, that agent must do everything possible to achieve the best outcome for the seller," stated John Sullivan, President. "As a result, these consumers have no one involved from the beginning of the transaction who can advise them on negotiating techniques, price points or the acquisition of an appropriate loan."

As Congress considers a range of measures to better inform consumers of their rights and responsibilities in the home buying process, NAEBA hopes to include clear, transparent and mandatory real estate agency disclosure language in legislative vehicles as they move forward.

"Clear, consistent and transparent real estate agency disclosure will help consumers better understand that there are many types of real estate agents, each of whom have responsibilities to different parties in a real estate transaction," stated Sullivan. "Common sense suggests that when an agent is representing a seller or, in the case of dual agency both parties, neither the buyer's nor seller's interests are fully served. Consumers need to have all the facts in hand in order to make informed decisions."

A recent NAEBA white paper titled "Consumer Protection and the Real Estate Industry," makes clear the extent of the problem. While the states have attempted to better inform consumers through state disclosure laws, inconsistencies in these laws, as well as lack of compliance and enforcement, have left most home buyers in the dark. In fact, three studies by the National Association of Realtors since 2002 show that only about 30 to 35% of home buyers actually receive agency disclosure statements at their first meeting with a licensee, a level that is virtually unchanged since it was first revealed by the FTC in their 1983 study.

NAEBA believes that, at a minimum, consumers should know what kind of agent they have and who specifically that agent is responsible to in the transaction. The organization is supporting language that will bring transparency to the process by:

-- making clear all types of agency representation available;
-- providing consistent definitions of agency throughout the country;
-- clarifying the time and method of disclosure;
-- obtaining written confirmation from the consumer that they have
received and understand the information; and
-- providing for enforcement with significant penalties


"In keeping with ongoing efforts to provide consumers with the tools they need to avoid foreclosures, we urge Congress to establish a federal requirement for real estate agency disclosure in the home buying process. Armed with the facts, the home buying public will be much better able to make informed and appropriate decisions - decisions that will impact their financial well-being for years," stated Sullivan. "We look forward to working with members of the U.S. House and Senate to help their constituents on this important issue."

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Isakson to Host First-Time Homebuyer’s Forum Event Will Feature Tips, Information on Home Buying Process

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. today announced he will host a statewide First-Time Homebuyer’s Forum on Saturday, June 27, 2009. The workshop will be held at the Busbee Center at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, Ga., from 10 a.m. until noon.

The forum is an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to hear from professionals on best practices for first-time homebuyers, federal and state tax incentives, how to choose a Realtor, and general information on the home purchasing process. Presenting organizations will include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Atlanta Board of Realtors and Gwinnett County also will be available to speak with attendees.

“I am honored to be able to offer this excellent opportunity to first-time homebuyers from across Georgia,” said Isakson. “As a Realtor myself for many years, I’m well aware of the value of a knowledgeable buyer. Information is power in home buying and negotiating. I encourage anyone interested in meeting with professionals in the field to participate.”

All persons who are interested in attending must make a reservation online at rsvp@isakson.senate.gov, or by contacting Isakson’s office at (770) 661-0999. All persons who wish to attend must do so by the registration deadline on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 5 p.m.
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Bullard Agent Named to Coldwell Banker Network's International President's Premier

Michelle Munda, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty’s Jonesboro/Clayton County office, has earned membership in the company's International President's Premier for 2008. Less than one percent of the more than 107,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system qualified for this distinguished award.

Munda was recognized for this distinguished honor at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference, held March 1-4 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex. The annual event united thousands of Coldwell Banker sales associates, brokers, managers and employees for an intensive professional development program and awards ceremony.

In other Coldwell Banker honors, Munda, who was with the company’s Griffin/Spalding County office last year, was No.3 in the Southern Region in Total Units for 2008 among agents from Coldwell Banker franchise companies.

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 McDonough, Jackson, Peachtree City, and Newnan, and a separate but affiliated company, Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers.

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

Even during a challenging real estate market, the Bullard organization has continued to grow, having added three companies, Coldwell Banker Joe T. Lane Realty, Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates and Century 21 Southern Crescent, through acquisitions since September of 2007.

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2007, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the eighth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,800 residential real estate offices and nearly 117,000 sales associates in 47 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 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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Peachtree Residential Moves up in Professional Builder’s Housing Giants Ranking

Peachtree Residential Properties, celebrating its 21st year of building homes in Metro Atlanta, moved up nine notches in the recently released 2009 Housing Giants report by Professional Builder. Peachtree Residential ranked number 152 on the annual listing of the largest builders in the United States based on closings and revenue.

“Our strong ranking demonstrates Peachtree Residential’s stability, which is a vital attribute for homebuyers to consider when purchasing a home,” said Mike Ruland, president of Peachtree Residential. “We remain successful because of our willingness to tailor homes to our buyers’ personal styles and our ability to provide quality, well-designed homes in highly sought-after locations.

“It obviously has been a rough year for the housing market,” Ruland continued, “so to move up in one of the most important industry rankings is a huge accomplishment. We convey Peachtree’s strength and stability to our prospective purchasers every day, but to see the proof in black and white in the Housing Giants report really provides them with that extra sense of security that they are making a smart buying decision from a builder who will be here for many years to come.”

To develop the 2009 Giant 400 ranking, Professional Builder identified the nation’s 400 largest builders based on the number of housing units closed in 2008. Those 400 builders were then sorted according to revenues. This year’s Giant 400 included just 350 builders, reflecting the economic climate.

Peachtree Residential Properties was founded in 1988 with a commitment to build quality homes with meticulous craftsmanship, custom designs and thoughtful touches. Building homes only in the most desirable Atlanta locations, Peachtree Residential is among Atlanta’s premier luxury builders. The company prides itself on offering design flexibility and Peachtree tailoring, enabling homes to be individualized to each buyer’s personal style without custom pricing. In fact, the company has earned a reputation as “the builder who listens.” A certified professional home builder, Peachtree Residential ensures that every home meets the "Foundation to Rooftop" Gold Standard of Approval. Excellence is something that will never change at Peachtree Residential. For more information, visit www.peachtreeresidential.com.
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Isakson Continues Push to Stimulate Housing Market

Introduces Legislation to Expand Tax Credit for Homebuyers, Cites Endorsement by Business Roundtable

Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the real estate industry, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today introduced legislation to invigorate housing demand and to boost the economy by expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit passed by Congress earlier year.

“The first-time homebuyer tax credit has made a difference. First-time home buyers used it and the market stabilized, but we don't have a recession in first-time home buyers. We have a recession in the move-up market,” Isakson said. “One of the biggest problems facing the American people today is an illiquid housing market, a decline in their equity, a decline in their net worth and a depression in the housing market that we are obligated to correct if we possibly can.”

Specifically, Isakson’s legislation would increase the maximum amount of the credit from $8,000 to $15,000 and expand the current tax credit so that it applies to any buyer of any home, not just first-time buyers. The legislation also would eliminate the income caps of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a couple under the current tax credit so that there is no income limit for eligibility. Finally, the amendment would extend the tax credit for one year from date of enactment and would still allow homebuyers to claim the credit on their 2009 tax return for purchases made in 2010.

“The man who is transferred from Missouri to Georgia can't sell his house in Missouri, can't come to Georgia and can't take the transfer. His employer can't afford to buy the house and hold it for him because of the proliferation of inventory that is owned,” Isakson said. “Today, in the United States, one in two sales made every day is a short sale or a foreclosure. That is an unhealthy market, and it is continuing to precipitate a downward spiral in values, loss of equity by the American people and a protracted, difficult economic time for our country.”

Isakson immediately picked up a bipartisan group of co-sponsors for his legislation, including Senators Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Jim Bunning, R-Ky., Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., Chris Dodd, D-Conn., John Ensign, R-Nev., Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, James Risch, R-Idaho, and David Vitter, R-La.

In addition, the National Association of Realtors and the Housing Working Group of Business Roundtable today endorsed Isakson’s efforts to expand the current homebuyer tax credit as part of recommendations to help return stability and growth to the U.S. housing market.

In announcing its endorsement of the expansion of the homebuyer tax credit as well as other recommendations to boost the housing market, Richard A. Smith, President and CEO of Realogy Corporation and Chair of Business Roundtable’s Housing Working Group, said, “We recognize the earlier efforts made by the Administration and Congress, but strongly recommend taking additional steps to jumpstart the lagging housing market in order to stimulate a broader economic recovery. If the housing market is not corrected or stabilized, the tide of the recession is not likely to reverse in the near term, and the slide in the economy overall will continue. We believe targeted, demand-side solutions – such as the ones Business Roundtable is recommending today – will provide a critical next step for a housing recovery that will help create jobs and boost the economy as a whole.”

Isakson has pushed hard for a non-repayable tax credit for homebuyers because he knows that it will work. In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction. Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson, who was in the real estate industry in Atlanta at the time, says the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

Isakson spent more than three decades in the real estate business, beginning his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County, Ga., office of a small, family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. Isakson later served as president of Northside for 20 years, presiding over the company’s growth into the largest independent residential real estate brokerage company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.
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Bullard, Its Offices and Agents Gain Top Spots in Coldwell Banker Rankings for 1st Quarter

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty, its offices and agents once again earned high positions in quarterly rankings for residential affiliates released by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. The latest rankings were for 1st Quarter 2009.

In national rankings of Top 50 offices, the company placed No. 40 in Adjusted Gross Commission Income among 1,282 participating companies.

Among Top 10 Offices in the Southern Region, Coldwell Banker Bullard’s McDonough/Henry County office placed No 7 among offices with 51 to 100 sales associates.

In state of Georgia Top 5 Office rankings, the results for Bullard were as follows:

Selling Units - McDonough/Henry County office, No. 5.
Total Units - McDonough/Henry County office, No. 3.
Listing Units - McDonough/Henry County office, No. 2; Jonesboro/Clayton County office, No. 5.

Current Bullard organization representatives placing in the Top 10 in state of Georgia rankings for agents were as follows:

Selling Units (Team) - The Penny Henderson Team, McDonough/Henry County office, No. 9; The Clowdus Team, McDonough/Henry County office, No. 10.
Adjusted Gross Commission Income (Individual) - Tammi Lamb, McDonough/Henry County office, No. 2.

Selling Units (Individual) - Tammi Lamb, McDonough/Henry County office, No. 4.
Total Units (Individual) - Tammi Lamb, McDonough/Henry County office, No.1; Steven Dickens, Newnan/Coweta County office, No. 5; Michelle Munda, Jonesboro/Clayton County office, No. 6; Cynthia Brown, Jonesboro/Clayton County office, No. 9.

Listing Units (Individual) - Tammi Lamb, McDonough/Henry County office, No. 1; Steven Dickens, Newnan/Coweta County office, No. 6; Cynthia Brown, Jonesboro/Clayton County office, No. 8.

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

The oldest and largest real estate company headquartered in the Metro South area of Atlanta, Coldwell Banker Bullard has its headquarters in Jonesboro.
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U.S. Home Remodeling Hits Bottom in First Quarter 2009 - Starts Showing Signs of Recovery

/PRNewswire/ -- Recent surveys and reports show a picture of the home remodeling industry that is a mixed bag of good news and bad according to home remodeling website www.remodelormove.com.

The bad news, the most recent RemodelorMove.com Remodeling Permit Activity Report shows a 20% decline in the number of remodeling permits issued during the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same quarter in 2008. The survey of 5,000 homeowners considering remodeling is conducted semi-annually.

The first bright spot for the home remodeling industry comes from the first quarter 2009 report, which shows an increase of 5% in the number of homeowners who stated they will probably remodel in the next 12 months. This is the first increase reported in this benchmark measure of future remodeling plans since 2007, when more than 90% of the homeowners who were thinking about remodeling reported they would probably remodel in the next 12 months. Since 2007, this measure of homeowner sentiment has fallen steadily, first when home prices leveled off, then when home prices began to decline, and again following the start of the current recession.

The second bright spot for the home remodeling industry is that the cost to remodel is now 20% less than it was in 2006, the result of savings from a variety of sources, including the economic stimulus package, reductions in prices for many materials and home products, and lower bids from contractors as they compete to keep their work crews busy. Details on these savings opportunities are available at www.remodelormove.com.

Other findings from the First Quarter 2009 Remodeling Sentiment Report include:

-- 82% of respondents said the cost to remodel is their biggest concern;
-- 12% of respondents planned to use economical materials when they
remodel, while 12% plan to use expensive materials, and the remaining
76% will use standard-priced materials;
-- 89% of respondents are changing their remodeling plans because of the
current economic recession.

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