Carol Flammer's Blog

Homes Going Fast at The Orchards of East Cherokee

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:34:09 -0700

The Orchards Group is excited that sales have been picking up at their Woodstock active adult community, The Orchards of East Cherokee. The builder has always experienced success at this community, but the recent increase has led to plans for and construction on 12 new homes.

“Our buyers were having difficulty selling their existing home, which was quite frustrating to them. But, recent improvements in the 'resale' market have catapulted our business, as these buyers can now move forward," said Mitch Block, sales and marketing director for the company. The change in the market is definitely showing at this community, which has experienced 11 home sales since the start of this year.

Buyers enjoy choosing from The Orchards Group's high quality ranch condominium and single family homes. Since all homes are low to zero maintenance, residents can spend more time with their new neighbors at the pool, grand clubhouse, barbeque grill area or waterfall sitting plaza.

The community's East Cherokee location is secluded from main roads, but still convenient to the county's largest Kroger as well as additional dining, shopping, recreation, healthcare and entertainment options. “We are not in downtown anywhere, but still just 15 minutes or less from four local downtown areas: Alpharetta, Roswell, Historic Woodstock and Canton," said Craig Smith, sales counselor for the company.

For more information, please visit www.OrchardsGroup.com or call 770-345-5409.

For more on Atlanta real estate, visit Atlanta Real Estate Forum online.

Atlanta New Homes Featuring Basements

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:11:04 -0700

Homebuyers, are you on a basement hunt? Not having any luck finding spacious, finished floor plans?

Search for homes with basements with Ashton Woods Homes. The builder knows the value of having a basement in the house, especially with a family.

Ashton Woods Homes creates many finished basements in many of its housing communities in the metro Atlanta area. In Suwanee, a new development, Belmore Manor, has many homes with finished basements with the Glenwood floor plan. This floor plan includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a finished basement with game room and wet bar.

Ashton Woods, with its main office in Atlanta Georgia, builds high-performance new homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Tampa. Close to jobs, schools, shopping and transportation, Ashton Woods effectively balances healthy-house features with energy efficiency in their Power House Green homes – which can save families as much as 45 percent per year on utility bills.

To explore additional Ashton Woods Homes’ communities go to www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/atlanta. To find more Atlanta new homes with finished basements, call 770-642-6123 x 133 to speak with a sales agent who can help you find the perfect new home community.

About Ashton Woods Homes:
Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

For more information about Atlanta real estate, visit Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

Seven New Homes Ready for Construction at The Orchards of East Cherokee

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:51:43 -0700

The Orchards Group is happy to announce that seven new homes are ready for construction at their active adult community in Woodstock, The Orchards of East Cherokee. The builder's plans include four ranch condominium homes and three single family homes.

The new ranch condominium building will include two inventory homes and two model homes. Two homes will showcase the affordable Ashewood plan. This plan includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, walk-up attic storage and a sunroom. The other two homes will feature the spacious Beaumont plan with two large bedrooms, two bathrooms and a covered front porch. The model will feature a finished upstairs activity suite, and the inventory home will feature walk-up attic storage space. These ranch condos will be priced from the high $190,000s with special model home lease back opportunities available.

The Orchards Group will also build three single family homes. Two of these homes, one of which has already pre-sold, will feature the popular Piedmont floor plan. This plan includes two bedrooms plus a third bedroom, two bathrooms, a rocking chair front porch and screened-in porch. The third home will feature the Ascot with two large bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main level. The home's second level includes a spacious bonus room with additional full bathroom. The most unique feature of this home, however, is the three-car garage. This will be the only home in the neighborhood featuring this great benefit. The single family homes will be priced from the mid to high $200,000s.

In addition to these wonderfully designed home, buyers will also love the professional landscaping and maintenance-free exteriors. The Orchards of East Cherokee also has great amenities including a grand clubhouse, sparkling pool, waterfall sitting plaza and barbeque grill area.

Residents are just a short drive from downtown Woodstock, Canton, Roswell and Alpharetta in addition to an array of shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation and healthcare options close by.

For more information, please visit www.OrchardsGroup.com or call 770-345-5409.

For Sale: Charleston Model Home at Brannon Oak Farm

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:28:47 -0700

The Orchards Group is excited to announce that their Charleston model home is now for sale at The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm. This home is now for sale due to the fact that two new model homes are currently under construction.

The Charleston is one of the community's most popular Ranch Condominium floor plans, and the model home showcases all of the plan's best features. The first floor of this home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen with breakfast area, formal living and dining rooms, a den and sunroom. An activities suite with additional full bathroom is located on the second floor. Designer upgrades in this home include granite countertops with a marble backsplash in the kitchen, three-sided fireplace, built-in living room cabinets, granite vanities in the bathroom, high quality flooring and much more! This home, which was originally priced at $350,550 is now only $327,500!

Located in Cumming, this active adult and maintenance-free community provides residents with gorgeous homes and amazing amenities. The grand clubhouse has a grand room with fireplace, flat screen TV with surround sound, gourmet kitchen, two card and game rooms, fitness center, gentlemen's den with fireplace, swimming pool and a large, covered veranda. Additional amenities include an arbor, barbeque grill, firepit and lawn area with Bocce Ball.

Located just minutes from GA 400 at Exit 13, The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm is in the perfect Forsyth location! Homeowners enjoy all of the shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation options nearby including Lake Lanier and The Avenues.

For more information, visit www.OrchardsGroup.com or call 678=513-8879.

Two New Model Homes Coming to Brannon Oak Farm

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:45:29 -0700

The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm in Cumming has sold 10 professionally designed model homes since the community's beginning. They most recently sold and closed their Ashewood model, but the Charleston model home is still for sale. The Orchards Group is selling these model homes because of their plans to build two new homes that feature fantastic floor plan improvements.

The Ashewood plan has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is priced from the $250,000s. One of the changes was adding two feet to the master bedroom and living room. This home eliminates the vaulted ceiling in the living room and replaces it with a 10 foot ceiling. The living room also features a modified window design. Additional sunroom and activity room options are included in the model home.

Priced from the $280,000s, the Charleston plan has two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a den. This new plan has 10 foot ceilings in the living and dining room with crown molding in place of the old vaulted ceilings. The plan also features more closet space in the guest bathroom and a corner fireplace in the living room. Plus, this model features the additional sunroom and activity suite with bathroom options.

"We are very excited about these two new model homes that will display all of the improvements made to these two floor plans," said Mitch Block, sales and marketing director. "Over the last two to three years we have seen people wanting more of a traditional ceiling, and we here at The Orchards Group are happy to have made this change. Additionally, the new flat ceiling has enabled us to add more 'easy access attic storage,' making it a great product enhancement.”

The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm is a maintenance-free community with plenty of amenities including a grand clubhouse, cards and gaming rooms, fitness center, reading den, pool, arbor, veranda, grill, firepit and more.

These new model homes with attached sales center will be ready in mid to late July. The builder is excited to showcase these new plans in the remaining 30 condominium homes that are expected to be built in this great community.

For more information, call 678-513-8879 or visit www.orchardsgroup.com.

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:33:46 -0700

Have you heard? Pinterest is now the third most populare social network. Are you using it?

Couples Bond Over Grandsons at The Orchards of East Cherokee

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:18:33 -0700

Moving from Wisconsin last fall to live closer to their son and his family, retired Liane and Dennis Dolezar purchased a home at The Orchards of East Cherokee. They immediately fell in love with the incomparable location and beautiful ranch homes that this active adult and maintenance friendly community built by The Orchards Group had a lot to offer. However, they did not expect that their own grandsons would actually help them start forming bonds with their new neighbors.

One of the couple’s grandsons played on a baseball team with another neighbor’s grandson. Plus, their other grandson goes to the same school as their neighbor’s grandkid. This has helped them bond more quickly with their neighbors, and they socialize with them often. Additionally, Liane and Dennis enjoy spending time with other new couples as well as attending community events such as pot lucks and the craft group.

Liane and Dennis’ new home features two stories with the owner’s suite on the main level. “We adore sitting out on our front porch and visiting with friends and neighbors,” explained Liane. Liane jokingly said that they could have held their Thanksgiving dinner in the master bathroom because it is so spacious. They also enjoy the multi-purpose bonus room, which Liane uses for crafting, located on the second level of the home.

The home also suits the needs of the couple’s grandsons. They enjoy using the common space behind the home to play soccer with other residents’ grandchildren.

Liane and Dennis are happy with their choice to retire at the Orchards of East Cherokee. Their new community has given them the chance to be with family, make new friends and enjoy all of the benefits of the area.

To visit The Orchards of East Cherokee, please call 770-345-5409. Model homes are open every day. For more information, go online at www.orchardsgroup.com.

New Home of the Week Features The Dogwood Plan

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:51:17 -0800

The Dogwood, Brannon Oak Farm’s most popular Villa floor plan, is the setting for the Orchard Group’s latest “Home of the Week.”

This active adult community home leaves nothing to be desired. The first level houses a master suite, guest bedroom, a second full bath and common living areas with hardwood floors.

The living room provides plenty of natural light with its two skylights and vaulted ceiling. This room also contains built-in cabinets and a cozy fireplace.

The kitchen contains features such as 42-inch maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a large island with flush granite bartop. This makes it the perfect space for devout cooks and frequent entertainers. There is plenty of room for enjoying a home-cooked meal in either the breakfast room or separate dining room.

Upstairs, there is a spacious guest bedroom suite to give visitors their own space. A loft area and attic space also add room for storage and extra-living.

For homeowners who enjoy the outdoors, this home contains a sunroom and rear patio. Plus, the outdoor space is all maintenance-free with included building maintenance, landscaping and irrigation system and trash removal.

Residents will also benefit from an array of amenities including two pools, a cabana, a grand clubhouse and tree lined backdrops.

If you want to make The Dogwood in Cumming your next home, call 678-513-8879 to schedule a tour. For additional information, visit www.OrchardsGroup.com.

Cumming Home of the Week Features Popular Design

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:43:34 -0800

The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm’s “Home of the Week” features the tremendously popular ranch condominium design. Built by The Orchards Group, the Ashewood is one of the neighborhood’s most affordable plans. Originally priced at $267,000, the home has been marked down to $244,950. It has never been a better time to buy in this upscale, active adult community with over 120 homes already sold.

The Ashewood has two bedrooms and two baths with plenty of storage space. The home has a two-car garage with storage area for trash can, tools, etc. and a large, unfinished storage area over the garage accessed by a true walk-up staircase. An automatic garage door opener and key pad are included with the home.

Beautifully designed, the interior of the Ashewood features 10 foot ceilings with trey ceilings in the bedrooms, a gas fireplace in the living room with tile surround and a gourmet kitchen. With 36 inch maple cabinets, undercabinet lighting, granite countertops with tile backsplash and crown molding on the cabinets, the kitchen will impress all guests.

The Ashewood also impresses with upgraded plumbing and lighting fixtures, gorgeous hardwood floors in the foyer and kitchen and upgraded carpet throughout the rest of the home. The screen porch faces a landscaped berm—giving residents extra privacy and ability to listen to the chirping birds. There is also an additional uncovered patio area for grilling out and placing outdoor furniture.

The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm offers true maintenance free living with landscape maintenance, all exterior building maintenance, landscape irrigation and trash removal.

Residents enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, clubhouse, firepit, arbor, barbecue grill and lawn area.
Live in one of The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm’s most popular homes. Schedule a tour today by calling 678-513-8879. For additional details, visit www.OrchardsGroup.com.

Home of the Week Offers Extra Special Features

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:33:44 -0800

The Orchards Group's "Home of the Week" in The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm is complete with extra special features. The Cypress has exceptional upgrades because it was one of the community's professionally decorated Villa Model Homes. Originally priced at $393,000, the home has been reduces to $359,850. Plus, the builder is offering an exceptional model home leaseback opportunity for any buyer who will close within 60 days of purchase agreement and then lease the home back to The Orchards Group for continued use as a model for up to eight additional months. With this great deal, it has never been a more perfect time to buy an active adult home!

The Cypress is beautiful inside and out. With 2,650 square feet of space, the spacious home does not lack any details. Features include a professionally landscaped rear yard, large two-car garage, screened porch, oil rubbed bronze hardware throughout and hardwood floors in the foyer, living and dining rooms, den and kitchen.

The kitchen impresses with 42” mocha crème glazed maple cabinetry and dark brown granite countertops that are perfect for displaying your newest kitchen gadgets and dinnerware. Architectural columns add definition to the dining room, making it a great place to gather for meals. With a vaulted ceiling, exceptional built-in cabinetry and expanded windows, the living room will be the prime space for good conversations and relaxation. The laundry room is also on the main level, easily accessible from the master suite.

The upper level of the home includes a huge loft with open spindle handrail. Imagine having a sitting room or office space and being able to still chat with friends and family downstairs. The secondary bedroom has plenty of space for guests and is close to a full bathroom with granite vanity tops and upgraded plumbing and lighting fixtures. Plus, there is easy access to the attic with extra storage space for old collectibles and heirlooms.

The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm offers maintenance free living with larger floor plans, such as the Cypress, and dedicated rear yards for additional entertainment space. The community is right down the street from Wal-Mart, Kroger, Publix, restaurants, stores, Lake Lanier and so much more. Residents enjoy a grand clubhouse, two pools and even a cabana.

Make the beautiful Cypress your home today! Call 678-513-8879 to schedule a tour. Also, visit www.OrchardsGroup.com for more information.

Congratulations to Traton Homes

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:37:21 -0800

After Traton Homes’ exceptionally successful year full of nine new communities, a new blog, and social media accounts, Marketing Manager Kimberly Garwood took home the gold OBIE for Marketing Director of the Year.

The recognition is well-deserved according to Traton founder Bill Poston, who had nothing but high praise for Garwood. Poston said, “Kimberly brings a special passion to every aspect of her work at Traton. With limited dollars she has been able to make smart decisions that consistently reinforce Traton's key messages of strength, quality and value. She has accomplished this through effective advertising, social media, public relations and internal communications.”

This year, Garwood developed a new blog for Traton Homes, www.TratonHomesBlog.com. The blog also won a gold OBIE for Best E-Marketing, Best Interactive Tool. Additionally, Garwood was instrumental in setting up new social media accounts on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for the premiere Atlanta builder. When she wasn’t managing the blogosphere or linking up with potential buyers online, Garwood also assisted in many of Traton’s philanthropic efforts.

Most importantly, Garwood was a key player in marketing Traton’s nine new communities this year. She succesfully and enthusiastically informed Atlanta real estate buyers about Traton’s quality and strength on budgets and deadlines that were often tight.

Among her colleagues, Garwood is well-liked for her positive attitude and wealth of advice. She enjoys sharing her experiences and wisdom gained from the industry with her colleagues. Garwood has also been the recipient of Traton’s annual Dunning Award, one given to the employee who has a positive attitude and great impact on Traton’s success.

For more information on Traton Homes’ OBIE Award-winning communities, visit www.tratonhomes.com or call the corporate office at 770-427-9064.

$5,000 Bonus from Traton Homes for Realtors!

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:24:54 -0700

Traton Homes wants to thank Atlanta Realtors for 40 great years in the Atlanta market! They value your business and want to show Realtors their appreciation by offering a $5,000 Realtor bonus on all Traton Homes that can close this year with $2,500 provided upfront.

This incentive offer is good on new contracts only written on or after Sept. 14 that can close by Dec. 30. Buyer must use a Traton Homes approved lender. $2,500 of bonus money will be paid within 14 days of binding agreement date or when all contingencies are removed in the form of a bonus to broker for distribution. Remaining $2,500 bonus will be paid at closing in the form of a bonus to broker for distribution. Offer may be combined with relocation rebate bonus but may not be combined with second and subsequent sales bonus. See the onsite Traton Homes Sales Associate for complete details.

Traton Homes currently offers 19 communities in the most desirable locations around metro Atlanta, including new communities of Mountain Oaks, Mill Creek, Valley Brook Parc, Oakwood Creek, Rockford Township, Davis Farm, Ford’s Crossing and Westminister Place. We are opening two new communities soon: Brookview Manor and The Summit at Hardscrabble. 2011 has been an exciting year, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.

A big thank you to all the Atlanta Realtors who support Traton Homes.

Construction Complete on Decorated Models at The Haven at Slater Mill in Douglasville

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:57:28 -0700

Looking for a new home in Douglasville? Jim Chapman Communities has completed two new decorated model homes, the Mercer and Woodward, at The Haven at Slater Mill in Douglasville. The homes showcase the gated community’s newest affordable ranch condominiums for active adults priced from the $160,000s.

Both homes offer plenty of space with two bedrooms and two baths. An unfinished bonus room offers even more space and already has drywall, heating and air conditioning already in place. Buyers have the option of adapting the bonus space to meet their needs such as adding a studio, a media room, an additional bedroom and full bath or just using it for storage space.

Livable floor plans include covered front porches, open living rooms and fireplaces with decorative wood mantels, vaulted ceilings in the living areas and bedrooms and spacious master suites. The kitchens have islands with eating bars and pantries. The large master suites feature vaulted or tray ceilings, walk-in closets and baths with his and her vanities, five-foot ceramic tile showers and separate commode areas.

The larger of the homes, the Woodward, has an optional screened porch and 1,510 square feet of space in addition to the 449 square-foot bonus area. The Mercer has 1,352 square feet of space and an additional 538-square foot bonus area.

The Haven at Slater Mill offers residents a carefree lifestyle with lawn and exterior maintenance and plenty of amenities. Residents can enjoy the beautiful swimming pool and the Charleston-inspired clubhouse where they can arrange private gatherings or participate in community events. In addition, the community has its own social committee that coordinates activities, ranging from pot luck dinners to card clubs.

The Haven at Slater Mill is conveniently located just west of downtown Atlanta and is close to historic Main Street Douglasville. The community also is near I-20, ample grocery shopping, restaurants, Arbor Place Mall, Douglas Hospital and churches.

Visit today! For more information on the community, call 404-309-0377 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.

Spend Fall at the Lake at The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:20:01 -0700

Looking for the perfect vacation home? The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala, an exclusive lake and mountain view community in Topton, North Carolina, is offering a promotion to help you with the search. Until September 30 when potential buyers schedule a tour, they get a free day at the lake! The promotion includes lunch at the famous Lakes End Diner, a $25 gas card, a pontoon boat tour of the lake, a tour of available lots with unbeatable lake views and a chance to win a weekend at the lake in a cabin.

Additionally, guests can experience the many outdoor activities that the lake offers. Enjoy boating, fishing, camping, rock and waterfall climbing, hiking, horseback riding and even golfing!

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala features home sites priced from $94,900 to $129,900. When completed, cabins will have incredible views of Lake Nantahala.

A standard cabin features 3,023 square feet of space with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths plus a loft. The kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a double sink with disposal and a sliding cutting board over the trash bin. The great room includes a wood or gas burning fireplace, timber mantle and custom, stacked-stone surrounded with built-in bookcases. The master bedroom features a sliding door to a private, screened-in sleeping porch for open-air sleeping. In addition, the master bath includes a double vanity, tub, shower seat and walk-in closet.

Residents will enjoy the community’s gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, shared water wells and a park, which provides a shared pavilion, fire pit, camp site and golf cart parking.

Reflection is a tranquil retreat that's still easily accessible from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Charlotte, Greenville and many other metropolitan areas. For more information or to schedule a day at the lake tour, call 866-218-8439 or visit www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage.

Last Chance to Spend a Free Day at Lake Nantahala in North Carolina

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:03:01 -0700

Have you taken advatage of the Day at the Lake promotion from The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala? You should! If you schedule a tour by September 30, you will be treated to lunch at the famous Lakes End Diner (home of the BIGfoot burger), a $25 gas card, a pontoon boat tour of Lake Nantahala, a tour of available lots with amazing lake views and a chance to win a weekend at the lake this fall in a cabin that sleeps up to 14.

Just a few hours away from Atlanta, in the mountains of Topton, North Carolina, awaits a tranquil community perfect for your future vacation home. The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala is a new exclusive community where homeowners will be able to enjoy the incredible views, pristine water, secluded fourests and ample amount of recreational activities.

Home sites start from just $94,900 and standard cabins feature 3,023 square feets with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms plus lofts. Homes feature large kitchens with plenty of counterspace, stainless steel appliances and double sinks with disposals. Great rooms have either gas or wood burning fireplaces--perfect for those chilly fall nights. Additionally, master suites feature sliding doors to private, screened-in sleeping porches for open-air sleeping.

Residents will enjoy the community's gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, shared water wells and a park, which provides a shared pavilion, fire pit, camp site and golf cart parking. The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala is surrounded by winding walking trails and lush green space.

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala invites potential buyers to escape to the pristine waters and secluded forests of the western North Carolina mountains. Reflection is easily accessible from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Charlotte, Greenville and many other metropolitan areas.

For more details or to schedule a tour before the Day at the Lake promotion is over, call 866-218-8439 or visit www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage.

Great Customer Service Earns Traton Homes a 2011 Guildmaster

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:32:47 -0700

Congratulations to Atlanta homebuilder Traton Homes for winning the GuildQuality customer satisfaction award for the fourth year in a row!

GuildQuality is an independent customer satisfaction survey company.

“We are dedicated to providing home buyers with Altogether More, and that includes customer satisfaction,” said Kimberly Garwood, marketing manager for Traton Homes. “We are extremely proud to be recognized for our commitment to providing our customers an outstanding home buying experience.”

Traton Homes is one of only 154 home builders, remodelers, developers and contractors in North America to be recognized for superlative performance by GuildQuality this year. To receive the Guildmaster Award, companies must show exemplary customer service, as demonstrated by an extremely high customer recommendation rate of 90 percent or better. In the real estate industry, the average recommendation rate for businesses is approximately 70 percent. Celebrating 40 years in business, Traton Homes has built a solid reputation by giving Atlanta area homebuyers exactly what they expect – Altogether More. Traton Homes offers more experience, more impressive architecture, more outstanding features and more rewarding lifestyles in more desirable locations on homes ranging from the $170,000s to the $700,000s. Each of the nearly 7,000 homes they have built in more than 80 communities demonstrates their strict attention to quality and detail. Traton Homes is currently selling in twenty outstanding communities in Cobb, Cherokee, Dekalb, North Fulton, Paulding, and South Fulton.

For more information on Traton Homes, visit www.tratonhomes.com, visit the blog at www.tratonhomesblog.com or call the corporate office at 770-427-9064.

Build Your Perfect Cabin at The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:24:11 -0700

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala offers the perfect vacation getaway with custom-built cabins on home sites with both lake and mountain views. Cabins feature rustic architecture with luxury finishes.

The online software program, the Custom Cabin Builder, lets buyers choose the floorplans for each of the cabin’s three levels as well as optional features, upgrades and any extra options. Afterwards, the specifications can be saved, printed and e-mailed.

With home sites priced from $94,900, cabins feature 3,023 square feet of space with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths plus a loft. Kitchens include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, double sinks with disposals and sliding cutting boards over the trash bins. Great rooms include wood or gas burning fireplaces, timber mantles and custom, stacked-stone surrounded with built-in bookcases. Master bedrooms feature sliding doors to private, screened-in sleeping porches for open-air sleeping. Also, master baths include double vanities, tubs, shower seats and walk-in closets.

Cabins will have incredible views of Lake Nantahala. Residents will enjoy the community’s ample amenities, including gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, shared water wells and a park, which provides a shared pavilion, fire pit, camp site and golf cart parking. Also, the community is surrounded by walking trails, lush green space and many other recreational activities.

Potential buyers can schedule a visit by Sept. 30 and be treated to:

- Lunch at the Lakes End Diner (home of the famous BIGfoot burger);

- A $25 gas card;

- A pontoon boat tour of the clear, blue lake;

- A tour of available lots with unbeatable Lake Nantahala views; and

- A chance to win a weekend at the lake this fall in a cabin that sleeps up to 14.

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala invites buyers to escape to the pristine waters and secluded forests of the western North Carolina mountains. Reflection offers customizable cabins in a private gated community with upscale amenities and gorgeous views of Lake Nantahala. Reflection is a tranquil retreat that's still easily accessible from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Charlotte and many other metropolitan areas. For more information or to schedule a day at the lake tour, call 866-218-8439 or visitwww.LakeNantahalaReflection.com.

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods Offers New Luxury Homes in West Cobb

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:50:05 -0700

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods has built Atlanta new homes in the highly sought after area of West Cobb. Its new community, Eagles Crest features single-family, luxury homes priced from the $300,000s to $400,000s.

Residents will enjoy the convenient location and great amenities! Whether shopping at The Avenuews of West Cobb, hiking at Kennesaw Mountain or swimming in Lake Allatoona, there are tons of options to keep residents busy.

Plus, the homes are on wooded lots with up to 1.5 acres. Homes have four to five bedrooms with three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half baths. With features such as gourmet kitchens, hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, oak stairs with metal balusters, media rooms, home office spaces and even his and her walk-in closets in the master bedrooms, residents are sure to enjoy their new homes.

Eagles Crest has seven available floorplans that are all spacious and flexible. The Madison, one floorplan, features a glamour bathroom with a huge walk-in closet at only $338,900. Another floorplan, the Creekside, has five bedrooms and four baths. Its features includes a grand entrance with two-story foyer. The Creekside is listed from $387,900. Other floorplans include the York, Durham, Bradford, Carlisle and Kingston.

Students that live at Eagles Crest attend Ford Elementary, Durham Middle School and Harrison High School.

If Eagles Crest sounds like the perfect neighborhood, visit today! To get there from Marietta, take Dallas Highway West, turn right on Mars Hill Road, turn left on Due West Road and then turn right on Country Line Road. Eagles Crest will be on the right.

To get to Eagles Crest from Acworth/Highway 41, take Mars Hill Road south from Highway 41 (Cobb Parkway), then turn right on Burnt Hickory Road and then left on County Line Road. The community will be on the left.

For more details, call (404) 308-7708 or visit www.acadiahomes.us.

Lake Living at The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala in North Carolina

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:57:19 -0700

If you're looking for a luxury vacation home in the mountains, consider lakeside living offered at The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala in North Carolina. This exclusive lake living community has 11 lake- and mountain-view home sites left for sale.

New pricing has been enacted on the home sites, which start from only $94,000.

Schedule a visit to The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala before time runs out and this summer ends. You'll visit for a day and want to stay for a lifetime! On your visit, you'll be treated to the lakeside lifestyle and enjoy activities such as:

• Lunch at the Lakes End Diner

• A pontoon boat tour of the clear, blue lake

• A tour of available lots (you won’t believe the views)

• A chance to win a weekend at the lake for you and up to 14 friends this fall

You'll even receive a $25 gas card for your travels.

There is no build-out requirement, meaning site owners can take their time in planning their luxurious lakeside homes. For home site buyers who want to enjoy the vibrant sunsets and fun-filled days at the lake as soon as possible, Reflection offers a mountain cabin program with 1,400 square foot homes that feature magnificent view-facing porches.

With these picturesque views and discounted prices, home sites at The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala are not expected to last very long. Come take a tour of the lake and stay a lifetime. For more information, call us at 866-218-8439 or visit them online at www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage

Xplode Chicago

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:18 -0700

Xplode is a can’t miss conference in Chicago that explores social marketing and the advantages of a technology in the real estate market. If you need help expanding your business, especially in the ever changing Chicago real estatemarket, then this conference is for you!

Xplode will take place on Friday, August 19 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Association of REALTORS, the conference will feature 25 speakers and tons of interesting topics.

Topics include:

-Social media

-The revolution of video

-Wordpress

-Mobile marketing

-Digital transactions

-Search, syndication and digital listings

Some speakers include:

-Ginger Wilcox, head of industry training at Trulia.com where she focuses on developing educational programs to assist real estate agents and brokers in growing their businesses

-Kerm Foltz, Director of Agent Sales at Market Leader, a leading provider of software and marketing solutions to the real estate industry

-John Lim, founder and CEO of Mobile Card Cast, Inc., a new interactive form of marketing and mobile technology

If you want to get more technology savvy, then register today! Also, be sure to visit the Xplode Facebook and Xplode Twitter pages.

Gloom, Doom and Agony on Me

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:28:35 -0700

About a week ago, glum housing market reports started coming out – again. According to the Equifax Personal Finance Blog, a myriad of reports confirmed bad news for homeowners, would-be homebuyers and the housing market in general. These included:

• Home values as low as they were in 2002 – or lower.
• 12 percent drop in pending home sales.
• More people than expected filing for unemployment.
• Record lows for new home sales and low applications for purchase mortgages.

(To see more information on these facts and their sources, visit “Housing Market Predictions: Home Values Continue to Sink,” by Equifax real estate expert Ilyce Glink.)

Ouch!

In her analysis of the statistics, Glink predicts that the real estate market “won’t work our way out of this anytime soon.” She cites the State of the Nation’s Housing Report, released by the Harvard Center for Joint Housing Studies, which points to stricter lending standards as one of the culprits in the slow recovery. While the report seems to suggest that another homebuyer tax credit might provide the needed push, Glink disagrees that a tax credit is a responsible and effective means of turning the real estate market around.

Now that all of us in the Atlanta real estate market have had a think to chew on the numbers, what do you think? Is it all gloom and doom? Would a tax credit help? Where are you seeing hope? Check out Glink’s article at the Equifax Personal Finance Blog, then come back and let me know what you think.

Win an iPad in the Summer Launch-Pad Giveaway From Atlanta Real Estate Forum

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:41:00 -0700

www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com delivers the freshest Atlanta real estate news 365 days a year. Thanks to the Summer Launch-Pad Promotion, subscribers to Atlanta’s favorite real estate blog will have the opportunity to win iTunes gift cards and an iPad this summer.

Entering the promotion is easy, just subscribe to the site’s daily email. The steps are as follows:

1) Visit www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com

2) Click on the “Subscribe” tab at the top of the page.

3) Enter a valid email address in the box.

4) Confirm your email address.

5) Enjoy the top Atlanta real estate stories delivered straight to your inbox each morning!

Drawings for iTunes gift cards will be held on May 31, June 30 and July 29. The iPad drawing will be held on August 31. *iPad to be awarded in the form of a $499 Apple Gift Card. Not redeemable for cash. To be eligible, email addresses must be valid and subscribers must be active/confirmed emails.

Dedicated to home buyers, home builders and anyone else interested in what’s happening in real estate, Atlanta Real Estate Forum reports news of interest to consumers and industry insiders alike. There are lots of ways to follow Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

Daily RSS feed or emails - http://feeds.feedburner.com/AtlantaRealEstateForum

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/atlantarealestateforum

Twitter - http://twitter.com/AtlantaREForum

AtlantaRealEstateForum.com is the recipient of the following prestigious awards: Gold OBIE, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association for Best Interactive Marketing 2007 and 2009; Gold OBIE, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association for Best Marketing Promotion 2007; Gold Phoenix Award, PRSA Georgia Chapter for Best Blog 2007; and Gold Hermes Award for Best Blog 2008.

For more information on AtlantaRealEstateForum.com, or to schedule an appointment, contact mRELEVANCE at 770-383-3360.

For Sale By Owner: Tips to Get it Sold

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:27:25 -0700

For some DIYers, it’s difficult to think of paying a real estate agent thousands of dollars to sell your home. While it is highly beneficial to find a real estate agent who will do a great job marketing your property, it's understandable that some just want to try For Sale By Owner first.

Real estate expert Ilyce Glink recently posted “Spring Housing Market: 8 Tips For A Successful FSBO” at theEquifax Personal Finance Blog. Many of the tips are the same whether you’re using a real estate agent or not, so any home sellers should keep reading.

A universal tip is setting the price of your home correctly. Glink says to consider the competition carefully and even think about pricing your home below the price of the competition. Sometimes, buyers expect to pay a little less for FSBO homes because they know the seller will not incur fees for an agent. Why keep all of the extra for yourself? The buyers want to see a break, too.

If you hire the right agent, he or she will market your home well. What will you do? Glink recommends listing your home at Zillow.com and Craigslist.org and even buying a domain name with your street address. Plus, she says to go the extra mile on your yard sign. Something more eye-catching than the store-bought sign with your phone number hand-lettered in will get buyers’ attention and make the FSBO transaction seem more professional from the outset.

The last of Glink’s tips we’ll list here is to be willing to pay a real estate agent or broker if they bring you a sale. Otherwise, you’re closing your doors on many potential buyers. Glink points out that paying part of commission is better than continuing to pay mortgage, taxes and insurance each month on a home you’re ready to sell.

For more tips from Glink, visit the Equifax Personal Finance Blog. Ask her your questions or share your experiences as a the seller or buyer of an FSBO home.

Approach Your Atlanta Real Estate Sale Like a Business

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:41:00 -0700

Selling your Atlanta real estate seems so much more personal than a business transaction. When an offer comes in low, you may wonder if the would-be buyer think so little of your beautiful home, which you’ve so carefully decorated. Or maybe you begin to think less-than-professional thoughts about them. How can they have the nerve to insult you with an offer like that?

But if you think of your home sale as a business, perhaps it will be easier to remain somewhat detached. On the Equifax Personal Finance Blog, real estate expert Ilyce Glink offers tips on preparing your home for sale in the spring market.

Number one in Glink’s article, Spring Real Estate Market: Preparing Your House for Sale? Be realistic! Forget about what could have been, and price your home for today’s market. How would you react if you favorite retailers didn’t respond to supply and demand – if DVD players, for example, still sold for the same amount they did when first introduced? You would not go back to that store, and home lookers won’t come back to you, either.

Stores go to a lot of trouble to arrange merchandise so that you will see it and want to buy it. Similarly, you should present your home in the best possible light. Glink provides a link to a video on staging your home – which is what you’ll want to do after you’ve cleared out the clutter.

Glink offers many more tips in the article, but she ends with what she calls the real estate brokers axiom – “The first offer is always the best offer.” She says it’s not always true, but she also says to keep in mind that you might be better off with the first offer you get than with waiting six more months for the second one. With that in mind, she says to be fair as you negotiate early in the process.

Is that true for you? Did the first offer turn out to be the best? Check out Glink’s tips at the Equifax Personal Finance Blog, then let us know about your experience. You probably have tips to add for your fellow readers.

New RealtyJoin 2.0 Enhances Social Networking Experience

Carol Flammer - PR & Social Media (Flammer Relations, Inc.) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:48:35 -0800

When you’re looking for information about, well, anything, where do you turn? Your answer is probably the Internet. The online sphere is a hotbed of information containing a bevy of social networking sites, where visitors can share ideas, make connections and market their businesses. So, what’s the number one “go-to” site for professionals in the home building and real estate industries who are searching for a place to join the online conversation? The answer is as close as the click of a mouse: RealtyJoin. Now, the website offers even more opportunities for networking with the launch of the new and enhanced RealtyJoin version 2.0.

Realty join is a free social networking site for the entire real estate industry, catering to investors, agents, tradespeople, builders, designers, buyers, sellers, architects, brokers, suppliers and other industry professionals in the United States and Canada. The totally redesigned site does everything that the original version did, only better.

Visitors of this social marketplace will find a user-friendly website that includes upgraded navigation, enhanced profiles, video options and the ability to add photos and post status updates. The new version even provides each user with a WordPress blog to enhance social networking and improve interaction.

Users will have opportunities to connect with many high profile real estate groups and associations already participating on the site. Such groups include the Atlanta Board or Realtors®, Foreclosure.com, Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors® and RIS Media, as well as Ilyce Glink, an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist, blogger, bestselling author and radio talk show host.

Currently, you can join the introductory level of RealtyJoin for free. However, there will be opportunities available over the next several months for premium and executive memberships for those who’d like further upgrades and enhancements.

For more information about RealtyJoin 2.0, visit the website, “like” RealtyJoin on Facebook or follow RealtyJoin on Twitter.