R.E. Real Estate Magazine Fall 2012 by R.E. Real Estate Magazine

METRO ATLANTA EDITION > FALL 2012

Mike Beernink Passion Pays

also

Partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Profile Gas South and

R.E. People

Publisher Lawrence A. Cohen publisher@remagazines.com

Photographer David Martinez www.davemphotography.com Database Administrator Lynn Paul circulation@remagazines.com Graphic Design/Production Jon B. Bradie, Unit B Creative jb@unitbcreative.com Contributing Writers Meredith Pruden Vince Tidwell Karon Warren 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, GA 30067

There seems to be a new optimism in the air lately, especially in the real estate industry. Builders are building again, people are shopping for homes, many of you are actually creating marketing budgets for 2013, and companies are once again gearing up for growth, instead of just survival. There seems to be a palpable change in attitudes that can be felt in just about every facet of this industry. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now is the time to get back in the game! Remember that success isn’t something that just happens; it’s something you plan for. Read a good motivational book! Put together a new marketing plan. Set some new compelling goals for the future, and start planning on how you will achieve them. The boats are once again starting to sail, and you don’t want to be left sitting on the dock! One agent who hasn’t been waiting around is Mike Beernink. A former teacher, Mike is now using those communication skills to not only help his clients, but his fellow agents as well. While we’ve been honored over the years to showcase many talented real estate agents, rarely have we encountered someone with such a positive attitude and outlook. Read this month’s cover profile to learn how this unique agent’s passion for helping others has made him a leader in his company, as well as a top sales performer in the industry. Being flexible has always been an asset in business, especially during times of great change. While many agents have taken advantage of the large REO market, they’ve also discovered some of the challenges of handling large numbers of these kinds of properties, such as the logistics of working with utilities. One company that has stepped up their own game to help make that entire process run much smoother is Gas South. Working with some of the most respected leaders in the industry, they’ve developed a program to help make agents’ lives easier, while also creating some great benefits for their clients. This issue’s Partner’s Profile details how Gas South has gone the extra mile to determine what the greatest challenges were in these transactions, and then set out to solve them! In effect, they’ve “turned up the heat!” We hope everyone is having a great holiday season, and is looking forward with anticipation towards 2013. If you haven’t done so yet, use this opportunity to turn up the heat on your own attitudes and expectations, and let’s make this new year one that will bring us all closer to our highest goals!

from the publisher

Editorial Consultant Karon Warren editor@remagazines.com

Time for a Change!

Live Passionately!

Lawrence A. Cohen Publisher r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

people

The Marketing Directors announced the recent hiring of Janis Kirtz as senior vice president sales/in-house counsel. The former president of Morris & Raper, Kirtz is a 30year real estate industry veteran with expertise in condominium and high density townhome sales Janis Kirtz and marketing, as well as single family, detached and master planned communities. Kirtz will be a key player on the senior management team.

RE/MAX Regional Services recently welcomed Jay Garrity as their Director of Sales and Marketing. Garrity has over ten years of experience in real estate sales and marketing. Beginning his real estate career in 2003 working for the second largest land developer in the southeast, Garrity quickly moved Jay Garrity up to director of marketing operations, and then director of their in-house advertising agency. From there he began his own marketing company, providing sales and marketing services to high-end private communities and has worked with builders and developers locally and throughout the Southeast on various projects. Jenny Pruitt, CEO of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, was honored with the Extraordinary Philanthropist Award at the Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference, held in Scottsdale, AZ. Pruitt has been involved with numerous charitable endeavors, including founding the Buckhead Girls Club, VP of the Atlanta Rotary Club, and has donated her time and efforts to such worthy causes as Habitat for Jenny Pruitt Humanity, the Piedmont Auxiliary, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Girl Scouts of Northwest Georgia, and the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Kathy Haddock of Virtual Properties Realty will be installed as the 2013 president of the Georgia Chapter of the Womens Council of Realtors® in a ceremony to 4

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

be held at Druid Hills Golf Club on December 6. She will serve a one-year term and will be responsible for the overseeing and supporting 12 Local Chapters and 1 Business Resource Group throughout the state of Georgia. Haddock has been active in WCR for 12 years and has served in several offices at both the local and state level. Her home chapter is Gwinnett, where she is an Kathy Haddock active member of N.A.M.A.R. Nita P. Burge joined Chapman Hall Realtors as managing broker in September. Licensed since 1986, Burge started her career with Northside Realty, where she worked mostly in new construction, managing several new home communities in Cobb County. In 1997, she opened and managed the Harry Norman, Realtors office on Towne Lake Parkway for several years, before leaving to open her family-owned Nita P. Burge company, Georgia Home Advisors. Courtney Newton Associates of Keller Williams Realty Cityside held a Grand Opening on September 13 of her new office on Lower Roswell Rd, in Marietta, Georgia. This office will serve the Newton Team, which consists of 8 members. Newton, an agent since 2003, sold 27 home her first year as an agent. She has an MBA in Professional Sales and a JJD in Arbitration, Mediation & Negotiations from Kennesaw State Courtney Newton University. She also has her Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS), Seller Representation Specialist (SRS), and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designations. BHGRE Metro Brokers recently welcomed Margaret Hammock to their Perimeter Office. A 10-year real estate veteran, she was originally licensed in Houston, TX where she lived for 13 years before returning to Atlanta in September. Hammock specializes in working with buyers.

Margaret Hammock

Bonnie Lelak recently joined the Angie Hays’ Southern Light Realty Group at Keller Williams

contents FA L L 2 0 1 2

VOLUME 10

NUMBER 3

Cover Story

Mike Beernink

With a passion for helping people, this former teacher takes customer service to a whole new level. Partner’s Profile

Gas South

This hometown utility provider goes the extra mile to find solutions that benefit both real estate agents and their clients.

R.E. People

R.E. News

Calendar of Events

Inspection Section

Realtor Resource Directory

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

Cover: PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

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

www.gamls.com

Phone: 770.493.9000

Toll Free: 800.289.1214

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

Bonnie Lelak

Realty Partners’ Canton office. Lelak had previously been the marketing director at IHI Inspections, and earned her agent license in November 2011. She will be working as a buyers’ specialist in the Cherokee and North Fulton area.

Celeina Houston recently launched the Bella Realty Group in Gainesville. An affiliate of LuxuryHomes. com, the Bella Group’s portfolio includes luxury lake and golf residences, as well as commercial proper ties. Houston, who is a member of the Hall County Board of Realtors®, is licensed in both Georgia and Florida. In 2010, she was the No. 1 individual agent for Keller Wiliams Lanier Partners, where she Celeina Houston has also served as qualifying broker, team leader, instructor and compliance coordinator. In addition to holding her CDPE and Certified REO specialist designations, Houston is also a licensed mortgage broker. Tom and Kelly Beechler, as well Beechler Realty

Office Manager Sharon Crisp, Broker/Owner Karen Burks, Managing Broker Angie Mezza-Smith, and Broker/Owner Steve Wagner

“We just have to congratulate Mike Beernink on all his success. We’re so grateful that he chose to join the Virtual Properties Family. He’s a breath of fresh air at the office. He motivates and inspires everyone around him with his enthusiasm. We can’t thank him enough for all that he does to help his fellow agents by coaching them, mentoring them, and sharing his experience and expertise. He’s been such a blessing to the company and we wish him many more years of success and happiness.”

770-495-5050 www.virtualpropertiesrealty.com

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

Tom Beechler

Kelly Beechler

Susan Walker

Craig Wilson

Group teammates Susan Walker and Craig Wilson, recently joined the Nor th Atlanta office of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. With a combined 21 years in real estate, this husband-wife team specializes in distinctive golf course and lake communities in North Georgia.

Several agents have also recently joined Atlanta Fine Home’s North Atlanta office. Hanna Brown is a 10-year real estate veteran licensed in both Nevada and Georgia. Having studied Feng Shui in China, she is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and teacher, has served on the Education Hanna Brown Committee for the International Feng

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Shui Guild since 2006 and authored a book entitled Everyday Feng Shui: Simple Tips for Home and Office. Prior to starting her real estate career, Andrea Santos Kathy Rice Andrea Santos had a successful interior design business. Along with her husband Frank, she remodeled and sold 7 homes in East Cobb over 14 years, fueling her desire to work in real estate full time. Licensed since 1994, Kathy Rice has not only worked with some of the most well-known developments in metro Atlanta, she often helps clients looking for lake and mountain properties in North Georgia. An Atlanta native, Shira Cohen has a significant track record Shira Cohen Deborah Flowers of success, selling in the top 1% of her previous company, and is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Club on the Atlanta Board of Realtors®. Deborah Flowers comes to her real

Congratulations Mike Beernink

nd a It is an honor a rk with you. privilege to wo from

Bobby Armes

Emily Moerdomo Fu, founder and CEO of Capital Investment International Inc. and The FU|REO Team, was named winner of the 2012 Governor’s International Individual of the Year Award, awarded October 4 at the Atlanta World Showcase event. Fu, a former broker/owner with RE/MAX G r e a t e r A t l a n t a ’s International Office is a long time Atlanta resident and expert on international business and government relations between the State of Georgia and the People’s Republic of China. Emily was honored for her effort in developing international community in the State of Georgia, contributions to international business, creativity in developing international relationships, and driving economic develop-ment in Georgia.

Congratulations Mike! Thank you for trusting us with your clients’ mortgage needs! from

Jay Millwood and your friends at

and

rovveer Taylor GGro 770-497-1880 www.oslawllc.com

770-713-0882 www.jay-mtg.com Georgia residential mortgagee license #17368 Homestar Financial Corporation NMLSR #70864

Jay Millwood NMLS#151949

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

estate career with an extensive background in sales and marketing, including Pitney Bowes, as well as founder and VP of company that brokered commercial print & mail equipment. Joining the company’s Intown office is Lisa Cronic. A former advertising sales professional before making the switch to a career in real estate, Cronic has been a successful fundraiser for charitable and educational causes, including chairing the Decatur/Druid Hills Friends group, Lisa Cronic which raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Keller William Realty Partner’s team of Ursula and Associates in Woodstock welcomed two new agents to their team. A 14-year real estate veteran, Barbara Buckalew DeeDee Parker Deedee Parker is a listing specialist, associate broker, and has earned her CDPE certification. Barbara Buckalew, who was licensed in 2001, will work as a buyers specialist, holds her ARC designation and has many years of corporate relocation experience. Both Deedee and Barbara are long time residents of Woodstock with a strong focus on Cherokee County. Keller Williams Realty Partners recently welcomed Emmett Carr to their Peachtree Battle office. A former sales and marketing expert with various high-tech companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Dell, Carr was licensed as a real estate agent in 2003 and won the regional Rookie of the Year award from Keller Williams. Concentrating on the luxury home market, Carr earned his Certified Luxury Home Emmett Carr Marketing Specialist designation while working will Coldwell Banker Previews and Prudential Fine Homes before returning to Keller Williams. Also involved with many philanthropic and religious groups, Carr serves as Board Member for the Chauncey Davis Foundation which focuses on early education to combat diabetes. First A merican Home Buyers Protection has recently welcomed Kristen Crisp and Rachel Mooney as area managers. Crisp has been a licensed real estate

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Cornelia Brown of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers’ McDonough office competed in the “Humorous Speech Contest” at the Toastmasters “The Key to Excellence” Fall Conference in Augusta in October. She won three rounds to reach the Regional level – which is right before the State and International levels – where she was a runnerup. Brown’s speech was a compilation of anecdotes dedicated to caretakers of the elderly, most of which came from her experiences being the caretaker for her husband’s Aunt Ola for at least 10 years and working with senior citizens through her church. As a member of the Premier South Toastmasters club for the last 3 years and their current VP of Membership, Brown is an avid advocate of Toastmasters and its benefits in a person’s life. She’s also the author of three published books and has been with BHGRE Metro Brokers for 16 years. agent since 1991, working with RE/MAX for over 20 years. She has been very active in the Cobb Association of Realtors®, serving as board president in 2007. She was also honored with the Realtor® of the Year award in 2003 and the Tony Serkadakis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. In her new position with First Kristen Crisp Rachel Mooney American, she will be servicing the Northwest Georgia area, including Savannah and St. Simons. Mooney (R.E. Magazine cover story, September 2010) has been a licensed real estate agent since 1999. Working with Metro Brokers for 4 years, Moody moved over to Keller Williams, where she became a team leader, and eventually opened her own brokerage, the Property Shop of Georgia, in 2010. In 2009, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year for Cherokee County, and was president of Cherokee Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors in 2011. She will be serving the Northeast area, from Forsyth County to Athens, including Augusta, for First American.

Churchill Mortgage announced Jennifer Coe as its newest business development executive to help open its new metro-Atlanta branch. Coe will be responsible for recruiting processors and loan officers, in addition to expanding the brand by partnering with local community banks and developing an agent outreach program. Prior to joining Churchill, Coe was a real estate agent for Acworthbased Terri & Company. Before Jennifer Coe that, she worked with John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods in various roles, including senior designer, architectural project manager and architectural production manager. She is a licensed real estate agent, a Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE), a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and holds multiple Southern Building Code and IRC Inspector certifications. Lima One Capital, LLC is pleased to welcome Cortney Newmans as its Business Development Representative for Atlanta. Newmans is a 2011 graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received an academic scholarship and majored in Consumer Economics and Real Estate. In addition to his scholastic achievements, he also was a Letterman for the Bulldogs in Cortney Newmans football, playing special teams and fullback. He was part of the 2007 Nokia Sugar Bowl, 2008 Capital One Bowl, 2009 Advocare Independence Bowl, and 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Teams. Brock Built Homes announced the addition of two sales agents to their team. Maisha Khabir is Georgia State University alumni, where she remains active in the development of the Atlanta urban landscape and is strategic to alumni decisions to live intown. She has obtained a masters degree in education, and also has obtained a broker’s Maisha Khabir license. Currently, she is teaching a class for the Invest Atlanta tour, and she participates in ADA/Invest Atlanta homebuyer initiatives. Larry Manning started his real estate career Larry Manning with Northside Realty in 2001, which merged with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Transferring to their Builder Developer Services new

homes division, he became the onsite agent at Parkview on Bolton and Dupont Commons, two Brock Built communities. Manning opened his own company in 2007, and recently rejoined the Brock Built team as the onsite agent at The Enclave at Laura Creek. John Cooper, founder and principle of Cooper Homes, was awarded the Builder of the Year Award by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA). Founded in 1982, Cooper Homes enjoys the reputation as one of Atlanta’s prominent homebuilders. An John Cooper industry advocate, Cooper has been a member of the HBA Board of Directors since 2008, served as president of the DeKalb HBA chapter in 2009, been a Builder at Large on their Executive Committee since 2010, and was awarded the prestigious HomeAid Atlanta Builder of the Year Award in 2011. Donny Williams has recently joined AmeriSpec Inspection Services as a certified inspector. Donny has 10 years experience as a home evaluator, with more than 5000 inspections completed in the Atlanta area. Prior to joining AmeriSpec, Williams was a Realtor® Services Specialist with Arrow Exterminators for 10 years.

Donny Williams

Designations Sonya Lanier of ERA Sunrise Realty was recently awarded the Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI) designation by the Georgia Associations of Realtors®. A 22-year real estate veteran, Lanier is a member of the Cherokee Association of Realtors®. Sonya Lanier Helen Barker of Peggy Slappey Properties was recently awarded Realtor® Emeritus Status by the National Association of Realtors® in recognition of her 40 years as an NAR member. A member of N.A.M.A.R., there are currently 3 generations of real Helen Barker estate agents in her family. 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. r.e.

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Mike Beernink By Meredith Pruden

ike Beernink lives his life with a keen passion. Whether he is working for clients to sell their home, buy a home, coaching his fellow Virtual Properties Realty agents, or practicing martial arts or boxing, Beernink always puts his heart and soul into everything he does. That kind of enthusiasm is rare and has always made him stand out from the crowd. From his occasional rapid-fire speech to the above-the-bar service he gives his clients, Beernink is someone whom people rarely forget.

Even his perfectly shaved head speaks volumes: This is a man who isn’t afraid to walk his own path in life. Virtual Properties Realty Managing Broker Angie Mezza-Smith certainly appreciates those unique qualities. “What really sets Mike apart is not only his enthusiasm but his generosity,” she says of her star agent. “He feels so much compassion that he just feels compelled to help others. He is always willing to share his time and effort.”

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

cover story

With a passion for helping people, this former teacher takes customer service to a whole new level.

Mike and Holly together with their Virtual Properties Realty support team. Broker/Owner Steve Wagner (third from left) comments on Mike’s popularity. “He’s amazing with people. He really considers other people’s needs first, and his own second.” This attribute is highly appreciated by both clients and colleagues. “Mike is extremely considerate, sympathetic and unselfish. He seeks first to understand, and then be understood. He’s a listener.”

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Beernink’s willingness to share is demonstrated by the weekly coaching sessions he has initiated in his office, during which he mentors other agents on essential real estate sales skills, such as goal setting and building a client base. Sometimes, he will even get on the phone with other agents and help them prospect. These weekly sessions continue to gain in popularity among the other agents in the company. “He’s like a magnet,” explains Mezza-Smith. “Other agents just radiate towards him!” Sharing seems to be second nature to Beernink. In fact, Beernink spent ten years teaching public school in Gwinnett County, and his love of helping others is integral to his personality. “You need to be willing to take the time to share with others because what comes around goes around,” Beernink explains of his core philosophy. “I truly believe that if you’re helpful to other people, blessings will be bestowed upon you.” For Beernink, life has been a series of blessings, beginning with his decade-long teaching career, where he learned the art of painting a picture with words, PhotosByHeatherFritz.com a talent he employs in real estate. “My education background is still “One of the reason I love coaching so much is that is forces me to perfect my craft,” says Beernink of very relevant today,” he explains. his weekly classes. “When you teach, it makes you realize the importance of remembering the basics.” “Our job as real estate agents is to provide people with the information they need so they then, that he managed 50 closed transactions his first can make the best decisions. Our job is not to push, year in real estate full time. This made him the Sales hoodwink or trick people. It is to help people.” Agent of the Year for his company Century 21 Findley Real Estate. During that time, Beernink had begun to hone his ith such an innate affinity for teaching, how did Beernink turn his attention from talent for prospecting. With more than seven million the classroom and toward a career in real people in metro Atlanta, the pool of business is certainly estate? “I love kids and had a great time teaching,” he there, and Beernink pulls no punches about the beauty says. “But, I also have a real knack for business, and of cold-calling potential clients. “I built my business I enjoy it because you get out of it what you put in.” by calling people on the phone and asking them if they This mercurial appeal explains why, during his last were interested in selling their homes,” he recalls, a year teaching full-time, Beernink set his sights on a task that took time and effort, fortitude and…a very career in real estate. He knew it was the one business thick skin! Thankfully, years of teaching elementary where the sky truly was the limit. It wasn’t surprising, school kids gave him that!

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Yes, cold calling is hard work, but since Beernink views what he does as helping, not just as selling, it’s a task he takes on willingly. Whether his peers and clients call him passionately quirky, lovingly personable or maybe even a little bit eccentric, the one thing no one calls him is lazy. That’s because Beernink has never taken the easy way out. “I don’t understand

One testament to that work-horse ethic is longtime client Renee Flickinger. Renee and her husband, Ted, have closed 14 deals with Beernink. “We first became acquainted with Mike back in 2007,” she says. “We had just moved to Georgia from Ohio, and we did so for personal reasons without having any jobs lined up. We took the money we had from our home in Ohio and

“He’s a man with a plan! And he puts his plan into action. He seems to have all of the qualities that Steven Covey wrote about in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, such as being proactive, thinking win-win, and keeping your skills polished.” looked for a foreclosure we could fix up. Mike was so helpful, and we sold it successfully and got hooked. We’ve now bought and sold seven of these foreclosures, so 14 transactions in all. Throughout it all, I couldn’t speak more highly of him.” Testimonies like that of Flickinger make it easy to see why Beernink has been so successful in real

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

why anybody would sit around and do nothing when there are so many people out there to help,” he says. His wife and full-time assistant Holly has seen that determination from the day they met. “Mike has always done what other people don’t want to do, and we have a strong repeat and referral business because of it,” she explains.

Beernink works closely with Managing Broker Angie Mezza-Smith, who he describes as a “real estate genius. Angie knows virtually everything about real estate, especially the laws. She literally can quote every statue by its number!”

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estate. In fact, Beernink was recently named a Phoenix Award Winner by the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors®, with 10 years in the Million Dollar Club. But, it is his five consecutive years winning Century 21’s Quality Service Award of which he is most proud. “Of course, I am proud of being honored like that. But it’s really not about the awards and the accolades,” he says. “It’s all about taking care of your customers.” One interesting fact that stands out however is that the 5 years he won that coveted award for giving the most outstanding service to his customers, he was also the top-producing agent in his company. Quality and quantity!

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

eernink is well-known within his sphere of influence for going above and beyond the call of duty no matter a client’s price range, background or expectations. He insists on initial face-to-face meetings, makes regular follow up calls, submits a weekly written marketing report and has even been known to post as many as 200 visuals and write novella-length property descriptions on each home he lists! There is no question he still draws from the same ability to paint a picture with words that he relied upon Beernink has been practicing martial arts and boxing for over 25 years, and continues to work in the classroom. That, and an equal out at least four times a week. “Ironically, martial arts give me a sense of calm. It keeps me dose of the discipline he learned from centered in both my business and personal life.” Despite those winning qualities, Beernink admits his years studying martial arts. Broker/Owner Steve Wagner has seen the results that he wouldn’t have achieved his success on his of that discipline first-hand. “He really works on his own. He is quick to give credit to everyone from his craft probably better than anyone I’ve known,” says former brokers: Garnett Nash, Frank Boduch and Ann Wagner. “He’s like a black belt of real estate in that Boggs; to current Virtual Properties managing brokers, he spends time training himself to know how to react Angie Mezza-Smith and Joanne Barnhart, as well as coinstinctively to each situation.” Wagner, himself a owners, Steve Wagner and Karen Burks. He also emphasizes that the most vital person to his strong proponent of goal-setting, says Beernink’s ability to use those tools is unsurpassed. “He’s a man success has been his wife of 15 years, Holly. For the past with a plan! And he puts his plan into action. He seems eight years, she has worked with him as his full-time to have all of the qualities that Steven Covey wrote assistant. “Holly is the most important thing in my life, about in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” and my business,” he says. “She keeps me in line!” Family is important to Beernink. In fact, he credits notes Wagner, “such as being proactive, thinking winhis parents with imbuing him with the principles and win, and keeping your skills polished.” r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com Mike with one of his listings, an 1887 home in Historic Norcross where his MLS listing featured over 170 professional photographs of the property and a voice over. “I also emphasize the positive attributes of the town because I’m selling the area and the lifestyle as much as the property,” he explains.

ideals that he has carried all of his life. “I learned my values from my family. “My father was in sales for 30 years,” he says, “and he always said he never lied to anybody.” Beernink says that is a standard that he’s always tried to live up to. “Selling real estate doesn’t mean you beat your clients over the head,” he says. “It’s a situation where you help them understand the process. We’re dealing with people who may be at their most frustrated – especially in this market – and we don’t know what that person is going through. You have to be willing to take the time to listen to people.” Angie Mezza-Smith has seen that philosophy first hand. “The thing that I admire when I watch Mike interact with clients, is his ability to stay calm when things are stressful,” she explains. “He is able to relay a sense of confidence because he is so experienced with tough transactions. He doesn’t let his feathers get ruffled; he maintains his sense of composure that lets people know everything is under control!” Steve Wagner is equally pleased to have Beernink on his team. “We really appreciate and admire his willingness to share anything and everything with 14

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people,” Wagner elaborates. “It’s a very rare quality, and that’s partly why he’s so successful. He’s one of our most successful agents, but he’s even more of a successful human being!” Atlanta native Meredith Pruden brings nearly 20 years of creative services expertise to her project work. A compelling writer, editor and strategist, Meredith is a content specialist who repeatedly has led teams to produce high impact informational and marketing copy for both traditional print and online consumption. She has worked with several print and online magazines, including Cover, Atlanta Salon & Spa and CommonCreativ, as well as the group buying web site MyDailyThread. She can be reached at meredith@mer-creative.com.

770-265-8580 www.mikebeernink.com

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GA MLS is First to Launch reInsight MLS™

news

Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS) announced the recent launch of Lender Processing Service’s (LPS) new on-line platform, reInsight MLS™. GAMLS will use reInsight MLS to host and provide its data to real estate professionals across Georgia. The reInsight technology upgrades their real estate property listingsbased services with a map-centric interface that combines integrated MLS and public record data in a customizable system that enables users to perform more work from a single view. The embedded Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) merges MLS and public record data to provide the most accurate insight into the local market. “On GAMLS’ 50th anniversary, we’re happy

to be able to present our current and future members a significant improvement in the way they serve their clients using the MLS system,” said Richard Boone, Chief Executive Officer of GAMLS, which is based in Tucker. “We have been partners with LPS for over fifteen years, and we are excited to work with them to launch this unique, next-generation MLS system at a time when members and their clients can use an extra competitive advantage in the marketplace.” Rich Lull, managing director for LPS’ MLS Systems division, said the reInsight technology is scalable and configurable to meet the needs of both the “fast-and-casual” user as well as the more “sophisticated” professional.

ERA SUNRISE REALTY OPENS NEW BRANCH OFFICE ERA Sunrise Realty celebrated the grand opening of its new Milton office, ERA Distinctive Properties, on September 13. The new branch office will be located in the Birmingham Village Shopping Center. ERA Sunrise Realty now has offices in Fulton, Cherokee, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties.

Gainesville’s Jack Waldrip Real Estate Merges With Prudential Georgia Realty Jack Waldrip Real Estate and Prudential Georgia Realty recently announced the merger of the two real estate firms. The combined company will operate as Prudential Georgia Realty and will operate out of the Jack Waldrip Real Estate West Academy Street location. Kerstin Crawford and Kim Crumley will lead the Gainesville office. Jack Waldrip will work directly with the new consolidated firm and continue to operate the Jack Waldrip Investment, Development and Management companies.

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REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

“The merger brings together two of Gainesville’s most respected firms. Our companies share a similar philosophy which makes this an ideal fit,” said Prudential Georgia Realty President & CEO Dan Forsman. Jack Waldrip agreed and added, “This company is now a real estate powerhouse. Our agents will now be able to deliver many advantages to their clients. This merger is a great fit for our team and the combined entity will establish a higher level of real estate services for Gainesville, Hall County and Northeast Georgia.”

With a 40-year history, Jack Waldrip, has been a leader in local real estate and development. Waldrip developed his first subdivision in the early 1970s and has since developed numerous residential communities, retail, office and industrial properties. Prudential Georgia Realty also has a long heritage in the local real estate community with 49 years of serving clients across Metro Atlanta, North Georgia and the Southern Crescent. With the merger, Prudential Georgia Realty will have 22 offices and over 1000 agents.

Keller Williams Realty Rawls Group Earns Top Nods on “Best Places to Work” List Three Years In A Row The Atlanta Business Chronicle, named Keller Williams Realty – The Rawls Group, to its list of “Atlanta’s Best Places to Work.” The Rawls Group ranked No. 1 on the 2010, 2011 and 2012 lists of Atlanta’s best places to work for large companies. Just after accepting the award, Shaun Rawls, Operating Partner noted “We are so honored and frankly humbled. To receive this top honor three years in a row in a market that is no less than difficult is extremely rewarding.” In a real estate market where many offices are closing their doors, The Rawls Group of six offices has thrived. They are ranked in the top 100 Brokers in the country and provide daily education to their associates. The Rawls Group is led by Shaun Rawls, Jean Rawls, Jeri Moran Brad Feiman, Robben Matthews, Jennifer Greenway, Jim Alexander, Steve Kout and John Fountain. Atlanta Business Chronicle, in partnership with Quantum Market Research Inc., surveyed the metro area’s businesses and organizations to find Atlanta’s Best Places to Work. More than 600 companies participated. Best Places to Work winners are ranked based on numerous topics including, manager effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, alignment with goals and team effectiveness, among other criteria.

The event committee celebrates their largest turnout ever for the Gwinnett WCR’s third annual “Hoofin’ for Habitat” 5K Run, held October 20 in Duluth. More than 200 walkers and runners participated in the event, which benefits Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity. Over $2000 will be donated from the proceeds. 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

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r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

Calendar of Events December 2012 & January 2013 December 5 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

December 13 8:30 a.m.

Cobb Womens Council of Realtors® Monthly Lunch Meeting Officer Installation and Awards Location: The Pinetree Country Club 3400 Mccollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw 30144 Cost: $15 WCR Members / $20 Non Members Info: Gail Sartain 404-317-3171 gailsartain@gmail.com

Gwinnett Womens Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Holiday Music and Business Planning Tips Location: The 1818 Club at the Gwinnett Chamber, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth Cost: $15 WCR Members / $25 Non Members Info and Reservations: Carol Guse 678-644-6777 cguse@prudentialgeorgia.com

December 6 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Atlanta Board of Realtors® Annual Awards Luncheon/Installation of 2013 Officers & Directors Location: Cherokee Town Club, 155 W. Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta Cost: $35 for Members, Non-Members, and Guests Purchase online at www.abr.org

December 6 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cobb Association of Realtors® Holiday Awards Luncheon & Installation Location: Mansour Center, 995 Roswell Street NE, Marietta Cost: $15 for Members and Non-Members Information or tickets, call Nicole or Debbie 770-422-3900

December 6 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. GA Chapter Womens Council of Realtors® State Officer Installation & Awards Luncheon Location: Druid Hills Golf Club, 740 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta Cost: $25 for Members and Non-Members Information & Reservations: Kathy Haddock 404-934-7435 mkhaddock@gmail.com

December 6 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

December 13 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. DeKalb Association of Realtors® Holiday Luncheon & Installation of Officers & Directors Speaker: Senator Jason Carter Location: Druid Hills Golf Club, 740 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta $20 Earlybird Member, $25 Member Walk-in; $25 Non-Member Earlybird, $35 Walk-in Info and Reservations: 770-493-6100

December 13 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Atlanta Womens Council of Realtors® Member Appreciation Event Black Tie Optional, Reservations Required Location: Wolf-SubZero Showroom, 3280 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 200, Atlanta Cost: Free WCR Members / $35 Non Members Info: Bedel Thome 404-213-8035 bedelthome@msn.com

December 20 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Cherokee Womens Council of Realtors® Monthly Meeting & Installation of Officers & Awards Location: Cherokee Association of Realtors® Board Office, 1600 River Park Blvd, Ste 104, Woodstock Cost: $10 for member; $15 for non-members Info: Camille Gard 770-547-6659 ccamillegard@aol.com

January 16 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cobb Womens Council of Realtors® Monthly Lunch Meeting Location: RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, 2050 Roswell Rd., Marietta Cost: $15 WCR Members / $20 Non Members Info: Gail Sartain 404-317-3171 gailsartain@gmail.com

December 7 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. DeKalb Womens Council of Realtors® Holiday Brunch & Installation of Officers Speaker: National WCR President-elect Jo Kenney Location: Marlowe’s Tavern, 4156 La Vista Road, Tucker Info and Reservations: Okevia Wilson 404-314-1499 okeviawilson@hotmail.com

December 10 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Cherokee Association of Realtors® Happy Hour Coat and Canned Food Drive Location: Cherokee Association of Realtors, 1600 River Park Blvd. Suite 104, Woodstock Cost: Bring a coat of any size in good condition, an unwrapped toy or several canned food items for admittance. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Info: Sue West, 404-271-6716 susan@westcoproperties.com

r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

January 10 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Gwinnett Womens Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Location: The 1818 Club at the Gwinnett Chamber, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth Cost: $15 WCR Members / $25 Non Members Info and Reservations: Page Powers 404-771-9079 pagepowers@kw.com

January 17 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Cherokee Womens Council of Realtors® Monthly Meeting Location: Woodstock Knoll Clubhouse 109 Johnston Farm Lane, Woodstock Cost: $10 for member; $15 for non-members Info: Sandy Pluris 770-378-0502 sandy@soldbysandy.com

Photo by David Martinez

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

Gas South

Strategic Partnerships Manager Roshonda Coleman with Senior Operations Coordinator Michelle Smith

Hometown Heart r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SUMMER 2012

Gas South This hometown utility provider goes the extra mile to find solutions that benefit both real estate agents and their clients.

n 2010, during a conversation with Jim Alexander and Reggie McCrary of the Atlanta Board of Realtors®, Kevin Greiner and Roshonda Coleman of Gas South discovered that real estate-owned properties (REOs) presented some real challenges to real estate agents, especially with utility operations and management. Agents had to keep tabs on numerous properties, which meant dealing with multiple billings, speaking with different associates at the utility companies, placing multiple deposits and addressing daily service issues for their REO properties. Simply put, it was a nightmare. As a result, Coleman, strategic partnerships manager for Gas South, set out to see how Gas South could partner with real estate agents to resolve these situations. Over the course of the next three months, Gas South conducted

also able to draw on its experience with its multifamily customers to make the REO program successful. And third, “we are passionate about helping our real estate community throughout Georgia recover by getting homes occupied,” explained Greiner. “With all of our employees living and working in Georgia, this is particularly important to us.” Greiner also credits Alexander and McCrary with helping Gas South create a program that benefited everyone involved. “Jim and Reggie were instrumental in connecting us with real estate agents,” he says. “We appreciated their input while we were designing this program.” Today, as part of Gas South’s REO Program, agents have one dedicated account manager and the company provides tailored options to best suit their properties, including the

“We are a hometown energy provider committed to developing partnerships that make our community a better place. We are all about helping our community to prosper, to build a good economic environment in Georgia.” five focus groups to determine the challenges of managing REO properties, as well as what the benefits could be of a special REO program for both Gas South and the agents. Coleman initiated contact with real estate agents right away to open up the lines of communication. “I realized how difficult it was managing multiple properties and establishing utility service. We wanted to find a way to resolve these inefficiencies by streamlining the utility operations and management process,” she says. “There was a huge need to manage bills effectively and efficiently.” When Gas South president and CEO Kevin Greiner was approached with the program idea, he didn’t hesitate to approve it. “I thought it was a great idea for three reasons,” he says. “First, there was a real market need for the program. Second, we felt we had the capabilities for doing this type of service.” The Atlanta-based natural gas provider was

r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

choice of one or multiple bills. The Gas South real estate account manager also supplies agents with marketing material that they can easily pass on to their clients. But perhaps the most enticing benefits to both agents and homebuyers have been Gas South’s low rates and quality customer service. Agents are able to offer new homeowners a discounted rate, waived deposit and a $25 bill credit upon enrollment through the REO program. Agents also receive rewards when the homeowner signs up with Gas South.

his approach went a long way in persuading Alexander, the 2009 president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors®, to jump on board with Gas South’s unique program. “I love the idea of having a partner,” he said. “We both have something to gain.” After

im Marshall, director of accounting for ERA Atlantic REO & Realty in Alpharetta, says her company signed up for the Gas South REO program when it launched in 2010 because the company maintains a high volume of REO properties. “They have been one of the best utility companies we have worked with,” she says. “They are quick to resolve issues, offer good service and make it very easy for buyers to receive service.” Given the number of properties her company has, Marshall says she loves how easy it is to pay their gas bill in bulk. “Just having to write one check for all of our accounts is great,” she says. Of course, Gas South also offers a Realtor® Referral Program for agents dealing with traditional home sales. Agents receive a reward for every home buyer they refer that signs up for service with Gas South. Like the REO program, home buyers receive a discounted rate and waived deposit as well as a one-time enrollment credit on their first bill.

Photo by David Martinez

meeting with Greiner and the Gas South staff, Alexander was more than ready to move forward. “It was a really friendly atmosphere, and the more time I spent with them, the more I realized I wanted to work with them,” he says. Alexander met with Gas South several times to discuss how the REO program would evolve, trading ideas and suggestions on how to make the program the best it could be for everyone involved. He says he’s pleased with the results. “I think they have a pretty good business model because they were willing to think outside the box,” Alexander says. Greiner takes it a step further, explaining that Gas South wanted to have a REO program that not only benefitted the company, the real estate agents and the homeowners, but also the community as a whole. “We are a hometown energy provider committed to developing partnerships that make our community a better place,” he says. “We are all about helping our community to prosper, to build a good economic environment in Georgia. Our goal is pretty closely aligned with real estate agents’ goals.”

Gas South President and CEO Kevin Greiner didn’t hesitate to embrace the REO Program when the idea was presented by Roshonda Coleman. “We’re the kind of company that likes to try new things,” he explains. “Innovation has always been one of our key principles.”

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21 21

Photo by David Martinez “One of the great things about this program is that it was truly a collaborative effort between us and the real estate community,” says Coleman, shown here with Keller Williams team leader Jim Alexander, whose “ideas and input were instrumental in learning what would beneﬁt both real estate agents and their clients the most.”

Rhonda Avery, associate broker with Palmerhouse Properties & Associates in Atlanta, signed up for this program a little more than a year ago with the intention of saving her clients money. “It allows my clients to save as much money as possible on a monthly basis,” she says. “My goal is to not only get them in a home, but also to help them manage the monthly costs of taking care of those homes.” Going forward, Greiner says he hopes to see more agents transition from the REO program to the traditional Realtor® Referral Program. “The REO program is a great service, but overall lower demand means the home market truly is in recovery mode,” he says. “We are seeing a shift toward a higher proportion of traditional sales rather than foreclosure sales. It’s a much preferred state than what we’ve seen over the last few years.” A growing and satisfied client base, a streamlined utility management program for companies working with REOs, a referral program for real estate agents, and discounts for homeowners make Gas South’s Realtor program one of the strongest partnerships in today’s real estate environment. “They called the rate they give us and our clients 22 22

rr..ee.. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE >> FALL 2012 REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE FALL 2012

the ‘Friends and Family’ discount, and that says it all,” Alexander says.

or Gas South, the company is happy to welcome more real estate agents and homeowners into their family of customers, which tops 260,000 residents, businesses and governments throughout Georgia. “We want this program to be a win-win-win for the agents, the new homeowners and Gas South,” Coleman says. “It’s our goal to ensure that everyone in this cycle has a positive experience and wants to continue to be part of the Gas South family.” 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.

866-704-5121 www.gas-south.com/realtor

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger May you never take one single breath for granted God forbid love ever leave you empty handed I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens Promise me that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance Lee Ann Womack

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year to all of our friends!

from everyone at R.E. Real Estate rMagazine e . .

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

r.e. inspection section

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r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

Complimentary H o m e M a i n t e n a n c e Manual with each inspection Marlon Page, ACI

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Windows: Let Us Make One Thing Perfectly Clear… o one could have predicted thirty years ago that the term windows would become a homophone, a word with more than one meaning. Of course in this article I’ll be referring to the definition from Old Norse origin of an opening in a typical 21st century house, and not a user interface to a computer! You already know windows are typically made of wood (oldest), aluminum or steel (recent) and plastic (most recent as vinyl or PVC). You may find a rare few made of expensive fiberglass as well. While wood is very desirable, it shrinks and swells with humidity, can be durable if maintained, and is relatively expensive. Aluminum and steel are durable and the most cost effective. Vinyl/PVC are not quite as cost effective but are far superior when it comes to thermal resistance and energy cost savings. Which window material a house has will typically depend on when it was built and the socio-economic level it was intended for. Windows are inherently one of the most problematic and complex in a house. They require cutting a hole in a typically water-impervious wall. Extra care must be taken to ensure a longterm seal between the windows and the exterior cladding. Not only that, but heat can escape at an order of magnitude greater than through the walls or ceiling and roof. Then in the summer radiant heat is gained through the glass. It goes without saying that replacing old, leaky single pane aluminum windows with double paned, radiation limiting coated glass, wood or vinyl ones ranks only second to attic insulation as one of the most popular (not cost effective – read on) means for reducing energy costs. One thing’s for certain though; newer windows help sell a house. How does a window upgrade compare to other house improvements regarding cost effective savings? Dead last! Simply, it’s the most costly with the least annual savings and longest payback. According to CMC Energy Services who calculated and performed conductive, convective and radiant heat loss/gain in houses and then estimated the return on investment, the following are, in order, the improvements you should consider if applicable: ensure all ducts and pipes are insulated, a programmable thermostat, sealing all gaps

i n s p e c t o r ’s r e p o r t

By Vince Tidwell, guest columnist

(e.g. weather-stripping), insulating the floor, a high-efficiency water heater, roof insulation compatible with the weather zone, replacing basement windows with double pane, insulating the basement walls, and lastly, replacing the house windows with ones that are double pane. In fact, it is estimated that the payback for replacing house windows is 83 years! This is a hard to swallow if you are reading this while the sun is shining on your face and has caused your wood flooring and carpet to fade. It just that air loss is so much more a factor than UV radiation and sealing the house is much less expensive than new windows. But wait – a lot of the air loss is through the old double hung wood windows so that certainly is an argument for replacing them. Today’s homes are sealed as tight as a drum. The exterior is wrapped in what is effectively Gortex for houses, and the interior partitions are sealed at all corners. Wood or vinyl windows are coated for minimal UV transmissivity and thoroughly sealed on the outside. Add this to todays much higher efficiency HVAC systems and your energy bills are half of your neighbor’s 30-year old house. But all this is fodder when it comes to affairs of the heart. If your client has fallen in love with the house then he or she will likely be satisfied with open holes and shutters. But if they are on the fence, now you know that the existing windows don’t have to be a deal breaker. I inspect a lot of in-town bungalow houses with ancient weight-counterbalanced double hung wood windows and their charm is immeasurable. Vince Tidwell is an ASHI Certified Inspector with Champia Real Estate Inspections with a passion about how things are put together. He has designed and built several houses, was a mechanical engineer for the F-15 Eagle, particle technology instrumentation, and bio-mechanical safety devices for motorsports racing. To find out more about Champia’s residential and commercial inspections, go to: www.champia.com or call 770-953-0767. r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory advertising

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

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

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

Murphy & Shank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-517-9300 Check out our FREE Short Sale Services! www.murphyshank.com

Home and Stucco Inspections . . . . . . . . . . 770-246-9448

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 Cobb Association of Realtors®. . . . . . . . . . 770-422-3900 DeKalb Association of Realtors® . . . . . . . . 770-493-6100 Empire Board of Realtists® . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-755-5575

Morris|Hardwick|Schneider . . . . . . . . . . 678-298-2100 Exceeding Expectations. One Closing at a Time www.closingsource.net O’Kelley & Sorohan, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . ..770-497-1880 18 offices across Georgia for your convenience www.okelleyandsorohan.com (see display ad page 7) 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

Home Inspection Pros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-454-7651 (see banner ad page 24) IHI Home Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-788-2581 Lighthouse Home Inspections . . . . . . . . . . 404-379-6061 (see banner ad page 24) Pillar to Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-372-8100 (see banner ad page 24)

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 24)

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

basements and waterproofing

insurance

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

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

attorneys graphic design/branding Carol Clark Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-250-3300 Campbell and Brannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-521-1180

Unit B Creative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-351-3125 www.unitbcreative.com

Dickenson Gilroy, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-518-5515 experience. service. excellence. www.dickensongilroy.com (see display ad page 28)

home inspection services

Law Offices of Sam Maguire Jr., PC . . . 404-257-8885 Where Real Estate Meets Real People www.sammaguire.com Lefkoff, Rubin, Cleason & Russo, PC . . . . 404-869-6900 McCurdy & Candler, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-373-1612 Your REO and Foreclosure Specialists www.mccurdycandler.com

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

Alpha Home Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-751-0737

management companies

Atlanta Property Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . 770-932-8634

PEMCO Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-995-7111

Building Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-661-4531 Buyers Protection Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-285-3001 (see banner ad page 24)

mortgage companies

Champia Real Estate InspectionS. . . . . . . 770-953-0767 (see banner ad page 24)

Homestar Financial Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-713-0882 (see display ad page 7)

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

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory Brand Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-754-4339

pest control

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

All Exterminating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-887-2571 PNC Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-531-5900 7 locations in metro Atlanta www.pncmortgage.com/agentalliance (see display ad page 15)

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

Prime Lending. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-713-9344

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

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

Jason Sikora Roofing & Renovations . . . . . 770-294-4474

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

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

Southeastern Mortgage Solutions . . . . . . . 404-452-1424

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

plumbing Plumbing Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-452-8636 Your Solution to Polybutylene Plumbing www.plumbing911.com Right Choice Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-480-3835

security systems real estate companies multiple listing services Georgia MLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-493-9000 “More Prices, More Places, More Possibilities” www.gamls.com (see display ads pages 5 & 17)

RE/MAX Regional Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .678-802-5728 Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results www.remax.com (see display ad pages 2) Virtual Properties Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-495-5050 (see display ad pages 6)

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

virtual tours Glide Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-560-9658 HomeScenes Virtual Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-594-1193

painting & drywall Brushmasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-315-2857

renovation and new construction

window services

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

At Home Handyman Services. . . . . . . . . . . 678-520-0822

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

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

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > FALL 2012

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate and Litigation

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