R.E. Real Estate Magazine Spring 2012

METRO ATLANTA EDITION > SPRING 2012

Mitch Kaminer Wants YOU! also Partners’ Profile At Home Handyman plus

R.E. People and R.E. News

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r.e. news

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Home Value Protection, the only insurance policy in the U.S. that protects homeowners from declining home prices, rolled out in Georgia this month. Home Value Protection insures the market value of a home, effectively sheltering homeowners’ equity from the plunge in housing prices that has plagued the state and much of the US since mid-2006. Georgia is the third state in the nation where this groundbreaking insurance policy for owner-occupied, primary residences is being offered by Home Value Insurance Company, a licensed insurance carrier regulated by the Georgia Department of Insurance.

“In Atlanta, the state’s largest housing market, hard-hit homeowners have seen year over- year home price declines of 12.8 percent, according to the most recent S&P/CaseShiller ® Home Prices Indices,” said Scott Ryles, CEO of Home Value Insurance Company. “This translates into a $24,766 average loss in home value.”

While the policy is currently available directly through the company, they are in the process of building a network of about 200 independent insurance agents throughout the state.

Plans are for the policy to be available through a national carrier within the year, according to Ryles.

For a typical Georgia home, monthly premiums are from $25 to $35 a month. A home is insured based on the current market value. If local home prices decline and a policyholder sells their home for less than the insured value, their policy protects against the loss.

“We’d like real estate agents to know this is available, as it helps them in two ways,” said Ryles. “It takes away the risk from the buyer by removing the fear that home prices will continue to drop. It also makes sure they will be able to sell their home without losing money!”

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, GA 30067

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Opens New North Atlanta Office Managing Broker Bill Rawlings and company co-founder and CEO Jenny Pruitt welcome Brandon Beach, president and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce to the grand opening of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty’s new North Atlanta office in Sanctuary Park in Alpharetta on February 2. Rawlings, Pruitt and AFH President David Boehmig greeted guests as they circulated throughout the office, admiring fine artwork from the Matre Gallery. r.e. news continued on page 17

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people

The late Harry Norman Jr., president of Harry Norman, Realtors® from 1956 until 1994, became one of the first inductees into the Georgia Realtors® Association’s Hall of Fame. Norman was one of six former industry leaders inducted on Feb. 10, along with Ed and Johnny Isakson, Al H. Jennings Jr., J. Carl Schultz and Ward Wight Sr. During his career, Harry Norman Norman directed the National Association of Realtors and was a founding member and twice president of the First Multiple Listing Service. In addition, he helped launch the Buckhead Coalition and was president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors® (ABR). He also helped found Masterminds, now Realty Alliance, an association of the country’s largest independent real estate firms.

Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta named Dana Sparks its managing broker.

Licensed since 1995, Sparks earned her broker’s license in 2004. Before joining Maximum One in 2010, Sparks served as director of career development at Keller Williams Realty Platinum Partners. Over the course of her career, Sparks has earned many awards and recognitions, including “Rookie of the Year” at the Dana Sparks East Cobb Harry Norman, Realtors® office in 1995, the Centurian Award for production for three years while at Century 21 Across Atlanta, the 2007 Cultural Icon Award while at Keller Williams Realty, and is a Cobb Association of Realtors® Phoenix award winner.

Sabrina Lowery

Sabrina Lowery has been named managing broker of Maximum One Property Management, a new division of the company. Lowery embarked on her real estate career in 2003, and joined Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as an associate broker in 2006. Lowery is a 2008 graduate of the ABRs Leadership Development Program.

Former ABR President Wight Mixon was named the 2012 MS Leadership Class Chair by the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she will lead the group’s efforts to raise awareness of and raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. An agent with Beacham & Company Realtors®, Mixon has been in real estate since 2001, and has held several 4

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

leadership positions, including director and vice president of the ABR. In 2011, the organization presented her with the Captain of Industry award.

Prudential Georgia Realty welcomed Alisa Bennett-Hart as manager of public Wight Mixon relations and marketing. She will handle media relations, internal/ external publicity for the company and real estate professionals as well as some communication projects. Her tenure in real estate public relations includes serving as the former assistant director of communications for Harry Norman, Realtors®. Most recently, she was p.r. specialist for the Cobb Alisa Alcohol Taskforce – a non-profit alliance of Bennett-Hart individuals and organization dedicated to reducing underage and youth binge drinking.

During its November annual meeting in Anaheim, CA, the Council of Residential Specialists installed Bert S. Harrington, CRS, GRI to its board of directors for a two-year term through 2013. A selling broker associate with RE/ MAX Around Atlanta in north metro Atlanta, Harrington also works with the Georgia Association of Realtors® (GAR) on its board of directors, the forms committee, the bylaws committee, as a Bert S. mediator for the Atlanta Board and with Harrington many of its other committees.

L. Lane Bailey, co-founder of Social Media Breakfast Atlanta and founder of Rebarcamp Atlanta, joined Century 21 Results Realty in Cumming. Formerly with Diamond Dwellings Realty, he has been actively involved in real estate, as well as social media and technology instruction for almost 10 years. In addition to real estate, Bailey will be offering continuing education classes in social media. Bailey also is an active volunteer with Junior L. Lane Bailey Achievement and Boy Scouts of America.

Maria Trujillo joined RENTAtlanta. com LLC, where she will work to expand the property management company into a more global market. Twenty years ago, Trujillo left her native Bogota and a career in business and real estate to work the Atlanta housing market. During that time, she worked as an agent with Harry Maria Trujillo Norman, Atlanta Communities, RE/ MAX Greater Atlanta and, most recently, Solid Source. An agent with RE/MAX Paramount Properties, Trujillo will

contents

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 1 0 N U M B E R 1

Cover Story

Partners’ Profile

Mitch Kaminer

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At Home Handyman Services

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As this year’s president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors®, his message to fellow agents is loud and clear: Board membership isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessity!

Working exclusively with real estate agents to help them prepare a home for closing, this exceptional home contractor has earned a reputation of excellence.

R.E. News R.E. People

Inspection Section Realtor Resource Directory

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®

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Cover photo by David Martinez

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

M bile Get Connected . . . Stay Connected

Georgia MLS’ Mobile app puts the MLS in the palm of every member’s hand.

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Conveniently save listings for review later, or share it with text, e-mail, Facebook or Twitter

Phone: 770.493.9000

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Toll Free: 800.289.1214

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

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head up efforts for RentAtlanta to expand into investment in the Atlanta housing markets by international investors both here and abroad.

Sheila J. Brower of Harry Norman, Realtors® has been elected 2012 vice president for member and public services of the Georgia Association of Realtors®.

Currently, Brower serves as National Association of Realtors® Federal Political Coordinator Alternate for Rep. Tom Sheila J. Brower Price of the Sixth District of Georgia, NAR State and Local Issues Committee, and chair of the GAR Speakers Bureau Committee. She also is a director and serves on several committees of the ABR. In 2009, Brower was named the “Realtor® of The Year” by the ABR and recently received the its Captain of Industry Award. A past president of the Atlanta and Georgia Chapters of the Women’s Council of Realtors®, she served on the faculty for the National WCR Leadership Academy and was named 2011 CCRWC Woman of The Year in Cobb County.

For the second year in a row, Inman News named Harold Crye, co-founder and CEO of Crye-Leike, Realtors®, to the annual list of the 100 Most Influential

Congratulations to

Mitch Kaminer from

People in Real Estate. One of a long list of achievements for Crye, in 2009, he was named Master Entrepreneur of the Year by the Society of Entrepreneurs, and in 2008 he was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Crye and his company also support many charitable organizations Harold Crye throughout the year including, The Boy Scouts of America, Youth Villages, United Way and numerous others.

Chapman Hall Realtors® recently added several new agents to their team.

The company welcomed Helen Fowler, who brings many years of experience as both a licensed agent and a broker.

A member of both the Atlanta Board of Realtors® and the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors®, she is a lifetime Helen Fowler member of the Million Dollar Club.

Throughout her career, Fowler as earned several real estate designations, including the Accredited Buyers Representative, Accredited Sellers Representatives, Certified Luxury Homes Marketing, Property Marketing Expert, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Eco Broker, e-PRO

Congratulations Mitch!

It is an honor and a privilege to work with you! We are looking forward to a great 2012! from

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© 2012 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in GA.

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

www.CampbellandBrannon.com

Certified, Relocation Specialist and Home Staging Certified designations.

Licensed in GA and NC, Donna Tyler Sticher has over 25 years of experience in selling homes and investment properties in and around Atlanta, and more recently in the north Georgia mountains. She is a Donna Graduate, Realtor ® Tyler-Sticher Institute, (GRI) and also holds the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation (CDPE).

Bing Li is original from mainland China.

Before she came to Emory University as Bing Li an exchanged scholar in 1993, Bing was a doctor, practicing anesthesiology for 3 years. After working in the medical research field

A

t the organization’s yearend meeting, the Cobb Association of Realtors® honored RE/MAX Greater Atlanta husband-wife team Rosalee and Earl Whitley with a community ser vice award. The award recognized the couple’s long history of volunteer involvement in the real estate industry and the community at large. Their service projects have included donating time to MUST Ministries in Cobb County, United Way, American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the food pantry at their local church, chairing golf tournaments with RE/MAX to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, organizing a beauty pageant for residents of a local nursing home, organizing 5K races to raise funds to buy 10 dogs for Canine Assistants of Georgia and many other activities. Previously, the Whitleys received the first Barry Ellis Humanitarian Award from RE/MAX. Earl Whitley has been a licensed agent for 36 years and Rosalee for 20. Rosalee is a past “Realtor® of the Year” for the Cobb Association of Realtors® and spent 10 years volunteering on the board of directors of the Women’s Council of Realtors®.

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Mitch Kaminer cover story

As this year’s president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors agents is loud and clear: Board membership isn’t just a

T

he Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines passion as an “intense, driving or overmastering feeling or conviction.” That pretty much describes Mitch Kaminer, who seems to overflow with it – passion for family, passion for work, passion for life. These days, he’s focused much of that passion on his role as president of

the Atlanta Board of Realtors® (ABR). To be more specific, he’s focused on making other real estate agents aware of how valuable board membership can be for both themselves and the industry.

Kaminer is determined to get his message out to all real estate licensees to join the ABR – or their respective Realtor® board. “There’s strength

As this year’s president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors®, Mitch leads the monthly meeting of the Board of Directors. “Getting involved outside your comfort zone,” says Mitch. “Personally, I’ve gotten back ten times what I’ve put into it. I would encourage everyone looking their horizons to get involved!”

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, his message to fellow good idea, it’s a necessity!

®

Photo by Lawrence Cohen

in numbers,” he asserts. “No one else is fighting for homeowners’ rights and for the real estate profession.

We need to be one voice. I want the Atlanta Board to be the voice of Atlanta real estate!”

When you hear this Queens, NY native speak about it, you know he’s not just whistling Dixie! It’s a passion that took flight when Kaminer first became a real estate agent 17 years ago.

As with many of his peers, real estate was not Mitch’s first career. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for seven years as a flight engineer and after Desert Storm, Kaminer moved on to Delta Air Lines. However, when Delta cut back its workforce in 1994, his career plans took a new route. “I got furloughed, and then got into real estate,” Kaminer recalls.

“It’s the best thing that ever happened to me!”

Originally, Kaminer thought he was going to be a home inspector.

However, while tagging along with another inspector in a 1984 Ford pickup truck, he would see real estate agents drive up in a MercedesBenz or a Cadillac. “I thought, ‘I’m in the wrong car,’” he says. He decided to trade home with the board means stepping a bit inspection for home sales, to further their career and expand and attended the Atlanta

By Karon Warren Board of Realtors® school, the Georgia Institute of Real Estate and, after getting his license, wasted no time attacking his new profession with his usual drive and determination.

Every night, he would go to the office and photocopy pages of names, addresses and phone numbers from the Haines Directory. “I figured out real estate was a numbers game,” Kaminer says. He started getting tons of leads. He also called on FSBO and expired listings, which he still does today. During his first year in real estate, he sold 28 houses.

S

ince that time, Kaminer has carved out quite a successful career for himself. After several years with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, he joined the team of RE/MAX Paramount Properties in Alpharetta in January 2011. He works with homebuyers and sellers, and particularly enjoys working with experienced clients. “I seem to relate more to the more knowledgeable customer,” he says. During 2011, he sold just more than $5 million in residential home sales.

Kaminer’s success came as no surprise to those he works with every day. “He has the dynamics to connect with people on a very personal level, yet staying professional,” says Wendy Nicely, an associate broker in his office. “I think that’s what makes him so approachable.”

Victor Salerno, broker/owner of RE/MAX Paramount Properties, says clients like Kaminer’s ability to stay in tune with the economy and the marketplace. This ability transcends to the office, as well. Salerno says Kaminer’s desire to continue his education on the industry and the market puts him at the forefront of everything he and his coworkers need to see. As a result, “he’s a core agent in my office,” Salerno says.

While making his mark in residential real estate, Kaminer also started his own property management business, Kaminer Property Management LLC, in 2005. The company manages 50 high-end executive homes, and many of the clients are with several of r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

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Atlanta’s top corporations. Given the recent real estate industry challenges, Kaminer was thrilled to diversify his business as he continued plugging on the sales side.

“In this business, nothing ever stays the same,” Mitch explains. “The market changes, and you have to change with it!”

Kaminer is also thankful for another stronghold in his corner: the Atlanta Board of Realtors®. Right from the start of his real estate career, Kaminer joined the

was also taking the class and was himself the presidentelect of the association. Forsman immediately recognized Kaminer’s natural leadership skills and strong personality, and asked him to chair a committee.

The rest, as they say, is history.

T

hrough the years, he has served in a number of capacities, including chair of the Education Technology Committee, Membership Services

“There are more non-Realtor® licensees than Realtors® in the state of Georgia, but more than 80 percent of all transactions are done by Realtors®. I want to be part of that group!” and the Showcase Committee, and 4 different vice president positions. In his current role of president, he has set the bar high regarding his goals for the year, and he wants everyone to know about it!

In his passionate inaugural speech to the board’s

Photo by David Martinez

Atlanta Board in 1994. Around 2002, he decided it was time to give back to the real estate community, and wasted no time volunteering with the association. He signed up for a leadership development class through the Atlanta Board, where he met Dan Forsman, who

Kaminer is hard at work in his home office every morning by 7:15. “Keeping to a strict schedule is a habit I picked up from the Air Force,” he explains.

“I always feel I have the most energy in the morning, and get the most accomplished before 9 a.m.”

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Photo by David Martinez

membership when he took the reins from immediate past president Wight Mixon, Kaminer reiterated the many benefits real estate agents receive from board membership. “We understand that Realtors® represent the best in the business; that we lift our industry and hold one another accountable by upholding a strict Code of Ethics; that through the quality education and professional designations that only Realtors® have access to, we are committed to being experts in our field and to having a long and prosperous career.”

Kaminer went on to stress the importance of board members’ participation with regard to political advocacy. “As Realtors®, we are part of a great political advocacy machine fighting for pro-Realtor® and pro-homeownership rights. We are making a difference not only to our peers, but also to the community around us!”

Right now, the ABR has about 4,700 members, approximately half the membership numbers since the industry decline began in 2007.

Kaminer attributes the drop not only to people getting out of the business, but also to agents joining firms that don’t require board membership.

“There are more non-Realtor® “When you’re in an occupation like real estate, which can certainly have its stressful moments, licensees than Realtors® in the state it’s essential that you do something regularly to let it go.” One of Mitch’s favorite ways to do this of Georgia, but more than 80 percent is bike riding. “It gives me a chance to clear my head and ride into another world for a couple of of all transactions are done by hours,” he says.

Realtors®,” Kaminer states. “I want Board president. “He brings a complete dedication to to be part of that group!” the board and its membership,” she says. “He brings his Although membership dues are important, Kaminer dedication to providing for members and making sure wants board members to do more than just write a they are receiving the value of their memberships and check. “We have a lot of opportunities to participate,” making sure that consumers understand the value of a he explains. “We need people to help with committees.” Realtor®.”

However, Kaminer knows that the benefits go both Kaminer certainly seems to have the personality ways. “Get out of your box, and network with people to achieve whatever goals he sets for himself and the all over the city,” he implores. “If people got out of their board. “I think he sets everybody at ease,” Mixon says. box a little more, I think it would be great. Look what “His attitude is so upbeat. His persona is so positive. happened to me!”

And yet, he’s serious, but he does so in a way that puts Mixon has no doubts that Kaminer will do everything everyone at ease. You realize you’re all in this together. he can to achieve his goals during his tenure as Atlanta Can he rally the troops? Absolutely!” r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

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Photo by David Martinez The Kaminers (clockwise) Mitch, Jackie, Jordan, Leah, and Aaron. “It’s really hard to get a good family photo,” laughs Mitch. “Just getting all of us together in one room and sitting still isn’t something that happens easily!”

During time away from those troops, Kaminer still maintains a high level of action. He loves spending time with his wife Jackie, a group fitness instructor, and their three children, ages 17, 14 and 10. He is an avid long-distance bicycle rider, averaging 50 to 60 miles per ride. In addition, he takes 3-4 spinning classes a week.

He’s also a passionate tennis player, playing in four different leagues a year. “Staying healthy has always been important to me,” reflects Kaminer. “If you don’t have your health, nothing else in your life matters.”

When he’s not going full speed on the ground, Kaminer takes flight over Atlanta. A licensed pilot, he loves to fly for fun, but he’s also found it to be handy with certain clients as well.

Whatever Kaminer tackles next, you can bet he will do so with passion. For now, that passion is directed full force at the Atlanta Board of Realtors®. “It’s fulfilling a professional quest of mine, a professional goal,” Kaminer says. “It gives me back tenfold over what I do.”

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2012

Being president has also had one unexpected benefit for this outgoing renaissance man. “Now everyone knows me in real estate,” he says happily. “Which is phenomenal!”

Karon Warren is a freelance writer and editor based in Ellijay.

Her work has appeared in several Atlanta publications, including Catalyst, Points North, Simchas and 99Xpress. She can be reached at karon@ellijay.com.

770-663-7536

www.WinWithMitch.com

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for over 10 years, she became a real estate agent in 2007.

She specializes in helping immigrants in the Atlanta area find new homes.

Erkihun (Eric) Bedassa is originally from Ethiopia and is currently finishing his undergraduate studies at Georgia State University. Licensed in August 2011, he received the award for “Ethiopian of The Year” in Atlanta in 2007 for raising $10,000 for the Children Heart Fund of Ethiopia. Eric is also the Youth Leader for the Youth Ministries at the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Atlanta.

Erkihun Bedassa

The Real Estate Book named Rick Smith national sales manager. A part of real estate publishing for more than 20 years, Smith started his career by founding a small independent real estate magazine in the Atlanta real estate market, which evolved into The Real Estate Guide.

Smith also served as managing partner for Island Real Estate Magazine on Hilton Head Island for two years before joining Network Communications to take over the Southeast Region of The Real Estate Book’s direct-owned Rick Smith markets four years ago.

Congratulations Mitch Kaminer!

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your clients. Your committment to EXCELLENCE is apparent in everything you do! from your friends at

Arrow Exterminators welcomed Pat Nelson to the Realtor® Relations team with job duties focused on the entire metro area as well as North Georgia. A 27-year veteran of the real estate industry and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Nelson served for 10 years as an agent and 17 as a broker.

Randi Krasnoff recently joined Starkey Mortgage, LLC as a Senior Loan Officer. A residential lender since 1988, Krasnoff began her mortgage career with Homebanc, and most recently worked with America Home Key Mortgage.

Awards and Top Honors

Randi Krasnoff

Debbie Sonenshine (R.E. Magazine cover story May 2008) of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage was recently awarded the Gold Phoenix Award for 30 consecutive years of Million Dollar Club status. She and her team were also named top agent for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage for 2011.

Also presented with the Gold Phoenix honors were: Rebie Benedict, Dawn Debbie r.e. people continued on page 16

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CONGRATULATIONS, MITCH KAMINER!

At Home Handyman Services

by Andrew Lawrence

Working exclusively with real estate agents to help them prepare a home for closing, this exceptional home contractor has earned a reputation of excellence.

partners’ profile

M

ost successful real estate agents have their “dream team” of vendors who they can rely on to help them with the multitude of tasks necessary to close a transaction. All too often, one of the biggest challenges is finding proficient and reliable contractors to help get the home into sellable condition. In addition, last minute inspection amendments to the contract often leave sellers and their agents scrambling to find someone – anyone – who can make those vital repairs to get a home closed.

For the past 13 years, At Home Handyman Services has been that “go-to” contractor for a handful of savvy Atlanta Northside agents. Owner and hands-on handyman Brian Lowenthal understands how important his task is to everyone

Photo by Andrew Lawrence

says. “Most of my guys have been doing this kind of work for years, and understand what real quality work is. We’ve gotten almost all of our real estate clients from agents telling their friends about us!”

In fact, it was a real estate agent who helped launch his business. “Mitch Kaminer sold me our house, and our wives became friends.

When Mitch had a contractor disappear on him halfway through a job, he asked me to help him out.” A couple of weeks later, Kaminer called him back with a request to help repair one of his listing, and At Home Handyman Ser vices was launched.

This brings Brian to the most important component of their success – reliability. “Agents need the assurance that we’ll show up when we say we will, and finish on time. We’ve never missed a closing! In fact, I leave extra time in my schedule to take care of emergencies.”

In a business where time is of the essence, Lowenthal understand the urgency of his clients’ needs. If an agent emails him an inspection report or punch list, he’ll get The At Home Handyman Team (from L to R): Mike Sierra, Brian Lowenthal, Mark Coker, back to them within a day with Mike Turner, and Paul Tanner. a quote. Licensed and insured, in the transaction, and takes that responsibility very seriously. the company even has their own lockbox key to make sure “I care about what I’m doing,” he states emphatically. no time is wasted in completing a job.

“The business we’ve set up is primarily to do inspection “We’re dedicated to helping agents close their sales,” says amendments for real estate agents. We provide them with a Brian. “Their bottom line is OUR bottom line!” one-stop shop to take care of whatever they need to get the home sold.” Those needs include electrical work, roofing, Andrew Lawrence is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. plumbing, framing, flooring, drywall and painting, siding, and even carpet replacement. Recently, the company completed a total rebuild of a home that had severe mold damage. “We do 90% of everything that our clients need, and we have outside partners that can do the few things we can’t,” he explains.

Lowenthal believes that the main reason he has been so successful within the real estate industry is his company’s absolute dedication to quality and reliability. “We pride ourselves on having expert professionals on our team,” he EMAIL: FixItForMe@comcast.net

678-520-0822

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r.e. people continued from page 13

Mullins and Studie Young, all with Harry Norman, Realtors® ; and Alice McDonough with Beacham & Company.

For the sixth consecutive year, Travis Reed (R.E. Magazine cover story May 2007), an associate in the Buckhead office, captured the highest honor as Harry Norman, Realtors® top companywide agent with sales of more than $31 million. Reed also is actively involved Travis Reed in his community. He sponsors the Camp Kudzu Luncheon for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and most recently sponsored the Atlanta Humane Society’s “Haute Hounds and Couture Cats” fashion show luncheon. He also sponsors Forward Arts Foundation events, including the annual Flea Market Preview Party, as well as events for the Cathedral of St. Philip Pre-School.

Aine Keaney was named the topproducing agent in the Atlanta area for Crye-Leike Realtors. Aine, who works in their Cumming office, was also the #4 top-producing agent on the Atlanta Board of Realtors®. Keany has been licensed since 2008, and was formerly

Aine Keaney

We are proud to be a part of your closing team! from

Lisa Edwards Anderson and your friends at

678-298-2100 7000 Central Parkway, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30328 www.closingsource.net

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r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

with Select Real Estate Holding.

James Simons was named the top agent for 2011 in sales volume, units listed and closed transactions for the Harry Norman, Realtors® Buckhead North office. Simons, who specializes in luxury close-in and Northside properties as well as estates throughout James Simons metro Atlanta, shared the honor with his team, which includes John Foley, Jason Light, Sally Wiggins, Michael Ross and Paula Larson. Simons also was recognized for being inducted into the Million Dollar Circle of Home Services Lending, the firm’s inhouse mortgage lender.

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

I

n recognition of her service as 2011 Cobb Association of Realtors® president, the association honored Carol Moson of RE/ MAX Greater Atlanta at its year-end meeting by presenting her an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 29, 2011. The flag was specifically flown for her at the request of Congressman Phil Gingrey. A licensed agent since 2001, Moson has carved quite a career for herself, including being named Realtor® of the Year, receiving the President’s Award from the Cobb Association and earning the Phoenix Award for high sales performance for 10 consecutive years.

An advocate for education in the industry, Moson teaches continuing education classes and is currently writing courses for brokers. She also earned several real estate designations herself, including Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certified, Broker Price Opinion Certified, Seller Representative Specialist, the e-Pro and Green Realtor® certifications and the Employer Assisted Housing designation.

Moson also volunteers on numerous committees for the Georgia Association of Realtors®, including the state and local legislative committee and State Realtor® Political Action Committee Trustee. The regional director for Region 1, she also oversees six associations as a liaison for GAR members.

r.e. news continued from page 3

HomeMarket by Maximum One Realty Enters Atlanta Real Estate Market Dave Kubat, CEO and founder of Maximum One Realty, and regional developer David Avery opened the first of two locations of HomeMarket by Maximum One Realty at Discover Mills in Lawrenceville in December. The new shopping-mall-showroom concept not only offers real estate services to its customers, but also provides a “one-stop-shop” location where clients

can get their homes refinanced, insured, repaired, renovated, updated, staged, cleaned and photographed, among other services. The facility will house up to 200 agents, 60 vendors, eight homebuilders and a training room to host classes for both agents and the general public. Tina Vliet and Rick Bessom will be the managing brokers for the new offices.

Local Real Estate Team Featured in Book Authored by Top Selling Agents Horner Baker Partners, the mother/son team of owner/CEO Lynn Horner Baker and Chase Horner, qualifying broker and partner, joined 18 fellow brokers from around the country to author a new real estate book titled “Answers From Experts on Buying a Home.”

The book, released in December 2011, includes advice and little known secrets on every aspect of purchasing a home. This summer, a second book geared toward sellers will be released.

Managing brokers Rick Bessom, Tina Vliet, and owner/regional developer David Avery in front of their new “showroom”office.

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

Congratulations Mitch!

Congratulations Mitch Kaminer!

It’s been a pleasure doing business with you and your clients! from

Kirt Lattanze and your friends at

The The Lattanze Lattanze Agency Agency

It has been a pleasure taking care of your painting needs for the past 12 years! from your friends at

BRUSH MASTERS INC Custom Painting by Joseph Ianniello Licensed and Insured

770-393-8206 www.LattanzeAgency.com 1705 D Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody 30338 Across from Dunwoody Village Shopping Center

678-315-2857 “The work of masters at a sensible price!”

r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

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resource directory

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory advertising

DRC Inspections and Consulting. . . . . . . . 770-794-1494

R.E. Real Estate Magazine……….. . . . . 770-956-7100

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

associations Atlanta Board of Realtors® . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-250-0051 Cherokee Association of Realtors® . . . . . . . 770-591-0004

Murphy & Shank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-517-9300 Check out our FREE Short Sale Services! www.murphyshank.com Morris|Hardwick|Schneider. . . . . . . . . . . 678-298-2100 Exceeding Expectations. One Closing at a Time www.closingsource.net (see display ad page 16) O’Kelley & Sorohan, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-497-1880 18 offices across Georgia for your convenience www.okelleyandsorohan.com Shafritz & Dean, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-255-8183 Now 7 offices for your clients’ convenience www.shafritz-dean.com

DeKalb Association of Realtors®. . . . . . . . . 770-493-6100

Thomas & Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-591-5200 East Cobb Office 678-337-3223 www.proclosers.com

Empire Board of Realtists® . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-755-5575

Weissman, Nowack, Curry and Wilco, PC. . 404-926-4500

Cobb Association of Realtors®. . . . . . . . . . 770-422-3900

Metro South Assoc. of Realtors® . . . . . . . . . 770-477-7579 Northeast Atlanta Metro Assoc. of Realtors® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-495-7300

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

attorneys Carol Clark Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-250-3300 Campbell and Brannon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-521-1180 (see display ad page 6) Dickenson Gilroy, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-518-5515 experience. service. excellence. www.dickensongilroy.com (see display ad page 20) Law Offices of Sam Maguire Jr., PC . . . . 404-257-8885 Where Real Estate Meets Real People www.sammaguire.com

McCurdy & Candler, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-373-1612 Your REO and Foreclosure Specialists www.mccurdycandler.com

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

Home and Stucco Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . 770-246-9448 (see display ad page 13) IHI Home Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-788-2581 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 14)

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

Kurt Lattanze Allstate Insurance. . . . . . . . . 770-393-8206 (see display ad page 17)

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

gutter cleaning A Better Gutter Cleaning, Inc.. . . . . . . . . 404-943-9432 Professional Service – Easy Scheduling www.abetterguttercleaning.com (see display ad page 2)

home inspection services

mortgage companies Brand Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-754-4339 Prime Lending. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-713-9344 (see display ad page 6) Southeastern Mortgage Solutions. . . . . . . . 404-452-1424

Alpha Home Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-751-0737 (see banner ad page 14) Atlanta Property Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . 770-932-8634 Building Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-661-4531 Buyers Protection Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-285-3001 (see banner ad page 14)

moving and storage Atlanta Peach Movers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-270-5586 Buckhead Movers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-603-0234

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

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

resource directory

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory plumbing

Peachtree Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-579-7663

Plumbing Express. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-452-8636 Your Solution to Polybutylene Plumbing www.plumbing911.com

security systems

Right Choice Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-480-3835 Full service plumbing, installations, repairs, winterization “The Right Choice” for your Plumbing Needs

radon testing and mitigation

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

video productions Reel Productions TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-571-5728

virtual tours

Cooks Construction Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-652-1101 (see banner ad page 14)

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

renovation and new construction

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

At Home Handyman Services. . . . . . . . . 678-520-0822 (see partners’ profile page 15)

waterproofing and basements

Glazer Design & Construction. . . . . . . . . . . 404-683-9848

Aquaguard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-419-9111

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

Lefko Renovations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-846-6372

window services

painting & drywall

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

Brushmasters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-315-2857 (see display ad page 17) M & M Painting and Drywall. . . . . . . . . . . . 770-527-7335

pest control All Exterminating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-887-2571 Skyline Pest Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-432-5464 Trademark Pest Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-614-6534

photography

roof repairs

David M Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-432-1517 Portraits, headshots, family & yearbook www.davemphotography.com

ADVERTISE IN R.E. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE AND REACH THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS WHO MOVE THE HOUSES, MANSIONS, ESTATES, CONDOS, DUPLEXES, LAND AND LOTS IN METRO ATLANTA! FOR ADVERTISING

Jason Sikora Roofing & Renovations. . . . . . 770-294-4474 (see display ad page 13)

CALL 770 - 956 - 7100

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

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2012

19

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate and Litigation

experience. service. excellence.

TM

Dickenson Gilroy LLC 3780 Mansell Road, Suite 140 Alpharetta, GA 30022 Phone: 770.518.5515 Fax: 770.518.5516 www.dickensongilroy.com