Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta Receives $3.5 Million Grant to Support Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Efforts

/PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta today announced that it has received a $3.5 million grant to support its national foreclosure prevention counseling efforts in several metropolitan areas. The much-needed boost will enable CCCS of Greater Atlanta to provide more foreclosure counseling than ever before to homeowners in danger of foreclosure.

"This grant will enable us to help homeowners in metropolitan areas that have been hit hardest by the nation's foreclosure crisis," said Suzanne Boas, president of CCCS of Greater Atlanta. "At no cost to the homeowner, counseling provides people with information and resources to help them avoid foreclosure. This is most effective when they reach out for help shortly after they become delinquent on their mortgage payments. We hope people concerned about foreclosure will call us for assistance at 800-251-2227."

Funds from this grant will enable CCCS of Greater Atlanta to conduct 18,400 foreclosure prevention counseling sessions. Based on the agency's historic client distribution, the 10 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) that will benefit most from the grant are: Atlanta, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, New York/Northern New Jersey, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Chicago, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Riverside/San Bernardino, Calif., and Phoenix.

The grant to support CCCS of Greater Atlanta's foreclosure intervention efforts was provided by funds from the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program. The initial funding was provided by Congress in the fiscal 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Additional funding was provided through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009.

The National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program is administered through a competitive application process by NeighborWorks® America, within guidelines defined by Congressional legislation. NeighborWorks America is an independent, Congressionally-chartered non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to provide access to sustainable homeownership and safe, affordable rental housing.

The $3.5 million grant is the highest amount awarded to any single organization by NeighborWorks America. Four other nonprofit housing organizations also received $3.5 million.

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Mortgage Programs Fall Short in Keeping Homeowners out of Foreclosure

Economists debate whether or not the country is actually currently in a recession. Some say that there are positive signs that we have reached the bottom and the economy is turning around. Others, however, suggest that the country still has a long way to go and it may be years yet before we truly reach financial recovery. Regardless of who is right though, one thing is clear: many people are facing significant financial hardships and need help now.

For many, the place they need the most help is keeping their homes out of foreclosure. The sub-prime mortgage disaster has left many people unable to make their monthly payments and facing the prospect of losing their homes.

In an effort to prevent the national economy from worsening and help alleviate some of the suffering felt by homeowners, the Obama Administration introduced the "Making Homes Affordable" plan last March. So far, however, the plan has failed to have the effect the Administration claimed it would, reaching far fewer homeowners than the millions promised.

Federal Programs to Refinance and Restructure Mortgages

Making Homes Affordable created two programs meant to help homeowners keep their homes out of foreclosure by either refinancing or restructuring their home loan debt.

The first program, the Home Affordable Refinance Program(HARP), is meant to help those homeowners who want to refinance their mortgages, but are unable to secure traditional refinancing because their home has lost value in the depressed market. HARP is only open to homeowners who have their loans owned or guaranteed by the government-run Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Additionally, refinancing through HARP will not lower or otherwise impact the principal owed on the loan.

Other eligibility requirements of the refinancing program include:
-Homeowners must be current on their mortgage payments
-Homeowners cannot have been more than 30 days late on a payment within the last 12 months
-The amount owed on the first mortgage cannot be more than 125% of the current market value of the home
-The homeowner must be able to demonstrate a reasonable ability to pay the refinanced amount

The second program, the Home Affordable Modification Program(HAMP), applies to homeowners who are delinquent in the mortgage payments and either in foreclosure or facing the immediate threat of foreclosure. Once a homeowner's application is in review for the program, any foreclosure proceedings against him or her must be stayed until an eligibility decision is made.

To be eligible for HAMP, homeowners must demonstrate a financial hardship that makes it impossible for them to meet their mortgage obligations. This financial hardship may include things like unemployment and medical expenses. Some of the other qualifications homeowners must meet include:
-The unpaid principal balance on a single home cannot be more than $729,000
-The monthly mortgage payment must be more than 31% of the homeowner's monthly pre-tax income
-The first mortgage on the home must have originated on or after January 1, 2009
-The home must be the primary residence

If the homeowner has more than one mortgage lien on the property, only the first mortgage is eligible for modification under the program.

Criticisms of the Federal Programs

Even as the federal government continues to laud the successes of its Making Homes Affordable programs, those who have sought acceptance into either program are telling a different story. Some of the chief criticisms of the federal mortgage programs include:
- The programs are not helping as many people as the Administration claimed they would. According to reports, only 6% of the 4 million eligible homeowners are participating in the refinancing or restructuring programs. As of September, 88% of the 1 million ARM mortgages had not been modified or refinanced. Only 575,000 homeowners have been offered a trial program and of those, only 360,000 currently are underway.
- The programs only are mandatory for federal lenders and not private ones. Right now, private lenders like Bank of America and Citigroup are not required to participate in either program. Given that private lenders hold 85% of the 14 million mortgages in the country, their participation is necessary to offer any real relief.
- Voluntary involvement by private lenders is limited. Even though the federal government is pushing private lenders to become more involved - and giving them bail-out money as an incentive - the participation rates by private banks and other lenders are still low. Recent reports put JP Morgan Chase at the top of the list, having enrolled 20% of its eligible customers in the federal program. Wells Fargo and Bank of America round-out the bottom of the list with 6% and 4% respective enrollment.
- The process itself is difficult for homeowners. When homeowners are deemed eligible to participate in the program, they are buried under paperwork and may be forced to wait months before they obtain final approval. Many private lenders do not have the resources or personnel to handle the onslaught of requests, leading to lost documents, duplicate requests and long waits. The process is confusing at best, making it not worth the hassle for some frustrated homeowners.
- The programs do not offer relief to those who need it most.Arguably the biggest problem with the program is that it fails to help those in the worst financial straits. Homeowners behind in their payments are not eligible for the refinancing option. Those who qualify for the restructuring option must be able to make three payments on-time during the trial period in order to secure final approval for the restructured mortgage. If they fail to do so, they are dropped from the trial program and their home is subject to foreclosure. It stands to reason that an option should be made available for those in the worst financial conditions who cannot meet the eligibility requirements for either program.

Conclusion

People who have found themselves behind on their mortgages and facing foreclosure have other options besides seeking participation in one of the federally-sponsored Making Homes Affordable programs. Lenders have created their own refinancing and restructuring programs for many homeowners. If a bank program is not an option, homeowners may be able to keep their home out of foreclosure by negotiating a private settlement with the lender or filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.

Even though the unemployment and foreclosure numbers in Louisiana are considered moderate when compared to other states, this does not mean people in the state are not suffering from the economic downturn. According to the Louisiana Economic Vital statistics, foreclosures in Louisiana increased by 46% in August 2009 over the prior month. For more information on your legal options to reduce debt, contact an experienced attorney.

Article provided by Grand Law Firm
Visit us at www.grandlawfirm.com

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Valerie Levin Promoted to Recruiting Director at Prudential Georgia Realty

Real estate professional Valerie Levin has just been promoted to senior recruiting director at Prudential Georgia Realty. With the firm since the start of 2007, she previously served as assistant broker and part-time recruiter at the firm’s Midtown office. Levin will continue to be based out of the Midtown location on Peachtree Street, but will oversee agent recruitment around metro Atlanta for Prudential’s nearly two dozen branch offices.

Possessing more than 20 years real estate sales and management experience, Valerie also has experience as a legal headhunter. She plans to put this experience and her knowledge of the Atlanta real estate market to good use in the continued expansion of Prudential Georgia Realty’s 1,200-agent sales team.

“My plan is to focus on seasoned talent who are serious about their business, but are not being given the numerous technology, training and agent support tools offered by Prudential,” said Valerie Levin. Her vision also includes creating enough need to add two additional recruiters under her by the end of 2010.

Valerie got her start in the real estate industry by making prospecting calls for a top producer in real estate while working her way through college. She quickly got the real estate bug and never looked back. “Real estate is and always will be a wonderful career for self-motivated individuals. Regardless, of what you may hear in the media, if you have good support as we do at Prudential and are willing to put in the time prospecting and networking, you will be a success!”

Valerie is a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors, where she is a life member of the board’s Million Dollar Club for high annual sales production, the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. She earned her broker’s license in 1989, her Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation and invested her time and money in a personal business coaching program with the well-known Mike Ferry organization. “Prudential has their own business coach for their agents and all it costs the agents is their willingness to be held accountable. Quite progressive thinking,” says Levin.

“Prudential is committed to maintaining and expanding its sales team with the best agents in metro Atlanta. Right now, we are probably one of very few real estate firms in the area, if not the only real estate company, to commit to having a full-time recruiting director,” said Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman.

For more information about becoming an agent at Prudential Georgia Realty, visit www.PrudentialGA.com to learn about the complete menu of agent services, the firm’s DreamBuilder and TeamBuilder programs and the numerous ways the firm is at the forefront of technology in the region. To contact Senior Recruiting Director Valerie Levin for a confidential career consultation, call her directly at 404-879-7009 or e-mail vlevin@PrudentialGeorgia.com.

Prudential Georgia Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., Prudential Georgia Realty placed 43rd for most 2008 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2009 Power Broker Report. It is the 12th largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America.

Prudential Georgia Realty recently became the first large brokerage company in the nation to win the Realtor.com Online Marketing Award of Excellence. For five consecutive years, the Atlanta-based firm has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. Prudential Georgia Realty annually has real estate sales well in excess of $1.5 billion and just completed its 45th year serving metro Atlanta. Search all available properties including Atlanta new homes and Atlanta foreclosures at PrudentialGA.com.

To learn more about the state of the Atlanta real estate market, visit www.atlantarealestate2009.com to view a quarterly-updated, information-filled video by Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman with local housing market outlook details.
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J. P. King Auction Company to Sell Historic Thomasville Georgia Plantation at Real Estate Auction

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Historic Coalson Plantation in Thomasville, Ga., will sell at real estate auction on-site on Thursday, October 8 at 1 p.m. J. P. King Auction Company, the nation’s leading real estate auction company specializing in high-value properties, is managing the auction of the plantation. The Coalson Plantation will sell to the highest bidder.

“The Coalson Plantation has an authentic Southern Charm that truly takes its visitors back to an era gone by,” said Craig King, president & CEO of J. P. King Auction Company. “The historic plantation has 33 guest rooms with 35 full bathrooms and 13 half bathrooms, making it a prime candidate for a resort in renowned Thomasville.”

The historic mansion is located on 37+/- acres and was originally constructed in the 1800’s. The property features all of the luxury amenities of an elite resort including a fitness center, pool house, Showboat Theater, six brick cottages, honeymoon suite, equestrian facility, tennis court, private gardens and a commercial kitchen. The plantation will sell fully furnished including maintenance and workout equipment.

“This historical plantation is a true treasure with all of its different property themes throughout,” said majority owner Jim Steiner. “The property is perfect for entertaining family or corporate retreats. The numerous amenities including the main house, village and Showboat Theatre can easily accommodate a large party and still provide a feeling of quaint intimacy.”

The Plantation features include:

* Main house was originally built in 1825. It has 11 guest suites and includes a commercial kitchen.
* Honeymoon Suite has historic antique columns with 10-foot ceilings. It includes a bathroom with double sinks and double-jetted tub.
* Showboat Theatre was designed to resemble the stage of Broadway’s Showboat Theatre. The Theatre was built in 1934 and hosted the first private screening of Gone with the Wind.
* Village at Coalson is walking distance from the Main House. It is comprised of six brick cottages with Georgian Revival architecture and includes the Bowden Presidential Suite with wet bar, large-screen television and theatre surrounds system.

Thomasville is known as the City of Roses and famous for its quail hunting. Downtown Thomasville is located only minutes from Coalson Plantation and offers exceptional shopping and dining while remaining only a 30-minute drive to all the sporting and recreational events of Tallahassee, Fla.

For more information about the upcoming auction, individuals may contact J. P. King Auction Co. at 800.558.5464 or visit the company’s Web site at www.jpking.com.

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Rasmussen on First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credits

Most Like Tax Credits for First-Time Home Buyers, But 47% Oppose Continuing Them

Most Americans favor the soon-to-expire program that provides first-time home buyers with tax credits of up to $8,000, at least until they hear how much it costs. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of adults support the tax-credit program passed by Congress to help the sluggish U.S. housing market. Just 24% oppose it, with 18% not sure.

Most Like Tax Credits for First-Time Home Buyers, But 47% Oppose Continuing Them

Bowen Family Homes’ Model Home at Stonehaven Terrace for Sale

Fully furnished townhome move-in ready

Bowen Family Homes recently announced that its fully furnished model home at its Stonehaven Terrace community in Cumming is on the market. The beautifully designed, 1799 square-foot home includes three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bathroom and is priced to sell at $174,900.

The furnished home is a highly sought after end unit and comes complete with window treatments, furniture and appliances. Homebuyers will be impressed by the townhome’s cozy center family room and corner fireplace that is welcoming not only for its owner, but guests and out of town relatives as well. A spacious kitchen and bright Morning Room, makes this an ideal location for homeowners who love to spend time in the kitchen.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is interested in a country club style lifestyle without the country club style prices,” said Kelly Fink, Bowen Family Homes’ marketing director. “The home comes beautifully furnished, which will lower the eventual homeowner’s cost dramatically.”

The unique master planned community that features150 townhomes, offers over 10 acres of recreational amenities, including an elegant clubhouse where families can gather and entertain. A junior Olympic pool with slide and an aquatic play park where young children can splash, to multipurpose fields where residents can go for a pick-up game of their favorite sport, also highlight this Forsyth County community. 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 features a dog park where residents can take their four-legged friends for playtime and to meet with their neighbors.

Families residing at Stonehaven Terrace are served by Whitlow Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High schools. The community is located only 2 miles to The Avenue at Forsyth and is only minutes from GA 400. 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 Terrace is half of a mile on the right. For more information on Stonehaven Terrace call on-site sales agent David Kunis at (770) 844-0779 or 1-877 MY BOWEN.

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, twitter.com/bowenfamilyhome, Facebook, www.facebook.com/bowenfamilyhomes 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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Prudential Georgia Realty Announces New Leadership Team for its Midtown Office

Experienced real estate professionals Dale Modica and Anne Miller have joined Prudential Georgia Realty as the broker team for the Midtown office. The branch, located at 1409 Peachtree Street in Atlanta, has been an award-winning office within the company.

Formerly the broker team at the Harry Norman Realtors Intown office, Dale will serve as managing broker and Anne is the assistant broker. They will continue to expand the office’s team of real estate professionals and are actively interviewing experienced agents who wish to join a local real estate firm at the forefront of technology and agent training.

“We have watched Prudential grow and prosper inside the perimeter. Their technology and resources for agents are second to none in the area,” said Dale Modica. “And now, as part of the Prudential management team, we can’t wait to lead and grow the Midtown office.”

They each have nearly 25 years real estate experience, are members of the Atlanta Board of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Dale is a life member of the Atlanta Board’s Million Dollar Club, earning its Phoenix Award in 1997, and serves on the Board’s Grievance Committee. Anne is an Atlanta native and Georgia State University graduate.

“Prudential is excited about the opportunity to continue to expand our presence in the Midtown, Intown, Decatur and Buckhead markets. Our company has made significant gains in market share over the past two years,” said Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman. “Our innovations in property marketing, agent skills development, technology and agent support are showing in real results for our associates.”

Among these innovations are adding a Job Loss Protection program for home buyers in June (details at www.getjoblossprotection.com); online property search options in several languages; ability to save these searches and receive e-mail notifications when new listings match search criteria; and online search capabilities at www.PrudentialGA.com for foreclosure and bank-owned (REO) properties.

For more information about the Midtown and Intown real estate market or foreclosure properties, call the Prudential Georgia Realty Midtown office at 404-266-8100 or visit www.Midtown.PrudentialGA.com.

Prudential Georgia Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., Prudential Georgia Realty placed 43rd for most 2008 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2009 Power Broker Report. It is the 12th largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America.

Prudential Georgia Realty recently became the first large brokerage company in the nation to win the Realtor.com Online Marketing Award of Excellence. For the last five consecutive years, the Atlanta-based firm has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. Prudential Georgia Realty annually has real estate sales well in excess of $1.5 billion and just completed its 45th year serving metro Atlanta. The company has some 23 locations in metro Atlanta and 1,200 Realtors. Search all available properties including Atlanta new homes and Atlanta foreclosures at PrudentialGA.com. To learn more about the state of the Atlanta real estate market, visit www.atlantarealestate2009.com to view a quarterly-updated, information-filled video by Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman with local housing market outlook details.
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Construction Resources Joins Elite Artisan Group

Atlanta Kitchen is Georgia's only provider of premium Artisan Stone Collection countertops

Construction Resources, Inc. is proud to be selected as a member of the Artisan Group, a national organization of over 30 independent granite fabricators who have joined together to offer Artisan Stone Collection™, the first and only brand of granite wholly owned by Artisan Group, with a comprehensive lifetime warranty, Heritage Wood™ countertops and Kohler® sinks and faucets. The Artisan Stone Collection™ is the first and only natural stone countertop with a residential limited lifetime warranty, available in Georgia exclusively through Construction Resources' Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. The collection includes a choice of 25 unique stones from sources around the world, each with their own natural characteristics.

Artisan Group members are dedicated to the art and craft of working with natural stone to create countertops of lasting beauty. Members like Construction Resources offer the highest quality granite and wood surfaces from all over the globe and use proven and accredited manufacturing techniques to fabricate and install stunning countertops that will last a lifetime. All Artisan Group members must achieve accreditation from the Marble Institute of America further ensuring absolute perfect craftsmanship.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Artisan Group because with it, we are able to offer the industry’s first and most comprehensive lifetime warranty, ensuring that homeowners are making a wise investment that will bring years of satisfaction and tremendous value. We are certain that this is something that customers will embrace,” says Mitch Hires of Construction Resources. “The partnership also gives us the advantage of the Artisan Stone Collection, which is backed by the people who choose the slab, fabricate and install it and own the brand. Because we share best practices and buying power we are able to offer unbeatable prices and the best warranties in the industry.”

In addition to the Artisan Stone Collection, Artisan Group members offer Heritage Wood, a line of custom, high-end, solid wood countertops. The Heritage Wood line includes extensive choices from the world's finest domestic, exotic and reclaimed woods. When properly treated, solid wood surfaces are waterproof, heat- resistant, stain-resistant, sanitary, food safe and low maintenance.
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Veritas Homes Sees Exceptional Success at Water Stone Crossing

Georgia builder sells 29 new townhomes in six months at suburban Atlanta community

Ask this small home builder about Georgia's troubled housing market and you might not believe his response. Veritas Homes, a Georgia-based design/build home building company has seen phenomenal success at Hall County's Water Stone Crossing, selling 29 new townhomes there in the first seven months of 2009. Water Stone Crossing is a 200-unit Flowery Branch community with townhomes priced from $99,900.

“It is the affordability and value of the homes at Water Stone Crossing that has made the community such a success.” says John Gatlin, president of Veritas Homes.

“The homes at Water Stone are perfect for first time buyers, families and retirees looking for a quiet community of friendly neighbors, great amenities and a new home, at a price that competes with resale homes,” continues Randall Moore, director of sales and marketing of Veritas Homes. At Water Stone, buyers can get the quality and security of a new home built by Veritas Homes at or lower than resale home prices.”

Water Stone Crossing is located just off I-985 and offers 1,600 and up square foot townhomes with single-car garages. Homes are built with either three bedrooms or two master suites and include top of the line standard features such as tile backsplashes and crown molding. Hardwood floors, fireplaces, cultured marble vanities, 9-foot first-floor ceilings and vaulted ceilings are also available.

Amenities at Water Stone include a pool and cabana, park, fully equipped playground, basketball court and double sidewalks. The community has a homeowners association that covers lawn maintenance, as well as amenity and common area maintenance. Children at Water Stone attend Flowery Branch Elementary, West Hall Middle and West Hall High schools.

To visit Water Stone, take I-985 North to Exit 12 (Spout Springs Road) and turn left. Turn right on Thurman Tanner Road and left on Cantrell Road. Water Stone Crossing is on the right.

Georgia-based Veritas Homes is a family owned company founded on family and Christian morals. The knowledgeable staff at Veritas Homes averages over 20 years experience in the home building industry. Veritas Homes has four outstanding subdivisions destined to be reputable, quality living areas: Sycamore Glen, Lynnfield Park, Creekside at Pinecrest and Sandy Creek. The goal at Veritas Homes is to provide quality homes that will facilitate their client’s needs, making their dreams come true. For more information on Veritas Homes, call 770-614-4698 or visit www.veritashomes.net.
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Windsong Properties Introduces New Floorplan at Somerset

Active Adult Builder announces Worthington model

Windsong Properties, Atlanta’s premier active adult courtyard home builder, is proud to announce its newest floorplan, the Worthington Model at its Somerset community in Woodstock. The floorplan includes 2269 square feet of heated living space with an additional 271 square feet of attic space. Currently priced at $286,000, the model includes three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms with the option of adding a garden tub in the master bath. The floorplan expertly designed to suit the specific needs of active adults, features 9-foot ceilings with crown molding and hardwood floors in the main living areas.

“We offer active adults the opportunity to choose from five different floorplans at our Somerset community,” said Steve Romeyn, managing partner of Windsong Communities. “Recently, we have seen an increase of homebuyers interested in our Worthington Model site unseen. We have sold three in the last two and half weeks alone.”

Somerset previously offered four ranch-style floorplans: the Hamilton, the Lexington, the Hampton and the Drayton. The Hamilton floorplan features ten-foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two and one half baths while the Lexington is slightly larger with ten-foot ceilings, three bedrooms and three baths. The Hampton, similar to the Hamilton includes 9-foot ceilings, three bedrooms, three bathrooms with the option of either a study or dining room. The Drayton floorplan, similar to the Worthington includes ten-foot ceilings, three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms and the option of adding a sun room or upstairs bonus room.

Windsong distinguishes themselves from other active adult builders by offering buyers the opportunity to make structural modifications to their home plans. All of the homes at Somerset offer elegant details, such as private courtyards with garden retreats; rocking chair front porches; ten-foot ceilings with crown molding; and large master suites with baths that have separate vanities, garden tubs, tile showers with seats and ceramic tile floors.

Every home that Windsong Properties builds meets EasyLiving Homes© standards – no-step access, wide doorways, lever handles, and other amenities that facilitate changing life situations. All of the homes at Somerset are qualified by Southface as EarthCraft Home© and Energy Star certified. This assures that the homes have a lower cost to operate, are healthier and more comfortable and reduce the impact on the environment.

Somerset is located just two and a half miles west of I-575. Take I-75 North to I-575 North to Exit 8. Travel west on Towne Lake Parkway, staying straight on Eagle Drive. Turn left off Eagle Drive onto Putnam Ford Road. Somerset is half a mile on the left.

Locally owned, Windsong Properties was founded by Mark Carruth and Managing Partner, Steve Romeyn. The two bring more than 50 years of local building experience to Windsong Properties, “Where Life’s a Breeze.” As empty nesters themselves, Mark and Steve have first hand knowledge of the desires of active adults and are passionate about creating communities and homes for empty nesters. Every decision made at Windsong Properties, from the design of the community and its amenities to the award winning floor plans and the unique customer service approach, is targeted to the 50-plus, empty nester group.

Windsong Properties earned the highest honor from the Certified Professional Home Builders association in 2007 and 2008 when it was awarded the Customer Satisfaction Award. They were also recipients of four gold OBIE awards in 2008. The OBIE Awards are presented by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council to honor excellence in building in Greater Atlanta. It is the highest honor given in the Atlanta housing industry.

Windsong Properties invites you to visit one of its two communities and see for yourself just how easy living the Windsong Lifestyle can be. For more information, call 770-516-3409 or visit www.windsonglife.com.
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mRELEVANCE Launches HBA Blog at NAHB's Executive Officers Council Conference

mRELEVANCE is excited to announce its launch of www.HBABlog.com, a new blogging platform designed specifically for home builders associations. HBA Blog was officially launched at the 2009 National Association of Home Builders Executive Officers Council (EOC) Conference in Louisville, Ky. The EOC Seminar provides high-level association management education and motivation specifically related to the home building industry. Managing Partners Mitch Levinson and Carol Flammer unveiled the program during their social media session, Social Media Lab: Building a Social Media Program from the Ground Up, to executive officers and senior staff of state and local home building associations.

HBA Blog is a free blog platform for home builders associations that will help increase the online visibility for associations and their members. Created by building industry professionals and supported by local industry experts, HBA Blog allows associations to share information about their chapters, councils, education events, executive officer and government relations news and more. HBA Blog members also enjoy the added benefit of being able to follow other associations across the nation.

Levinson says, “We created this platform to make blogging easy for HBAs. Best of all, with the mRELEVANCE team supporting the site, HBAs will have support from industry insiders along the way.”

“Many HBAs are interested in blogging and launching social media programs. HBA Blog will provide them with their first step toward online success,” commented Flammer.

HBA Blog is completely customizable and offers eye-catching themes, helpful widgets, podcasts, videos, photos and more. Support comes in three-tiered service plans, offering associations as much or as little support as needed.

For more information, visit www.HBABlog.com.
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Atlanta Kitchen the Official Countertop of the Golf Club of Georgia

Atlanta Kitchen, Inc., the Southeast's top provider of premium countertops, is now the Official Countertop of the Golf Club of Georgia, again demonstrating their extensive range in capabilities and products. The company recently took part in a total makeover of the Clubhouse, which included the replacement of the existing wooden bar by Atlanta Kitchen with new eco-friendly Cambria countertops in the color Brownhill. Atlanta Kitchen is a leading fabricator of quartz, granite, natural stone and solid surface countertops and a one-stop shop for all residential and commercial kitchen needs for home builders and remodelers.

Cambria is an elegant and practical natural quartz surface that can be used in countertops, floor tile, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wet bars, showers, etc. It has the natural look and feel of granite, but with superior performance because of its strength and durability. It is maintenance-free and nonporous and will not absorb food and liquids like other stone surfaces.

“The bar probably would have been replaced with another wood countertop until the designers learned of Cambria and its many advantages,” said Mitch Hires of Atlanta Kitchen. “We were working together with the same designers on another project for which we used Cambria, and the designers saw the strength, beauty and performance of Cambria on that project, and decided to use Cambria on the renovation of the Clubhouse.”

“The Cambria product is absolutely beautiful and the installation by Atlanta Kitchen was flawless,” says Jeff Paton, Director of Golf and General Manager of the Club. “It has completely changed the look of the main bar area and continues to draw rave reviews and comments from both members and guests.” The grand opening of the newly renovated club house took place in late June during the Club's Member-Guest tournament.

The Golf Club of Georgia is purely a golf club, embracing the game's traditions and presenting championship conditions every day. Since 1990, The Golf Club of Georgia has stood for unmatched service, camaraderie and hospitality and an unrelenting devotion to daily turf quality and performance. The private Club offers two Arthur Hills-designed courses.

Construction Resources, Inc. is a 39-year-old company that provides residential and commercial builders/remodelers, as well as homeowners with a one-stop shop for their kitchen and bath needs. The staff at Construction Resources, Inc. has the ability to provide products from several sister companies including Atlanta Marble Mfg., Atlanta Kitchen, Inc., Atlanta Glass & Mirror, Inc. and Atlanta Garage Doors & Fireplaces, LLC. By offering a diverse selection, Construction Resources, Inc. allows customers to simplify their ordering, scheduling and vendor process by dealing with just one salesperson and company rather than multiple salespersons and companies. Construction Resources, Inc. has four showroom locations throughout the surrounding Atlanta area including Acworth, Alpharetta, Decatur and Lake Oconee. For more information on Construction Resources, Inc., call 404-419-1259 or visit http://www.constructionresourcesusa.com/.
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Brookhaven at Johns Creek to Hold Open House Event August 15

Home tours, exhibits, music, raffle and dinner planned

Jim Chapman Communities is pleased to announce an open house event at its Brookhaven at Johns Creek community on Saturday, August 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will include a meet and greet with homeowners, a tour of model homes as well as exhibits including a display by local artist Becky Volpp that will feature homemade gift cards and enclosures. Dinner provided by JR’s Log House Restaurant is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Music and numerous raffles that you aren’t going to want to miss will also be occurring at this time. Those wishing to attend may RSVP by calling Gail Laney at 770-402-1876.

“We are looking forward to a wonderful afternoon and evening at Brookhaven at Johns Creek, said Jim Chapman. “We have numerous activities planned for the day. If you are interested in learning more about our community, I hope that you will join us for a fun day of activities, food and entertainment.”

Brookhaven at Johns Creek features Jim Chapman Communities’ signature two and three bedroom quad ranch condos as well as two- to four-bedroom single family home floor plans. Bonus rooms with full baths, great rooms with fireplaces and kitchen upgrades are also available. Homes are all-brick and stone construction with inviting front porches, vaulted ceilings and oversized master suites.

Residents enjoy two lighted tennis courts, walking trails, a beautiful heated pool, outdoor fireplace and clubhouse with exercise room and kitchen, as well as activities such as themed parties, holiday get-togethers and planned excursions, coordinated by the communities’ lifestyles director. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is 100 percent fenced for security with a gated entrance with remote openers.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is located in the highly sought-after North Fulton area between Peachtree Parkway (GA 141) and McGinnis Ferry Road on Technology Circle. From Atlanta take I-85 North to I-285 West and Exit 31B, (GA 141 North-Cumming/Dahlonega). Bear left on GA 141 North to Johns Creek. Turn right on McGinnis Ferry Road, and then right on Technology Circle. Community is approximately one-half mile on left.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in Buckhead in 1998. Today, Jim Chapman Communities applies to the active adult market the same quality and service standards Jim Chapman developed while building luxury homes. Jim Chapman Communities currently builds elegant yet affordable one-level ranch condominiums and detached homes in communities across metro Atlanta including Douglas, Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton and Forsyth counties. Planning and delivering extraordinary communities designed for the active adult lifestyle, Jim Chapman Communities offers Well-Earned Elegance for today’s active adults. For more information on Jim Chapman Communities, call (770) 319-7474 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.
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Bowen Family Homes E-Incentive for Realtors A Success

Facebook page reaches 200 new Realtor fans in five days

Bowen Family Homes’ most recent social media program, that included presenting new Realtor fans on Facebook with a $10 Starbucks gift card, was well received as was evident by the more than 200 Realtors that signed up as fans of the Bowen Family Homes’ corporate Facebook page in less than five days.

“We are excited that we were able to connect with so many Realtors on Facebook so quickly,” said Kelly Fink, marketing director at Bowen Family Homes. “We hope that Facebook will be a great way for us to keep Realtors updated about our current events and available homes.”

To receive a $10 Starbucks gift card, realtors had to log into their Facebook account and become a “fan” of the Bowen Family Homes’ corporate page. Once they became a “fan” realtors were asked to post one thing they love about Bowen Family Homes. After signing up and posting their message, a representative from Bowen Family Homes contacted them directly to mail them their gift card.

Comments left on the Bowen Family Homes’ corporate Facebook page included:

“I am a realtor and I love selling Bowen Homes. It has always been a pleasure.”

“Bowen Family Homes is still here when so many builders have gone away because they are innovative, trustworthy and have good taste! Starbucks cards are a great idea for getting some attention! May I steal your idea?

“I have enjoyed showing Bowen Family Homes! And now a Starbucks Gift Card. I added you as a Fan to my Facebook (page) several days (ago). I will toast you when I am drinking my coffee.”

“Bowen homes offer great value and product for the customer and great incentives for realtors.”

Realtors that are “fans” of Bowen Family Homes Facebook page are the first to know about new promotional programs and have VIP privileges to exclusive deals. Realtors also have the opportunity to become fans of the Bowen Family Homes community Facebook pages to learn about community specific promotions and incentives.

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 Yearfor 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.

Windsong’s Somerset Sees Solid Summer Sales

Active Adult Builder continues to sell homes despite slow economy

Windsong Properties, Atlanta’s premier active adult courtyard home builder, is thriving despite a down economy. Between June 17 and July 17, the successful builder signed five contracts in its Somerset community located in Woodstock. Somerset features 59 detached ranch courtyard homes priced from $278,000.

“We offer active adults the freedom to choose the features they need in a home and we provide them with the amenities they want in a community,” said Steve Romeyn, managing partner of Windsong Communities. “For many of our residents, these options make purchasing a home worthwhile despite the economy.”

Somerset offers five ranch-style floorplans: the Hamilton, the Lexington, the Hampton, the Worthington and the Drayton. The Hamilton floorplan features three bedrooms and two and one half baths, while the Lexington is slightly larger with three bedrooms and three baths.

Additionally, this floor plan features a casita, pleasant and private accommodations for guests. The Hampton offers 3 bedrooms and two and one half baths with a study, while the newest floorplan, the Worthington includes three bedrooms, two baths and a study. The Drayton floorplan has three bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and the option of adding a sun room or upstairs bonus room. All floorplans are expertly designed to suit the specific needs of active adults.

Windsong distinguishes themselves from other active adult builders by offering buyers the opportunity to personalize their home plans. All of the homes at Somerset offer elegant details, such as private courtyards with garden retreats; rocking chair front porches; ten foot ceilings with crown molding; and large master suites with baths that have separate vanities, garden tubs, tile showers with seats and ceramic tile floors.

Every home that Windsong Properties builds meets EasyLiving Homes© standards – no-step access, wide doorways, lever handles, and other amenities that facilitate changing life situations. All of the homes at Somerset are qualified by Southface as EarthCraft Home© and Energy Star certified. This assures that the homes have a lower cost to operate, are healthier and more comfortable and reduce the impact on the environment.

Somerset is located just two and a half miles west of I-575. Take I-75 North to I-575 North to Exit 8. Travel west on Towne Lake Parkway, staying straight on Eagle Drive. Turn left off Eagle Drive onto Putnam Ford Road. Somerset is half a mile on the left.

Locally owned, Windsong Properties was founded by Mark Carruth and Managing Partner, Steve Romeyn. The two bring more than 50 years of local building experience to Windsong Properties, “Where Life’s a Breeze.” As empty nesters themselves, Mark and Steve have first hand knowledge of the desires of active adults and are passionate about creating communities and homes for empty nesters. Every decision made at Windsong Properties, from the design of the community and its amenities to the award winning floor plans and the unique customer service approach, is targeted to the 50-plus, empty nester group.

Windsong Properties earned the highest honor from the Certified Professional Home Builders association in 2007 and 2008 when it was awarded the Customer Satisfaction Award. They were also recipients of four gold OBIE awards in 2008. The OBIE Awards are presented by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council to honor excellence in building in Greater Atlanta. It is the highest honor given in the Atlanta housing industry.

Windsong Properties invites you to visit one of its two communities and see for yourself just how easy living the Windsong Lifestyle can be. For more information, call 770-516-3409 or visit www.windsonglife.com.
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