Redistricting Places Several Bowen Family Homes Communities in New School Districts for Fall 2009

When looking for a new home in Atlanta, an important aspect of the home buying process is school districts. Whether the purchaser has children or not, a community’s school district says a lot about the neighborhood’s surrounding area. Bowen Family Homes’ communities are located in the best school districts in Georgia and as a result of redistricting and the addition of new schools, children at a few of Bowen Family Homes’ Atlanta communities will attend new school districts come fall 2009.

Located in Gwinnett County, Kensington Creek Manor and Willoughby Cove offer home buyers affordable single-family homes. With spacious home designs to choose from, homes at these communities provide the ideal space for everyday life and entertaining. This fall children at both communities will attend the brand new Twin Rivers Middle and Mountain View High schools. Elementary-age children at Kensington Creek Manor will attend Dyer Elementary while children at Willoughby Cove will attend Freeman’s Mill Elementary.

Located in Forsyth County, Stonehaven Pointe and Stonehaven Terrace offer beautiful townhomes and single-family homes. In addition to spacious homes, the communities’ amenity package gives children the opportunity to fully enjoy their summer break with six lighted tennis courts, a Junior Olympic-size pool, multi-purpose athletic field, playground, clubhouse and more. When school starts again, children at Stonehaven Pointe and Stonehaven Terrace will attend a new school district which includes the new Whitlow Elementary school and existing Otwell Middle and Central Forsyth High schools.

Also located in Gwinnett County, McGinnis Reserve is a beautiful single-family home community that is ideal for Atlanta new home buyers. Residents of all ages enjoy an active lifestyle with an outdoor amenity package that includes a 20-acre lake, walking trails, pool and tennis courts as well as easy access to the Suwanee Greenway Trail System. Come August children at McGinnis Reserve will attend Level Creek Elementary, the new North Gwinnett Middle and North Gwinnett High schools.

Avington Glen features ranch-style and two-story single-family homes perfect for the Atlanta family looking to live in sought-after Gwinnett County. The great location along with an amazing amenity package makes Avington Glen the perfect community for those looking to live an active lifestyle. Next school year children at Avington Glen will attend brand new Lovin Elementary and Archer High schools as well as McConnell Middle.

For more information on any of these communities as well as the rest of Bowen Family Homes’ Atlanta communities, visit www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.

Since 1969 the Bowen name has stood for excellence in new home construction and community development. Recognized as the 39th largest privately owned builder in the country by Builder Magazine for 2008, 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 66th on the 2008 Professional Builder Housing Giants 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.

---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

43 Homes Sold at Cosmopolitan at Buckhead Auction

Morris J. Kaplan Communities and Morris & Raper Realtors are pleased to announce the successful sale of 43 homes at auction at Cosmopolitan at Buckhead. On Sunday, May 17, the 43 residences at the Buckhead community were auctioned in under two hours to a room filled with over 250 attendees eager to call the urban, upscale condo community home. The community has now entered the post-auction sales period, during which the remaining units will be sold.

Well-priced homes remain at Cosmopolitan at Buckhead. “The auction was a great kick off to our sell out phase, which is now underway,” said Janis Kirtz, President of Morris and Raper Realtors. “Remaining units are available in fabulous locations all throughout the building; on lower levels and upper levels, offering pool, skyline and treeline views, and with designated garage parking.”

According to Kirtz, Sunday's auction was “a means of accelerated marketing for the community.”

“The auction exceeded our goal of selling 40 homes,” said Kirtz. “Residences sold from the low $100,000s to $300,000s. FHA financing is available on homes at Cosmopolitan at Buckhead, allowing buyers to put down a 3.5 percent deposit. The $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers also contributes to this success of the sales here. Post-auction pricing on the homes now ranges from $125,000 to $299,000 – still an unbelievable value for buyers looking for contemporary, intown condo living.”

Cosmopolitan is located in the exclusive Lindbergh area, convenient to midtown and downtown, and provides close proximity to the best that Atlanta has to offer. The community is a short distance to Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square Mall which offers upscale shopping and dining. Direct access to I-75, I-85, GA 400 and MARTA's Lindbergh station, which is within walking distance, allow for short trips to Atlanta’s numerous sporting events, museums and theaters.

Each urban residence at Cosmopolitan includes luxurious features such as gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, sophisticated 42” flat panel wood cabinets and spacious pantries, 10 to 12 foot ceilings, operable near floor-to-ceiling windows, large linen and walk-in master and guest room closets. Hardwood floors accentuate the hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, powder rooms and kitchens. All residences offer balconies or patios, select units have private terraces with pool access and magnificent downtown views and private street-front entrances. Select units also feature double vanity sinks, walk-in showers and garden tubs in master baths and pedestal sinks in powder rooms.

Cosmopolitan at Buckhead received the Best Amenity Package award from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association's OBIE awards. Residents enjoy a full slate of state-of-the-art amenities including a resort-style pool with terrace, fitness center, cyber café with virtual offices, piano bar, billiards room with four tables, 20-seat screening room, 24-hour concierge, WiFi in common areas, controlled access parking and a dramatic two-story lobby with a grand staircase.

To visit Cosmopolitan at Buckhead, from downtown Atlanta, take I-85 North to Exit #86/GA-13 North toward Buford Highway. Go one mile and take the Piedmont Road/GA-237 exit. Go one-third of a mile and turn right on Piedmont Road/GA-237. Go just over one-half mile and turn right on Lindbergh Dr NE/GA-236. Cosmopolitan at Buckhead will be on the right. The sales center at Cosmopolitan is open seven days a week, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Exclusive sales and marketing is provided by Morris & Raper Intown. Interested homebuyers may contact the sales center at 404-815-0306 or visit www.cosmocondos.com.

Established to develop quality-built, multi-family urban communities that revitalize and enhance intown Atlanta, Morris J. Kaplan Communities is a full-service builder with a strong reputation for quality buildings and customer satisfaction. Founded by Morris J. Kaplan, President, the company specializes in creating unique floorplans, adding generous interior appointments normally found at higher price points and including state-of-the-art amenities that encourage community interaction. The company is also well known for creating impressive elevations with exceptionally memorable street appeal. Dedicated to offering homeowners in Atlanta more intown housing options and more in the way of an active and enjoyable urban lifestyle, Morris J. Kaplan Communities is also committed to utilizing creative “outside-of-the-box” construction techniques that result in highly affordable urban homes. For more information on Morris J. Kaplan Communities, visit www.kaplancommunities.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Harris Tops Sales for Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Jonesboro Office

Keith Harris has been named Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty’s April 2009 Individual Agent Leader for the Jonesboro/ Clayton County Office. Louann Harris was No. 2 individual producer and Michelle Munda was No. 3.

Harris began his real estate career in 1991 and became the top agent in his office in 1993 and 1994. Since then he has consistently sold between 1 and 7 million dollars of real estate every year. At Coldwell Banker he has been awarded the distinction of Sterling Society, International President’s Circle and International President’s Elite placing him in the top 1% of agents worldwide.

After many years of service with the Metro South Association of Realtors, Harris is currently serving as President. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association of Realtors.

Keith and his wife Louann, also a realtor, live in Jonesboro and spend their spare time in service to their church, Harvest Point, in McDonough.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Eight Bullard Organization Agents Are Named to Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society

Eight sales associates from the Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty organization earned membership in the company's 2008 International Diamond Society, a level achieved by only the top five percent of the more than 107,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.
Achieving the designation were Betty Denio and Linda Lindsey from Coldwell Banker American Land Mart, a Bullard affiliate company; Robert Conklin and Shannon Scott from Bullard’s Newnan/Coweta County office; Cynthia Brown, Sherry Mattox and Patricia Winston from the Jonesboro/Clayton County office; and Donna Blade from the Peachtree City/Fayette County office.

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

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

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

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

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2007, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the eighth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,800 residential real estate offices and nearly 117,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Couple Enjoying Glory Years at Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge

Active Adult Community by Jim Chapman Communities in Forsyth County drawing rave reviews

When Rick and Ginny Fulgham decided to move into an active adult community; their decision did not come without reservations. Shortly after visiting Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge, an active adult community by Jim Chapman Communities, any initial doubts quickly dissipated.

The Fulghams, who resided just three miles from Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge in a 35 year-old community, knew that they wanted to stay in the area. They moved to the Lake Lanier area more than 20 years ago when they relocated from Columbus, Ohio to start their own pool and spa business. They also wanted something new that they could call home.

“The location, reputation and quality construction of the units is what first attracted us to Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge,” said Rick Fulgham. “Once we viewed the community, we could see how well the homes were put together. Our son, who is a contractor, also told us the homes were very well constructed.”

The Fulghams, like other homeowners in their community are taking advantage of their maintenance-free life-style in a new home that was built with the active adult in mind. Sidewalks on both sides of community roads, a 20’ x 40’-foot heated pool, an outdoor gas fireplace, a 2,500 square foot award winning clubhouse, featuring a card and game room, large catering kitchen as well as an exercise facility allow them to stay active without ever having to leave the confines of Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge.

Homes in Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge start at $280,000 and include two and three bedroom options that range from 2,125 to 2,375 square feet of living space. Vaulted ceilings, transom windows, granite countertops, tile flooring and an open-airy floor plan, as well as the optional finished 500 square foot bonus room set this community apart from the competition. After four months of living in at Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge, the Fulghams say they could not be happier. They often spend time with their neighbors and even recently held an open house for many of their neighbors and friends who left very impressed. “Our neighbors are great and we enjoy spending time with them and many of our friends,” said Rick Fulgham. “We enjoy living in an all-new gated community that is very convenient to everything we need.”

Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge is located at the intersection of GA-20 and Samples Road. From Atlanta, take GA-400 North to Exit 14 (Cumming/Buford Hwy). Turn right onto GA-20 and go approximately two miles. Turn left onto Samples Road and then take an immediate left into the community just past Publix Supermarket.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in Buckhead in 1998. Today, Jim Chapman Communities is an award-winning homebuilding company applying luxury home quality and service standards to active adult communities. 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.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Division of The Georgia Department of Human Resources Now Occupying Kairos Development Corp.’s Jefferson Station

Authentic loft office space in East Point providing extra space for Office of Child Support

Kairos Development Corporation, developers of the historic Buggy Works complex in East Point, which includes Jefferson Station and South Central Station, is pleased to announce that a division of The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) recently signed a 10-year lease and relocated several of their offices to Jefferson Station.
The Office of Child Support Services will occupy more than 29,000 square feet of office space, providing ease of access for staff and residents, as well as streamlined processes for state services. Child Support Services is designed to help children by enforcing parental responsibility to pay financial support.

“We are very happy to have a division of the State of Georgia’s Department of Human Resources, Office of Child Support Services located at Jefferson Station,” said Velda Simpson, CPM, Director of Property Management. “Jefferson Station offers extraordinary space, is located in the historic industrial district in East Point and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Kairos Development’s Jefferson Station at The Buggy Works is a four-story, historic factory building originally constructed in 1930 that still includes authentic factory details. Office space is available in the building which offers pedestrian access, magnificently landscaped green space and an outdoor common area/plaza and is located near the East Point MARTA rail station and a variety of restaurants, banks, shopping venues, hotels and business services as well as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information about Jefferson Station at The Buggy Works, visit http://www.kairosdevelopmentcorp.com or call 404-209-5141.

Kairos Development Corporation lives up to its Greek-inspired name, which challenges them to identify crucial moments to perform accurately so they can achieve their goals and meet the needs of all. Driven by the desire to create aesthetically beautiful “Live Life Communities” and facilities that address their clients’ needs and distinctive styles, Kairos (ki-ros) offers a vast array of choices and options in each of its communities.

Since entering the industry in the mid 1980s, the company has developed more than $400 million in Atlanta area real estate assets, including residential, retail and office properties.
During that time, Kairos Development has received many outstanding awards. Most notable is the 2005 Development of Excellence Award presented by the Atlanta Regional Commission and The Regional Business Coalition for the multi-use urban development and environmental buffer provided by The Aramore on the city’s famous Peachtree Road. Current projects include the Astoria, Avignon at Vinings, Buggy Works and Jefferson Station in East Point. For more information, call 404-350-1440 or visit www.kairosdevelopmentcorp.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Prudential Signature Realty Becomes Part of Prudential Georgia Realty

Prudential Georgia Realty, one of the largest and top-producing real estate companies in Georgia, continues to expand in metro Atlanta with Prudential Signature Realty becoming part of its Douglasville/West Georgia branch office. The nine-agent firm officially became part of Prudential Georgia Realty on May 1st. The agents will be based out of the Prudential Georgia Realty location at 2750 Chapel Hill Road in Douglasville.

Todd Tucker, who serves as managing broker of the Prudential Douglasville/West Georgia branch and is the 2009 president of the West Georgia Board of Realtors, said, “With the experienced Prudential Signature Realty agents joining our sales team, we are increasing our presence and customer service support in Douglasville and the West Georgia area. We continue to strive to be the #1 source for home buyers and sellers in our area.”

Tucker explained that Prudential Signature’s owners—Delores Goldin, Cary Chandler, Barbara and Todd Pepple—were impressed by all the technology, Internet resources, training and support that Prudential Georgia Realty offered its agents and real estate clients. Delores Goldin explained that she was happy to still be affiliated with the extremely recognizable Prudential name while offering a more complete menu of services for their clients.

The 65+ agent team at the Douglasville/West Georgia office specialize in residential real estate, relocating families, new home construction, land and commercial real estate in West Georgia and eastern Alabama. To learn more about Prudential Georgia Realty, search for real estate properties in metro Atlanta or to contact the Douglasville/West Georgia office at 678-391-0700 or visit www.HomesinWestGeorgia.com.

Prudential Georgia Realty (www.PrudentialGeorgia.com) is an independently owned and operated member of=2 0Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada and 2008 winner of the J.D. Power Award, #1 for Highest Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms. 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=2 0estate sales well in excess of $1.5 billion and just completed its 45th year serving metro Atlanta. The company has 23 locations in metro Atlanta and 1,200 Realtors ready to assist families with their real estate needs. To learn more about the state of the metro Atlanta real estate market, visit www.atlantarealestate2009.com to view a quarterly-updated video by Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman, filled with the latest statistics, information and the local housing market outlook.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

30-Year Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall Across the Board

/PRNewswire/ -- The weekly average rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for thirty-year mortgages remained relatively steady last week. Last week's rate was 5.05 percent, down slightly from 5.07 percent the week prior, according to the Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor, compiled by leading real estate Web site Zillow.com(R). Meanwhile, rates for 15-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.70 percent, down from 4.72 percent and 5-1 adjustable rate mortgages decreased significantly, down to 4.30 percent from 4.38 percent the week prior.

Mortgage Type Average Rate Average Rate
Week ending 5/3/09 Week ending 4/26/09 % Change
30-year fixed 5.05% 5.07% -0.4%
15-year fixed 4.70% 4.72% -0.4%
5-1 ARM 4.30% 4.38% -1.8%

Rates for 30-year fixed purchase mortgages remained flat on Monday, with the average rate on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 5.05 percent. For current, up-to-the-minute rates, visit www.zillow.com/Mortgage_Rates/.

Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates varied by state. Oregon mortgage rates, Florida mortgage rates, Colorado mortgage rates, New Jersey mortgage rates and Washington mortgage rates decreased the most, down from 5.11 percent to 5.04 percent in Oregon, from 5.01 percent to 4.98 percent in Florida, from 5.07 percent to 5.04 percent in Colorado, from 5.09 percent to 5.06 percent in New Jersey and from 5.05 percent to 5.02 percent in Washington. Florida mortgage rates (4.98%) and Georgia mortgage rates (4.99%) were the lowest in the country, while Ohio mortgage rates (5.16%) were the highest. California mortgage rates were the most requested among all states.

The Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor is compiled each week using thousands of mortgage rates quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace by mortgage lenders to borrowers who have submitted loan requests. State-level data is gathered for the top 20 states with the highest quote volume on Zillow.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Jim Chapman Communities Wins Multiple National Building Awards

Jim Chapman Communities, one of Atlanta's leading active adult home builders, was honored with two Silver Awards at The National Association of Home Builder’s Best of 50+ Housing Awards on April 28. The awards banquet, held at the 50+ Housing Symposium in the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott is the industry's most prestigious national awards program honoring excellence in building, design and marketing of housing for boomers and beyond. The Best of 50+ Housing Awards are viewed by the industry as a showcase of innovation, emerging trends, and quality housing for the mature demographic.

Jim Chapman Communities was honored in the Community of the Year Division for their active adult community at Brookhaven of East Cobb and for Best Detached Home at an Active Adult Community (over 2,000 square feet) for the Ansley floorplan at Brookhaven at Johns Creek.
“To be recognized on a national level by our peers is exciting,” said Jim Chapman, president of Jim Chapman Communities. “It verifies all the hard work and effort and the quality of craftsmanship we put in to our communities that are designed for the active adult lifestyle.”

Brookhaven at Johns Creek and Brookhaven of East Cobb are located in two of metro Atlanta’s most desirable neighborhoods. The communities offer luxurious attached and detached ranch condominiums. Both communities offer two and three bedroom quad ranch condos as well as three and four-bedroom single family home floorplans available exclusively at Johns Creek.

Bonus rooms that are 500 square feet with full baths and outdoor great rooms featuring fireplaces and kitchens are common additions to these homes. Every home is built with all-brick and stone construction and includes inviting front porches, open-airy floorplans and oversized master suites. Both locations include a beautiful heated pool, outdoor fireplace and a National Association of Homebuilders award-winning clubhouse’s with fitness rooms, catering kitchens and much more. Spacious active adult homes at Brookhaven of East Cobb start from the $290,000’s. Brookhaven at Johns Creek offers homes from the $300,000’s.

Brookhaven of East Cobb, in the premier East Cobb section of Cobb County, is located at the intersection of Chastain Road and Bells Ferry Road. From Atlanta, take I-75 North to I-575 North and take the second exit (Exit 3, Chastain Road). Turn right on Chastain Road and the community will be approximately one-half mile on the left. There is a traffic signal at the entrance.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is in the highly sought-after North Fulton area between many high-end country club communities. It is located 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. Turn Right onto Technology Circle. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is the second community on the left.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in Buckhead in 1998. Today, Jim Chapman Communities is an award-winning homebuilding company applying luxury home quality and service standards to active adult communities. 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.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Ron Barnes Named Realtor of the Year by Pickens Board of Realtors

Pickens County resident Ron Barnes, a Realtor with Prudential Georgia Realty in Canton, was recently honored as the 2008 Realtor of the Year for the Pickens County Board of Realtors.

Ron has long been involved in the community and giving back to his profession. A long-time member of the Pickens County Board of Realtors, he served as the organization’s president in 2008 and is now on its Board of Directors as well as its Professional Standards Committee. Ron also belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as an Ambassador and graduated from its 2008 Leadership Pickens class.

Ron holds his real estate license, an associate broker’s license, the Accredited Seller Representative (ASR) designation, is an eCertified Realtor (signifying he is proficient in the latest technology to assist his clients), and is a Prudential Fine Homes Specialist.

To contact Ron Barnes, please call Prudential Georgia Realty’s Cherokee office in Canton, 770-720-1400, or visit www.RonBarnesRealEstate.com to learn more about the local real estate market or to conduct a search of nearly 100,000 available properties in metro Atlanta.

Prudential Georgia Realty (www.PrudentialGA.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 and 2008 winner of the J.D. Power Award, #1 for Highest Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms. Ranked by Real Estate Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate companies in the U.S., Prudential Georgia Realty placed 41st for most 2007 sales in the real estate trade magazine’s 2008 Power Broker Report. It is the 10th 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 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, has 23 metro Atlanta locations and 1,200 Realtors, and just completed its 45th year serving metro Atlanta. To learn more about the state of the metro Atlanta real estate market, visit www.atlantarealestate2009.com to view a quarterly-updated video by Prudential Georgia Realty President and CEO Dan Forsman, filled with the latest statistics, information and the local housing market outlook.

Atlanta Lease-to-Own Home Program Begins to Reap Results for Participants

Pride of Ownership Partners, an Atlanta-based company that started a unique, new lease-to-own program in July 2008, is already seeing results for its clients.

The program is designed to put metro Atlanta families into renovated rental homes and receive half the monthly rent set aside for up to three years to put toward buying that home. At the end of the lease period, renters will have thousands saved toward purchasing that home. With the program less than a year-old, Pride of Ownership Partners is already seeing phenomenal successes. Several of its tenants are in the process of becoming homeowners, completing the program while repairing or improving their credit rating in less than 12 months, with the first closings set for the end of this month.

“My business partner, Jeffrey Britz, and I firmly believe we are helping to stabilize neighborhoods,” explained Chief Operating Officer Timothy Cabrera. “Homes that might otherwise sit vacant or go into foreclosure and disrepair, are getting a facelift and families are moving in almost as quickly as we can purchase these properties and put them back in like-new condi tion.”

Another unique feature about Pride’s lease-to-own program is that the firm is allowing the full three-year rent credit even when the client goes from tenant to homeowner in less time. So, for example, on a $1,000 a month lease, three years of rent would total $36,000. Half of this, $18,000, would be reserved as the tenant’s down payment, creating instant equity in the home. However, if the tenant can get qualified for a mortgage in less time—and more than half of Pride’s tenants are currently accomplishing just that—the full $18,000 credit would still apply. The home’s price is also locked in at the time of the lease to help avoid surprises later.

“We also do comparisons for the client so they can see the cost difference of owning vs. renting. It’s always less costly for them to own and I have seen the difference be as much as 30 percent.”

People entering the Pride of Ownership Partners lease-to-own program are not required to spend thousands to get into their lease options. The firm simply requires the standard one month’s security20deposit and first month’s rent. One Pride client (one of numerous glowing testimonials at http://www.prideownership.com/testimonials) mentions getting ripped off $4,000 on a previous lease-purchase. In just 12 days, this person was in a lease-to-own Pride property and he expects to be able to qualify for a mortgage within the next six months and exercise his purchase option.

With homes purchased, renovated and leased in DeKalb, Gwinnett, Paulding, Cobb and Henry counties, Pride of Ownership Partners is looking to expand the lease-purchase program into other metro Atlanta counties and beyond. To learn more about Pride’s lease-to-own program, to submit a free, no obligation online application, to see current homes available or to read additional customer testimonials, visit www.prideownership.com or call 770-484-8317.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Bullard Organizations Had 46 Million Dollar Agents for 2008

Forty-six current agents with the Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty organization have been recognized by the company as Million Dollar Agents for having $1 million or more in sales during 2008.

Included in the group are 42 agents from Bullard Realty offices and four agents from Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers, an affiliate company of the Bullard organization.
Conyers/Rockdale County office - Brenda Waldrop, Jackie Papallo, Kenya Robinson and Sheri Sears.

Jonesboro/Clayton County office and Griffin/Spalding County office - Sherry Mattox, Cynthia Brown, Annette Hatcher, Nancy Hollis, Patricia Ramsey, Shonda Sims, Pat Winston, Joan Presley, Sharron Williams and Michelle Munda.

McDonough/Henry County office - Susan Clowdus, Tammi Lamb, Phil Wagner, Duane Lockwood, Penny Henderson, Linda Jones, Sandra Stephens, Brian O’Neal, Brooks Brackett, Carrie Davis, Bobbie Roper and Melissa Stephens.

Newnan/Coweta County office - Shannon Scott, Linda Scott, Steven Dickens and Bette Murphy.
Peachtree City/Fayette County office - Donna Lasseter, Janis Kraft, Dianne Maney, Debbie Lowe, Donna Blade, Donna Daniel, Cheryl Dunson, Minka Fulton, Erin Hawkins, Ann Johnston, Virginia Pigue and Pat Roman.

Coldwell Banker American Land Mart - Ann Bell, Betty Denio, Linda Lindsey and Victoria Willis.
In recognition from realty boards in the area, Keith Harris was elected president of the Metro South Association of Realtors, which serves Clayton, Henry and Butts Counties. Harris, currently an associate broker with the Bullard Jonesboro office, previously served as managing broker of the Griffin office, who recently merged with the Jonesboro office. Stephan Curcio, who is with Bullard’s Peachtree City office, was named Rookie of the Year by the Fayette County Board of Realtors.

The oldest and largest real estate company headquartered in the Metro South area of Atlanta, Coldwell Banker Bullard is currently ranked No. 12 among “Atlanta’s Top 25 Residential Real Estate Companies” and No. 9 among “Atlanta’s Top 10 Residential of Real Estate Organizations” in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s recently-released listing of the metro area’s largest residential real estate companies.

The Bullard organization, founded in 1956 by the late Cliff Bullard, is headquartered in Jonesboro. The company worked out a franchise agreement with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation in early 1998 and is the largest Coldwell Banker franchise in Georgia. Current Owner and President Steve Bullard has been with the company for more than 35 years.
Even during a challenging real estate market, the Bullard organization has continued to grow, having added three companies, Coldwell Banker Joe T. Lane Realty, Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates and Century 21 Southern Crescent, through acquisitions since September of 2007.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Rowell Auctions Announces 38 Premier Foreclosed Properties Available in Georgia via Online Auction

/PRNewswire/ -- Rowell Auctions Inc., one of pioneers of multi-property online auctions throughout the nation, has announced a 38-home auction in Georgia available now through May 5, 2009.

The highly anticipated foreclosure auction has many sought-after properties ranging from new homes to townhouses to subdivisions. The lots are spread throughout the state of Georgia and come in variety of sizes and prices, ensuring that everyone looking for a steal on their next home will have something that peaks their interest.

All bidding will be conducted exclusively via the internet online at RowellAuctions.com where complete property information and bid closing times for each property can be found. The auction has no dollar minimums or reserves, which can lead to amazing deals, said Mark Manley, a CAI, CES and AARE with Rowell Auctions.

"While the economic climate is unfortunate, the current market has ensured this will be one of the most intriguing auctions we have ever seen." Manley said. "The quality of properties that are available in this auction really is outstanding."

Manley stated in recent years online auctions have become one of the preferred ways for investors and individual families to get outstanding deals because they can bid from the comfort of their home rather than being forced to attend a live auction.

Manley said: "The early indication is this auction is going to have some competitive bids, but I anticipate there will be even better bargains."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Group VI Welcomes Two New Agents

Group Six Real Estate, LLC, one of Metro-Atlanta’s top producing commercial real estate companies, is pleased to announce the addition of two agents to their team of dedicated professionals. Ann Owenby and Carrie Guthrie join Group VI and bring with them many years of experience not only in real estate, but also private industry, sales, and US Government information.

Carrie worked with Home Depot Corporate and The Weather Channel for six years. Ann was the manager of the superintendent of documents, US Government printing office bookstore for 36 years. They have lived in Fayette County for 24 years. Carrie and Ann work together as a team and bring with them many years of experience in both commercial and residential real estate.

Group VI is happy to have these two extraordinary agents on the team, both of which belong to the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors. Group Six Real Estate, LLC is a leading real estate firm located in Peachtree City, Georgia. The firm specializes in commercial real estate. For more information regarding Group Six Real Estate, LLC please visit www.groupvi.com.

Sell More Homes with Social Media

mRELEVANCE founders Flammer and Levinson Present at SBS

Social media is not just for teenagers anymore. National Speakers, Carol Flammer, MIRM, CAPS and Mitch Levinson, MIRM, MBA will present “Sell More Homes with Social Media” at the Southern Building Show on Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga.

Learn how home builders, developers and others in the home building industry use social media for a competitive advantage. From social media to social networking, blogging and social bookmarking, see case studies of how builders, developers and new home communities are benefiting from social media optimization. Find out how to incorporate a blog and sites such as Active Rain, FaceBook, My Space, Blogger and others into an effective Internet marketing program.

The Internet is rapidly evolving. Do not miss this opportunity to learn how to maximize your return on investment (ROI). Social media marketing and optimization, search engine marketing, an effective Web site, email marketing and social networking are all components of a successful Internet marketing program. Learn how to take your traditional public relations online as an integral part of reputation management.

Carol Flammer, creator of Atlanta's most successful real estate blog, Atlanta Real Estate Forum will demonstrate how home builders can claim their spot in the search engine rankings with careful placement of keywords, search terms and incoming links. Flammer says, “Corporate brands are now built online. Are your prospective buyers finding you where they are looking?” She continues, “Better yet, When you Google your name, do you like what you see?”

mRELEVANCE has created successful social media programs for a number of builders and developers. Find out more about their successes at TopBuilderBlogs and mRELEVANCE.The Southern Building Show and Conference is one of the housing industry’s top overall educational experiences. To register to exhibit or attend this year’s event, visit www.southernbuildingshow.com.

About mRELEVANCE:
mRELEVANCE, LLC, is a public relations, Internet marketing and social media firm designed to meet client needs in a changing marketplace by building online and off line relationships that are relevant to client success. Combining the talents and resources of public relations and social media firm Flammer Relations with the power of Internet marketing services at MLC New Home Marketing, mRELEVANCE implements a combination of traditional PR services and up-to-date Web 2.0 tools (e-mail marketing, search engine optimization, social media, blog building and others) to create relevant results for clients. With offices in Atlanta and Chicago, mRELEVANCE can connect your company with buyers and build relevant relationships nationwide. For more information, visit www.mRELEVANCE.com or call 770-383-3360 or 847-259-7312.

---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---