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

10 th

An OUR n ISS iver UE ! sar

METRO ATLANTA EDITION > SPRING 2013

Jean Roberts The Velvet Hammer also

Company Profile Virtual Properties Realty and

R.E. People and R.E. News

Here Comes the Sun

Publisher Lawrence A. Cohen publisher@remagazines.com

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

from the publisher

Editorial Consultant TC McClenning editor@remagazines.com

Another milestone – this issue marks the 10 year anniversary of R.E. Real Estate Magazine! When I first started publishing R.E. in 2003, all of us in real estate had attitudes like teenagers – young, fearless, virtually indestructible, and the future was so bright, we had to wear shades! While the events of the last few years have certainly sobered us a bit, the dramatic upswing of the past few months has put the industry back in an optimistic state. Builders are once again building, homes are selling almost as fast as they can be listed, and for most of us, the fun has come back to the industry! Persistence has its rewards, and all of us who have survived the last few years can applaud ourselves for having weathered the storm. This issue is dedicated to all of you who have lived on faith and hope, and can now begin once again to reap the rewards of your die-hard attitudes! We’re proud to be part of this resilient community, and for the opportunity of shining the spotlight on so many talented agents and companies over the last decade. The list of exceptional agents who have graced our covers represent a virtual who’s who in metro Atlanta real estate. While we’ve been honored to bring their stories to light, I’m especially proud of this issue’s featured agent. The word “survival” just doesn’t seem adequate to describe Jean Roberts, who rose from the depths of poverty to become one of the most respected agents in metro Atlanta. Her faith and endurance have helped her overcome every challenge put in her path, from childhood abuse to several battles with cancer. Yet after all of her life tests, she hasn’t even thought of slowing down. Read how this amazing lady continues to find new challenges and opportunities to help both herself and her fellow agents! (By the way, as a side note, I first approached Jean to be our cover story 10 years ago, but she always politely declined our offers. Her presence on this issue’s front page has certainly made this anniversary edition extra special for us!) We’re also delighted to once again feature Virtual Properties Realty as our Company Profile. When we first told their story in 2006, they were already experiencing phenomenal growth with their industry-leading agent-centered programs and cutting-edge use of technology. Today, as they move into their brand-new corporate headquarters, they continue to stand apart as one of the premier real estate companies in metro Atlanta, garnering a host of awards and recognitions both inside and outside of the real estate industry. Read how their exceptional agent support and training, as well as their unique compensation plans, have allowed this company to continue to grow even during the most challenging economic conditions. Finally, I’d like to humbly thank everyone in the real estate industry for continuing to read and support this magazine for the past 10 years. While the list is too long to mention, I’d especially like to thank our esteemed Board of Advisors, as well as all of the brokers and companies that continue to send us their press releases and stories of success, our amazing advertisers without whose support this magazine couldn’t exist, and of course all you agents, whose perseverance, hard work and amazing attitude have continued to make metro Atlanta one of the most exciting and dynamic real estate marketplaces in the world! Live Passionately! Lawrence A. Cohen Publisher

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

people

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers honored its top sales associates of 2012 at a recent awards celebration. The overall top residential Irene Clary Shawn Griffin Ennis Antoine Shannon Byrdsong Satwant Singh sales associates in the company for 2012 included Irene Clary of the Perimeter office, who was also recognized for being the Top Individual Residential Sales Associate Companywide. Shawn Griffin of the East Cobb office was the Top Property Management Sales Associate. President and CEO Kevin Levent also announced that BHGRE Metro Brokers was the top brokerage nationwide in the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Top individual sales associates in BHGRE Metro Broker’s 26 offices included (within R.E.’s readership area): Irene Clary, Perimeter; Vicky Diffley, East Cobb; Ed Short, North Fulton; Lucia Brooks, Gwinnett; Ann Allison, Woodstock; Satwant Singh, Buckhead; and Pam Butler, West Cobb. Top assisted sales associates included Ennis Antoine, Perimeter; Jamie Hook, East Cobb; and Shannon Byrdsong, Gwinnett. Real estate professionals Kathryn Blanks and Eleanor Nadal, who comprise the Blanks Nadal Team, along with agent Becky Danyo, have recently joined Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s

Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta agent Mark Spain and his team have been named the #1 Keller Williams team in Georgia and the entire Southeast in three categories, including closed units, sales volume and commissions earned. In fact, the Mark Spain Team’s $110 million in gross sales and 631 closed transactions in 2012 placed them #2 in the U.S. (out of 80,000+ Keller Williams agents) and #2 in the world for Keller Williams Realty. They experienced a 25 percent increase in 2012 sales volume and Spain says 2013 is on pace to shatter the team’s 2012 numbers. He credits the rapidly recovering local real estate market, continued historic lows in mortgage interest rates, an improved unemployment rate, and a shortage of both resale and new homes on the market for their 2013 success to date. The Mark Spain Team was also named the #1 Large Team by the Atlanta Board of Realtors® for the eighth consecutive year. Spain has recently added an investor department and a Guaranteed Sale Program for its home sellers.

International Realty. They join the Atlanta Sotheby’s affiliate from Prudential Georgia Realty, where Kathryn, a Crystal Phoenix Award recipient, had been an agent since 1986 and Kathryn Blanks Eleanor since 2001. The top-producing team has nearly 40 years’ combined real estate sales experience. “We look at our new company affiliation as a building block for expanding our real estate business through broader marketing capabilities for our listings,” explained Kathryn Blanks. “It’s an honor to be part of an organization with such an impeccable reputation.”

Dave Ferguson

Joanne Montgomery

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Eleanor Nadal

Becky Danyo

RE/MAX Greater Atlanta is pleased to announce two experienced real estate professionals, Joanne Montgomery and Dave Ferguson, have recently joined its sales team. Montgomery joins the company after a long distance move from Largo, FL, where she sold real estate at RE/MAX ACR Elite Group. She has 11 years’ sales experience. Dave Ferguson joins the Cobb Countybased RE/MAX Greater Atlanta from RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals. With 25 years’ sales experience, he has already been inducted into the RE/ MAX Hall of Fame.

contents

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 1 N U M B E R 2

Cover Story

Inside

Jean Roberts

At an age when most people are thinking of retirement, this pioneering real estate agent continues to seek out new challenges and adventures in her inspired life! Company Profile

Virtual Properties Realty

From the Publisher

R.E. People

R.E. News

Calendar of Events

Inspector’s Report

Realtor® Resource Directory 26

Even during the most challenging times, this unique company has continued to grow by leaps and bounds by creating a platform which maximizes each agent’s potential.

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

Introducing the New Georgia MLS Online System

Changing the Way You Access Information.... For Good! > User Friendly > Comprehensive Parcel Detail > Integrated Data Sources

> Browser Independent > Search by Map Functions > PC & Mac Compatible > CMA Functionality > Contact Management System www.gamls.com

Phone: 770.493.9000

Toll Free: 800.289.1214

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Three accomplished sales associates have joined the Buckhead North office of Harry Norman, Realtors®. Todd Banister was honored in 2011 and 2012 as Harry Norman’s #1 Agent in Homes Sold. He was also honored by the Atlanta Board of Realtors® as one Todd Banister of its Top 10 Individual Agents. Betsey Banister has rejoined her husband, Todd, in real estate sales after taking the year off to have their first child. Bob Glascock, who ranks among Harry Norman, Realtors® Top 35 Sales Associates of the Year, is a member of the Luxury Home Specialist-Million Dollar Guild and a life member of the Atlanta Board’s Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club. He began his real estate career with Prudential Georgia Realty Bob Glascock where he was a top 25 agent before joining Harry Norman in 2009. Habitat for Humanity is one of Bob Glascock’s volunteer commitments and he is an avid animal advocate, supporting animal rescue and charitable associations.

Carol Morgan, managing partner of mRELEVANCE, LLC, was recently named the Vice Chair of Professional Women in Building (PWB) by the National Association of Home Builders. Morgan has been involved in Professional Women in Building at the national level for many Carol Morgan years, including serving as communications chair, as Region B Trustee and participating in spring, fall and International Builder’s Show (IBS) board meetings. She has also represented PWB as a presenter at IBS for many years. Morgan was instrumental in founding the Atlanta PWB chapter. As Vice Chair, Morgan will represent members working in all facets of the industry, including builders, developers, remodelers, trade contractors, architects, marketers, designers and mortgage brokers. Harry Norman, Realtors® has added Liz Bloeser and Diane Storey to its corporate marketing and communications team. Interactive Web Marketing Manager Liz Bloeser joins Harry Norman from the Atlanta Spirit, where she served as event marketing coordinator for Philips Arena. Prior to joining the Atlanta Spirit, Bloeser gained valuable experience as director of communications for the Georgia Force as well as junior publicist for Caren West PR. Advertising and Public Relations Manager Liz Bloesser Diane Storey comes to Harry Norman with more than 15 years’ experience in the marketing and broadcast industries. Prior to joining Harry Norman, Storey served as marketing communications manager for BuildingReports. Storey has garnered several awards for her work including the Emmy, Telly and Merit Awards. Champia Real Estate Inspections has hired Paul Garland as its newest ASHI Associate. Garland became an ASHI Associate after attending 120 hours of classroom training at the ASHI School and successfully passing the National Home Inspector Examination and Paul Garland ASHI’s Standards and Ethics exam. Garland, a former small business owner in South Carolina, managed properties for real estate companies for four years. Champia Real Estate Inspections, a commercial and residential real estate inspection company founded in 1987, has inspected over 20,000 homes and businesses in the metro Atlanta area and offers other services such continued on page 8

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Bonneau Ansley III, age 36, a fifth generation Atlantan, continues the family legacy in Atlanta real estate as the youngest agent to be honored with a number of the residential profession’s highest awards. He was recognized as one of the “Top Two Agents Company-wide” among Harry Norman, Realtors® 1,000+ associates and the “Top Agent in Georgia for Christie’s International Real Estate.” In 2012, Ansley’s sales volume exceeded $47 million. “Real estate and my family have long been intertwined,” Bonneau explained. In 1904, Edwin P. Ansley envisioned the city’s first luxury residential neighborhood and created Ansley Park, with wide, winding parkways and landscaped parks. Edwin Ansley’s original residence served as the Georgia Governor’s Mansion from 1925 until 1968, when the present mansion on West Paces Ferry Road was completed. Senior Vice President Betsy Franks, Bonneau Ansley III and CEO/President Dan Parmer. (Photography by Kim Link)

M bile Get Connected . . . Stay Connected

Georgia MLS’ Mobile app puts the MLS in the palm of every member’s hand. Interactive Map Searching based on location

Search all property types, including rentals and commercial

Properties displayed on Google maps, including satellite view

Find your way to the front door with turn by turn directions

Easily view all property details including multiple photos

www.gamls.com

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

Phone: 770.493.9000

Toll Free: 800.289.1214

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

as air quality and mold testing, termite letter, water certification and radon testing. Star Newman, a life member of the Atlanta Board’s Million Dollar Club, has joined The Sonenshine Team in the Coldwell Bankers Sandy Springs office. Originally from New York, Newman has been in Atlanta for nearly 20 years. She Star Newman earned her real estate license in 2005 and began her career with Coldwell Banker. Active in her community, Star volunteers at her children’s schools, the local community center, her synagogue and has served on her neighborhood’s homeowner association board.

instructed tens of thousands of students and conducted thousands of classes over the last 39 years. He has twice been awarded Instructor of the Year by the Georgia Association of Realtors®, received the Distinguished Career Award from the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association, Tom Gillett and was recognized as Captain of Industry by his local Realtor® association. Along with Charles Jacobus, Gillett co-authored the real estate textbook Georgia Real Estate: An Introduction To The Profession 7e. Designations PalmerHouse Properties agent Tana Brewster has recently earned the Internet Marketing Specialist Designation. Brewster is the associate broker and office manager of PalmerHouse’s Alpharetta office and has been a licensed agent since 2007.

The Tom Gillett Company, Inc. has opened a new subsidiary, the Institute of Real Estate Training (iRET). iRET is approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (School Code 7435) to offer pre-license courses for salespersons (both in class and online), online broker prelicense and a full array of online post-license and continuing education. A veteran of the Georgia real estate market and a mainstay for real estate education, Tom Gillett has

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.

CONGRATULATIONS JEAN ROBERTS!

Overwhelmed by all the marketing & social media for your real estate business?

We are proud of all of your accomplishments for the past 36+ years, and are so grateful to have you as part of our RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Family for the past 19 years! from

Ben Christopher and Denny Jones and your friends at

770-973-9700

www. RealEstateAtlantaGA.com 2050 Roswell Road Marietta

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Tana Brewster

Your Focus: getting listings, negotiating contracts, closing properties

MY FOCUS: updating Facebook sending tweets writing your blog updating your website copy getting you media coverage creating e-mail campaigns marketing strategy increasing website traffic

Top Cat Creative Ser vices Services 404-819-0643 The real estate market is heating up. It’s time to outsource your marketing needs to someone who has specialized in the real estate industry for 17 years!

Call TC McClenning today!

HomeServices of America, Inc. Buys Prudential Georgia Realty

Congratulations Miss Jean! Thank you for trusting your most valued clientsʼ inspections to us for the last 14 years!

news

omeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, has purchased Prudential Georgia Realty. HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service independent residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest brokerage-owned settlement services providers in the U.S. In October 2012, HomeServices became the majority owner in HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the Prudential Real Estate franchise network and will launch Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices—a new real estate franchise brand. Under the new structure, Prudential Georgia Realty remains a flagship franchisee of Prudential Real Estate’s U.S. network and retains its name for now until the new Berkshire Hathaway

HomeServices becomes available later in 2013. Then the Prudential rock logo is expected to disappear from the local real estate market when the new corporate logo and color scheme is introduced. News continued on page 15

Congratulations Jean Roberts!

Weʼre honored to work with such a true icon in Atlanta Real Estate! from

from

C.C. & Lita Motes and your friends at

ALLVIEW Home Inspections

Joanne Rotella & Jeffrey Heckman and your friends at

Shelter MortgageCompany Formerly Fairfield Mortgage

678-525-2194 www.allviewhomeinspections.com

5555 Oakbrook Parkway , Bldg 300, Suite 300 Norcross, GA 30093

404-290-4800

NMLS # 545223 GRMA # 35963

404-277-6044

NMLS # 545216 GRMA # 35981

www.shelter-mortgage.com Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 431223

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Jean Roberts

amed real estate trainer Mike Ferry gave Jean Roberts some very wise words early in her career. “It isn’t what happens to you in life, but how you deal with it that makes you what you are.” Jean has always remembered that advice, and her success, both personally and professionally, is testament to her faith and perseverance. Despite having more than her share of personal challenges – a very poor childhood, an abusive father who deserted her large family when she was a teenager, a difficult first marriage and divorce,

and overcoming seven life-threatening health challenges for herself and a couple for her husband – this resilient agent has become an icon in the Cobb County real estate community. She celebrated 35 years in real estate in 2012 and has been the top agent in sales production with the Cobb Association of Realtors® for much of her career. Jean has helped thousands of clients and sold hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate in her distinguished career. Since getting her real estate license in 1977, she has committed herself to give her very best to every buyer and seller,

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

cover story

At an age when most people are thinking of retirement, this pioneering real estate agent continues to seek out new challenges and adventures in her inspired life! by TC McClenning

“The support team at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Cobb is phenomenal,” says Jean. “I’ve never asked for one thing from anyone here that wasn’t delivered pronto!” (From L to R): Office Manager Debbie Larson, Receptionist Kathy Christopher, Jean, and Co-owners/Brokers Denny Jones and Ben Christopher.

r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

never considering her commission check until after the deal was closed. “Mike Ferry told me to show up, pay attention, tell the truth and never be attached to the results,” Jean recalls. Born at home in Cobb County (there is no record of Jean’s birth, record-keeping being a bit lacking in those days), at age four she moved to a crude sharecropper home on her grandfather’s farm in Norcross which had no indoor plumbing, heat or air conditioning. She remained there with a violent, alcoholic father until a nearby gentleman farmer intervened when she was 15. He heard Jean’s fate was to start waitressing full-time at 16 to help support the family. He visited her mother and said she needed to be challenged more and proposed the Martha Berry School for Girls (known as Berry College today). When he learned Jean’s family could not pay the $180 in enrollment and uniform fees, the man took up a collection from his friends and Jean’s life would forever be changed. “I was taught that anything was possible at this school,” recalls Roberts. “As graduates, we were PhotosByHeatherFritz.com trained to go out and make a difference and make a better world.” Jean with clients Chip and Kristy Nichols, along with daughters Abigail and Ansley, for whom she both That message itself, at a girl’s sold their home and helped them find their new home in East Cobb. Jean’s list of clients is extensive. school of 500 in the early 1950s, was She once sold a home to actor John (Bo Duke) Schneider, who coincidentally went on to co-found with singer Marie Osmond the Children’s Miracle Network, which Jean supports with every sale! definitely not the norm, but Jean took those words of wisdom to heart. She also never Roberts has been with the same East Cobb RE/ forgot how the kindness of strangers veered her life in a MAX office on Roswell Road since its opening in more fulfilling direction. December 1994. It’s now called RE/MAX Greater Jean would go on to be Miss Berry High School and Atlanta Cobb. Prior to that, she began her real estate ran for Mrs. Senior Georgia in 2003, where part of her career with Barton & Ludwig, a company that would competition requirements was to write a life purpose. later become Coldwell Banker. Jean was the #1 Roberts wrote that hers was to be told “well done” by Coldwell Banker agent in the entire Southeast from God and the man who helped her get into school. 1985 to 1993. Jean makes sure a portion of every commission check “When you’re number one in your business, it’s easy goes to help a cause or someone less fortunate. She has to be a target at the top,” explains RE/MAX Greater reached out to people in prison, families in need in her Atlanta broker/owner Denny Jones. “Even with that, I community and contributes to her church. In addition, have never heard a bad thing said about her.” since joining RE/MAX in 1994, a contribution from Jones likes to tell a story from when they were each check goes to the Children’s Miracle Network. both newbie sales agents in the 1970s. He had just r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

struck out visiting a FSBO (for sale by owner) listing. It was not uncommon back then to knock on doors. While the woman at the home had spoken to him in her doorway for a couple minutes, Denny did not get the listing. He returned to his car and was contemplating what to do next when Jean Roberts pulled up and walked to the house. She apparently had the same idea – knocking on the doors of FSBO listings. Within moments, Jean

including classy, passionate, persistent, trustworthy, professional, tenacious, and sincere. Stephen Northington has known Roberts since he was a boy and they attended the same church for many years. As a teen, he would clean her yard before her big annual Christmas party. He remembers Jean would literally look down into the bushes to make sure every leaf was removed. “If she’s that detailed about her yard work, I knew

“I believe God is working his purpose in me daily. I don’t feel lucky…I feel blessed! I’m eager to get up every morning.” was invited inside. A couple days later, her for-sale sign appeared in the yard. Ben Christopher, the second broker/owner of RE/ MAX Greater Atlanta, is also clearly impressed by Jean. “Jean is a broker’s dream come true,” he says with a laugh. “I couldn’t ask for a better agent. It’s just in her nature to excel and do well. Jean has one of the best reputations in the metro Atlanta real estate market.” Christopher, Jones and others have used numerous terms to describe Roberts,

she would be that detailed about real estate as well,” he explains of his decision to use Jean as his agent. They had found the perfect home for their needs, but Northington admits he kept negotiating. He had an ideal number in mind and wasn’t going to be satisfied until they reached it. “Jean knew the exact point the seller was getting worn out. She assured us we were getting a good deal on the property. Looking back, Jean was correct. She knew the right time to tell me to quit and take the deal.”

Photo by Vic Roberts Jean tends to like the higher altitudes in all aspects of her life! She met her husband Vic when she was getting her pilot’s license in 1966, and fell for her handsome flight instructor. Jean has also gone hang gliding, parasailing, and both she and Vic plan to go skydiving together soon!

r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

PhotosbyHeatherFritz.com

ithin 45 days of becoming an agent, Jean had 20 listings. Roberts was also one of the first to do many things in Atlanta real estate. In 1984, she was one of the first to hire a full-time assistant. In the early 80s, agents did not have cell phones, pagers or multiple listings on computers. However, when pagers came out, she was the first in her office to have one. Jean credits the pager with helping her get deals, such as the time her broker paged her. She pulled off at the Holiday Inn on Delk Road and returned his call. A woman was in town for just a couple days and was getting irritated at having no luck getting agents to get back with her promptly. As she took down the information, Jean discovered the woman was staying at that exact hotel! A quick call up to her room and the two were meeting face-to-face. Roberts sold her a condo the following day on Powers Ferry Road. At the next month’s first sales meeting, much was made of Jean, her pager, and the $965 commission check. “At the sales meeting after that, every agent had a pager!” she recalls. Roberts was also the first agent in Atlanta to use her picture on her business card, her ads and her signs. She says she did it because she thought it would make In November of 2012, Jean became a brand partner with Nerium International, and she has approached it with the same unflagging enthusiasm that she has with everything else her more approachable. Several things are very clear when one in her life. “When the real estate industry had its downturn in 2007, many of my fellow agents suffered some pretty great losses, and I saw as a way to replace that loss through sits down for an in-depth talk with Ms. this venture as a secondary income stream,” she explains. “No skin-care company has ever Jean Roberts. First, she is still as sharp grown this quickly. NeriumAD has been declared by industry leaders as THE breakthrough as ever, remembering exact details from anti-aging skin product to date!” events and transactions that happened decades ago. She is also a very determined woman who being cured of emphysema (a lung disease not known never let limitations or setbacks defeat her. In her late to have a cure, but nine years after diagnosis, Roberts teens, she dated a man whose family put her down and was declared emphysema-free); her husband’s lifemade her feel uneducated. Soon after, they broke up, but threatening illnesses, including a rare blood disorder Jean kept track of his future achievements and would which wiped out his immune system, as well as a heart match or beat them on her own. It was all about trying to attack in 2006 where he literally died on the table before be good enough. It’s how she became an airplane pilot, a being brought back to life. move that would prove fortuitous because it’s where she “I believe God is working his purpose in me daily,” met Vic, her husband of 45 years. explains Roberts with a smile. “I don’t feel lucky about And finally, Jean has an unshakeable faith that has being cancer-free since 2004; I feel blessed! I’m eager to seen her through many challenges, including being a get up every morning and wake at 5 a.m. I have always six-time cancer survivor; outliving four of her siblings; worked hard, from the day I was old enough to work. I r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

PhotosbyHeatherFritz.com Jean and Vic have both had very successful careers, including co-owning a mortgage company, and Vic developed a software program that allowed agents to list their properties in MLS services in about half the time. Now, both Jean and Vic love spending time with their grandsons. Here, they gather in the Roberts’ music room with daughter Shannon, son John, and grandsons Brady and Austin. (Not pictured, daughter Volante Roberts.)

wanted to be something better, but still be the person my mother taught me to be.”

hese days, Jean doesn’t keep quite the frenetic pace she once did in real estate, relying primarily on repeat business (including one client she’s done 13 deals with) and referrals from past clients. She also has two grandsons who keep her busy. In addition to being an avid gardener, serving as co-chair of the 2013 awards gala for the Cobb Association of Realtors®, and being active in the First Baptist Church Woodstock, Jean has also started selling a relatively new skincare product with Nerium International. She’s been involved with that less than a year and says every penny earned is being put away for her grandsons. Jean is helping to build the brand a la Mary Kay, with word of mouth and relationship marketing. The company has skyrocketed in its first year, selling $100 million with a single product and was recognized in early 2013 as one of the top 100 new companies in the world. Clearly, Jean Roberts’ idea of “slowing down” is not what most would be doing at her age. With a clearly

r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

defined goal to help her peers find a part-time way to restore their retirement funds and to continue to help her real estate clients, she says with determination “I will retire the day God retires me. The folks at the morgue are going to have to pry a ‘sold’ sign out of one hand and a bottle of Nerium anti-aging skin cream from the other!” TC McClenning is a marketing consultant and writer who has helped hundreds of Realtors®, companies, builders and Realtor ® associations with their marketing efforts, media coverage, websites, blogs and social media. Author of the award-winning book, All in a Day’s Work for Real Estate Agents, contact TC at 404-8190643, tc @ topcatcreative.com or follow @RealtorPR.

770-993-1993 www.jeanroberts.remax-georgia.com

News continued from page 9

Georgia Association of Realtors® Unveils New Logo As part of its ongoing efforts to update the organization’s mission, purpose, and image, GAR recently unveiled a new logo. It is the first revision to GAR’s most prominent visual in eight years. The logo features the Association’s shortened name, Georgia Realtors®, and incorporates three elements that encompass its membership in the “skyline” area of the image – a house, which represents residential real estate, a group of high-rise buildings, which represents commercial real estate, and the gold dome of the Georgia Capitol building, which represents the advocacy efforts of all Georgia Realtors®. The vision statement – enhancing the quality of life in our communities – is incorporated along the bottom of the logo. GoWaiter 1-2 MayJune 2013.update.pdf 1 5/20/13 2:25 PM

Skyline Pest Solutions Acquires Social Circle-Based Pest Control Company Skyline Pest Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Beyond Exterminating, Inc. in Social Circle, Georgia. For nine years, Jeremy Shearer privately owned and operated Beyond Exterminating. Shearer and his team of office staff and pest/termite specialists have now joined the Skyline team. Skyline Pest Solutions has four locations to serve the greater metro Atlanta area – Cumming, Marietta, McDonough and Covington. It offers termite control, pre-treats, pest control, wildlife control and removal, and real estate services including termite letters and home inspections. For more information, visit www.skylinepest.com.

Virtual Properties Realty Named AJC’s #1 Top Workplace in Atlanta Duluth-based Virtual Properties Realty has been selected as the #1 Top Workplace for a Large Company in the metro Atlanta area by the Atlanta JournalConstitution. The newspaper also gave Virtual Properties Realty an award for being the company that is most “going in the right direction.” The AJC bestowed both awards at an awards banquet on April 24 at the Cobb Galleria as part of the annual Top 100 Workplace awards. The awards are determined based solely on employee feedback from an independent survey.

Now ew under n ip ownersh C

CMY

We deliver your favorite restaurant to your door! Great prepared food delivered from: • California Dreaming • McAlister’s Deli • Chili’s Grill & Bar • Thai Bowl & Hibachi • Athen's Greek Kouzzina • Vinny’s New York Pizza • Thai Diner & Sushi • Twisted Taco • Naan ‘N Curry • Luv A Bowl • Spiced Right BBQ • Mango’s Cuban Cuisine • On the Border • Southern’s Best Café • Suwanee Pizza • More to come!

$5 off your

first order! Use promo code: REMAG

Let us cater your next business meeting or event!

www.gowaiter.com

like us on Facebook r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

(Above): The Atlanta Board of Realtors® Spring FUNdraiser Committee at their May 2 gala event. (Below left): Carol Ann King of Harry Norman, Realtors®, with ABR President Nance See, shows off her winning prize, a Santa Rosa beach vacation package (including 25,000 SkyMiles) worth $2779. (Below right): Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agent Jason Horvath opens his prize, the Past President’s Mystery Package, along with Committee Chairs DeAnn Golden and Lane Jones, to find $900 in cash, a bottle of champagne, and two champagne flutes. (Photos courtesy of ABR).

The Atlanta Board of Realtors ® Raises $23,000 to Support 13th Annual Habitat Home Build More than 400 people attended the recent “Spring FUNdraiser” hosted by the Atlanta Board of Realtors® (ABR) on May 2nd. Held at the Capital Grille, Perimeter, the sellout event raised more than $23,000 in support of ABR’s 13th Habitat for Humanity build. In addition to the fine wine and food, the evening included 13 premium prize raffles, and two grand prizes of $5,000 each, won by Sheila Brower of Harry Norman, Realtors® in East Cobb and Victor Salerno from RE/MAX Paramount Properties in Roswell. DeAnn Golden of Prudential Georgia Realty and Lane Jones of Harry Norman, Realtors® co-chaired 16

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

this year’s affair, which represented a major departure from the board’s traditional spring silent auction and dinner. The 2010 Miss USA Jessica Black was Master of Ceremonies in support of Habitat for Humanity. Sponsors included FMLS, Georgia Natural Gas, Envoy Mortgage, Georgia Power, Home Services Lending, and Weissman, Nowak, Curry & Wilco, P.C. 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.

Virtual Properties Realty company profile

Atmosphere For Success PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Virtual Properties Realty

Even during the most challenging times, this unique company has continued to grow by leaps and bounds by creating a By TC McClenning platform which maximizes each agent’s potential.

commercial group, joined Virtual Properties when it had just 65 agents. With the 102 agents added in 2012 – most of them finding out about the company by word of mouth – the firm has now crossed the 1,000-agent mark. “Seeing this company evolve, firsthand, makes me proud to be a part of a growing, family-oriented business. The greetings and support you get when you walk in the door at any time of day are tremendous,” explains Lagomarsino. “This kind of personal support, the on-site training center and a ‘door is always open’ attitude will keep Virtual Properties growing by leaps and bounds for many years to come.” Formed by the mother-son team of Karen Burks and Steve Wagner, Virtual Properties had humble beginnings on the lower level of Karen’s home. They

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

f asked to name the top real estate office in units sold in Georgia, not many people would guess the correct answer. Virtual Properties Realty in Duluth, Georgia has flown under the radar almost since its inception in 1999. And yet its phenomenal growth over the last five years has really started to make people sit up and take notice. In 2007 and 2008, Virtual Properties received the Pacesetter Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the fastest growing companies in metro Atlanta. Gwinnett Business Journal has honored the firm with its Pinnacle Award as the #1 business in Gwinnett County. And, just recently, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Virtual Properties the #1 place to work in Atlanta in 2013, in its large business division category. Chad Lagomarsino, manager of the land and

The diverse group of agents and brokers at Virtual Properties Realty represent every continent on earth and dozens of different languages. “Metro Atlanta is a melting pot of many different cultures,” explains broker/owner Steve Wagner. “Our diversity gives our company the ability to help many more people in their pursuit of the American dream of home ownership.”

r.e. REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE >> SPRING SPRING 2013 2013

had just spent a decade with RE/MAX and were ready to offer an improved version of that business model while maintaining a family atmosphere. According to Wagner, that close-knit feeling continues nearly 15 years later. Angie Mezza and Sharon Crisp, who had been working with them at RE/ MAX, helped start Virtual Properties and both are still there today. It’s not uncommon to have an entire family of licensed agents with the firm. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our staff,” speculates Karen Burks. “Most of our staff has been here at least six years. It takes a village to build a company.”

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

irtual Properties has worked hard to differentiate itself from other real estate companies. “We looked at the six or seven things we could do better than the established national brands – things like technology, training and numerous commission split options,” says Steve Wagner. “We are not here to trap agents. We listen to our agents and their needs. That’s why we have grown to 15 different commission plans. It’s also why it is so important for our agents to know they are free to leave, with their listings, if they are not happy. We will not try to complicate things for them like so many other companies do. However, we do everything in our power to keep our agents In addition to being named the #1 workplace for large companies by the Atlanta Journal happy so they want to stay.” Constitution, Virtual Properties was also named as the top company for “going in the The 15 commission plans are spread out, right direction.” Co-owners Karen Burks and Steve Wagner are quick to give the credit five each, among the three different business for that distinction to broker Angie Mezza-Smith and office manager Sharon Crisp, whose entities that make up Virtual Properties. “enthusiasm, confidence and attitude have really created the kind of work environment There’s virtualproperties.com, where agents where everyone is committed to everyone else’s success.” are required to be members of a local real estate board so agents if they want to go with this plan or stick with a they have Realtor® status; and virtualproperties.net and more traditional commission plan.” virtualproperties.biz for agents who choose not to belong Mike Beernink (R.E. Magazine cover story Fall to a local real estate board. All three businesses include 2012) has been with Virtual Properties approximately commercial real estate programs. 18 months, after spending 13 years in total with two Built into these commission plans is a recently added different national real estate franchises. He cites his commission-sharing program. Variations of this plan top three reasons for liking Virtual Properties. First, he have become increasingly popular with one or two of says, the company is about the agents operating their the national real estate franchises. According to Wagner, own businesses under the Virtual Properties umbrella. the Virtual Properties plan is “better because it’s not Second, agents are given much flexibility and support dependent on company expenditures or profits. Our to run their own businesses. Finally, he points to their plan is more synergistic and it’s completely up to the amazing compensation plan. r.er. .e.REAL REALESTATE ESTATEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE>>SPRING SPRING2013 2013

“A lot of companies rule by intimidation or make you feel bad if you have to cut your commission to make a deal work,” says Beernink. “You’ve got enough stress to worry about in this business without having to worry about your brokerage, too.” The Virtual Properties model is working. It has survived an economy that drove many formerly successful real estate companies out of business. At

Chronicle’s Top 25 Real Estate Companies list for the last six consecutive years, with more than a quarter of a billion dollars in gross sales for 2012. Still, common misconceptions exist about Virtual Properties within the local real estate community. The word “virtual” in the company name does not stand for virtual office. The Gwinnett-based firm just moved from an 8,000 to a 15,000 square-foot facility.

“We don’t want an atmosphere where agents feel like they have to compete with one another. We’re not constantly posting sales figures where agents are being compared to each other. We don’t believe in motivation through intimidation.” a time when the recession of 2008-2012 was taking hold and “real estate bubble” was becoming a media buzzword phrase, Virtual Properties thrived. “We weathered the storm and not just endured, but managed to grow,” recalls Wagner. Virtual Properties has been on the Atlanta Business

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

The name was coined in 1999 to talk about its listings having the availability of virtual tours, something of a novelty at the time. Because some agents believe the virtual office rumor, it’s an easy leap for them to assume broker support will be minimal. In reality, Virtual Properties has four managing brokers on staff and agents have around the clock access to these brokers, who include Steve Wagner, Angie Mezza, Jo Ann Barnhart and Karen Burks. A third misconception is that agents receive very little training. Actually, Virtual Properties has an accredited real estate school and a training center at its Duluth office that can hold 100 + agents. Continuing education (CE) credit classes are taught weekly with more than 70 classes offered annually. In addition, agents like Mike Beernink donate time to hold weekly The Virtual Properties’ Commercial and Land Group has been active since the company’s inception, and they classes on how to cultivate are very excited about the resurgence of the commercial marketplace. “The market for new development and new and grow business. construction has really turned around lately,” states Chad Lagomarsino. “Having the Virtual Properties team Beernink is quick to say he behind this division really sets us apart from the competition!” (From L to R): Darka Krsmanovick, Rebecca Broich, Billy Rivas, Chad Lagomarsino, Marilou Young, and Rob Lowe. gets as much or more out of 20

r.e. REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE >> SPRING SPRING 2013 2013

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

his weekly teaching as the agents who attend. “By teaching the class, I have to lead by example.” In fact, the company believes so much in the concept of coaching that it has instituted a rather unique group coaching program – a regular series of weekly sessions each quarter where small groups of 5-7 agents get together with their “coach” to discuss their mutual goals. “Our coaching program takes all the theoretical knowledge and encourages people to take action,” explains Steve Wagner. The sessions actually involve a bit of friendly competition between groups of agents, as each team earns points for specific actions that will result in more business. The goal, explains Wagner, is to get into the elite “20% club.” “We try to identify the 20% of actions that will result in 80% of the results,” he says, of the popular program. Each week, top points-earning individuals and teams are awarded for their achievements. Virtual Properties has also developed their own internal designation program, for their most ambitious agents. The as-yet-unnamed designation will be awarded to agents who complete a series of 24 comprehensive courses on every aspect of real estate, including short Agents Andres Plaez and Marisol Real in front of the HomeStar Financial Corporation’s sales, REOs, foreclosures, and even location within the Virtual Properties’ offices. Closing attorneys O’Kelley & Sorohan are also land and commercial sales. “Agents preferred affiliates with an in-office location. who achieve this designation will have a tremendous understanding lf all aspects of the real celebrate agents’ successes, we do it in a manner that doesn’t intimidate other agents.” estate business,” says Wagner. Mezza continued by explaining one way they recently “It will definitely be like a PhD in real estate!” celebrated and rewarded their top agents. When the ngie Mezza firmly believes the unique Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors® held atmosphere created at Virtual Properties is a its awards gala for top 2012 sales production, Virtual major factor in their success. Agent turnover Properties paid their agents’ award application fees, rate is extremely low and over 90 percent of the bought the event tickets for the agents and their guests agents who do leave later return to the company. and rented two stretch Hummer limousines to transport “We treat people with respect as everyone matters them to the banquet. here. We don’t want an atmosphere where agents feel It is reasons like this that have Virtual Properties agents like they have to compete with one another. We’re frequently talking up the company. Wagner knows they not constantly posting sales figures where agents are are the best marketing within the real estate community. being compared to each other. We don’t believe in At a time when some national franchises in Atlanta have motivation through intimidation. While we want to lost as much as half their real estate agent roster, Virtual

r.er..e.REAL REALESTATE ESTATEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE>>SPRING SPRING2013 2013

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com Agent Craig Robinson, Mariana Circiu, Sarid Castillo, and Veronica Urquilla love the synergy and teamwork that is a major part of the Virtual Properties culture. Here, they work together on marketing strategies for their clients.

Properties grows in size every year. The close-knit culture and helping hand mentality within its office is a tone that’s first set with its brokers and office staff. This culture heavily factored into the design and layout of the new Virtual Properties office space, which they moved into in May of this year. Karen Burks calls the company “very socially oriented” and this translates into the numerous common areas for agents. “We’re trying to make a nice home for our agents.” Agents and office visitors are treated to a tall waterfall feature with the Virtual Properties Realty logo behind it, upon entering the office. The new office includes a wifi café where agents and staff can gather, drink coffee, and socialize; an agent center, which is set up similar to a coffee house, including small tables and a long bar around the perimeter; a big kitchen area with a big screen television and tables; an agent lounging area with sofas and chairs; five conference rooms; 20 work stations with computers; a large training center that doubles as space for monthly meetings; and four plasma televisions strategically located around the office. The purpose of the design 22

r.e. REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE >> SPRING SPRING 2013 2013

is all about agent community and having a sense of support with each other. “Our motto here is that we want it to be a win-win situation for everyone involved,” explains Wagner. And it’s a good bet that Virtual Properties will continue winning and growing in the future. TC McClenning is a marketing consultant and writer who has helped hundreds of Realtors®, companies, builders and Realtor ® associations with their marketing efforts, media coverage, websites, blogs and social media. Author of the award-winning book, All In A Day’s Work for Real Estate Agents, contact TC at 404-819-0643, tc@topcatcreative.com, or follow @RealtorPR.

770-495-5050 www.virtualpropertiesrealty.com

Calendar of Events June, July & August 2013 June 12 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

DeKalb Women’s Council of Realtors® 4th Annual Wine Tasting Location: The Solarium at Old Scottish Rite, 321 W. Hill Street, Decatur Cost: $20/person Information: 770-493-6100

June 19 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cobb Association of Realtors® June Membership Meeting Location: Mansour Center, 995 Roswell St. NE, Marietta Cost: $5 Members; $10 Non-Members Information: Nicole or Debbie, admin@cobbrealtor.com

July 8 – 13th, All Day

Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI) Designation Class Sponsor: Georgia Association of Realtors® Location: Buford/Lake Lanier Islands Information/registration: visit www.garealtor.com Contact person: Ellen Shea, 678-597-4118, eshea@garealtor.com

July 11 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

July 27 5:00 p.m. doors open; silent auction; 6:00 p.m. talent show begins Cherokee Association of Realtors® Cherokee’s Got Talent Location: Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door Funds will benefit CAR, Habitat for Humanity and the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Information: cherokeerealtors.org,; 770-591-0004

August 1 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

August 14 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cobb Association of Realtors® August Membership Meeting Location: Mansour Center, 995 Roswell St. NE, Marietta Cost: $5 Members; $10 Non-Members Information: Nicole or Debbie, admin@cobbrealtor.com

August 15 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Cherokee Women’s Council of Realtors® Business Resource Meeting Guest speaker with an update on area growth. Location: Woodstock Knoll Clubhouse Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members Info: Sandy Pluris 770-378-0502 sandy@soldbysandy.com

August 22 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Southeast Residential Real Estate Trade Show Presented by: Atlanta Board of Realtors® and FMLS Location: Cobb Galleria Centre Cost: Advance tickets available at a discount at website Information: www.showcasetradeshow.com; Crystal Bradshaw, 404-250-0051

But SEER-iously, Folks! i n s p e c t o r ’s r e p o r t

inter is finally behind us and the time for cooling our homes has arrived. If you’re from the South, you’ve probably been counting the days, dreaming of flip flops and sweet tea, especially with the late arrival of Spring this year. But as cold temperatures and the pollen season move out, we begin our Hotlanta months! Air conditioners are about to be on high alert. Just as the seasons change, so do guidelines for the manufacturing of major energy-consuming residential electrical appliances. Improved energy efficiency is at the forefront of technology development, and there is always a transition period between the old, powerguzzling systems and the new. It’s been seven years since the new minimum “13 SEER” ratings became federal mandates for air conditioning systems. “SEER” stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is the measure of efficiency applied to the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps. Newer efficiency standards have prompted a transition away from ozone-depleting, R-22 refrigerants to systems that rely on replacement refrigerants like R-410A, which has led to major technical redesigns. New systems incorporate compressors and other components specially designed for use with specific replacement refrigerants. For instance, if a new outdoor unit (typically called a “condensing unit,” containing the condenser and compressor) is installed, it is likely that a new indoor unit (typically called an “evaporator”) will also be required. What does any of this mean to you as a buyer or 24 r.e. REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

By Al Stoy, guest columnist

agent? When you see on the disclosure statement of an older home that the air conditioning system is one-yearold, how would you know if both the evaporator coil and condensing unit are compatible with each other and operating effectively? Current service records, if available, would provide that information. The service records would describe what procedures were performed to insure the air conditioning system will function properly. No service records? No disclosure statement? Then it’s a good idea to have a licensed HVAC technician evaluate the air conditioning system and provide proper documentation describing the configuration of the system. For the most part, repairs or replacements of older components of the air conditioning system have been properly performed by licensed HVAC technicians, but not always. For example, a one-year-old condenser I inspected had been installed with a 23-yearold evaporator coil. Conditions suggested that the installation was not performed by a licensed HVAC technician. Service records could not be produced. As it turns out, the new condenser was put in place and the evaporator was never modified or replaced. This air conditioning system needed a new evaporator coil that would match the new condenser. In the future, all residential air conditioners will eventually be converted to this 13 SEER rating. Until then, we need to be diligent during this transition period to protect ourselves and our clients. Al Stoy is an ASHI certified inspector and is ICC certified for new construction inspections. He has inspected over 2,800 homes since 2000. Al and his wife, Wanda, own Lighthouse Home Inspections. He can be reached at 404379-6061 or at aslighthouse@ gmail.com. Please visit www. lighthouseinsp.com for more information.

r.e. inspection section

r.e. inspection section Changing the quality of Home Inspections one house at a time!

Lighthouse Home Inspections Let Our Experience Be Your Beacon of Light

• 15 years real estate & inspection experience • Pre-listing consultation for home sellers • Lock Box Access - Flexible Scheduling • Residential and Commercial Inspections • Certified, Licensed, Bonded & Insured Complimentary H o m e M a i n t e n a n c e Manual with each inspection Marlon Page, ACI

• • • • • •

Al Stoy 404-379-6061

Residential & Commercial Inspections New Construction Radon Testing Termite Inspections Home Safety Inspections E/O Insurance & General Liability

404-454-7651

Serving all of metro Atlanta, the Southside, and surrounding counties

w w w. TheHomeInspectionPros.net

w w w . l i g h t h o u s e i n s p . c o m

Experience • Professionalism • Integrity Earning the t r u s t and confidence of home buyers, sellers and real estate agents for ten years.

John Luke

404-372-8100 Accessible. Accountable. Accurate.

post-repair re-inspection at no charge

(770) 953-0767 www.champia.com “Best Pick”

Serving metro Atlanta and surrounding counties

Skyline Home Inspections, Inc. “The New Horizon of Service”

FREE Termite Letter Inspection with each Certified Home Inspection Performed by Skyline Pest Solutions’ State Registered Inspectors

678-432-5464 • • • •

E/O Insurance + Umbrella Protection Onsite Computer-Generated Reports E-Mail Reports Available Lockbox Keyholder

Serving All of Metro Atlanta & Surrounding Counties www.skylinehomeservices.com

Buyers Protection Group Professionals you can trust - thats BPG.

3 Residential and Commercial Inspections 3 Termite (WDO) Inspections 3 Radon Gas Testing 3 Environmental Inspections 3 $2 Million in E&O with Referring REALTOR® Coverage

Serving the entire Metro Atlanta Area

800-285-3001 | www.bpgwi.com r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory advertising

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

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

Champia Real Estate Inspections. . . . . . . . 770-953-0767 (see banner ad page 25)

Murphy & Shank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-517-9300 DRC Inspections and Consulting. . . . . . . . 770-794-1494

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 (see display ad page 6) 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 Thomas & Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-591-5200 East Cobb Office 678-337-3223 www.proclosers.com Weissman, Nowack, Curry and Wilco, PC. . . . 404-926-4500

Home and Stucco Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . 770-246-9448 IHI Home Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-788-2581 Lighthouse Home Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . 404-379-6061 (see banner ad page 25) Pillar to Post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-372-8100 (see banner ad page 25) ProTech Home & Property Inspections . . 770-277-5655 Peace of Mind…One Home at a Time! www.protech-inspect.com RIA Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-476-4963 Skyline Home Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-432-5464 (see banner ad page 25)

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

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

attorneys Carol Clark Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-250-3300

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

graphic design

Campbell and Brannon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-521-1180

Unit B Creative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-351-3125

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

home inspection services

Your Real Estate Insurance Partner for 30 Years! AUTO • LIFE • HEALTH • HOME • BUSINESS

ALLVIEW Home Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-525-2194 (see display ad page 9)

Law Offices of Sam Maguire Jr., PC. . . . 404-257-8885 Where Real Estate Meets Real People www.sammaguire.com

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

Lefkoff, Rubin, Gleason & Russo, P.C.. . . . . 404-869-6900

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

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

insurance

Building Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-661-4531 Buyers Protection Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-285-3001 (see banner ad page 25)

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

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Don Johnson

www.d o n j o h n s o n i n s u r a n c e .com

770-973-8545 1230 Old Canton Road Marietta, GA 30062

resource directory

Realtor® resource directory management companies

painting & drywall

roof repairs

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

Brushmasters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-315-2857 M & M Painting and Drywall. . . . . . . . . . . . 770-527-7335

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

Southern Styles Painting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-457-8534

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

mortgage companies Homestar Financial Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-713-0882 Brand Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-754-4339

pest control

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

All Exterminating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-887-2571

Primary Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-505-4171

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

Shelter Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-277-6044 (see display ad page 9)

Skyline Pest Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-432-5464 Trademark Pest Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-614-6534

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

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

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

real estate companies RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Cobb. . . . . . . . . . . 770-973-9700 (see display ad page 8) Virtual Properties Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-495-5050 www.VirtualPropertiesRealty.com (see Company Profile page 17)

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

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

restaurant delivery GoWaiter.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-819-4982 Let us Cater Your Next Office Meeting! www.GoWaiter.com

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

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

r.e.

REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE > SPRING 2013

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate and Litigation

experience. service. excellence.

Dickenson Gilroy LLC Phone: 770.518.5515 Fax: 770.518.5516