Pages 28

Look for Jay and Stephanie with their mobile entertainment center at local events. PHOTO BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

Investing in Community

Stephanie attended Lewis Elementary, Lost Mountain Middle and North Cobb High schools. Her roots in Acworth and Cobb County give her an advantage as an expert in the local market. Her services include buying and selling real estate, and residential property management.

Jay is a full-service mortgage lender and is ranked in the Top 400 originators in the country by National Mortgage News. His Bay Equity office underwrites, closes and services mortgages for homeowners, and is located on Center Street in downtown Acworth.

Supporting local schools, donating to the Horizon Field and offering discounts to police officers, firefighters and teachers are just a few of the ways Jay and Stephanie give back to the community. It’s not uncommon to see them serving meals at area schools during teacher appreciation week or pulling their tailgater into festivals, where they serve burgers and hot dogs to hungry neighbors.

A Competitive Advantage

In this competitive market, Stephanie said she fights to get houses for her clients by being proactive. Just as she shows urgency and tenacity with her clients’ requests, she’s honest and transparent in her business relationships.

Once an offer is accepted, Jay’s extensive experience means he knows how to get loans closed. For example, he had a client who was approved by an online lender, but two weeks before closing, the buyer was denied and had $10,000 in earnest money on the line. Jay’s team not only got the deal closed but met the client’s closing date.

Jay’s goal is to provide services in a different way than typical mortgage lenders.

“Most just get applications, quote a rate and move on. We build loans based on our clients’ goals, and we focus on longterm relationships,” he said. “The current market is extremely competitive, and it's common to have more than 10 offers on one home at a time. We have set forth strategies with our real estate partners that allow our clients to stand out among other offers.”

Jay’s Acworth-based business has grown 200% in the past five years. He credits his support team’s use of technology which has allowed the business’ footprint to expand to North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and California.

“With our systems and automation of our processes, it has allowed our efficiency to increase, thus making room to close more volume,” he said. “Our current staffing level will allow us to close an additional 20 loans a month.”

Stephanie is staying busy as well, attending networking events and connecting with others in the community. She also is involved in the Acworth Business Association as an ambassador.

“I am a REALTOR® because I want to make a great living doing something I love. I have a vision of being around to help those in my community for years to come, all while constantly enjoying the opportunity to serve my friends and neighbors when their housing needs arise,” she said.

Customer Service Continues

Customer service lasts long after the home is sold and the mortgage is secured. Jay and Stephanie often hear from past clients who reach out to them, looking for a recommendation on a painter, a plumber or other professionals.

Building relationships is important to Stephanie, who said she treats her clients like family, rather than a sales transaction. In fact, if a client isn’t ready to buy right away, that’s OK with her. “I treat them with as much care and attention as those wanting to purchase with cash tomorrow,” she said.

Home values rose faster than ever in 2021, Stephanie said, and continue to accelerate as healthy demand and inventory shortages drive the market. Going the extra mile is a creed that Stephanie lives and works by.

“I don’t just raise the bar. I set the bar by providing my clients the best professionals for photography, drone videos, videography, professional home cleaning, staging, the best home inspectors, closing attorneys and even a moving truck to make moving a smooth transition,” she said.