Five Tips to Help You Gear Up for the Homebuying Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of ARAcontent

STEVEN ROSEN AND HIS TEAM ARE HONORED BY PRUDENTIAL GEORGIA REALTY

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

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

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

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

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

Prudential Georgia Realty (www.PrudentialGeorgia.com) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is the 10th largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 41st for 2007 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2008 Power Broker Report.

For the last four consecutive years, Prudential Georgia Realty has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. The firm annually has real estate sales well in excess of $2 billion and is now in its 45th year of serving metro Atlanta. The company now has 24 locations in 14 metro Atlanta counties and more than 1,400 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prudential Georgia Realty (www.PrudentialGeorgia.com) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is the 10th largest Prudential real estate affiliate in North America. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., the company placed 41st for 2007 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2008 Power Broker Report.

For the last four consecutive years, Prudential Georgia Realty has been honored with a Consumers’ Choice Award as Best in Class for Executive Home Sales in metro Atlanta. The firm annually has real estate sales well in excess of $2 billion and is now in its 45th year of serving metro Atlanta. The company now has 24 locations in 14 metro Atlanta counties and more than 1,400 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs.

The Real State Of Real Estate

NAPSI-Homeownership has been--and continues to be--one of the best investments in your future.

Owning a home offers many social benefits by providing shelter and security to families, instilling pride of ownership and strengthening our nation's communities. While enjoying the benefits of a shelter they can use, improve and sell, homeowners are also accumulating wealth for the future.

In fact, owning a home is still the best way for most families to build a nest egg. According to the most recent Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net wealth of a renter household is $4,000, while the median net wealth of a homeowner household is $184,400.

2007 was the fifth-best year on record for home sales and modest gains are expected for 2008, contrary to media speculation surrounding the real estate market.

"Owning a home is a long-term investment, not a quick-in, quick-out transaction. While it's true that the national median price of an existing single-family home dropped by 1.8 percent from 2006 to 2007, it's important to put this into context," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors. "Over the past six years, which is the typical length of time an owner stays in a home, the median price has risen nearly 40 percent. Giving back about 2 percentage points of that gain still leaves homeowners with a very handsome appreciation rate."

Prices have moderated despite media reports of a faltering real estate market, mortgage rates are near 40-year lows and new FHA and conforming loan limits are giving Americans access to affordable financing in all areas of the country.

"Current market conditions won't last long. Home prices in most markets have stabilized and inventory is abundant, making current conditions ideal for buyers," said Yun.

The bottom line is that all real estate is local and conditions vary from one community to the next. A Realtor can explain local market conditions and help you take advantage of real estate opportunities in the area.

About Sales Adds TLC to Client Roster

Shirley Gary and the About Sales, Inc. team are celebrating the addition of Tilghman Lifestyle Communities to their client roster as of May 1. In less than three months, the innovative new home sales and marketing firm has grown to represent 22 new home communities and more than 850 homes/home sites.

“We are very excited to work with TLC – a company that’s been doing business in Atlanta for over 10 years,” said About Sales Founder Shirley Gary. “They are great people to work with and it is an honor to represent them in the new home marketplace.”

TLC currently has seven active new home communities throughout DeKalb, Henry, Gwinnett and Walton counties. Homes are priced from the low $100,000s to mid $300,000s and prove to be an excellent value for the money with spacious square footage and many standard features for which other builders charge extra.

About Sales will be re-branding TLC in its entirety, providing a fresh look for all signs, collateral, e-marketing and traditional advertising. “The new look will help TLC get noticed in the marketplace,” said Gary, “which, in turn, will drive traffic to the communities.”

Once prospective home buyers arrive at a community, they will be greeted by friendly and helpful agents who have been trained by the About Sales sales management team. The agents are highly trained to help buyers understand the features and benefits of the homes, community, and surrounding neighborhood. The About Sales sales managers will provide guidance in point-of-sale contract negotiation, weekly sales reporting, comprehensive closing coordination, and the use of exclusive software for sales, operations, construction and marketing. “And, this combination of marketing, sales, training and service will sell homes for TLC!” Gary stated.

Every single employee at About Sales has built their career exclusively in the new homebuilder realm. This sets About Sales apart from all other outsourced real estate firms in the Atlanta market. About Sales knows how builders and developers think and operate. They know what works.

For more information about Tilghman Lifestyle Communites’ homes and neighborhoods, visit www.tlc-homes.net or call 770-TLC-2095.

About Sales is a rapidly growing real estate sales and marketing company, based in Atlanta, Ga., that combines strategic and innovative leadership to produce sales results for builders and developers. About Sales streamlines programs for builders, offering staffing, management, closing coordination and marketing services. About Sales offers local expertise based on years of experience with new home building companies. For more information, call
404-213-4299.

FrontDoor.com Helps Homebuyers Navigate Tumultuous Real Estate Climate with ''Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers''

BUSINESS WIRE--The average homebuyer views at least 10 homes over an eight week search so it isn’t practical to get a professional inspection of every house they tour. FrontDoor.com, the new real estate Web site powered by HGTV, comes to the rescue pointing out things to look for in your own pre-inspection that will help identify potential problems before calling in the pros. (http://www.frontdoor.com)

FrontDoor.com’s Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers

1) Mass Exodus from the Neighborhood

Don’t let a home’s curb appeal keep you from glancing down the street. Are there several other homes for sale? Are nearby businesses boarded up or vandalized? Get the scoop from the neighbors. If everyone else wants to leave the street, maybe you should, too – before you’re stuck with a bad investment.

2) Mediocre Maintenance

Three layers of roofing and gutters with plants growing in them are signs the owners aren’t big on maintaining their home. What else did they neglect?

3) Foundation Failures

Check out the yard grading. If the yard slopes towards the house, it could cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement, which will be costly to repair. Scour the foundation for damage. Bulges or cracks bigger than 1/3 inch can mean the house has serious structural issues.

4) Bad Smells - Inside or Outside

Take a big whiff of the air inside and outside the house. Do you smell anything funky? If you can’t smell anything but the huge baskets of potpourri all over the house, this could be a red flag.

5) Faulty or Old Wiring

While you’re probably not an electrician, make sure all the switches and outlets in the house function properly. Flickering lights, circuits that don’t work and warm or hot outlets or faceplates are all symptoms of wiring problems.

6) Fresh Paint... on One Wall

New paint can really spruce up drab walls, but it can also hide bigger problems, like water damage, mildew or mold. If the room smells strange or if you see stains or saggy walls or ceilings, have an inspector look for mold and leaks.

7) Locked Doors and Blockades

Ask about any rooms that are “off limits” during your home tour, and arrange to see them later if you’re interested in the house.

8) Foggy or Non-Functioning Windows

Check for water in between double-paned windows and make sure all the windows are functional.

9) Structural Walls or Floors have been Removed

Sure you love the open floor plan, but was the house always open or did the homeowners renovate? If they removed a load-bearing wall without adjusting the framing, it can shift weight to other parts of the house. Hire a structural engineer if you think any renovations are questionable.

10) Bugs!

No one wants a house with a pest problem – be it roaches, mice or worst of all, termites. Be on the lookout for unwelcome creatures as you tour the house. Even if no foes pop out while you’re there, consider a separate termite inspection if you’re thinking of purchasing the property.

The Bottom Line

Always get a professional inspection for the house you choose to buy. It’s a little expensive, but it’s worth every penny; skipping a home inspection is not a good way to cut costs. You’ll end up paying more in the long run when problems arise. FrontDoor.com’s tips make it easy for you to sift through the homes that are definite no-no’s and spend your money efficiently.

FrontDoor.com is like house hunting with an in-the-know friend. Use this helpful guide to be a smart home shopper and look for more advice, insight and assistance at FrontDoor.com, including monthly Top 10 lists of information that homebuyers and sellers need to know. (http://www.frontdoor.com/top10)

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www.fayettefrontpage.com
First With Community News You Can Use
Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Tyrone, Senoia

American Society of Appraisers Releases Comments on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Agreement with NY Attorney General

GHRE Note: We thought this was interesting even though it does not pertain to GA at this time.

Yesterday, the American Society of Appraisers and several other leading appraisal organizations issued a joint comment letter about the agreement that was reached in March, 2008, signed by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) strongly supports the intent of the agreement but urges changes to eliminate unintended negative consequences to appraisers and consumers.

“The agreement, if modified, will go a long way toward protecting appraisers from coercion to provide a pre-determined value while providing consumer protection to home buyers,” said Richard Gilmore, an Accredited Senior Appraiser and member of ASA’s Governmental Relations Committee. “It is in the home buyer’s best interest to receive an independent appraisal provided by a well educated and ethical appraiser in order to help ensure that they are making a deal based upon an accurate value.”

The comment letter outlines the following concerns about the agreement.

By banning mortgage broker ordered appraisals, the agreement will destroy well-established business relationships between honest appraisers and reputable mortgage professionals.

The agreement may unintentionally encourage the use of large companies that manage appraisals and make their profits by turning out appraisals quickly with less emphasis on quality.

It unnecessarily bans appraisals prepared by appraisers working for federally regulated financial institutions and other lenders with independent appraisal operations (those reporting to risk management vs. loan production).

It may unintentionally provide an incentive to some mortgage companies to substitute questionably reliable automated valuation models (AVM’s) for appraisals in order to bypass the requirements contained in the agreement.

The agreement devotes inadequate attention to the necessity of appraiser competency, quality and training when dealing with complex appraisals.

The chairman of ASA’s Governmental Relations Committee, Jay Fishman, a Fellow of the American Society of Appraisers stated that, “We feel that if the proposed comments are adopted, that a revised agreement will be pivotal in the protection of the independence of the appraiser and will help to ensure the reform of the mortgage industry.”

ERNIE CURTIS EARNS INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Real estate professional Ernest T. “Ernie” Curtis has been awarded the Transnational Referral Certified (TRC) professional mark from the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Curtis is affiliated with ICREA through his membership in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), one of more than 25 leading national real estate associations that form the global consortium.

He is one of a growing number of professionals in Georgia and Florida to earn the TRC, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the real estate industry. Ernie Curtis is affiliated with Prudential Georgia Realty, based out of its Fayetteville branch on Glynn Street.

The Transnational Referral Certification was developed to help real estate professionals better serve clients and customers who are looking to buy or sell real property outside their own country and who will benefit from working with a Realtor in that foreign market. TRC certified real estate professionals are trained not only in the mechanics of cross-border client referrals, but also in how to work in the client’s best interests in the same manner they would a domestic client. All TRCs adhere to a national professional code of conduct.

“In today’s complex market, where people are increasingly buying and selling internationally, whether for a resort or retirement home or as an investment, it’s important to work with someone who understands the local market and laws - particularly those that apply to foreign ownership,” said Curtis. “The TRC helps me ensure that my clients receive the same level of service and professionalism abroad that I provide them here at home.”

In the U.S., only members of the NAR can earn the TRC. Through ICREA, TRC certified professionals have access to a network of two million real estate agents in more than 25 countries, three million listings, and can easily locate professionals who have received training specifically in handling cross-border client referrals.

The International Consortium of Real Estate Associations represents 26 leading real estate associations located in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and Venezuela. These organizations represent approximately two million practitioners and their countries collectively represent $25 trillion of GDP.

Ernie Curtis concentrates primarily on commercial and investment real estate and his real estate partner, Kay McInroe, specializes in residential sales. A licensed broker in both Georgia and Florida, Ernie is an award-winning agent, placing in Prudential’s Leading Edge Society for annual sales performance. He also holds the Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) and Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) designations and is a candidate for the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) commercial designation.

Curtis is an active life member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors’ Circle of Achievement Club for multi-million dollar annual sales. He is also a member of its board of directors and the board’s local Realtor Political Action Committee and Governmental Affairs committees. In addition, Ernie is a member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

For information on ICREA, contact ICREA’s Secretariat, 430 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, at 312-329-8327; consortium@realtors.org; http://www.worldproperties.com/.

To learn more about commercial and investment real estate in metro Atlanta, contact Realtor Ernie Curtis at 678-779-2113 or by visiting http://www.equityinatlanta.com/.

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

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

Peachtree Hills Place Named Finalist for NAHB’s Best of 50+ Housing Awards

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently named the clubhouse at Peachtree Hills Place as a finalist in the 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards competition. Peachtree Hills Place, a luxurious residential community for adults 55 and older, is one of three finalists in the ‘Active Adult Housing: Clubhouse Interior Design “On the Boards” Large’ category. The Best of 50+ Housing Awards recognizes excellence in design and marketing in the 50+ housing market. Finalists were chosen by a jury of 12 industry experts who spent two days evaluating close to 300 entries. Winners will be announced during NAHB's Boomers and Beyond Conference next month in New Orleans.

“It is quite an honor to be recognized for our work by experts in this industry from across the nation ,” said Bill Foley of Foley Design, clubhouse designer. “The finalists represent a group of the best in 50+ housing throughout the United States, and we are very proud to be a part of that group.”

The clubhouse at Peachtree Hills Place is designed in the English Arts and Crafts style to create a sense of permanence, familiarity and security and although new, the atmosphere is one of history and tradition. The clubhouse is comprised of two levels of community activities, services, and support functions, and three levels of residential apartments. The clubhouse includes elegant ballrooms, community meeting space, a chapel, spa, member conference room and billiard and poker rooms.

The clubhouse also houses the four primary dining rooms for the community. Two of the dining rooms feature vaulted ceilings and cast stone, while the other two feature beam-and-coffered ceilings, and intimate dining nooks that create a cozy atmosphere. All four dining rooms have been designed with beautiful stone fireplaces.

“For the clubhouse to be ranked among the best in the nation is very exciting for Peachtree Hills Place,” said E. Andrew (Andy) Isakson, founder of Isakson-Barnhart Properties, Inc., and Managing Partner of Isakson-Barnhart Co., LLC, developer of Peachtree Hills Place. “We are very appreciative to Foley Design for all of their hard work and dedication.”

When completed, Peachtree Hills Place, located in Buckhead in the heart of metro Atlanta, will include 274 independent residences – consisting of 266 villas and eight single-family homes – and 36 skilled nursing and memory care suites. Assisted living care will also be offered on site. All Peachtree Hills Place members will enjoy a full slate of amenities, on-site retail establishments, dining, full service spa, and fitness center.

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

LOG HOME INDUSTRY VETERAN: 34 YEARS IN TEXAS, 14 YEARS IN UTAH, NOW EXPANDING TO THE EAST

Satterwhite Log Homes, builder and supplier of log homes for over three decades, has built an Eastern Division Office in North Georgia. The company will host a Grand Opening Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the newly constructed, 3-story model home and office, located four miles north of Ellijay.

The event will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the company owners, learn about log home building, and tour the new facility.

The building is unique in that the basement serves as the sales office with a display lobby, while the main floor and second floor serve as a model home. The structure is a showcase in itself, and was constructed so that it displays a variety of unique wood applications, using many of the different wood products Satterwhite Log Homes has to offer.

The three bedroom, 3 bath model home is fully furnished and decorated, and features granite countertops, hickory and walnut cabinets, solid oak floors, ceramic tile in the kitchen and utility room, and carpet throughout the bedrooms. The floor plan emphasizes an open layout with an abundance of space, and gable glass windows offering fantastic views.

Satterwhite Log Homes intends to better serve its customers in the eastern United States through its new office in Ellijay, where consumers may purchase a variety of shapes, sizes and species of house logs to construct their log home or log building. In addition to house logs, the company offers a vast array of unique specialty wood finishing materials from log siding to custom sawn timber, mantels, decking and beams.

Additional products available include tongue and groove lumber paneling, round stock, log staircase and railing components, custom log and timber mantels, log posts, rafters, ridge beams, tongue and groove decking, and one-inch lumber. Satterwhite Log Homes also offers a variety of species to choose from including aspen, Scandinavian spruce, blue ponderosa pine, eastern white pine, western red cedar, spruce Douglas fir, and cypress.

Satterwhite Log Homes prides itself on its quality of products. Satterwhite logs are exclusively cut from dead standing timber found at almost inaccessible, 10,000-foot elevations in the Rocky Mountains. Spruce beetle epidemics kill most of the timber, but the wood’s structural integrity remains intact.

As the trees die, the dry climate naturally cures and thoroughly dries the trees for years, sometimes decades, as they become strong and energy efficient. This process is not only environmentally friendly, but it provides stable, dry wood products, and completes the circle of sustainable forestry.

Satterwhite Log Homes, founded in 1974 in Longview, Texas, is an independent, family-owned business involved in every facet of the log home industry. Satterwhite crews harvest the dead standing timber, manufacture house logs, and market the homes. The company contributes its success to its business philosophy, quality of products, and commitment to customers.

The company’s main headquarters is located in Longview, Texas, with its primary mill and Western Sales Office located in Gunnison, Utah. For more information about Satterwhite Log Homes call 800-918-6881 or visit the Web site at www.SLH.net.
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COLDWELL BANKER BULLARD ADVANCES IN PUBLICATION’S ANNUAL RANKINGS

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

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

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

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

Jerry Tedder was elected a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders at the association’s recent International Builders Show Board of Directors’ Meeting in Orlando. Bob Jones, NAHB Vice President and Secretary, thanked Jerry for his dedication and loyalty to NAHB. “I know the commitment it requires to attain and participate at NAHB Board meetings for the ten years required to achieve the Life Director status,” said Jones. “Then to attain Senior Life status through an additional ten consecutive years of service is a great testimony to your dedication to NAHB and the building industry. As a Senior Life Director, Jerry has attained a permanent seat on the NAHB Board with no continuing attendance requirement.

Jerry Tedder has been a member of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia since 1974 and served as the associations’ president in 1975. The association, with a membership of 675, boasts one other Senior Life Director, Gene Barber with Gene Barber Contracting and three Life National Directors; Randy Hayes with Hayes Development Corp, Kenny Johnson with Kenny Johnson Homes and Jerry Neese with Builders Insurance Group.

ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more that 235,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. Known as “the voice” of the housing industry, “NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB’s builder members will construct 80 percent of the more that 1.08 million new housing units projected for 2008.
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Williams Joins Cornerstone Realty

Carleton Williams has been a resident of 120 Lakeview Lane, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214, Fayette Co. since 1977. He received his real-estate license April 6, 2005, and joined Cornerstone Realty Jackson, Ga, in 2007.

He married Shawnee in 1972. They are the proud parents of 3 sons, C.Lee, Jr., Peter Mark, and Thomas Andrew; grand parents of Richard Lee Williams, 16, Emily Brianne Williams, 5, and Caden Andrew Williams, 2 years.

He served in Viet Nam in 1968-69 and works to help other veterans receive their much-deserved benefits, by sharing information found at www.va.gov. After he was hit while riding a bicycle in 1998, and learned he was eligible for veterans benefits, he shares the above url and information to veterans who are not aware of the benefits of which they may be eligible.

Owning a new house doesn't guarantee you a good home, but a good home with love deserves a new house. To answer questions and learn how easy it is for your good home to own a new house, call him at 678/776-7412. Please visit http://www.opendoorhomes.com/vtour.da?ad_id=9353&type=mls for a virtual tour.

Earth Day Green Building Seminar to Launch EcoLumina – 2008 Southern Building Showcase House

EcoLumina, the 2008 Southern Building Showcase House, will host an Earth Day green building lunch and learn for area builders. The day will include a networking expo and green building seminar highlighting how to build a greener home using today’s most advanced eco-friendly methods and sustainable resources. The lunch and learn will begin at 11:00 am.

This event will serve as a preview of EcoLumina to the building community and give builders the opportunity to see green building in action. The house is being built to LEED for Homes specifications and it the first one of its kind in Sandy Springs and among the first few to be built in Georgia. LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

EcoLumina is the featured house for the Southern Building Show scheduled for June 11 – 13, 2008 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The upcoming show for building professionals is cosponsored by Greater Atlanta HBA and Naylor CMG productions. Tours will run from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm each day for show attendees by bus from the show.

EcoLumina features the combined efforts of the following building professionals: Builder – Matt Hoots, The Hoots Group, Architect – Caldwell Cline, Designer – DesSyn, and Project Coordinator – Seville Consulting.

Event sponsors include: DOW BUILDING SOLUTIONS, Kohler, Icynene, Superior Walls, Timber Mountain Cabinetry, Insidesign, Olympic Exterior Stains, Cosella-Dorken Products, Ecoshel, Stock Building Supply, AprilAire, Rinnai, Water Furnace, Harry Norman, Realtors and The Hoots Group.

For more information about EcoLumina or the Southern Building Show, log on to www.ecolumina.org or www.southernbuildingshow.com.

About EcoLumina
EcoLumina is a landmark residence being developed in Atlanta, Georgia using the latest technology to create an environmentally friendly home that will be a source of inspiration and information to home builders and home owners everywhere.