Atlanta New Homes News

HOMEAID PARTNERS WITH BRIGHTWATER HOMES TO ASSIST THE DRAKE HOUSE

On Thursday April 9, HomeAid Atlanta joined forces with volunteers from Brightwater Homes for a HomeAid Care Day at The Drake House in Roswell.  The staff of Brightwater Homes volunteered their time, working all day to install doors and trim throughout the Drake Center, which now houses a new teen center and classrooms as well as administrative offices and a food pantry.

Charlie Bostwick of Brightwater Homes remarked, “We have really been looking forward to working with HomeAid Atlanta on a project like this. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to come out to help and give back in a meaningful way. We look forward to working with HomeAid Atlanta again soon.”

The Drake Center is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion to add a new teen center, classrooms, expand the food pantry and other updates by HomeAid with volunteer builder captain Vincent Longo of Vincent Longo Custom Builders.  According to Longo, the trim and door installation work donated by the Brightwater Homes volunteer crew is valued at over $5,000. The volunteers also helped clean an apartment in The Drake House’s transitional housing facility, organize a storage shed and complete some landscaping work.

About HomeAid Atlanta:  Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid is the charitable arm of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, providing its members as well as community building industry groups outreach opportunities through its build projects. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 53 housing developments and care days for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and more. For more information about HomeAid Atlanta visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

About The Drake House: The Drake House is a crisis residential assessment center for homeless women and children in the North Fulton area. The organization provides immediate residential housing combined with an empowerment program designed to provide stability for the children and assist the family in working toward housing self-sufficiency. For more information about The Drake House, visit www.thedrakehouse.org.

About Brightwater Homes: Brightwater Homes is a North Atlanta home builder in specializing in single family homes.  The company’s design strategy focuses on architecture, livability, and value. For more about Brightwater Homes visit www.brightwaterhomes.com.  

Atlanta Chapter of 50+ Housing Council: Focused and Forward-Thinking

Since its inception in 2005, the Atlanta Chapter of the 50+ Housing Council has grown to one of the nation’s largest 50+ councils. This expert consortium of housing professionals, including builders, construction companies, marketing professionals, financial experts and senior living communities strongly supports the 50+ Housing Council mission: to bring its members the best information, education, and research about the booming 50+ active adult housing market.

The Atlanta 50+ Housing Council focuses on several vital areas of interest to its members and the general GAHBA membership. Some of this year’s new initiatives include:

1. The launch of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council’s new website and newsletter.
2. The introduction and support of the Georgia-wide ALL Homes Program.
3. Targeted advocacy on behalf of its members, and participation by Atlanta 50+ Housing Council board members in national NAHB events.

New Atlanta 50+ Housing Council website and newsletter:

Steve Hess, Vice President with Atlanta New Homes Directory and member of the 50+ Council and on the 50+ Housing Council’s2014 Board of Directors, designed and built a brand new website that was launched in August 2014. In addition, a new monthly newsletter was also introduced.

“We are the voice of the 50+ housing industry in Atlanta, and we want our voice to be loud and clear,” says Hess. “Our objective is to be a leading source of information and research on the active adult, independent living, service-enriched and assisted-living markets, and an updated and streamlined website is a major and necessary tool for our members.”

The website (50plusatlanta.net) highlights the focus of the 50+ Council and

• elucidates on its mission and that of the Greater Atlanta HBA;
• lists events and upcoming speakers;
• provides information on sponsors, members and active adult and senior communities in the greater Atlanta area, and
• invites interested professionals to join the rapidly growing membership of the 50+ Council.

ALL Home Program

The 50+ Council is a strong supporter of the HBAG ALL Home Program. A Liveable Lifestyle Home is a voluntary certification program where design features built into a new or within a remodeled home promote a liveable and accessible lifestyle – something that is highly desirable for the growing number of clients who make up the 50+ housing market.

“Today’s consumers, including boomers and seniors, are interested in having a home that includes features like an accessible path with no steps into their home, and a home with wider doorways,” notes Bettie Sleeth, Consultant, Regulatory Affairs with the Home Builders Association of Georgia. “The ALL Home program is for builders, remodelers and consumers in all price points and home types.” ALL Homes’ new website provides lots of information about this new initiative that is embraced by the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council.

According to Jim Chapman, Founding Member and Chairman of the ALL Home Program, Board Member of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council: “It is very important for the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council to educate as many builders, as well as consumers, about the ALL Home Program.

“We have designed the ALL Program in such a way that it is easy for builders to incorporate the program’s features, and encourage as many builders in the 50+ housing market to get on board. We are certain that this designation adds real value to a home, and that it will certainly improve the quality of life of the residents who select an ALL Home.”

Getting Involved On behalf of the 50+ Council Membership

Members of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council maintain a national tie with all other NAHB 50+ Housing Council members by serving on committees focused on Editorial & Articles for the online magazine, National Awards and Events and Educational Programs focused on the 50+ housing market at the annual International Builder Show in Las Vegas. This year’s IBS will be held on January 20 – 22, 2015. To learn more about attending the show and the 50+ Educational Programs, visit http://buildersshow.com/Home/.

“Be sure to attend the 50+ Housing Awards Presentation on Wednesday, Jan 21 [2:30 PM - 4:30 PM],” says Chapman. “Come join your peers for a networking reception, followed by a presentation of the winners of the 2015 Best of 50+ Housing Awards. Enjoy seeing the best homes and communities designed to appeal to the mature buyer, as well as the best marketing campaigns, the best lifestyle programming and examples of state-of-the-art innovation. It’s a complete package: meet, mingle, learn something new and fresh, and wind down after a busy day. Tickets are $35 which includes hors d’oeuvres and open bar.”

At the most recent 2014 NAHB Fall Board Meetings in Phoenix, Betsy Sheppard, president of Gilbert & Sheppard Group and an active member of the NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council’s Board of Trustees, participated in the Board of Trustees meeting which focused on the 50+ Council’s activities across the country. Sheppard notes that “One of the best ways to get involved in the NAHB 50+ Council is to volunteer your time and talent working on a committee. To learn more about joining a NAHB 50+ Housing Council committee, contact [email protected].”

More Reasons to Join the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council

The ‘silver tsunami’ is an apt description of the booming growth of the housing needs of active adults, whose numbers will grow exponentially in the next twelve years.

Building appropriate, liveable housing for this market, and responding to the market’s needs in a thoughtful, educated way will ensure success for members of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council. Being a part of the 50+ Council will provide the education, training, advocacy, representation, and networking builders and vendors need - now and in the years to come.

“As a member, you will receive excellent exposure throughout the industry. You will enjoy many networking and educational opportunities. You will be part of a focused and forward-thinking group of dedicated professionals who appreciate that education and training are the cornerstone of your continued success,” says Chapman. “I look forward to welcoming you to our next meeting!”

To join the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council, please visit www.50plusatlanta.net/#home.

To learn more about the ALL Home Program, please contact Betty Sleeth at [email protected].

Atlanta Chapter of 50+ Housing Council: Focused and Forward-Thinking

Since its inception in 2005, the Atlanta Chapter of the 50+ Housing Council has grown to one of the nation’s largest 50+ councils. This expert consortium of housing professionals, including builders, construction companies, marketing professionals, financial experts and senior living communities strongly supports the 50+ Housing Council mission: to bring its members the best information, education, and research about the booming 50+ active adult housing market.

The Atlanta 50+ Housing Council focuses on several vital areas of interest to its members and the general GAHBA membership. Some of this year’s new initiatives include:

1.    The launch of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council’s new website and newsletter.
2.    The introduction and support of the Georgia-wide ALL Homes Program.
3.    Targeted advocacy on behalf of its members, and participation by Atlanta 50+ Housing Council board members in national NAHB events.

New Atlanta 50+ Housing Council website and newsletter:

Steve Hess, Vice President with Atlanta New Homes Directory and member of the 50+ Council and on the 50+ Housing Council’s2014 Board of Directors, designed and built a brand new website that was launched in August 2014. In addition, a new monthly newsletter was also introduced.

“We are the voice of the 50+ housing industry in Atlanta, and we want our voice to be loud and clear,” says Hess. “Our objective is to be a leading source of information and research on the active adult, independent living, service-enriched and assisted-living markets, and an updated and streamlined website is a major and necessary tool for our members.”

The website (50plusatlanta.net) highlights the focus of the 50+ Council and
•    elucidates on its mission and that of the Greater Atlanta HBA;
•    lists events and upcoming speakers;
•    provides information on sponsors, members and active adult and senior communities in the greater Atlanta area, and invites interested professionals to join the rapidly growing membership of the 50+ Council.

ALL Home Program

The 50+ Council is a strong supporter of the HBAG ALL Home Program. A Liveable Lifestyle Home is a voluntary certification program where design features built into a new or within a remodeled home promote a liveable and accessible lifestyle – something that is highly desirable for the growing number of clients who make up the 50+ housing market.

“Today’s consumers, including boomers and seniors, are interested in having a home that includes features like an accessible path with no steps into their home, and a home with wider doorways,” notes Bettie Sleeth, Consultant, Regulatory Affairs with the Home Builders Association of Georgia. “The ALL Home program is for builders, remodelers and consumers in all price points and home types.” ALL Homes’ new website provides lots of information about this new initiative that is embraced by the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council.

According to Jim Chapman, Founding Member and Chairman of the ALL Home Program, Board Member of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council: “It is very important for the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council to educate as many builders, as well as consumers, about the ALL Home Program.

“We have designed the ALL Program in such a way that it is easy for builders to incorporate the program’s features, and encourage as many builders in the 50+ housing market to get on board. We are certain that this designation adds real value to a home, and that it will certainly improve the quality of life of the residents who select an ALL Home.”

Getting Involved On behalf of the 50+ Council Membership

Members of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council maintain a national tie with all other NAHB 50+ Housing Council members by serving on committees focused on Editorial & Articles for the online magazine, National Awards and Events and Educational Programs focused on the 50+ housing market at the annual International Builder Show in Las Vegas. This year’s IBS will be held on January 20 – 22, 2015. To learn more about attending the show and the 50+ Educational Programs, visit http://buildersshow.com/Home/.

“Be sure to attend the 50+ Housing Awards Presentation on Wednesday, Jan 21 [2:30 PM - 4:30 PM],” says Chapman. “Come join your peers for a networking reception, followed by a presentation of the winners of the 2015 Best of 50+ Housing Awards. Enjoy seeing the best homes and communities designed to appeal to the mature buyer, as well as the best marketing campaigns, the best lifestyle programming and examples of state-of-the-art innovation. It’s a complete package: meet, mingle, learn something new and fresh, and wind down after a busy day. Tickets are $35 which includes hors d’oeuvres and open bar.”

At the most recent 2014 NAHB Fall Board Meetings in Phoenix, Betsy Sheppard, president of Gilbert & Sheppard Group and an active member of the NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council’s Board of Trustees, participated in the Board of Trustees meeting which focused on the 50+ Council’s activities across the country. Sheppard notes that “One of the best ways to get involved in the NAHB 50+ Council is to volunteer your time and talent working on a committee. To learn more about joining a NAHB 50+ Housing Council committee, contact [email protected].”


More Reasons to Join the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council

The ‘silver tsunami’ is an apt description of the booming growth of the housing needs of active adults, whose numbers will grow exponentially in the next twelve years.

Building appropriate, liveable housing for this market, and responding to the market’s needs in a thoughtful, educated way will ensure success for members of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council. Being a part of the 50+ Council will provide the education, training, advocacy, representation, and networking builders and vendors need - now and in the years to come.

“As a member, you will receive excellent exposure throughout the industry. You will enjoy many networking and educational opportunities. You will be part of a focused and forward-thinking group of dedicated professionals who appreciate that education and training are the cornerstone of your continued success,” says Chapman. “I look forward to welcoming you to our next meeting!”

To join the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council, please visit www.50plusatlanta.net/#home.

To learn more about the ALL Home Program, please contact Betty Sleeth at [email protected].

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUNG LIVES® DRIVE HELPS HOMELESS MOMS & BABIES

HomeAid Atlanta’s 13th annual drive shatters prior collection record!

ATLANTA – May 14, 2014 – Metro Atlanta area companies, community organizations and individuals radically increased their support of HomeAid Atlanta’s 13th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive, held April 28 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  Donations gathered through the community-wide drive included diapers, baby wipes, baby food, formula and baby hygiene products, in an effort to provide aid to one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population – women with children.  Combined efforts brought in over 155,000 items, a total of more than double the 2013 record collection, with a value of almost $45,000.  HomeAid distributed everything collected through the drive to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families.

On Friday, May 9, just in time for Mother’s Day, Atlanta-based UPS teamed up with HomeAid Atlanta for the eighth year to assist with delivering the thousands of items collected to sixteen local nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless families and young children.  Many of these organizations operate facilities that have been built in partnership with HomeAid Atlanta, including:
Action Ministries (Atlanta), Atlanta Dream Center (Atlanta), Community Advanced Practice Nurses (Atlanta), Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur), Genesis Shelter (Atlanta), HavenATL (Atlanta), HomeStretch (Roswell), My House (Cherokee County), Nicholas House (Atlanta), Our House (Decatur), Out of Darkness (Atlanta), Partnership Against Domestic Violence (Atlanta), Phoenix Pass (Conyers), Rainbow Village (Duluth), Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers (Atlanta), and The Drake House (Roswell).

After deliveries were completed, the first-ever Essentials Celebration was held at Genesis Shelter, which serves homeless babies under six months of age and their families.  Several speakers shared about the positive strides HomeAid is making to help Atlanta’s homeless population.  After the lunch and program, attendees were given an exclusive tour of Genesis Shelter.

Businesses, community organizations and individuals throughout metro Atlanta assisted HomeAid by collecting essential baby items from amongst their employees, associates, friends and families.  Groups hosting collections were Ameris Bank, Atlanta Fine Homes -Sotheby’s International Realty, Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council, Bank of America, Boral Industries, Brock Built, CBRE, Inc., CharterBank, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, Dal-tile Corporation, Epworth United Methodist Church & Day School, FrontDoor Communities, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Guaranty Mortgage, JEH Homes, John Willis Homes, Kiwanis of Druid Hills, Kiwanis of Northlake-Tucker, Mast Custom Cabinets, Monte Hewett Homes, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, Northwest Exterminating, O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, Oneida Builders, Professional Women in Building Council, Ryland Homes, Sharp Eye Contracting, Sherwin-Williams Paint, State Bank & Trust Company, SunTrust Bank, Technology Dependent Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite, UBS, Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Georgia, Waterford Homes, and Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco P.C.

These donations provide critical support to the recipient organizations and the families they serve.  Recent Point-in-Time Studies showed that over 60,000 individuals experience homelessness in Georgia each year, with more than 60% of homeless persons in households with children (GA Alliance to End Homelessness).  Atlanta is the poorest city in the U.S. for children - more children in Atlanta live in poverty than in any other city (Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless).  It is clear why the donated baby items were a welcome sight for HomeAid’s service provider partners.  

At the close of this year’s drive, Laura Rappold, Director of Case Management and Community Relations at Action Ministries Atlanta said, “Thank you so much for the incredibly generous donation you made to Action Ministries Housing.  The diapers, wipes, baby food and crib will make a huge difference to our families as they work their way toward self-sufficiency.  We are so honored that you included our organization in this fantastic project.  We put everything on the shelves on Friday afternoon, and when I walked in this morning, more than half of it had already gone out to families in our programs.  Thank you again for all you do - you make a huge difference!”

The Essentials for Young Lives Drive was first launched in Atlanta in 2002 and since then more than 589,000 essential baby items have been distributed to homeless mothers and their babies.
Visit www.facebook.com/homeaidatlanta to see photos from the collection, or click here to see more photos from the drive.


About HomeAid Atlanta:
Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 18 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

Professional Women in Building Atlanta Chapter Present: The View Part II

Differences and Similarities, creating Homes and Neighborhoods for 50+ Boomers and Millennials.

Panelists:
Lita Dirks - Interior Designer; CEO Denver-based Lita Dirks & Co.
Jackie Benson - Marketing; J Benson Marketing
Kevin Aycock - Builder; Aycock Properties, Inc.

Moderator: Irene Hall - Pulte Homes

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16th
Registration & Networking: 11:15am | Lunch & Program Begins: 11:45am

VILLA CHRISTINA- 4000 Summit Blvd. | Atlanta, GA 30319

Registration Information
PWB & 50+ Members: $30
Non PWB/50+ Members: $40
Non HBA Members: $50
Please pre-register to avoid the $15 walk-in fee.

To Register: www.atlantahomebuilders.com/classes-events/?event_id=49883

Questions? [email protected] | Fax: 770-934-8363

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS >>

Tech Trends in Marketing

The Top 6 Mobile Trends in Sales & Marketing
Trending Now, 6 things you should know.
6 Major Trends to follow in Marketing
Majoring on the top 6 trends to follow in New Home Marketing
    
1. Mobile! Mobile! Mobile! just about sums up the marketing trends this year. It has finally hit the mainstream. So we are all familiar with the terms and even many of the gadgets associated with it. What we’re looking for now is how is it changing and how can we best utilize it in it’s current growing state.
    
According to StatCounter Global Stats, Mobile Traffic is growing at a rate of 1.5x per year and is likely to maintain that speed or accelerate. In Dec. of 2008 we were in a growth spurt of .9 percent; fast forward to Dec. 2013 and we were at 15 percent. In charting the steady steep incline year by year, the trajectory grid maps out that by Dec. 2014 we will be at or over 30 percent growth of Global Internet Traffic. In addition, the shared digital information has grown 9 times as fast in the last five years. Part of the reason behind this is mobile in general is getting easier by demand. We want apps and programs that intuitively read our minds, do our work for us, and keep it all in the same logical place. A back up system for our brain, if you will.

2. QR codes are more prevalent now than ever before. Scan and be scanned seems to be the phrase used for everything from prices, coupons, payments, notifications and even boarding passes. There are those who say the QR code is going away, but the data just doesn't support that statement. According to ScannLife the 2nd Quarter of 2013 saw 4 million new QR code scanners worldwide showing that as in the previous years, usage continues to go up! Users tend to scan QR codes 3 times per month, which is up 22% from the previous quarter. Tablets using scanning apps have increased by a whopping 1300% from just 1 year ago. Clearly, the use of QR codes used in marketing is not going away anytime soon.
    
Although print is not dead, it certainly is not the main way we do business, or research, or even share our knowledge anymore, that is especially true for the New Homes Market. As marketers and consumers we want to find the quickest, easiest, most reliable and cost-effective ways to market and purchase our goods, whether it’s a new home or just getting a pizza delivered. We want our information out there, fast and available for everyone to see and share instantly with anyone anywhere!  
    
3. We must realize the need to measure cost verses outcome. What is mobile costing us, and what are the returns on that dollar? The need to stretch the marketing dollar, has never been more competitive, so much so that we are pulling from our in house resources and consolidating our cost.
We need one system, in place of our previous 3 or 4 systems, to keep it simple, saving time and resources.
    
4. Pre-visualization, think of where your goals are now, verses where they are going, or should be going. There are companies out there with large teams dedicated to just that. So even if you are a small company, don’t overlook the need for vision. Get a plan to keep you on track to achieve overall growth. Always be thinking, what comes next, and where do go from here? Only you can answer those questions for your business and yourself.
    
5. Use social media, it’s a resource that allows smaller companies to leverage the playing field with their larger competitors. How do you communicate with your customers? How do you get them your content, and how do they know about your new products and services? Social Media, should be at least part of the answer to those questions.

Blogging is and will remain one of the best ways to generate new business. Have great content, and keep it updated. This will drive traffic back to your site and generate new leads.
    
6. Last but far from least, avoid the pitfalls of technology,  as good as it all is, we still need the personal touch, we need good customer service, and we need capable people on our teams, to best utilize, study and keep up the technology out there. People who take the knowledge and hand it to our customers and clients, in neat well thought out packages, making it easy for them to use.
    
This article is sponsored by one of the leading New Home marketers, Atlanta New Homes Directory, who realized early on the importance of mobile in selling new homes. They were the first to launch QR codes and mobile websites for individual new home communities. This has enabled anyone to walk up to a yard sign, or ad whether it’s at a physical location, or on their computer, scan the code or key in URL and get instant information on the home or even presale information. It provides a wealth of knowledge to the clients, such as, prices, photos, contacts, schools, community information, builder information, and much more. In addition, all the information can be linked to other sources such as a CRM system which can then generate reports for marketing directors and builders!
 
They also have had over 5,000 posts to their blog in the last 6 years, and utilize YouTube and Facebook as well.
Atlanta New Homes Directory has implemented all the above trends and speaks from experience that these trends are tried and true. For more information visit us on line at AtlantaNewHomesDirectory.com
    
    Written by Doris James
    Creative Director
    AtlantaNewHomesDirectory.com

PULTE HOMES TO BUILD NEW HOME FOR LOCAL VETERAN AND FAMILY

Homebuilder Joins Forces with Operation FINALLY HOME and Local Contractors

In an episode filled with happy tears and joyful hearts, a U.S. war veteran was surprised with the announcement that he and his family will be given a newly-built, designer-decorated home through PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program.

Sgt. Perry Haley and his wife Autumn were surprised live on CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin on February 19. They were brought to the CNN studios in Atlanta thinking they were being interviewed as part of a news story about veterans returning home after serving overseas. Instead, representatives from PulteGroup and Operation FINALLY HOME told them their dream of home ownership would become a reality – they will be homeowners of a new 2,600+ sq. ft. Pulte house in the Barrington community of Sugar Hill, Georgia.

“Sgt. Haley has served our country with pride and we hope this new home will help ease his struggles and provide his family many future happy memories,” said Casey Hill, president of PulteGroup’s Georgia operations. “PulteGroup is honored to participate with Operation FINALLY HOME to help put this brave veteran and his family in a better place.”

Haley joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school in 2000 and spent 13 years of his military career stationed at several bases, included Fort Drum in New York, Fort Campbell in Kentucky and Fort Stewart in Georgia. He was injured while serving in both Iraq and Korea, and has been dealing with health issues as a result of a brain tumor. He has received several commendations, including Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award and Good Conduct Medal.

With the surprise announcement made, Pulte Homes will work with the family to customize the home and address their special needs. Perry, 33, his wife, Autumn and their children, Georgia (12), Eva (8), Hannah (3) applied for the new home through Operation FINALLY Home, Operation FINALLY HOME is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors wounded, ill and injured veterans and widows of fallen soldiers with new custom-built, mortgage-free homes.

“Operation FINALLY HOME is truly honored to be teaming once again with PulteGroup in changing the life of Sgt. Haley and his family,” said Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation FINALLY HOME. “We feel wounded service members like Sgt. Haley have paid for their homes in full on the battle field.  It is our responsibility to ensure they get them.”

The Haleys will be moving into the popular Mercer floor plan, which features four bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, screened lanai, and includes the newest consumer inspired home features, such as the Pulte Planning Center, Owner’s Entry with drop zones, and loft space for the kids. The home also well-appointed home features, including hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

According to Stephen Haines, vice president of sales for PulteGroup, the Barrington community is a perfect setting to raise a family. “Barrington has family-friendly amenities, like community pools and tennis courts, as well as proximity to Gary Pirkle Park. The Haley family is sure to enjoy building memories in their new home.”

PulteGroup, which has 19 actively selling communities under its Pulte Homes and Del Webb brands in Georgia, is donating the lot and construction of the home and is coordinating the donation of all materials and labor.

“This effort is not be possible without PulteGroup’s local suppliers and trade partners who are generously donating their time and materials to give Sgt. Haley and his family the home they deserve,” added Haines.

Sgt. Haley’s home is one of 20 new homes for wounded veterans the Company’s Built to Honor program plans to build across the nation in 2014.

Follow the home build on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BuiltToHonorPerry or on Twitter at @BuiltToHonor.

HOMEAID ATLANTA ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS

Awards honor Builder of the Year, Trade Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year

ATLANTA – Jan. 16, 2014 – On Jan. 15, HomeAid Atlanta announced the recipients of its eighth annual awards during the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Installation and Awards Program at Villa Christina.  Awards were presented for Builder of the Year, Trade Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.  These awards honor organizations and individuals demonstrating great commitment to HomeAid Atlanta and its mission of building new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.

 

The three award recipients were:

• 2013 Builder of the Year – Mike Smith, Harcrest Homes
• 2013 Trade Partner of the Year – Marketing RELEVANCE, Carol Morgan
• 2013 Volunteer of the Year – Monica Love Phillips of Bank of America

 

The award recipients are knowledgeable and passionate about HomeAid Atlanta’s mission and are committed to improving Atlanta’s homeless crisis.  They have given generously of their time and talents in their respective roles.

 

      “It is both a privilege and an honor to recognize our award winners for their selfless and generous contributions.  I read that ‘the quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your contribution’, and we are so grateful that you chose to make a difference through HomeAid,” said Dale McCain-Boyd, president of HomeAid Atlanta.  “We thank you and celebrate all that you have done to further advance our mission in 2013.”

 

The HomeAid Atlanta Builder of the Year Award honors a devoted builder advocate of HomeAid Atlanta.  Mike Smith of Harcrest Homes has been involved with HomeAid Atlanta through Project Playhouse, HomeAid Care Days, and he is the current volunteer Builder Captain for HomeAid’s build project at Rainbow Village in Duluth.  Months of planning have already been dedicated to this project with many more to follow.  Mike is an active member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA), served as the 2011 President of the HBA and is the current President of the Housing Institute (Certified Professional Home Builders). 

The HomeAid Atlanta Trade Partner of the Year Award honors an extraordinary non-builder partner of HomeAid Atlanta.  For the first time ever, a marketing/PR company was chosen for this award.  The 2013 winner, Marketing RELEVANCE, is a full-service marketing company run by Carol Morgan in Atlanta and Mitch Levinson in Chicago.  Since 2008, they have generously helped spread the word about HomeAid’s good works and activities through numerous blog postings on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.com, through guest spots on their radio program, and more.  Carol served HomeAid as a past member of its Marketing and PR committee.   She was the 2012 Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association Council Chairperson of the year and is the 2014 Chair of the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building council.  

The HomeAid Atlanta Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to a dedicated volunteer for her outstanding service.  In 2013, Monica Love Phillips served HomeAid on the committee for HomeAid’s Essentials for Young Lives Drive for the second year.  She helped organize the drive, involve new collection sites, gather/sort donations, and deliver items to organizations around Atlanta.  Monica volunteered for a HomeAid Care Day with Bank of America, at the silent auction, and assisted at the Installation & Awards Ceremony.  Since 2007 she has been at Bank of America and works as an Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Management Officer for Bank of America’s Home Builder Division.

The award winners were nominated by HomeAid Atlanta’s board of directors and staff, and selected based on their service and commitment to HomeAid Atlanta and its mission. Congratulations to all the award recipients!

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless.  HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

HOMEAID ATLANTA AND OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF ATLANTA MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT HOME SERVING YOUNG HOMELESS MOTHERS

Fairburn, GA – HomeAid Atlanta, in partnership Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, completed a HomeAid Care Day at Tapestry Youth Ministries’ Second Chance home in Fairburn on Saturday, September 28.
 
Thirteen employees of Overhead Door Company of Atlanta volunteered for the event.  Overhead Door Co. put forth a tremendous effort throughout the day to assist with repairs for Tapestry, a group serving homeless teenage mothers and their babies/toddlers. HomeAid Atlanta completed an addition to this home in 2005 with builder captains Mayfield Homes and The Knight Group.

“Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has partnered with HomeAid Atlanta for three projects.  Each time we work with this group we are amazed at their abilities.  These men and women bring a true desire to help others who are working to rebuild their lives.  In 2012, Overhead Door Company was named the HomeAid Volunteer Group of the Year.  The amount of work they accomplish in one day is unbelievable, and every person who attends is a pleasure to work with.  We look forward to a long relationship with this outstanding company,” said Jean Hilyard, Program Manager for HomeAid Atlanta.

The Overhead Door Co. crew fixed the wooden fence around the property, rebuilt a gate, replaced all the screens on the patio, replaced rotten wood on the shed, built new shed doors, pressure washed around the house, fixed an interior door, and helped with a ton of landscape work.  The improvements and repairs were made at no cost to Tapestry Youth Ministries and are valued at $4,000.

“HomeAid Atlanta builds and maintains dignified housing where transitionally homeless can rebuild their lives. We assist our partners by helping by performing needed improvements, renovation or new construction projects.  This allows them to put their money into the programs that transform lives instead of fixing fences and other maintenance work.  The cost to run programs like Tapestry’s is very high.  However, this cost is completely worth it when lives are saved,” stated Ms. Hilyard.

Other individuals and companies who helped with this project include HomeAid Board member, Carl Riden of Redmont Homes, Oz Pizza in Fairburn, and Rutha Greene from Tapestry Youth Ministries.

About HomeAid Atlanta:
Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org. 

About Tapestry Youth Ministries:
Tapestry Youth Ministries (Tapestry) was established to provide a safe home to young girls living in either unsafe or unstable environments.  Many of these girls had babies, but refused to enter state custody for fear of being separated from their children. There were residential care facilities for young mothers aged 17 and older, but nothing was in place for mothers under the age of 17 years.  In 1999, Tapestry opened its first home to provide a safe, structured, nurturing environment where teen moms can experience quality home life and positive development.  Tapestry’s homes are in College Park and Fairburn, Georgia.  Tapestry provides its residents with housing, case management, parenting skills training, continued education, mentoring and coaching, childcare services, and independent living skills.  Read more: www.tapestryyouth.org

About Overhead Door Company of Atlanta:
The leader in residential garage doors, Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has a large selection in colors and styles from which to choose.  Traditional Steel doors, custom wood Signature Carriage Collection, and more, Overhead Door has a door to match your budget.  Weekend garage door repair service and free in-home replacement estimates mean that a safe and properly performing garage door is only a phone call away.  Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has been awarded the prestigious 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately five percent of all the companies rated on the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.  Angie's List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie's List operational guidelines.  Learn more at www.overheaddooratlanta.com.

O’Dwyer Homes Ranked as One of Atlanta’s Top 20 Home Builders

ATLANTA, GA – Atlanta Business Chronicle released its latest Home Quarterly, which announced Atlanta’s Top 20 Home Builders based on the number of Atlanta new homes closed in 2012. O’Dwyer Homes was ranked #18. The total number of homes closed for all home builders listed was 3,860, a 35 percent increase over last years’ total.

O’Dwyer Homes is also Atlanta’s only local homebuilder building 100% Energy Star Certified Homes. Buying a new Energy Star Certified home saves the homebuyer 15% to 30% on their annual energy bills.

O’Dwyer has made a noticeable mark as being one of Atlanta’s premier home builders and currently builds traditional single family homes, ranch homes and luxury ranch villas. O’Dwyer truly understands the art of building cutting-edge, energy-efficient homes, at an affordable price for buyers.

Since 1992, O’Dwyer Homes has been involved in the home building industry. Excellence goes well beyond the homes built at O’Dwyer Homes. They are passionate about providing each customer with a positive building experience. Home owners consistently provide positive feedback regarding their homes, the staff and the home building process. To ensure all clients are satisfied, O’Dwyer Homes addresses all concerns in a timely manner and the professional, experienced staff is always on hand to answer questions. While striving to build 100% Energy Star Certified homes, O’Dwyer is also committed to keeping the customer a priority.

O’Dwyer Homes builds throughout metro Atlanta, including Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton, Gwinnett and Forsyth counties. Homes by O’Dwyer range in price from the $180,000s to more than $500,000.

For more information on O’Dwyer Homes 100% Energy Star Certified new home communities, call O’Dwyer Homes at 770-887-2177. Follow them on Twitter@odwyerhomes, search O’Dwyer Homes on Facebook and search O’Dwyer Homes on YouTube.

Thrive Homes' Growth Fuels the Addition of Three New Hires

ATLANTA - ThriveHomes, LLC, one of the fastest growing, custom home builders and developers in the United States, has welcomed three new members to the company.  All three, Kirk Trull, Superintendent, Carla Gunter, Project Designer and Maria Oliver, Warranty Manager, bring unique and extensive industry experience, aiding in Thrive’s new direction from in-town builder, to builder and developer of entire communities in Raleigh, NC, Nashville, TN, and the greater Atlanta area. 

Kirk Trull joins Thrive as the new Superintendent for Ledgelawn, Thrive’s newest neighborhood in historic Franklin, Tennessee. He brings with him more than 12 years of experience in the construction industry and more than six years in business and project management.  Throughout his career, he has worked with some of Tennessee's premier custom home builders in various capacities ranging from carpentry to the project management of $1.5 million homes.

Carla Gunter is Thrive’s new Project Designer and recent graduate of Savannah’s College of Art and Design. Gunter’s expertise is in space planning, model building and product design, as well as knowledge in 35 different product lines. Recipient of the prestigious Runner Up award for her loft space design at Savannah’s Cotton Mill Stacks, she is a Summa Cum Laude graduate in Fine Arts.

Warranty Manager, Maria Oliver brings more than 10 years of custom home building experience and knowledge to Thrive Homes.  Her background includes warranty, quality control and quality inspection management, as well as production control and more than 10 years of office management experience.  Previously, Oliver served in the United States Army and National Guard, where she received several awards for exemplary service. 

According to Chris Rudd, president of Thrive Homes, “Much of our success can be directly attributed to the professionals we have hired, most of whom come from the business sector rather than from the construction industry.”  Rudd himself hails from the world of finance, investment and corporate communications. He insists that quality residential development requires more than a construction background. “We do not downplay the importance of construction experience, but business savvy is important, too,” says Rudd.

Thrive Homes is known for quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and personalized service.  Thrive builds exceptional, custom, high-end residences and develops communities that are unique to various homeowner lifestyles. Winner of 13 very prestigious OBIE Awards for outstanding achievement in construction, design and development, homes in Thrive communities range in price from the high $300s to over $1 million.  For more information about Thrive Homes visit www.buildwiththrive.com or contact (404) 474-4814.

Realtors - Do Not Miss This Bus!

VIP Tour of Cobb County New Home Communities
Win Incredible Prizes at Every Stop on Thursday, April 25th

Questions?  Please call 678.775.1446 or e-mail Janel  |  Go Here to Register

Click here to view the flyer for more details >>

Two Opportunities for You to Support Suddenly Homeless Infants, Youth and Families with HomeAid Atlanta

If you are looking for a way to give back to the community – look no further. HomeAid Atlanta is hosting two events this Spring providing you with an opportunity to help the region’s homeless population and have fun. Get involved today and make a difference! 

 

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive

 

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive will be held April 29 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  Businesses, community organizations and individuals may participate in the drive by collecting and donating essential baby items such as diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula.  All items collected will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless mothers and their infants.  Get involved!  Just put out bins for collection and spread the word.  Simple bins are just fine, or get creative with your collection display.  Multiple location companies can compete with each other for best display or most donations to make the drive more fun.  This is your chance to help homeless infants and toddlers! 

 

Housing the Homeless Golf Tournament

 

HomeAid Atlanta will hold their tenth annual Housing the Homeless Golf Tournament at Peachtree Golf Club on Monday, June 17, 2013.  Make plans to join Home Aid Atlanta at this prestigious golf course and help house the homeless! Sponsorships available. 

 

For more information, visit HomeAid’s website at www.homeaidatlanta.org or contact Jean Hilyard at 678-775-1401 or via email at [email protected]

The Providence Groups Offers a Plethora of Opportunities to Customize

Atlanta home builder offers custom home designs in four metro communities

 

ATLANTA – The home buying process can be difficult and stressful, but The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC wants buyers to enjoy the process while truly designing the home of their dreams. From flooring to countertops to lighting, this Atlanta home builder provides the opportunity for buyer’s to design their perfect home by working with a designer to select the features that best compliment your personal taste and lifestyle. 

The Providence Group currently offers four custom home communities throughout metro Atlanta: Bethany Commons, Chamdun Place, Wentworth Manor, and Vinings Orchard. With a large variety of floor plans and a plethora of design options, Atlanta home buyers are sure to find the perfect home in one of these extraordinary communities.

Bethany Commons has nine remaining opportunities to purchase a spacious homes priced from the $500,000s. Available home designs offer a wide-variety of options with up to 3,900 square feet of living space and master-on-the-main and four to five bedroom plans. Additionally, basement home sites are available. Located in desirable Alpharetta, Bethany Commons is the perfect community for families looking a peaceful lifestyle with close proximity to the area’s fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment. For more information, call 770-900-9272.

Chamdun Place in Dekalb County offers buyers nine opportunities to purchase an Atlanta new home in a prime Brookhaven location. Homes at Chamdun Place are priced from the $500,000s. All new home designs showcase upscale features, four bedrooms and up to approximately 3,600 square feet of well-designed living space. For more information on homes at Chamdun Place, call 770-940-9142.

Only one luxurious home remains at Wentworth Manor in sought-after Suwanee. This beautiful home features the Camellia home design with four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and approximately 3,065 square feet of living space. In addition to a stunning home, residents at Wentworth Manor enjoy an amenity package that includes a swimming pool and clubhouse. Golf lovers enjoy an ideal location near Windermere Golf Club, Laurel Springs, St. Marlo, Atlanta Athletic Club and St. Ives. Executive style homes at Wentworth Manor are priced from the $400,000s. For more information, call 678-410-2740.

Vinings Orchard is the perfect community for buyers looking to live in an ideal Cobb County location. Fifteen custom single-family homes feature a variety of home designs with stunning exteriors and elegant interiors. Residents enjoy close proximity to fantastic dining and shopping, as well as great recreational opportunities at nearby Silver Comet Trail and Chattahoochee National Park. Homes showcase up to 3,800 square feet of living space and are priced from the mid-$500,000s. For more information, call 770-940-9142.

The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC offers spacious condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in 20 communities throughout metro Atlanta. For more information on all of their Atlanta communities, visit www.TheProvidenceGroup.com.

About The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC

The Providence Group of Georgia LLC was recently ranked as the 8^th largest builder in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in August 2012. The building company is run by Atlanta native, Warren Jolly, who along with his dad Pete Jolly, bring a combined 65 years of development, home building and marketing experience to The Providence Group. They have built and developed in prime locations throughout metro Atlanta with unique trademarks such as livable and unique floor plans and stunning exterior designs. The Jolly’s have built more than 100 communities and closed more than 2,500 homes in Atlanta. For more information about The Providence Group, visit http://www.theprovidencegroup.com.

The Providence Group Sponsors Events to Raise Money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

 

Atlanta home builder partners with Hunter’s Helping Hands for local events

ATLANTA – The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC is excited to announce that they have joined the fight against one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer, brain tumors. This year, the Atlanta home builder will partner with Hunter’s Helping Hands to be a presenting sponsor for the 2^nd Annual Family Fun Fair in Woodstock and a Bronze Sponsor at the annual Atlanta Ride for Kids® event. Proceeds from both events benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBFT).

“To date, Hunter’s Helping Hands has raised over $70,000 for the PBFT and The Providence Group is excited to join them in raising funds and increasing awareness about this deadly disease,” said Warren Jolly, President of The Providence Group. “Funds raised during these two events will go towards research that will one day find the cause of and hopefully the cure for childhood brain tumors.”

The 2^nd Annual Family Fun Fair hosted by Hunter’s Helping Hands will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock. Attendees will enjoy a day of family-friendly fun with inflatables, live auction, petting zoo, raffle, DJ, food, vendor booths, arts & crafts, Cherokee County “touch a truck” and more. In 2012, the Family Fun Fair was the largest Atlanta fundraiser for PBTF, raising more than $30,000.

Hundreds of motorcyclists will come together for the Atlanta Ride for Kids® event held on Saturday, June 2, 2013. The escorted ride starts at 9:30 a.m. at the North Point Mall and will end at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega. Online registration will begin this spring at $40 per motorcycle and walk-up registration will be avialble the day of for $50 per bike. For more information call 800-253-6530 or visit the Atlanta Ride for Kids® website.

According to the PBTF, 4,200 children are diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor in the United States each year and 72 percent of children diagnosed are younger than 15. The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC invites individuals to attend both of these fun events and help the PBFT find a cure for this terrible disease. For more information on The Providence Group, visit www.TheProvidenceGroup.com.

About Hunter’s Helping Hands

Hunter’s Helping Hands was created by the family of five-year-old Sarah “Hunter” Duke following her death in 2008 from an Anaplastic Medulloblastoma. Since then, Hunter’s Helping Hands has worked to raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, in hopes of one day putting an end to this terrible disease. For more information on Hunter’s Helping Hands, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/huntershelpinghands.

About Ride for Kids® and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

In 1984, Mike and Dianne Traynor started Ride for Kids®, a grassroots effort by the motorcycling community to increase funding for basic laboratory research into pediatric brain cancer. Due to the overwhelming success and growth of the Ride for Kids® program, the Traynors established the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in 1991. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. Their goals are to find the cause of and cure for brain cancer, as well as provide support to families. For more information on the Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, visit www.pbtfus.org.

About The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC

The Providence Group of Georgia LLC was recently ranked as the 8^th largest builder in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in August 2012. The building company is run by Atlanta native, Warren Jolly, who along with his dad Pete Jolly, bring a combined 65 years of development, home building and marketing experience to The Providence Group. They have built and developed in prime locations throughout metro Atlanta with unique trademarks such as livable and unique floor plans and stunning exterior designs. The Jolly’s have built more than 100 communities and closed more than 2,500 homes in Atlanta. For more information about The Providence Group, visit http://www.theprovidencegroup.com.

 

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods Now Building in Top Two Communities in Jackson County

Atlanta New Home Builder and Developer’s Liberty Crossing and Bakers Farms Communities Top the Sales Charts in the North Georgia County Leading Into 2013

Atlanta – According to a recent report by SmartNumbers™ outlining Jackson County’s subdivision summary for sales that took place between January 1, 2012 and February 26, 2013, two Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods communities lead the pack. Liberty Crossing holds the top spot at 26% of the market share, followed not too far behind by Bakers Farm in second place at nearly 12% of the market share. With a number of terrific homesites remaining in both communities and plenty of room for future development at Bakers Farm, Atlanta-based Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods is extraordinarily pleased to be building in the top two communities in Jackson County.

Bakers Farm and Liberty Crossing are both nestled in the growing North Georgia suburb of the Town of Braselton – moments from Braselton’s charming historic district, the ever-popular ice cream counter at Mayfield Dairy, Mulberry River Walk – a 60-acre park with 7.5 miles of walking trails along the Mulberry River, and Chateau Élan – a world-class resort and winery that echoes the style of a 16^th century French chateau.  Their proximity to I-85 gives homeowners a straight shot to the Mall of Georgia and Downtown Atlanta to the South and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to the North.

Showcasing 2-story single family floorplans from Acadia’s new Capitol Collection, homes in Liberty Crossing are attractively priced in the $150,000’s. Boasting 4 or 5 bedrooms, spacious interiors that range from 2,694 to 3,200 square feet, luxury touches such as interior doors with bead board trim and crown moulding, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and fully sodded yards with tree-lined streets, Liberty Crossing is a prime example of Acadia’s commitment to providing homes featuring quality craftsmanship in excellent locations at new market prices. Amenities in Acadia’s newest Jackson County community include an amenity center that features a pavilion for neighborhood gatherings, tennis courts, play area and swimming pool, in addition to lots of breathtaking greenspace and walking trails for their homeowners’ enjoyment. Liberty Crossing’s new model home is currently under construction, with an expected completion date of late March/early April.

With resort quality amenities and traditional homes priced in the mid-$200,000’s, Bakers Farm is Acadia’s nod to nostalgic Southern charm. The crown jewel of the community is a tin-roofed clubhouse with welcoming wrap-around porches that features a workout room, putting green, tennis courts and expansive pool deck and pool that begs for summertime fun. Established in 1916, a great amount of care is going into the historic Town of Braselton’s revitalization, and homes in Bakers Farm honor that vision with rocking chair front porches, brick and stone accents, large home sites, professionally realized landscape designs, and so much more. Home interiors are ideally executed for daily family life with spacious living spaces; sprawling master retreats; exquisitely appointed gourmet kitchens with maple cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; and special touches throughout such as crown moulding, hardwood floors and oak stair treads. 1- and 2-story floorplans range in size from 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2386 to 3319 square feet.

“Needless to say, we are thrilled to be actively building in the top two communities in Jackson County,” said Gregg Goldenberg, Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods’ President and CEO. “I would have to attribute the success of both Liberty Crossing and Bakers Farm to our careful selection of location, the quality of our construction, the uniqueness of our communities, and the excellent value we’re able to pass on to Atlanta homebuyers through our new market prices. And let’s not forget the tireless dedication and talent of our Neighborhood Sales Managers, Yvonne Hunt at Liberty Crossing and Burkhard Schaelicke at Bakers Farm. We are extremely proud of the role they played in helping our Braselton communities achieve their exciting standings as #1 and #2 in Jackson County. This achievement falls right in line with our mission to be one of Atlanta’s leading homebuilders.”

To view available homesites, floorplans, site plans, community information and directions for Liberty Crossing and Bakers Farm in Jackson County, as well other Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods communities throughout Metro Atlanta – prospective homebuyers are invited to visit www.acadiahomes.com.

About Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods:  Founded on the principles of integrity, quality and an unyielding devotion to customer satisfaction, Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods is the shared vision of real estate and construction veterans – Gregg Goldenberg, Jon Roby and Thomas Olson. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they set out in 2010 to breathe new life into the Atlanta housing market by becoming a “New Builder for a New Time.” A handful of years later, their company is one of Atlanta’s leading Homebuilders.

Presented in a wide variety of thoughtfully-inspired designs, homes in Acadia’s single family, active adult and townhome communities range from the low $100,000’s to the $500,000’s. Most recently, Acadia was proud to debut its Capitol Collection – featuring  homes at affordable prices in sought after locations priced from the mid $100s to the $200s and the Signature Collection – featuring luxury homes priced from the $500,000’s to the $800,000’s. Beautifully constructed new homes by Acadia are currently available for purchase at The Preserve at North Valley in Milton; Parkside Village and Wellstone in Cumming; Riverbrooke in Suwanee; Maner Street and Sherwood Park in Smyrna; City Park in Midtown; Bakers Farms and Liberty Crossing in Braselton; Sutherland Corner in Lake Claire; and Eagles Crest, Reece Farms, and Arbor Green in West Cobb.

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods has carved out a very special niche in the Atlanta market as it seeks to inspire families with homes of unsurpassed quality and value delivered by a team of dedicated homebuilding industry veterans. For more information, call 404-313-9950 or visit www.acadiahomes.com.

The Clubhouse at Bakers Farm

Liberty Crossing

O’Dwyer Homes Welcomes New Sales Manager to Old Friendship Place in Buford, GA

Buford, GA – February 20, 2013 – O’Dwyer Homes welcomes new Sales Manager, Evelyn Epperson to Old Friendship Place in Gwinnett County. Evelyn’s career in real estate began in 1984 as an on-site sales associate in new home sales. She has witnessed many changes in the real estate market over her 29 year career. She has enjoyed working with many different buyers from first time home buyers to home buyers buying their forever home.

In Evelyn’s free time, she enjoys working with Sheltie Rescue of Georgia as a foster parent to dogs looking for a new home. Her family has two sheltie rescues named Tanner and Lucy - her favorite past time is having family time with her husband and son.

Old Friendship Place, an established Energy Star Certified new home community, priced from the $190’s, is now offering new product, new features, new home designs and new pricing. These gorgeous new plans showcase both ranch and two story elevations with craftsman and traditional styling’s with slab and basement options. The new home designs focus on family living with more open space and less traditional living space.

For more information on O’Dwyer Homes at Old Friendship Place, please visit our Website at www.odwyerhomes.com or call 678-482-4166. For information on more of our outstanding Energy Star Certified new home communities, call O’Dwyer Homes at 770-887-2177. Follow them on Twitter@odwyerhomes, search O’Dwyer Homes on Facebook and search O’Dwyer Homes on YouTube.

Laura Kowski Named Online Sales Consultant at The Providence Group

Industry veteran brings more than 10 years of experience to premier Atlanta home builder

ATLANTA – The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC is pleased to introduce Laura Kowski as their new Online Sales Consultant. With more than 10 years of experience in the Atlanta housing industry, Kowski will bring her knowledge and experience to online sales for The Providence Group.

“We are so excited to add Laura Kowski to The Providence Group team as our new Online Sales Consultant. We want to make sure we provide quick, friendly and personalized service to each and every home buyer during their new home search. The addition of Laura will allow us to provide more customized service to our prospective home buyers who register online for information about our communities,” stated Kelly Kenton Fink, VP of Marketing and Online Sales.

Kowski received a degree in marketing from Western Carolina University and has served as Marketing Director for other home builders in the metro area. While new to online sales, her experience in the housing industry provides her with the background to effectively assist buyers in their search for the perfect home.

 “More buyers are searching for homes online and as the number of online inquiries increase, it is important to provide accurate and relevant information to assist them in purchasing their dream home,” said Kowski. “The Providence Group builds exceptional homes with breathtaking amenities and I am thrilled to be a part of the team.”

In her new position at Online Sales Consultant, Kowski will help eliminate the stress of searching for a new home by providing quick and personalized service through The Providence Group’s website. Visitors to www.TheProvidenceGroup.com will notice a large “Ask Laura” button on the home page. Interested buyers that click the button and fill out the form will receive responses straight from Kowski that help them narrow down their search for the perfect Atlanta new home. Additionally, they will receive information about model home grand opening, special incentives and much more. As a bonus for using The Providence Group’s online services, buyers who register online and schedule a VIP tour of a community will receive $1,000* to be used towards designer upgrades and appliances.

The Providence Group builds luxury new homes in more than 15 communities throughout Atlanta. For more information on available homes in these communities, visit www.TheProvidenceGroup.com.

The Providence Group of Georgia LLC was recently ranked as the 8^th largest builder in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in August 2012. The building company is run by Atlanta native, Warren Jolly, who along with his dad Pete Jolly, bring a combined 65 years of development, home building and marketing experience to The Providence Group. They have built and developed in prime locations throughout metro Atlanta with unique trademarks such as livable and unique floor plans and stunning exterior designs. The Jolly’s have built more than 100 communities and closed more than 2,500 homes in Atlanta. For more information about The Providence Group, visit http://www.theprovidencegroup.com.

*Our special online promotion is valid on new contracts on inventory and presale homes in all of our Metro Atlanta communities. In order to be eligible for the promotion, purchaser must register online prior to their first visit to a Providence Group community, schedule and keep their VIP Appointment and the online incentive must be presented during the first visit to the community. This offer is not valid on existing contracts and some restrictions do apply.

Kelly Dempsey Named 2013 President of Atlanta 50+ Housing Council - Vice President of Jim Chapman Communities Leads Council

ATLANTA – Jim Chapman Communities is excited to announce that Kelly Dempsey, vice president of sales and marketing, has been named the 2013 president of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.

“I am honored to serve as president,” stated Dempsey. “I have the privilege to follow Jim Chapman, the president of our company, in the position. I look forward to helping develop interesting and educational programs for our members.”

The Atlanta 50+ Housing Council is one of the nation’s largest 50+ councils. The council represents housing professionals that are dedicated to the fastest growing population of the 21^st century, the active adult.

As an active adult himself and a crucial member of Jim Chapman Communities, Dempsey understands the needs and wants of active adults.

“Our ranch level homes offer beautiful and functional plans,” explained Dempsey. “Each home is maintenance free and complies with Easy Living Home building specifications. Features include wider doorways, ample maneuvering space in baths and showers and zero-step entries from garages into homes.”

Communities include Brookhaven at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Brookhaven of East Cobb in Kennesaw and Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge in Cumming.

Priced from the $230,000s, communities offer all-brick and stone construction, inviting front porches, two and three bedroom floor plans and state-of-the-art amenities. These include heated pools, outdoor fireplaces and clubhouses with exercise rooms and kitchens.

Additionally, each community is minutes from nearby shops, restaurants and area recreation.

For more information on homes built by Jim Chapman Communities, go to www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in 1998.  Today, Jim Chapman Communities applies to the active adult market and the quality and service standards Jim Chapman developed while building luxury homes in the Buckhead area. Jim Chapman Communities currently builds elegant, yet affordable one-level ranch communities in Douglas, Cobb, Gwinnett, North Fulton and Forsyth Counties. Planning and delivering extraordinary communities designed for the active adult lifestyle, Jim Chapman Communities offer Well-Earned Elegance for today’s active adults. For more information, call 678-825-4510 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods Shows Support for Cobb County-Based SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center

Atlanta New Home Builder and Developer Becomes a “Partner With a Purpose” Sponsor of Local Non-Profit Dedicated to Providing At-Risk Children with Hope, Safety and a Brighter Tomorrow 

Whenever Atlanta homebuilder Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods pours the foundation on a new home or develops a new community, they can envision the families that will one day live there. The Acadia team is about more than delivering quality crafted homes and townhomes throughout Metro Atlanta, they also seek to provide local families with a beautiful backdrop for countless happy memories. Everyone from Acadia’s corporate staff to its builders and on-site agents can envision the birthday parties that will be celebrated inside their kitchens, the prom photos that will be snapped on their front porches, and bedtime stories that will be shared inside their bedrooms. The desire to provide the hope of happy memories is also the mission of Cobb County-based SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center. Continually endeavoring to be “A New Builder for A New Time,” Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods is proud to be a sponsor of this local organization dedicated to providing at-risk children with “a window of hope to a brighter tomorrow.”

SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. is a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children who have been abused. SafePath's mission is to reduce the trauma to children and their families by offering a comprehensive, professional, and child-friendly approach to the allegations of child abuse.   By bringing together a collaborative team of professionals from law enforcement, the district attorney's office, therapists, healthcare professions, DFACS, and other agencies, SafePath is able to provide unique services for at-risk children in the Cobb County community at a centralized location. This worthy and much-needed organization relies on the generosity and commitment of many foundations, corporations, individuals, grantors and community partners in order to make a difference in the lives of children and help to build a community free of child abuse.

“We are honored to serve as a SafePath ‘Partner with a Purpose’,” explains Gregg Goldenberg, Acadia Homes & Neighborhood’s President & CEO. “It’s a very special non-profit organization that focuses on the needs of abused children in Cobb County, where our corporate office and four of our communities are based. Many of the members of our staff are parents, so the purpose of and overwhelming need for this particular charity really resonates throughout our company. As a SafePath ‘Partner with a Purpose,’ Acadia can show our support for SafePath and the terrific work they are doing, while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. What better way to do that than through the children?”

Thanks to sponsorships from companies like Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods, SafePath is able to provide the necessary services to child abuse victims and their families at no cost.  In addition to grants from foundations and donations from individuals, corporations and community partners, SafePath plays host to two special events to raise funds and awareness to support their commendable cause. On Saturday March 9, 2013, SafePath will host the 12^th Annual “Hearing Children’s Voices” Gala at the Cobb Galleria Centre featuring a Dinner and Auction with 11 Alive News’ Ted Hall as the Master of Ceremonies and Nickolas Smith as the “Hearing Children’s Voices” Award Recipient. On Thursday, August 22, 2013, SafePath will host “Good Eatin’ Great Cause” – where 30 of the top chefs in Metro Atlanta will come together to prepare tapas-inspired dishes while serving up a great time!  This popular event also features a cook-off competition with the local police and fire departments.  Members of the Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods team will be in attendance at both events along with other corporate sponsors and caring individuals.

"SafePath recognizes that child abuse is a community problem,” says Jinger Robins, Executive Director of SafePath. “No single agency, individual, or discipline has the necessary knowledge, skills or resources to provide the assistance needed by abused children.  Individually, we can make small strides towards making a difference, but the support of corporations through sponsorships and donations helps to make giant leaps towards creating a community free of child abuse."  

To purchase tickets to the “Hearing Children’s Voices” Gala and “Good Eatin’ Great Cause” Event, become a corporate sponsor, make a donation or learn more about SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., please visit their website at www.safepath.org.

About Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods:  Founded on the principles of integrity, quality and an unyielding devotion to customer satisfaction, Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods is the shared vision of real estate and construction veterans – Gregg Goldenberg, Jon Roby and Thomas Olson. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they set out in 2010 to breathe new life into the Atlanta housing market by becoming a “New Builder for a New Time.” A handful of years later, their company is one of Atlanta’s leading Homebuilders. 

Presented in a wide variety of thoughtfully-inspired designs, homes in Acadia’s single family, active adult and townhome communities range from the low $100,000’s to the $500,000’s. Most recently, Acadia was proud to debut its Capitol Collection – featuring  homes at affordable prices in sought after locations priced from the mid $100s to the $200s and the Signature Collection – featuring luxury homes priced from the $500,000’s to the $800,000’s. Beautifully constructed new homes by Acadia are currently available for purchase at The Preserve at North Valley in Milton; Parkside Village and Wellstone in Cumming; Riverbrooke in Suwanee; Maner Street and Sherwood Park in Smyrna; City Park in Midtown; Bakers Farms and Liberty Crossing in Braselton; Sutherland Corner in Lake Claire; and Eagles Crest, Reece Farms, and Arbor Green in West Cobb.

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods has carved out a very special niche in the Atlanta market as it seeks to inspire families with homes of unsurpassed quality and value delivered by a team of dedicated homebuilding industry veterans. For more information, call 404-313-9950 or visit www.acadiahomes.com.

The Atlanta Home Building Industry Goes Hollywood!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Movie Industry is big business in Atlanta!  With the added income tax incentive for qualified productions, Hollywood has planted roots in the South, and movies like The Blindside, Parental Guidance and Flight have been shot in Atlanta Communities!  On Tuesday, February 26th, several members of the Atlanta real estate industry attended "Lights! Camera! Georgia!" to learn more about how the Atlanta home building industry has gone Hollywood.

Speaker Sarah DeLart, the North Fulton Camera Ready Liaison for the GA Film and Television Industry, discussed how Georgia developed a tax credit program, how North Fulton became "Camera Ready," the process of how sites are selected, and which films have landed in North Fulton. 

Speaker Deshana Wiggins, Executive Assistant to the Interim Directory of Special Events and Senior Film/Special Event Coordinator for the Mayor's  Office, discussed the permitting process for filming activity on City streets, lanes and sidewalks in Atlanta.  She also presented information on how the City of Atlanta welcomes and accommodates production companies and ensures a memorable experience.

 

Among those in attendance were (L to R):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Kenton Fink - VP of Sales and Marketing, The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC
Doris James  - Creative Director, Atlanta New Homes Directory
Laura Kowski - The Providence Group of Georgia, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruce Henderson and Susanne Suzanne Spivey - About Sales
Laura Watkins  - President, Marketing Results, Inc
Doris James  - Creative Director, Atlanta New Homes Directory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sam Bass   - VP Sales & Marketing, Acadia Homes
Doris James  - Creative Director, Atlanta New Homes Directory

 

 

Three Hottest Neighborhoods in Metro Atlanta in 2013

Roswell, Smyrna, and Suwanee have been highlighted as the hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods in metro Atlanta in 2013, according to a recent survey by Redfin.

Roswell was ranked #1 - though a suburb of metro Atlanta, Roswell is a lively city in its own right.  Residents enjoy the restaurants and bars in Historic Downtown Roswell, and families benefit from excellent schools.  Roswell was also cited for its close proximity to downtown Atlanta.

Smyrna came in right behind Roswell as the second hottest neighborhood in metro Atlanta.  Smyrna has a small town feel but is very convenient to Atlanta for employment and entertainment opportunities.  Survey experts lauded Smyrna's low property taxes, good schools, abundant green space, and great shopping and restaurants.

Suwanee rounded out the list at #3.  The city offers easy access to employment in Atlanta, North Fulton, and Gwinnett via I-85 and other major routes.  Residents love the new town center, which offers entertainment and recreation as well as employment opportunities.

If you're interested in purchasing a new home in one of these exciting neighborhoods, be sure to check out the listings on Atlanta New Homes Directory.  Atlanta New Homes Directory is the most comprehensive source for new homes in Roswell, Smyrna, and Suwanee.  Don't delay; visit us online and find your dream home today!

Ashton Woods Homes Named #1 Most Trusted Builder in America!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashton Woods is proud to have been named the most trusted builder in America according to Lifestory Research's Most Trusted Builder in America Survey! 

Ashton Woods recognizes that trust is a fundamental building block in creating successful customer relationships, and we focus on bringing this to life in everything we do, every single day.  See for yourself why we've been named America's Most Trusted, and experience the excitement of becoming another satisfied Ashton Woods homeowner!

Ashton Woods builds new homes in Atlanta and surrounding areas.  Choose from two dozen beautiful communities with a variety of home designs and outstanding amenities.  For more information on Ashton Woods Homes, visit us online at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

400 North Board of REALTORS Rallied for Homeownership at the Georgia Capitol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atlanta, GA – On Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, several REALTORS^® from North Atlanta were among hundreds who participated in the Georgia REALTORS^® (GAR) Rally for Homeownership on the front steps of the Georgia Capitol Building. “We had a larger crowd than we originally expected, and the energy was amazing,” said Terry Swanson, 400 North Board President. “It was inspiring to be a part of an event that promotes an issue that is so vital to the economy at every level.”

Governor Nathan Deal addressed the crowd, expressing his appreciation for REALTORS^® and their dedication to preserving homeownership in Georgia, despite the challenges of the recent economy. Other elected officials who spoke to the REALTORS^® included David Shafer, Senate President Pro Tempore; Stacey Abrams, House Minority Leader; Rep. Roger Bruce of Atlanta; Rep. Virgil Flood of Tyrone; and Rep. Micah Gravely of Douglasville.

GAR’s 2013 President, Robin Lance of Savannah, conveyed the unity among the REALTORS^® as she addressed the crowd at the podium. “We join together today not as Republicans, Democrats, or Independents, but as REALTORS^® representing 2.2 million homeowners in Georgia,” she said. “This group is completely dedicated to solving the housing crises in our state together.”

Local REALTORS^® who participated in the GAR Rally for Homeownership include Tim Hopkins, Melba Franklin, Mark DiJohn, Phil Salomone, Kathy Dill, Tara Locke, Lynn Lusby, Luis Rocafort and Terry Swanson were just several of the attendees. After the Rally was over, REALTORS^® entered the Capitol and met with their local legislators to discuss important issues related to homeownership and private property rights. Legislators that were available to talk to the group included: Rep. Mark Hamilton, Rep. Mike Dudgeon, and Rep. Geoff Duncan.

The 400 North Board of Realtors is comprised of over 450 active members and serves Dawson, Forsyth and Lumpkin Counties. They are located at 1000 Old Dawson Village Rd Ste 110 Dawsonville, GA 30534, Email: [email protected], phone: 706-216-5229, Fax: 404-843-3402.

The Georgia Association of REALTORS^® (also referred to as “Georgia REALTORS^®”) is a voluntary professional association of approximately 26,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons engaged in all aspects of the real estate business throughout Georgia. GAR is the leading advocate for the real estate industry in Georgia, committed to protecting private property rights and free enterprise, maintaining ethical and professional standards, and enhancing the public’s awareness and confidence in REALTORS^®.

Sandy Andrew sworn in as the 2013 HomeAid Atlanta Board President

HomeAid Atlanta held its annual Installation & Awards Ceremony January 10 at Villa Christina swearing in its new President Sandy Andrew. “It’s an honor for me to accept the role as HomeAid’s President this year.  I look forward to taking on the important task of furthering our mission of building and maintaining dignified housing where homeless individuals and families can rebuild their lives.“

Sandy, Founder and CEO of AtlantaNewHomesDirectory.com, has served on HomeAid’s Board since 2008. “What is so uniquely rewarding is that HomeAid assists housing facilities which provide programs that help families get a “fresh start”. After a short period of time, families with their children go from homeless situations to living normal lives once again.”

Since 2001, HomeAid has built 16 housing developments which now serve more than 750 homeless children, women and men in the metro Atlanta area each year.  In addition, they’ve completed over 20 community service projects through the HomeAid Cares program, assisting 10 local agencies with free repairs and improvements to their facilities serving the homeless.  All of this has been accomplished through dedication and generosity of members and supporters donation of construction services and materials as well as their personal time.

For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.