R.E. Real Estate Magazine Winter 2013 by R.E. Real Estate Magazine

METRO ATLANTA EDITION > WINTER 2013

Shelley & Steve Garland Happy Home Sellers

also Partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Profile HomeStar Financial Corp and R.E. People

Winter Turns to Spring Publisher Lawrence A. Cohen publisher@remagazines.com

Photographers Sue Buxton phototyme@msn.com John Clemmer john@johnclemmer.net Database Administrator Lynn Paul circulation@remagazines.com Graphic Design/Production Jon B. Bradie, Unit B Creative jb@unitbcreative.com Contributing Writers John Luke TC McClenning Board of Advisors Dan Forsman Kevin Levent Sandra McCrary Carol Morgan Jenny Pruitt Walter Sanford Tom Spurlin R.E. Magazine® is published quarterly by REM Publishing, LLC., 3036 Leafwood Drive SE., Marietta, GA 30067. Phone: 770-956-7100 FAX: 770-956-7105 www.remagazines.com R.E. Real Estate Magazine is printed by Executive Press, Richardson, TX, using earth-friendly printing techniques, including FSC-certified paper, and soy-based inks and biodegradable coatings. Subscriptions are free for Realtor® Board or Association members in Metro Atlanta. Allow 6-8 weeks for new subscriptions. www.remagazines.com/atlantasubscribe POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: R.E. Magazine, 3036 Leafwood Drive SE., Marietta 30067

from the publisher

Editorial Consultant TC McClenning editor@remagazines.com

It’s winter time (still) – traditionally a time when not only does nature take a siesta, usually the real estate industry takes a long winter nap as well. Fortunately, this year has not been the case, as most everyone I’ve talked to in the industry has been busier than ever this season! Optimism is running high that this spring’s buying season will be the best in years, and we’re looking forward to the success stories that it will bring! Keep those fires burning, and we’ll be there, as always, to fan the flames! As we come up on our tenth anniversary of publishing R.E. Real Estate Magazine, I’m delighted that there are still so many great stories out there to tell. This month is no exception, as we’re honored to profile two of the nicest people we’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years, Steve and Shelley Garland. I’ve always loved people with passion, and the Garlands have many – among them, real estate, home building, and dogs! Get them talking about any one of them, and you’re in for a lively conversation. While the Garlands have been top performers on fellow ERA Sunrise Realty agent Becky Babcock’s team for several years, they recently decided to form their own team, and are continuing their “family tradition” of success. Read how, with the help of their two daughters, they are creating their own “real estate dynasty.” Another exciting story we’re honored to tell is about HomeStar Financial Corporation. When the real estate industry hit on challenging times about five years ago, many mortgage companies didn’t survive the fallout. Many more barely survived by downsizing. Read how this exceptional company not only survived, but continued to grow, offering a unique product that continues to help people get into their dream homes! As the industry continues to recuperate, this group of dedicated professionals is poised to maintain that growth, and is becoming one of the most celebrated success stories in the industry! As we wind down our first decade of publish R.E. Real Estate Magazine, we want to thank everyone in the industry for your ongoing readership and support. With springtime just around the corner, we’re excited to document the rebirth of Atlanta as one of the most exciting real estate marketplaces in the country. We look forward to continuing to bring you the best examples of innovation, dedication and yes, perseverance, as you help people pursue the American dream of homeownership! Live Passionately! Lawrence A. Cohen Publisher

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

people

On Dec. 13, Darryl Pierce of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers’ Northlake office was installed as the 2013 President of the DeKalb Association of Realtors®. Formerly an IT Director with AT&T Broadband, Pierce got into real estate when he couldn’t sell his home Darryl Pierce – effectively becoming an accidental landlord. Pierce has been with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers since he was licensed in 2002. Throughout the years, Pierce has stayed active with the DeKalb Association of Realtors. He’s served on the political action committee, been involved in fundraising and held a seat on the board of directors, which has included a position as the vice president of financial management.

Faith Reid, an agent out of BHGRE Metro Brokers’ Northlake office, was recently honored as Realtor® of the Year for 2012 by the DeKalb Association of Realtors® (DAR) at their annual Pinnacle Awards celebration. The highest honor that can be given to an agent by the association, the criteria for the award includes agent spirit, civic activity, business accomplishments, association activity, state association activity and national association activity. Reid has been an active member of Faith Reid DAR for 17 years. Previously, she was the recipient of the Mary Nelson Spirit Award in 2008, which is given for inspiring others with enthusiasm, dedication and projecting a positive Realtor® image. She has served on numerous committees and is a lifetime member of DAR’s Top Producers Club. Reid is currently 2013 President Elect of DAR.

Paul G. Brower

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Paul G. Brower, an associate broker with Harry Norman, Realtors®, has been elected chairman of the Georgia Real Estate Commission. He succeeds J. W. (Bill) Bonner, Sr. of Fayetteville, broker-president of Southeast Properties Inc. J. Clayton Foster of Oakwood, president of Foster Commercial Real

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

Estate Services, Inc., has been elected vice chairman succeeding Brower. Governor Nathan Deal has appointed Josh N. Bonner to the Georgia Real Estate Commission. Bonner filled the seat of his father, Bill Bonner, when his term on the Commission ended January 25, 2013. Josh Bonner is the CEO of Southeast Properties. Prior to entering real estate, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army and served active duty as a military intelligence officer, followed by time in the Army Reserves, where he served multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. LaTrina Clark with Keller Williams Realty – Atlanta Metro East, has been awarded the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Metro East Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors® (WCR). This annual award recognizes a member who fully exercises her LaTrina Clark potential as an entrepreneur and real estate industry leader, and who shares time, talent and expertise with others in the profession and in the community.

Real estate professional Becky Babcock with ERA Sunrise Realty in Cherokee County has received national recognition from ERA Franchise Systems LLC for being ranked #4 in the U.S. among over 20,000 ERA agents for adjusted gross commission income earned. With 157 sales in 2012, Becky Babcock’s team focused on residential real estate in Cherokee and surrounding counties. The prestigious award was announced by ERA Franchise Systems Senior Vice President of Broker Services and Operations, Melody Bohrer, at ERA Sunrise Realty’s annual awards luncheon.

contents

W I N T E R 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 1 N U M B E R 1

Cover Story

R.E. People R.E. News Around Town Calendar of Events Inspection Section Realtor Resource Directory

During one of the most challenging financial times in history, this Georgia-based mortgage company tripled in size, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Visit our Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/remagazine

Shelley & Steve Garland

With the combined skills of both real estate sales and home building, this dynamic husband and wife team prove that real estate doesn’t have to be a dog-eat-dog profession! Partner’s Profile

HomeStar Financial

4 10 17 23 24 26

Cover: Photo By Sue Buxton

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Phone: 770.493.9000

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

RE/MAX Greater Atlanta is pleased to announce its top-producing sales associates of 2012. Its top three sales teams were, in order, Jason Harris, Matt Hester, and Pat Cox. The East Cobb-based company’s top three individual agents were Veda Wood, Carol Moson, and Scott Tufford. The agents were recently honored at a Carol Moson Jason Harris company sales meeting for their high annual sales production. Keller Williams Realty Partners Associate Broker Sandy Pluris was sworn in as the Women’s Council of Realtors® (WCR) Cherokee chapter’s 2013 president at the group’s year-end meeting. A member of WCR since 2005, this is the second time Pluris has served Sandy Pluris as the chapter’s president. She has been a licensed real estate agent since 1996 and earned her broker’s license in 1998.

C ON GRA TUL ATIONS ONGRA GRATUL SHELLEY & STEVE G ARL AND!

WE ARE PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THAT YOU ARE ON OUR TEAM

980 BIRMINGHAM HWY SUITE 600 MILTON, GA 30004

157 REINHARDT COLLEGE PKWY. SUITE 100 CANTON, GA 30115

770.720.1515 WWW.ERASUNRISEREALTY.COM

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

Tana Brewster has joined PalmerHouse Properties as associate broker and office manager for the Alpharetta office. Licensed since 2007, Tana started her real estate career with Prudential Georgia Realty, where she served clients primarily in the North Georgia market. In 2012 she joined The Property Shop of Georgia, Inc. where she assumed the role of office manager while continuing to work with clients in Forsyth, Cherokee and Tana Brewster Pickens counties. At the Atlanta Board of Realtors® (ABR) Annual Business Meeting, Ennis Antoine was awarded the Five Star Circle of Service Award. This award is presented to those members who have served ABR in an exemplary manner during 2012. Throughout the year, Antoine has been heavily involved in the ABR as well as the National Association of Realtors®. As Chairman of the Membership Services Committee, he Ennis Antoine helped grow the Board’s membership. Actively involved in politics, he is currently the Federal Political Coordinator for Congressman Scott of the 13th district. He was also the co-chair of BHGRE Metro Brokers’ Habitat for Humanity Build with Angela Furcron of the North Fulton office. In addition to receiving his award, Antoine was installed on the 2013 Board of Directors for ABR. The Empire Board of Realtists recently installed its 2013 officers, including President Stacey Mollison, the broker/ CEO of Libra Realty Group; First Vice President Linda Chambers, broker with Majestic Realty, Inc.; Second Vice President Lucretia Ramsey, broker with Stacey Mollison Ramsey Realty Services, Inc.; Third Vice President Edmond Green, qualifying broker and managing partner of Select Brokers LLC; Secretary Rischonya “Shonnie” Alridge, sales associate with Trinity First Realty Services; Treasurer Carmen Diamond, broker/owner of CD Enterprises LLC; Assistant Treasurer Linda Chambers Vincent T.C. Williams, broker/owner of Claxton Realty, Inc.; Financial Secretary Bettie Allen, real estate specialist with Buy Smart Realty, LLC; Parliamentarian Barbara Guillory, with Select

Brokers, LLC; and Chaplain Jean Kimpson of Realty Network Brokers. ERA Sunrise Realty agent Marc Haney recently earned a national performance award from ER A Franchise Systems LLC headquartered in Parsippany, NJ. In 2012, Haney’s first full year in the business, Haney achieved more closed transactions, dollar Marc Haney volume and adjusted gross commission than any other first year agent within the national and international ERA Real Estate System. The award was announced at ERA Sunrise Realty’s companywide meeting on February 1st. Haney is the 2nd ERA Sunrise Realty agent to be honored with this award. C our t ney New ton & Associates of Keller Williams Realty CitysideThe Rawls Group are pleased to announce two new team members. Zaida Perez, with over

Jeff Barber

Zaida Perez

10 years of experience in residential sales, will be the team’s bilingual buyer partner. Jeff Barber is a brand new agent and will be working as a showing assistant for the team. Harry Norman, Realtors® recently welcomed several new faces to its East Cobb office sales team, including Lindsey Adams, the Grey/Varsalona Team of Barbara Grey and Elaine Varsalona, Bev Ayres, Laura Crain, Becky Myers, and Trisha Estes. Karen Loftus, 2013 president of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors, has appointed Shelly Bloom as the new

Lindsey Adams

Barbara Grey

Elaine Varsalona

Laura Crain

Becky Myers

Trisha Estes

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Phone: 770.493.9000

Toll Free: 800.289.1214

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

Chairperson of Community Service Committee. The first project Shelly is chairing is a fundraiser for Homes for Our Troops. The beneficiary of this fundraiser will be Cpl. Tony Mullis of Hawkinsville, Georgia. The money will help build a custom home for Cpl. Mullis, to accommodate his injuries sustained in Afghanistan, while serving in the military. Bloom is a Seniors Real Estate Consultant with Virtual Properties Realty and is licensed in Florida and Georgia. She lists and sells property Shelly Bloom in many active adult communities throughout the Atlanta area. Active in her community, Bloom is an Ambassador for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and a sponsor of www.ElderCareMatters. com, an online, national organization offering experts in all fields for aging for Baby Boomers and their parents. RE/MAX Pure Broker/Owner Wendy Bunch, an agent with more than 15 years’ experience and the head of the Wendy Bunch Team, has recently added several agents. Colleen Wadman, an agent with short sale and foreclosure experience, has recently partnered with Bunch to create the team. Charda Bishop is a Cobb County native with more than 27 years’ experience selling home

Congr Cong r a att u l a att i on ons

Shelley & Steve Garland! Thank you for being the professional s that you are, aand nd for allowing us to be part of your success!

from your friends at

Frank Cooper & Mickey Heinze “Working with real estate professionals for over 20 years”

and land. Margie Medlin, GRI, CRS, has been in real estate since 1989 and earned numerous sales awards including Rookie of the Year, Cobb Realtor® of the Year, and the 2002 RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award. When not selling Colleen Wadman real estate, she volunteers in the community at MUST Ministries, Packing for Soldiers and the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Charda Bishop Glenn Field, who holds his Master’s degree from the University of North Texas, was inspired to enter real estate after a great home buyer experience in 2007. Kevin Neel has more than 30 years’ experience in the Cobb County housing industry, including work as a renovation contractor, a buyer’s agent, and a landlord with numerous rentals. Margie Medlin Kathy Delbridge has joined the USA Mortgage Team at their brand new location at the Atlanta Realtors® Center in Sandy Springs. Kathy comes with 14+ years of experience in the mortgage industry. Her roles have included everything from loan processing to operations management to mortgage consultant. Delbridge is one of only four individuals in Georgia that has achieved the Certified Mortgage Kathy Delbridge Planning Specialist® designation. With almost nine years as a Windsong Properties employee, Carrie Roeger has done everything from purchasing to marketing. Over time, she has developed a deep understanding of the company and its market niche, active adult home buyers. This experience has resulted in her promotion from marketing manager to Carrie Roeger operations manager. Previously, Roeger spent five years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon completion of her service, she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She also served as a production assistant for a government contractor that built base housing and was a builder assistant for the interiors division of Choate Construction.

7 7 0 •9 3 2 •8 6 3 4

www.inspect-atlanta.com 8

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Ginny Bryant

Lennar Atlanta Director of Sales and Marketing Ginny Bryant was honored at the 32nd Annual OBIE Awards, receiving a Gold OBIE for Sales Manager of the Year. In addition, Marketing Manager Rose Humphrey won a Gold OBIE for

Marketing Director of the Year. In all, Lennar Atlanta won five OBIE awards, which are awards honoring the homebuilding industry. Jeff Luther, founder of Home-Probe, Inc. announced today that Jamie Cohen has joined the company in the role of home inspector. He comes to HomeProbe with over 12 years’ experience in the inspection and real estate industry. Jamie has been a licensed real estate agent in Georgia for seven years with a Jamie Cohen strict focus on the residential side. Designations Altimese L. Dees has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation by the Council of Residential Specialists. Dees is the broker/owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC, with locations in Atlanta and Fayetteville. She is a member of The National Association of Altimese L. Dees Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Michael J. Maher, the bestselling author of (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals, world-renowned speaker and productivity expert, has joined forces with Keller Williams Realty, The Rawls Group. He joins The Rawls Group as Senior Leader- Director of Productivity, and will be responsible for developing systems for agents. Michael has led a $40 million producing team and understands the models and skills required to succeed. He will translate these skills for the 1,000+ agents in The Rawls Group as well as assist other agents in their transition to the team. Michael will oversee agent productivity, training and coaching all levels of real estate professionals. Operating Partner Shaun Rawls said, “Today our organization added the most sought-after coach, real estate professional and trainer in the industry. We became a better company today and we are thrilled to be in business with Michael whose integrity and beliefs are in line with what we stand for.”

Congratulations Shelley & Steve! It’s an honor being part of your success team! from

Deborah S. Bailey and your friends at

678-518-5515 3870 Mansell Road, Suite 140 Alpharetta, GA 30022

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Launches New “Veterans to Rep” Program

news

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers launched a new “Veterans to Real Estate Professionals (REP)” program in February to assist veterans with starting a new career in real estate. The BHGRE Metro Brokers “Veterans to REP” program is open to all branches of the military including the National Guard, Reserve and Veterans. The program provides recruits with a full scholarship, covering the cost of real estate school and the first six months of real estate expenses with BGHRE Metro Brokers, an investment of more than $3,000 per recruit. The program has already generated a great amount of interest, with

30 veterans signing up for the program in the first two weeks. As part of the program, new recruits will be placed on X-celerater, a series of intensive, hands-onmentorshipandcoaching

sessions with brokers. X-celerater also includes marketing advice and implementation, innovative technology and free leads. John Walsh, a BHGRE Metro Brokers agent in the North Fulton office, is an Army veteran who has found

success in real estate. “In the military, I gained honesty and integrity. I learned how to make a commitment and keep to it. I’m self-motivated, driven by internal fortitude and selfconfidence. All of these traits apply directly to real estate. I’m here because President and CEO Kevin Levent provided me with a turn-key opportunity to create the career I wanted. You can, too.” BHGRE Metro Brokers launched a website at w w w. VeteransToREP.com, which includes in-depth program information and a sign-up sheet. Veterans can also contact the BHGRE Metro Brokers’ career development department at 877-623-8269.

Congratulations

Shelley & Steve Garland! from

Andrew W. Hartman Attorney at Law

and your friends at

FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE CLOSINGS COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

www.hartman-imbriale.com 51-D Bryant Street Jasper, GA 30143 706-253-7700

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145 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30188 678- 445-7423

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

PalmerHouse Properties Opens 7th Metro Atlanta Office PalmerHouse Properties has announced the opening of its 7th office, located at 201 W. Ponce De Leon Ave, Suite 10, in Decatur. “PalmerHouse has experienced steady growth since its inception and we are committed to providing our agents with the support and services they need to be successful,” said Kevin L. Palmer, CEO and founder. “There is a tremendous, creative and talented agent base in Decatur and surrounding markets and our new office will give those agents a location and a team to service their clients.” Owen Dykes will be the onsite office manager of the Decatur office. While Owen will be actively selling, he will also be available to provide onsite support to the agents. He has been a licensed real estate agent for almost 20 years and has a significant background in REO properties.

BrokerHost Solutions, LLC Launches Back Office and Admin Services for Real Estate Companies

Morris|Hardwick|Schneider and LandCastle Title Move Corporate Headquarter to Buckhead

BrokerHost Solutions, LLC announced today the launch of an exciting solution focused on providing real estate owners/brokers with comprehensive back office and administrative services. CEO and Founder Kevin L. Palmer stated, “We are thrilled about our ground-breaking platform and services. We know what it’s like to grow a successful real estate business. While experiencing the joy and excitement of owning your own company, real estate entrepreneurs also face many challenges: inadequate staffing, the crush of administrative tasks, securing systems and technology, offering the service levels your agents expect, managing trust accounts, managing cash flow, and operating the payment processes. BrokerHost can address these issues for owners/brokers at a fraction of what it costs small to midsize companies.” BrokerHost can significantly reduce the need for back office personnel and expensive accounting systems. Through its proven technologies and responsive service center, it can handle trust account management and maintenance, commission processing, bookkeeping, and even contract review if desired. In addition to reducing administrative tasks, one of BrokerHost’s chief aims is to shield owners/brokers from the risks and costs of GREC regulatory and compliance directives and mandates. A single GREC audit can cost brokers countless hours of compliance and administrative work and result in tens of thousands of dollars in fines. For more information, visit www.brokerhostsolutions.com.

Morris|Hardwick|Schneider and LandCastle Title have moved their corporate offices to Buckhead, announced Nat Hardwick, managing partner of M|H|S and CEO of LandCastle Title. The firms’ new headquarters are located at 3560 Lenox Road. Greg Thorne has been tapped to head up real estate closings at the new office. Also managed from this new headquarters will be M|H|S’s and LandCastle Title’s East Coast Operations. Linda Krebs, a partner in the law firm, is leading these expansion efforts, which are presently focused on Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina. “Our firm is growing and we needed a new headquarters office that was more spacious and more centrally located. Our new office perfectly meets this need,” Hardwick said. “We will continue to handle real estate closings in our former headquarters in Dunwoody as well.” The new Buckhead office will also house the firm’s emerging sports and entertainment law practice, which Hardwick oversees. The firm is currently working with PGA golfer Dustin Johnson as well as other professional athletes on transactional matters, including the negotiation of endorsement contracts. In other news, Hardwick announced that Dan Caserto has been promoted to senior managing attorney and will head up M|H|S’s offices in Duluth and Buford. News continued on page 18

Congratulations Steve and Shelley!

Congratulations Shelley & Steve Garland!

Thank you for your continued support! It is a pleasure working with you!

You two make a great team! Thank you for making us part of your success! from your friends at

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Shelley & Steve Garland

or 30 years, Shelley Garland had jobs she didn’t really like. Some of those lessthan-satisfying positions included being a receptionist at a mental health center, typing engineering manuals, being a medical staffing coordinator, a library assistant and marketing a large insurance company. All that changed after she became a real estate agent. “My first year in this business, I could not stop smiling because I was finally doing something I love to do,” said the now-ecstatic agent with ERA Sunrise Realty. “When you find something you like and can

make a living at it, it’s such a blessing.” Now working in partnership with her husband Steve, the Garlands are clearly thankful for discovering this profession and for the mentoring they had early in their careers. “Starting out working for another agent is really the way to do it,” explains Shelley, who up until last year worked with ERA agent Becky Babcock (R.E. Magazine cover story, August 2006). “Apprentices did this many years ago. It’s a big deep pool and you can sink real easy if you don’t have someone to

Photo by Sue Buxton

cover story

With the combined skills of both real estate sales and home building, this dynamic husband and wife team prove that real estate doesn’t have to be a dog-eat-dog profession! by TC McClenning

Shown here in Woodhaven on the Bend, a gated estate community nestled on the Etowah River, the Garlands love the outdoors and the natural beauty of the North Fulton and Southeast Cherokee county areas where they sell the majority of their homes. “I call it the Golden Triangle,” says Shelley.

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provide that support and answer the questions that come up.” “Shelley launched her career working for me and it was a good foundation for her,” recalls Babcock, who was also quick to point out Shelley’s incredible work ethic and attention to detail. “I’m very proud of her.” Since becoming licensed agents, the Garlands have spent their entire careers at ERA Sunrise Realty and are now based out of the Milton office in North Fulton County. In March 2011, the Garlands made the difficult choice to transition to their own team. Shelley admits she was the hesitant, over-cautious one. Steve, however, says, “I was ready to go out on our own long before we did.”

n their first full year on their own, the Garlands now rank sixth in Georgia for ERA Real Estate and earned the Platinum Award from the Cherokee Association of Realtors®, which is the second highest award level for the association. They also achieved Leader’s Circle award level status for ERA. Shelley gives ERA Sunrise Realty owner David Moody a lot of credit for her success. “I can’t even think Photo By Sue Buxton about working anywhere but in David Moody’s office. The support that he Shelley and ERA Sunrise Realty Broker/Owner David Moody review some of the marketing materials designed by the Garlands’ daughter Rebecca at their new Milton office. “I love our gives his agents absolutely can’t be new space,” says Shelley. “It has a whole equestrian theme that makes me feel right at home!” matched. I can’t imagine working for anyone who would support us as much as he and his staff feedback. In fact, clients sometimes bring them a gift at do. The associate brokers are great. There are awesome closing, something that rarely happens in real estate. “The training opportunities and everyone is always accessible.” people they work with really appreciate their hard work.” One form of support comes by way of one-on-one The Garland team has a unique property focus. They coaching with ERA staff member Cristal Stancil. It’s primarily work with clients wishing to buy or sell homes a complimentary service for ERA Sunrise agents to on acreage in the $400,000 range and up, including help them stay focused on where they want to go. “We equestrian properties. The Garlands are avid dog show regularly review their business plan to make sure they fans and participants – even using one of their dogs in are on track,” explains Stancil, who adds the side benefit some of their marketing pieces. Shelley estimates that for this is that agents being coached have dramatically approximately half the people they’ve worked with increased their productivity. “It helps agents keep have come from the dog world. The Garlands are small control of their careers.” acreage (up to 25 acres) and estate property specialists Stancil says the Garlands have some of the happiest based in Cherokee and North Fulton counties. customers in the world, based on customer reviews and However, they have facilitated several property deals r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

all over Georgia. In 2012 alone, they closed properties in 11 different counties. And, with Steve’s 30+ year background in the commercial construction business, the Garlands are far more informed than the average agent about building construction and repair issues. Steve has managed multi-million dollar commercial projects, including all the intricacies of budgets and deadlines, all over the South and now brings that expertise to custom home building. Two years ago, he got his residential and light commercial building license and started building as

Photo by Sue Buxton

Steve Garland Homes. His current project is truly a labor of love. The Garlands are building a custom home with mountain views on acreage in Cherokee County that Shelley describes as “5,500 square feet of gorgeousness.” With construction so much a part of their lives, the Garlands feel they have a responsibility to tell their clients when something’s wrong with the building construction. Mary Jane Jonas, a past client who has referred the Garlands to work with family members and friends, couldn’t say enough about her positive experience, “They weren’t just focused on selling us a house, but the right house. They pointed out problems and I felt like they really looked out for us. They are very knowledgeable about the market, the homes, how they’re built and the area.” With obvious pride, Shelley explains, “If you look us up on Zillow.com, we have a five-star rating. Nineteen people have gone online and given us the top rating available and written rave reviews about us. That’s high praise, considering we haven’t been on our own all that long.” ERA Sunrise Realty’s David Moody no doubt wishes he could clone Shelley. “She is the heart of that team. If you hire Shelley, you hire a bulldog. You’ve got somebody in your corner. She will fight for your negotiations. Shelley is tenacious and doesn’t give up on a deal.” Moody says the Garlands best feature is their attitude. They know how to be prepared for every client’s needs (no matter how unique), come prepared for every situation, do their homework so they know each niche market and really listen to their clients’ needs and wishes. Nowhere is this more evident than with a couple of transactions where clients relocating to metro Atlanta basically bought homes sight unseen. They saw pictures, but never stepped foot in the properties until they had closed on the homes. Both times this happened, the The Garlands outside the new Milton office with daughter and team-member Brandy, who clients were completely amazed and provides part-time assistance wherever the team needs help. An Oklahoma State soccer pleased, asking things like, “How did you scholarship recipient, Brandy earned a B.A. in Christian Counseling before getting her real know this is exactly what we wanted?” estate license in 2007. “Brandy’s attitude, her quiet patience and her solid Christian faith Shelley’s answer is simple. “We listened!” make her a valuable resource to our team,” says Steve. 14

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ever knowing how, when or where their next clients may contact them, the Garland team is very big on marketing. They feature and showcase their listings on several websites, including Trulia, Zillow, Homes.com, Realtor.com and Listing Book. They do zip code advertising, use QR codes, publicity, postcards and fliers. Their youngest daughter, Rebecca, is founder and president of Wing Walker Public Relations in south Georgia and handles the marketing and public relations for the Garland team, including the professional layout of these materials. She actually turns down business from other Atlanta agents who see the Garlands’ marketing materials, wanting to focus solely on her parents having stand-out pieces in the competitive Daughter Rebecca Dickey polished her career as an officer with the United States Air Force, serving as the Chief of Public Affairs for the Middle East and liaison for the White House Atlanta real estate marketplace. In addition to all his building press corp at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile. After leaving the Air Force and founding expertise, Steve is an excellent Wing Walker Public Relations, Rebecca was retained by numerous top public and private companies to provide public relations support. She currently lives in South Georgia with her photographer and takes the vast husband Jeremy and children Morgan, 3, and Jake, 1. majority of interior and exterior property photos. And, to round out the family Florida real estate broker with 48 years in the business. atmosphere, daughter Brandy is a part-time licensed He called the Garlands from a real estate sign. Five agent for the Garland team. It really is one family transactions later, Sheer has nothing but positive helping another find the perfect place to call home. things to say about the team. “I never met anyone as Communication is another key to their success. They dedicated to their customers as these two are. They

“I never met anyone as dedicated to their customers as these two are. They do everything one could possibly think of to market people’s properties. I’m not sure when they sleep!” use Google Voice numbers on their signs, advertising and FMLS listing entries. The Google number then rings to Shelley and Steve’s cell phones at the same time, making them much more accessible to new client leads and questions about their listings. In terms of communicating with current clients, Shelley says, “I go above and beyond with this. I think it’s better to overcommunicate than under-communicate.” One such call came from Jack Sheer, a semi-retired

do everything one could possibly think of to market people’s properties. I’m not sure when they sleep!” Sheer, who also owns a real estate brokerage in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, says without hesitation, “If they ever want to leave Atlanta and go to Gatlinburg, there’s no doubt who would be running my office there!” Shelley loves the flexibility it gives her, the ability to work at home with her dogs when she wants, or take to the road when needed. They recently had r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

Photo by Sue Buxton Steve and Shelley, along with their 6-year-old English Setter Kate in front of Steve Garland Homes’ latest project, a 5600 sq. ft. Craftsman Lodge built on a scenic 9-acre estate property in Ball Ground.

to rush to south Georgia because their daughter was going into labor 10 weeks early. She already had a two-year-old and her husband, who is in the military, was stationed in Africa. So, the Garlands packed up their clothes and computers and, thanks to mobile technology, could manage their clients and current business from afar. Steve and Shelley are also members of Birmingham United Methodist Church, which is an integral part of their family focus. “I frequently remind myself of what’s important,” Shelley says. “I keep a sign over my desk with the saying ‘Never get so busy making a living that you forget to have a life.’ It’s a great and frequent reminder to me.” As they continue to establish their own team identity in the metro Atlanta real estate marketplace, they say, “If you’re willing to work really hard and do a good job for people, you will be rewarded. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. If you treat people as good as 16

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you can treat them, treating them with fairness, honesty and integrity, the rest of it will take care of itself.” TC McClenning is a marketing consultant and writer who has helped hundreds of Realtors®, companies, builders and Realtor ® associations with their marketing efforts, media coverage, websites, blogs and social media. Author of the award-winning book, All In a Day’s Work for Real Estate Agents, contact TC at 404-8190643, tc@topcatcreative.com, or follow @RealtorPR.

678-653-1366 www.ShelleyGarland.com

around town

2. Reuben Mann of Tax In-House, an accounting and financial planning firm specializing in working with real estate agents, was the guest speaker at the Atlanta Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors® luncheon, held January 17 at Modern Restaurant in Buckhead.

1. The Gwinnett Realtor® Players, a band of itinerant thespians who have been putting on satiric musicals for charity, had a reunion at the Tilted Kilt in Marietta during this year’s GAR conference. (Back row L to R): Reid Nix, Jim Robinson, Sue Ellen Burchfield, Jim Duffie, Sharon Adcock, David Nix, Jor Burchfield, and Thomas Gillette. (Front row L to R): Donna Traylor-French, Bill Lawson, Karen Loftus and Lawrence Cohen

Photo by Lawrence Cohen

3. Joe and Jeanne Linden give a hug to Santa Claus at the Harry Norman East Cobb office Community Christmas Open House. More than 50 families had their pictures taken with St. Nick. Senior VP/ Managing Broker Jeanne Linden announced the office’s designation of Marietta-based Sheltering Grace Ministry as the recipient of contributions and needed household items through an office-wide campaign supported by agents and staff.

4. Noted real estate expert John Adams was the featured speaker at the Gwinnett WCR’s monthly Business Resource Meeting in November at the 1818 Club in Duluth. John also swore in the 2013 officers at the meeting. r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

News continued from page 11

The Rawls Group, Keller Williams Realty Earns Top Honors and Starts a Luxury Division The Rawls Group, Keller Williams Realty was recently cited by REAL Trends, Inc. as one of only 17 firms in America to achieve growth in all key areas of brokerage operational performance. REAL Trends annually publishes rankings of the leading brokerage firms and sales professionals. In a ten year study of the largest 500 U.S. residential brokerage firms, REAL Trends found that only 17 had grown the levels of their sales professionals, closed housing sales and personal productivity from 2002 to 2011. The Rawls Group was one of these 17 firms. Steve Murray, editor of REAL Trends, said, “When you consider that housing sales volumes fell over 50 percent throughout the country over this time, to have even 17 firms accomplish growth in all three key areas of The Georgia Association of Realtors® (GAR) held its Inaugural Meeting in Atlanta in late January. A highlight of the event was the Rally for Homeownership, held at the steps of Georgia’s Capitol Building. On January 29, more than 800 Realtors® turned out for the event, the first of its kind for the group. Governor Nathan Deal was among the elected officials who spoke to the crowd. He acknowledged Realtors® for their efforts to help further economic development in Georgia. Other Rally speakers included Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer, House Minority Leader

brokerage performance, is an amazing accomplishment. Not only did these firms perform well, but in all three categories they outperformed their peer companies by as much as 100 percent over the ten year period.” In an Atlanta real estate market where many offices are closing their doors or limiting services, The Rawls Group’s six Atlanta real estate offices have proactively and productively added services for their agents and clients. One of these is the latest addition, KW Luxury Homes Services. With close to 60 current members, the metro Atlanta division formally launched January 7, 2013, with a new look, image and benefits to both clients and agent members. It is one of the largest divisions of KW Luxury Homes International and focuses on listing and selling homes in the $750,000 and above price point.

Stacey Abrams, Rep. Roger Bruce of Atlanta, Rep. Virgil Flood of Tyrone, and Rep. Micah Gravely of Douglasville. Robin Lance, the 2013 GAR president is seen here addressing the large crowd. After the Rally, Realtors® had

face-to-face meetings with their local elected officials to discuss issues and legislation that could potentially affect homeownership and private property rights during the 2013 session of the Georgia General Assembly.

Have a piece of real estate-related or people-related news? Send information to Editor, R.E. Magazine, 3036 Leafwood Drive S.E., Marietta 30067, or e-mail to editor@remagazines.com 18

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Buford office (from L to R): Keith Howell, Derrick Kugler, Ken Rizza, Stacey Jones, Reid Nix, David Ellenburg.

p a r t n e r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s p r o f i l e

HomeStar Financial Corporation

Photo by Lawrence Cohen

Photography by JohnClemmer.net

Wes Hunt

Marietta office (from L to R): Terry Palmer, Laura DeJong, Dan Dull, John Gibson, Matt Leslie, Lynn Dull, Joe Pulliam

Homegrown Star r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

HomeStar Financial During one of the most challenging financial times in history, this Georgiabased mortgage company tripled in size, and shows no signs of slowing down

That’s when the USDA program really started taking off for HomeStar Financial. From September 2010 to September 2011 – the U.S. government’s fiscal year, HomeStar closed 855 USDA loans, making the firm Georgia’s largest USDA lender. By comparison, HomeStar’s closest competitor closed just over 200 USDA loans in the state. HomeStar has held the designation of Georgia’s #1 USDA Lender for the last three years. “Many lenders have tried and experienced false starts with the USDA program,” Hunt comments. “HomeStar has remained dedicated to the program.” HomeStar is definitely a major player in the FHA, VA, Conventional and Jumbo lending arena as well. Their total volume for FYE 2012 was just under a half billion dollars. HomeStar closed over 3800 units in FYE 2012. The companies focus on serving the real estate and builder community is evident in the makeup of its lending volume. Of those 3800 loans closed in FYE 2012, 78% – almost 3000 units – were purchase transactions.

arly in his mortgage lending career Hunt realized that having the ability to provide a high level of personalized service meant HomeStar

Photography by JohnClemmer.net

hen Wes Hunt started HomeStar Financial Corporation in 2002, he never had the intention of growing the company to 33 offices. What started as a small local mortgage banking company in Gainesville, HomeStar now boasts 225 team members, including 123 licensed mortgage loan originators across 6 states, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. However, as Hunt explains, being in the right place, at the right time, with the right product created the “perfect storm” for growth. “It took on a life of its own,” he remarks. “We have just learned to tame the storm of growth.” From its early days, HomeStar found success in the offering of the lesser-known USDA loan program. USDA loans offer 100 percent financing on rural properties, with no money out of pocket for the buyer and interest rates comparable to FHA rates. The term “rural” is a bit misleading, as properties in northern Forsyth, Dawson and Barrow counties qualify, explains Hunt. As the economy worsened, it became increasingly difficult for people to obtain an FHA loan or the traditional conventional mortgage, which required a larger down payment.

By TC McClenning

“I’m very hands on in the business,” explains Wes Hunt. “However, I also have a lot of confidence in the people who work for me, knowing they will do the right thing. I definitely don’t sweat the small stuff, as the saying goes.” Gwinnett office (from L to R): Susan Spellmann, Jennifer Sims, Jay Millwood.

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must control every aspect of the loan process in-house – originating, underwriting, closing and funding. It’s still the model used today and mortgage loan originators at the firm enjoy access to team members, handling other parts of the loan process. “At big banks or mortgage divisions, you can’t talk directly to the underwriter. You have to go through channels – managers to closing manager to underwriter,” explains loan originator Ben Rincon. “The message gets lost or diluted in the process. Here, we have full access and can fight for our deals.” This in-house, team atmosphere has more than one loan originator say it’s easier to close transactions at HomeStar than any other mortgage firm with which they’ve been affiliated. Originators also say they are often called in at the eleventh hour to save deals that mega-banks turn down, sometimes as late as the day of the closing. In those cases, numerous people at HomeStar get involved to minimize the closing delay, sometimes going from loan application to closing in just 15 days. “HomeStar differs because the back-end support we

year, closing $478.5 million in 2012. Where will they go in 2013 and beyond? “We’re presently closing $45-$50 million in volume, 350-400 loans per month,” says Hunt. “We have all worked hard to perfect our model of efficiency and delivery. Growing is now a function of implementation; we have built a solid foundation to support future growth. “The sky’s the limit for our future,” he predicts. “Within the near future, I foresee us doubling in size again. Our continued focus will be to maintain an environment and culture which provides the highest service levels to our referral partners and borrowers, which will guarantee our position in the marketplace.”

he company is heavily invested in technology and office space. While many of the firm’s employees work “virtually,” HomeStar recently leased a 9,000-square-foot space next to the corporate office in Gainesville to accommodate additional operations staff. Another key to HomeStar’s success was moving to a paperless environment. All loan documents are

“While others were laying off, we were hiring. It was very rewarding to be able to give people a job during a tough time in our economy.” have here is tremendous,” states Buford-based loan originator Keith Howell. “From underwriting to closers doing their best to accommodate and get the loan package out, everyone wants to close the loan.” Hunt is adamant that the growth of the company is not all about him or what he’s gained personally, but more about what others have gained in terms of their career and financial survival. “When the recession happened, we focused on expanding our footprint beyond our initial market area in Gainesville, offering originators a product base that was growing versus shrinking, so we were able to not only survive, but thrive and grow. While others were laying off, we were hiring. It was very rewarding to provide much needed employment to deserving individuals during tough economic times.” HomeStar had just 35 employees in 2007. By the end of 2008, when the recession was just starting to hit Georgia, it had grown to 64 employees and loan production had increased from $80 million to nearly $130 million. Three years later, HomeStar had more than doubled its loan closings to $261.5 million in 2011. HomeStar almost doubled its loan volume year over

stored electronically in the firm’s loan origination system. Loans are processed and underwritten in a paperless environment. Each employee can securely access loan documents from anywhere. It also allows instant paperwork access to every loan team member, eliminating delays and reducing closing time. All appraisals are tracked online. HomeStar gives both the agents involved and the loan officer the ability to see if the appraisal has been scheduled, the appraisal status, etc. But even with all the streamlined systems and technological bells and whistles, the real difference, according to Howell, is the company’s corporate culture of integrity. “Agents have really gotten to know and recognize our brand and our logo in the last couple years,” he explains. “They trust us and know we won’t take advantage of their borrowers.” Rincon echoes that. “I’ve never heard a negative comment about us. In fact, I’ve had agents email me that we are the best in the market!” Such high praise in the competitive mortgage lending market is not easy to achieve. However, Hunt built and expanded HomeStar Financial after experiencing both REALESTATE ESTATEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE>>WINTER WINTER2013 2013 r.er. .e.REAL

Photo by Lawrence Cohen The Sandy Springs office of HomeStar is an international office, with several languages spoken among their team. “Our slogan is ‘Financiando su Futuro,’ or ‘Financing your Future,’” says Senior Loan Officer Patricia Boezio. “Twenty years ago, our team was one of the first to service the Hispanic community, which is still one of the fastest-growing segments of the marketplace.” (From L to R): Xavier Flores, Angel Cruz, Patricia Boezio, Fabiola Villasmil, Benjamin Rincon.

sides of the real estate transaction. He spent several years as a Realtor® and worked for other mortgage companies as a loan originator. Wes ventured into real estate at the ripe old age of 19, when he began working at his mother’s Gainesville real estate firm after experiencing a job layoff. He eventually found he enjoyed the financial, more analytical side of real estate and accepted an opportunity to begin working as a loan officer some 20 years ago. When starting his own company, Hunt had laid the foundation for what he wanted in terms of company structure, customer communication and a team-oriented environment. “Our focus is a boots on the ground mentality, with our loan officers building relationships with real estate agents, the clients and the community.” “HomeStar allows us the flexibility to have our own marketing in our respective markets,” says Jay Millwood, a loan originator based in Duluth. “Wes recognizes people that have experience and lets people do things in their own style. He’s definitely not a micro-manager. At the same time, he doesn’t just see the numbers – people are seen as people here. It starts from the top and goes down in terms of how employees and customers are treated.” Loan originator Jennifer Sims echoes the praise for

Georgia HomeStar Financial Corporation offices in: Athens, Bainbridge, Bogart, Buford, Carrollton, Cartersville, Clarkesville, Cleveland, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dallas, Douglasville, Duluth, Gainesville, Hartwell, Kennesaw, Loganville, Marietta, Newnan, Peachtree City, Sandy Springs, Statesboro, Stockbridge, and Winder.

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Hunt. “Wes is a very hands-on manager and yet he’s so humble. He doesn’t even have the title of president on his company name tag.” Sims, the company’s top-producing loan officer, has been with HomeStar five years, after spending several years at other major lenders. She has found her home at HomeStar Financial. “This is people’s biggest investments of their lives and HomeStar completely gets that,” she states. “It’s my name that makes my reputation good, but it’s the company and their support that make me Jennifer Sims. There’s no way I’d go anywhere else to work.” TC McClenning is a marketing consultant and writer who has helped hundreds of Realtors®, companies, builders and Realtor ® associations with their marketing efforts, media coverage, websites, blogs and social media. Author of the award-winning book, All In a Day’s Work for Real Estate Agents, contact TC at 404-819-0643, tc@topcatcreative.com, or follow @RealtorPR.

877-538-3393 www.homestarfc.com

Calendar of Events March & April 2013 March 7 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Women’s Council of Realtors® Statewide WCR Luncheon Speaker: Anita Davis, WCR National President Location: Druid Hills Golf Club, 740 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta Cost: $25 – RSVP with your WCR chapter affiliate for reservation

March 8 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

DeKalb Association of Realtors® 2013 Pinnacle Awards Celebration Location: Emory Conference Center, 1615 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta Cost: $50/person Information: 770-493-6100

March 8 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Atlanta Board of Realtors® Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club Banquet Location: Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, 3434 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta Cost: Sold out, wait list only Information: Sandy Ziegler, 404-2500051, ext. 105

March 14 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Gwinnett Women’s Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Financial Freedom, with Guest Speaker Fred Bumpass, CPA Location: 1818 Club at the Gwinnett Chamber, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth Cost: $15 for members / $25 nonmembers Information: Paige Powers, paigepowers@kw.com

March 15 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Cherokee Association of Realtors® Top Achievers Banquet Location: Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Cost: $30 with a purchase deadline of March 6 (Top Achievers applicants receive a free ticket) Information: Karen Cunningham, kcunningham@caor.info, 770-591-0004

March 15 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors® Million Dollar Celebration Location: Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett

Place, 1775 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth Cost: $40/person; reservations required by March 8 Information: Monica Tanner, 770-4957300, monica@namar.org

March 21 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Cherokee Women’s Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Location: Woodstock Knoll Clubhouse Cost: $10 for members / $15 for nonmembers Info: Sandy Pluris 770-378-0502 sandy@soldbysandy.com

March 21 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Cobb Association of Realtors® Multi Million Dollar Club Gala Location: Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center Cost: $75 Information: Debbie Dart, 770-4223900, debbiedart@cobbrealtor.com

April 4 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Real Estate Connections ATL Networking Event Team up with R.E. professionals to network and share ideas, strategies and real estate news. Location: Aja Restaurant & Bar, 3500 Lenox Rd Suite 100 Atlanta Cost: $20 Register online at realestateconnectionsatl.eventbrite.com Info: Peter & Brian 1-800-645-7249 Peter@foundationsllc.com

April 11 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Gwinnett Women’s Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Location: 1818 Club at the Gwinnett Chamber, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth Cost: $15 for members / $25 nonmembers Information: Paige Powers, paigepowers@kw.com

April 18 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Cherokee Women’s Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Location: Woodstock Knoll Clubhouse Cost: $10 for members / $15 nonmembers Info: Sandy Pluris 770-378-0502 sandy@soldbysandy.com

April 18 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta Women’s Council of Realtors® 3rd Annual Spring Fling David Boehmig, president/founder Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty: Current Market Statistics. Location: Wolf/Sub Zero Showroom3280 Peachtree Rd., Ste 200, Atlanta Cost: $25 for members / $35 for guests Information: Beverly Fenello 404-9157869

April 22 Noon

Cherokee Association of Realtors® Golf Tournament Most of the funds will raise money for the Association’s Habitat for Humanity build this Fall. 19th hole after party cost is $25. Location: Woodmont Golf & Country Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton Cost: $125 for golfers (early bird price is $100 through 3/21) For registration or sponsorship information: Donna Lehr, donna.lehr@ skylinepest.com

April 24 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cobb Association of Realtors® April Membership Meeting Location: Mansour Center, 995 Roswell St. NE, Marietta Cost: $5 members / $10 non-members Information: Nicole or Debbie, admin@cobbrealtor.com

May 2 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Atlanta Board of Realtors® Realtors® Raising the Roof for Habitat for Humanity Event replaces the Board’s annual auction and is being held off-site from the Board offices. New format will allow more networking with 10 prize packages to be raffled off. Proceeds will still benefit the Atlanta chapter of Habitat. Location: Capital Grille, 94 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody Cost: TBA Information: Crystal Bradshaw, crystal@abr.org

Visit our Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/remagazine

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Got Lead? i n s p e c t o r ’s r e p o r t

By John Luke, guest columnist

f you grew up in the 1950s or 60s, you are a survivor. I am a product of this generation and we survived many traumatic events. We rode in cars without seat belts or air bags. Baby cribs were covered with lead-based paints. We didn’t have video games, 784 TV channels, or computers. Most of the time, we played outside. We fell out of trees, broke bones, got bruises and there were no resulting lawsuits. Pretty boring or traumatic, depending on your perspective. My own childhood included chewing on a lead-based number two pencil, stressing over math homework and drooling over that same pencil when Lori Moore (best looking girl in ninth grade) sat next to me in Mrs. Robinson’s English class. I survived math and English class, but Lori did not share my taste in pencils. But I digress from my message about lead-based paint.

Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule In April 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a new rule regarding the removal of lead-based paint. The new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) applies to any residential property built before 1978 and any public building or commercial building built before 1978 where children under the age of six are present, or could potentially be present, on a regular basis. This includes, but is not limited to child care centers, schools and hospitals. Lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes prior to its ban for residential use in 1978. This paint may form toxic dust when it is disturbed during normal home repair work. The purpose of the RRP rule is to minimize exposure from lead-based paint dust during renovation, repair, or painting activities. The key effort is to reduce the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning, particularly lead poisoning caused by contamination during renovation activities. The rule also helps minimize exposure to older children and adults who are also adversely impacted by lead-based paint dust exposure. 24

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The RRP rule is designed to reduce lead contamination by training contractors in relatively simple, lead-safe work practices, and certifying contractors to make sure they follow lead-safe work practices. See additional information on this rule at http://epa.gov/lead/rrp/ index.html. What does the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule require? The rule covers any individual or firm that is paid to perform renovations, repair, and painting projects that disturb paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. This includes contractors, home renovation companies, window replacement contractors as well as plumbers, electricians, painters, maintenance workers, other specialty trades and landlords who perform repairs and renovations themselves. The RRP rule does not impose requirements on homeowners, unless they are performing renovations in rental space. The rule applies to any modification made to applicable structures that disturbs six square feet or more of interior painted surface per room as well as exterior work which disturbs over 20 square feet of painted surface. Individuals and companies who do not comply with the rule could face fines up to $37,500 per violation, not to mention potentially endangering the lives of children, adults and losing customers. You can verify a contractor is certified by checking EPA’s website at www. epa.gov/getleadsafe or call 1-800424-LEAD. The contractor should be able to provide a copy of his or her certification upon request. So in summary, when you have renovations involving lead-based paint, play it safe by using a certified RRP contractor. John Luke has been a home inspector for 10 years with Pillar To Post. He is an affiliate member of the DeKalb Association of Realtors® and a state sponsor of the Women’s Council of Realtors®. He can be reached via email at john. luke@pillartopost.com or at 404-372-8100.

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory advertising R.E. Real Estate Magazine……….. . . . . . 770-956-7100

alarm systems Ackerman Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-552-1111 residential, small business, commercial www.ackermansecurity.com

McMichael & Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-373-0521

Building Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-661-4531

Murphy & Shank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-517-9300

Buyers Protection Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-285-3001 (see banner ad page 25)

Morris|Hardwick|Schneider. . . . . . . . . . . 678-298-2100 Exceeding Expectations. One Closing at a Time www.closingsource.net

Champia Real Estate InspectionS. . . . . . . . 770-953-0767 (see banner ad page 25) DRC Inspections and Consulting. . . . . . . . 770-794-1494

O’Kelley & Sorohan, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-497-1880 18 offices across Georgia for your convenience www.okelleyandsorohan.com

Home and Stucco Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . 770-246-9448 IHI Home Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-788-2581

associations Atlanta Board of Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-250-0051 ®

Cherokee Association of Realtors® . . . . . . . 770-591-0004 Cobb Association of Realtors®. . . . . . . . . . 770-422-3900 DeKalb Association of Realtors®. . . . . . . . . 770-493-6100

Shafritz & Dean, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-255-8183 Now 7 offices for your clients’ convenience www.shafritz-dean.com Thomas & Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-591-5200 East Cobb Office 678-337-3223 www.proclosers.com Weissman, Nowack, Curry and Wilco, PC. . 404-926-4500

Empire Board of Realtists® . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-755-5575 Metro South Assoc. of Realtors® . . . . . . . . . 770-477-7579 Northeast Atlanta Metro Assoc. of Realtors® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-495-7300

attorneys

basements and waterproofing Aquaguard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-419-9111

Lighthouse Home Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . 404-379-6061 (see banner ad page 25) Pillar to Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-372-8100 (see banner ad page 25)

ProTech Home & Property Inspections . . 770-277-5655 Providing Peace of Mind…One Home at a Time! www.protech-inspect.com RIA Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-476-4963 Skyline Home Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-432-5464 (see banner ad page 25)

floor refinishing

Carol Clark Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-250-3300 Campbell and Brannon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-521-1180 Dickenson Gilroy, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-518-5515 experience. service. excellence. www.dickensongilroy.com (see display ads pages 9 & 28) Law Offices of Sam Maguire Jr., PC . . . . 404-257-8885 Where Real Estate Meets Real People www.sammaguire.com

Buyers Protection Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-285-3001 (see display ad page 11)

Brian Brackett Farmers Insurance. . . . .770-810-6248 Homeowners, Auto and Business Insurance www.farmersagents.com/bbrackett

graphic design/branding Unit B Creative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-351-3125 www.unitbcreative.com

Don Johnson State Farm Insurance. . . .770-973-8545 E Cobb Good Neighbor Insurance & Financial Svc www.donjohnsoninsurance.com

home inspection services

Lefkoff, Rubin, Cleason & Russo, PC . . . . . 404-869-6900 McCurdy & Candler, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-373-1612 Your REO and Foreclosure Specialists www.mccurdycandler.com

insurance

Alpha Home Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-751-0737 Atlanta Property Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . 770-932-8634 (see display ad page 8)

management companies PEMCO Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-995-7111

For advertising information, call Lawrence Cohen at 770-956-7100.

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory mortgage companies

M & M Painting and Drywall. . . . . . . . . . . . 770-527-7335

roof repairs

Homestar Financial Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-713-0882 (see Partner’s Profile page 19)

pest control

The Yankee Tradesman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-294-9156 Replacement, repairs, chimney pans, gutters www.TheYankeeTradesman.com

All Exterminating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-887-2571 Brand Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-754-4339

PNC Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-531-5900

Prevention Pest Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-978-5839 Termite Treatment & Letters, Pest & Rodent www.PreventionPest.com

Primary Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-505-4171 (see display ad page 11)

Skyline Pest Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-432-5464

Jason Sikora Roofing & Renovations. . . . . . 770-294-4474 Peachtree Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-579-7663

Trademark Pest Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-614-6534

moving and storage Atlanta Peach Movers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-270-5586

photography David M Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-432-1517 Portraits, headshots, family & yearbook www.davemphotography.com Heather Fritz, Photographer . . . . . . . . . . 770-256-7073 Marketing, Architectural, Real Estate, Events www.PhotosbyHeatherFritz.com

real estate companies security systems

ERA Sunrise Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-720-1515 (see display ad pages 6)

Ackerman Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-552-1111 residential, small business, commercial www.ackermansecurity.com

multiple listing services

virtual tours

Georgia MLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-493-9000 “More Prices, More Places, More Possibilities” www.gamls.com (see display ads pages 5 & 7)

Glide Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-560-9658

painting & drywall

window services

Brushmasters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-315-2857

Sunshine Window Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-422-8105

HomeScenes Virtual Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-594-1193

For advertising information, call Lawrence Cohen at 770-956-7100.

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > WINTER 2013

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate and Litigation

experience. service. excellence.

Dickenson Gilroy LLC Phone: 770.518.5515 Fax: 770.518.5516