Athens Georgia Real Estate Blog by Michelle DeRepentigny, Success Realty

What do you want in a mentor? Active Rain Makeover 2 Takeover Contest

2008-05-07T14:03:49Z

The Makeover 2 Takover contest has me really thinking about my business, again! I started blogging at the beginning of Project Blogger and reeeeallly wanted to be an apprentice. Instead, I followed along and learned a lot about blogging and social media along the way.

When this contest was first announced my first thought was "How Cool". Then I got to thinking (watch out scary road ahead) and realized I'd love the opportunity to be mentored by someone like _____________ (any of this list would suit me fine & Jim Crawford is just down the road).

I planned a month off from blogging on Active Rain to redefine my business plan, it sucked but I needed that couple of extra hours a week. I still read and commented, just chilled on the posting. And I'm actually breaking my AR fast one day early for this post.

That said, I would love the opportunity to mentor someone beginning their real estate career. You see, I was a managing broker for a larger franchised company with 3 offices until a few years ago. I now own a niche independent brokerage with approximately 60 less agents, those who are with me now are all experienced and I really miss the excitement of working with "rookie" real estate agents.

It was a good step for me personally, but what I miss most about working with new agents is:

Initial Enthusiasm
Willingness to try anything before judging whether or not it works
Someone having more "time" than "money" to dedicate to their business
An absolute dedication to a 100% effort in having a SUCCESSFUL career in real estate
Enjoying the natural high produced by enthusiastic new agents taking large leaps with their business

And most importantly, I miss the things I learned on my journey along with new agents!

I don't have all the answers, but maybe together we can discover some of them, if you are interested in being mentored by and working with a broker from Georgia in this contest, read my profile for more info and get in touch with me. Let's see if it you think you can stand to work with me!

For all you other newbies out there, please let us know in the comments what YOU are looking for in a mentor!

Athens Georgia Named Greenest City #33 in Popular Science Magazine

2008-04-08T11:20:05Z

Congratulations to Athens, Georgia on being named # 33 of the top 50 "Green Cities in the United States. Popular Science published their updated list of green cities in February 2008, based on judging of 4 components including electricity, transportation, green living, and recycling + green perspective.

Interested in finding out more information on living green, building green, and green real estate techniques?

Check out some of the links below:

Greener Buildings
Green Strides
Green By Design

Being "Green" makes Athens, GA a great place to call home!

Is Athens Georgia on Your Mind?

2008-04-04T23:46:38Z

Are you looking for the "#1 Small Metro Area for Relocating Families"? Or maybe the "Best Place to Retire"? Or one of the "Seven Cool Cities"? How about living in one of the top "50 Green Cities"? Consider moving to Athens, Georgia! I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker of Success Realty and a Relocation Services Specialist. Perhaps most importantly, I'm a native of Athens, Georgia and I'm ideally suited to help you relocate to this area.

Georgia may be best know for the "5 P's" - peaches, peanuts, pine trees, poultry, and pecans, but I know that Athens has something for everyone. Whether your are looking for the diverse cultural opportunities that the University of Georgia brings to Athens or outdoor recreation opportunities for young families and retirees...you'll find it in Athens!

Below is a short visual tour of some of our favorite things about Athens:

We'd love to help you make the decision to move to Athens, Georgia!
If you would like to see what is available for sale in the Athens Georgia and surrounding area real estate market, please search our IDX via the multiple listing service, just click on the "search for homes" button below.




706-207-2502 cell                           706-543-1553 office
For more information about homes for sale and real estate in Athens, GA or to request a Relocation Package by mail for Athens, GA and the surrounding areas , please visit our website at Success Realty or email Michelle DeRepentigny at Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com for more information.

RE Tech South Wrap Up - You should have been in Atlanta 3-27-2008

2008-03-28T12:41:22Z

I have proof and confirmation that Rain gods, along with many other industry technology experts were in Atlanta, Georgia this week at RE Tech South!

Much of the value in any conference or seminar is in the personal contacts and connections made. I had the pleasure of meeting speakers Mary KcKnight, Pat Kitano, Dustin Luther and many more bloggers I had "met" online only.

Much of the initial information was basic and targeted to agents who didn't know yet what RSS, social media, Web 2.0, or any of the other jargon we casually throw around in the Rain is yet. I am pretty sure there will be some new AR members from the South soon, after a day packed full of great infomation.

What I really walked away impressed by was the fact that Brad Nix managed to pull this together in 16+- days, proving that viral marketing in a Web 2.0 world works with incredible response. The speaker talent pool was fantastic and the turnout was good with an interesting mixture of web experienced agents and web rookies.

It was great: to see Mary McKnight's passion in person; meet Project Blogger Alumni Kevin Tomlinson and hear words of wisdom from Dustin Luther (speaking to organizer Brad Nix above).

The panel discussions were excellent and I'll share some hints on the social networking platforms that I gleaned in upcoming posts. The afternnoon breakout session with Pat Kitano was fabulous, just as I expected.

Hopefully this will become an annual event and next year I would love to see "tracks" with some sessions targeted to agents wanting basic information and some for more advanced topics.

The "Team" Dilemma - How Do You Handle It?

2008-03-24T20:17:44Z

I recently read a post by Seth Godin call "The Bad Table" that struck a real chord with a problem I keep facing. Seth talks about "who should get your best effort?".

I spend considerable time and energy attracting relocation buyers, who I love to work with. The contact becomes very personal and I feel as if I know these buyers long before they ever get to town - and obviously I hope they feel the same way.

The dilemma comes into play when I cannot personally be of service to them, due to conflicts in scheduling or multiple buyers coming to town in same week.

When and or how can I gracefully transition these buyers to working with my team members, who are excellent, but ultimately - not me?

Seth states "you need to figure out how to improve your lesser offerings" but I have no idea how to answer this question as it applies to the relocating buyer. Every time I consider transitioning one of these buyers to another team member, I feel that I risk offending them, it just feels tacky to me!

What would you do?

Athens Georgia Economy - More Positive News!

2008-03-13T14:12:41Z

More good news: Although Georgia as a state is still designated as "At Risk", USA Today reports Athens, Georgia as an "expansion area"! The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reports a 2.6% gain for home values in Georgia in 2007.

USA Today reminds us that "Businesses and consumers not in areas most affected by the housing boom and bust are not escaping the effects of the housing slump entirely...", mostly due to tightening in the availability of mortgage money due to high forelcosure and secondary lender closures.

Awesome Atlanta Blogger Event - RE Tech South

2008-03-11T10:33:02Z

On March 27, 2008, some of the finest bloggers in the nation plan to descend on Atlanta, Georgia!

Billed as 1 day -$100 dollars (it's actually only $99.00), RE Tech South is promised to be "not a seminar, a collaboration"!

An awesome local opportunity for Georgia Bloggers featuring speakers:

Pat Kitano
Kevin Boer
Rudy Bachraty of Trulia
and more

Have you heard? Are you planning to attend? Hat tip to Dustin for the news!

AGAIN - I beg, hey lady, mister can you spare a minute?

2008-03-10T23:03:34Z

Friends, readers, visitors, and all my competition who drop by to see what I'm up to now:

The Virginia Association of REALTORS has a pretty cool contest going with their First Annual Blog Brawl right now and this is my shameless plea for you to consider voting for All About Athens GA. Last week the voting started with 60 blogs, and somehow I received enough votes to remain in the contest and move on to week two. I am honored to be competing with some seriously heavy hitters in the real estate blogging world!

In fact, I'm more than a little intimidated. If you have a moment, check out some of the other great blogs competing, there are 30 of us nationwide remaining who have been chosen from the original 60.

All About Athens is currently seeded #2 in Zone 4, with other heavy hitting real estate blogs like:

Real Central VA -Jim Duncan's blog, seeded #1 and Jim is busy bribing folks with drinks and dancing parties
~~Blood Hound Blog~~ ~~- seeded #8~~ gone in the first round
Cindy Jones' ActiveRain Blog - seeded 15

also competing in Zone 4.

Here are some of my "friendly" competitors that I frequently read:

St. Paul Real Estate Blog - Teresa Boardman - zone 1 #4
miOaklandCounty.com - Maureen Francis - zone 1 # 11
Denver Dwellings - Kristal Kraft - zone 1 #15
~~New Hampshie Real Estate Blog~~ ~~- Monica McGillicudy~~ - zone 3 #9 gone in the first round
Brian Block - Brian Block is already giving away free drinks - zone 1 #2
Miamism.com - Ines Garcia - zone 1 #12
FocusOnCrofton - Margaret Woda - zone 4 #10 - much as I love her she is my direct competition this week!
AgentGenius - multi authored - great blog - zone 1 #2

Good luck to all who are competing and
Click Here to vote for All About Athens GA in zone 4 for round two! Thanks!

The All About Athens GA blog is about to celebrate its' 1 year anniversary - please have a piece of calorie and fat free virtual cake to celebrate with me!

Athens Georgia - No Recession Here!

2008-03-08T18:26:02Z

It's been an interesting few weeks in the mortgage market with rates fluctuating and the scary, but thankfully temporary, disappearance of 100% financing in Georgia due to being rated a "declining market" for the entire state by several risk management (PMI) companies. However, spring market is just around the corner and happily, buyers are leaving their winter hibernation behind and starting to search for homes in Athens, Georgia.

In a recently released report from Georgia State University's Economic Forecasting Center, it's predicted that Athens, Georgia will avoid a full recession this year and grow at twice the rate of the rest of the state of Georgia.

It's predicted that Athens will add 1.6% more jobs than the rest of the state's predicted 0.8%. The growth can be attributed in a large part to the stability that the University of Georgia brings to the Athens metro area.

Real Estate and Housing has remained mostly stable in the Athens, Georgia area as documented by Success Realty in our most recent Athens Georgia real estate market statistics.

As for the rest of the state: At the Georgia Economic Outlook luncheon held in Atlanta in Deccember 2007, Dean Robert T. Sumichrast of the Univeristy of Georgia's Terry College of Business stated "Our economy is still growing, but what appeared to be a soft landing for Georgia's economy has morphed into a protracted landing -- characterized by considerable turbulence."

Ken Heaghney, Georgia's official state economist told state leaders at a meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations committees in January that "We're expecting ... Georgia could do no worse than the U.S. as a whole, and probably better". He went on to assure state leaders any recession should be mild, and the economy could turn around as soon as the middle of the year.

If you would like to see what is available for sale in the Athens Georgia and surrounding area real estate market, please search our IDX via the multiple listing service, just click on the "search for homes" button below.

706-207-2502 cell 706-543-1553 office

For more information about homes for sale and real estate in Athens, GA or to request a Relocation Package by mail for Athens, GA and the surrounding areas , please visit our website at Success Realty or email Michelle DeRepentigny at Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com for more information.

Athens Georgia Relocation Package

2008-03-04T23:51:13Z

Congratulations on your decision to consider relocating to Athens, Georgia - "The Classic City of the South".

Athens, Georgia has two unique residents that no one else can claim:

The tree that owns itself, actually the son of the tree has now inherited the lot!

The only double barrel cannon in the world -

We hope you will consider joining our two especially unique residents in calling Athens, Georgia home!

To help you plan you visit or move to Athens we have put together a series of information articles, and of course you are welcome to contact me for any additional information you may be looking for!

What Others Say About Athens Georgia is a quick glance at what Athens is famous for including ranking and rewards the city has received and what Athens is famous for being home to.

Our Athens Georgia Link Guide points you to an extensive list of restaurants, museums, county information, visitor info, transportation information, hospitals, and more.

Much careful research is involved in Choosing Athens Georgia Neighborhoods visit here for school information, crime statistics, environmental facts, demographics, and housing market reports.

Athens, Georgia was rated the second safest city in Georgia and here you can find detailed Athens Georgia Area Crime Statistics by tables and maps.

Fortunately, the housing market in Athens has remained very stable, take a look at the Athens Georgia Housing Market Statistics for 2006 versus 2007.

Are you interested in a unique visit to Athens? Explore staying in at one of our Athens Area Bed & Breakfast Inns!

Georgia is famous for fresh fruits and vegetables! Seasonal and year round Farmers Markets abound in Athens, Georgia!

There is always something fun going on in Athens! Take a look at some of the photo fun of things we've Seen In Athens Georgia lately!

We hope to hope you celebrate finding the perfect Athens Georgia home and maybe we can enjoy lunch at My Favorite Athens Georgia Restaurant while we're shopping.

I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker of Success Realty and a Relocation Services Specialist. Perhaps most importantly, I'm a native of Athens, Georgia and ideally suited to help you relocate to this area.

We'd love to help you make the decision to move to Athens, Georgia!

706-207-2502 cell 706-543-1553 office

For more information about homes for sale and real estate in Athens, GA or to request a Relocation Package by mail for Athens, GA and the surrounding areas , please visit our website at Success Realty or email Michelle DeRepentigny at Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com for more information.

VAR Blog Brawl - A Shameless Plea for Votes!

2008-03-03T23:25:14Z

The Virginia Association of REALTORS has a pretty cool contest going with their First Annual Blog Brawl right now and this is my shameless plea for you to consider voting for All About Athens GA, my "other blog".

All About Athens is currently seeded #2 in Zone 4, with other heavy hitting real estate blogs like:

Real Central VA -Jim Duncan's blog, seeded #1 and on a bye week
Blood Hound Blog - seeded #8
Cindy Jones' ActiveRain Blog - seeded 15

also competing in Zone 4.

Out of the 60 total real estate bloggers competing, there are many Active Rain blogs and many Active Rain bloggers' "other blogs" (can you say that 3 times...fast?). Here are some of the ones I recognize, please feel free to link in the comments to others and I'll add them!

Miamism.com - Ines Garcia - zone 1 #12
St. Paul Real Estate Blog - Teresa Boardman - zone 1 #4
miOaklandCounty.com - Maureen Francis - zone 1 # 11 (whoops they have her twice at 10 & 11)
Denver Dwellings - Kristal Kraft - zone 1 #15
New Hampshie Real Estate Blog - Monica McGillicudy - zone 3 #9
Brian Block - Brian Block is already giving away free drinks - zone 1 #2

Good luck to all who are competing and Click Here to vote for All About Athens GA in zone 4! Thanks!

The All About Athens GA blog is about to celebrate its' 1 year anniversary - please have a piece of calorie and fat free virtual cake to celebrate with me!

Athens Georgia: Crime Statistics - Including surrounding counties!

2008-02-28T23:55:54Z

"Athens-Clarke County had been named the second safest city in Georgia, behind only the metropolitan Atlanta community of Roswell, in the Kansas-based Morgan Quitno Press annual ranking. The ranking, based on FBI crime statistics, further noted that Athens-Clarke is the 136th safest city in the country, up significantly from last year's 158th-place showing." Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 11/06/06

Georgia's Sex Offender Registry Page

Information on crime statistics in the Athens, GA metro including the counties of Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison & Oconee:

GBI Crime Statistics for Clarke County during 2005

Number of crimes by offense
Month	Murder	Rape	Robbery	Assault	Burglary	Larceny	Vehicle Theft
January	1	5	8	15	94	377	27
February	0	3	7	16	60	345	25
March	0	3	8	17	55	400	31
April	1	3	10	15	74	408	25
May	1	3	13	18	114	360	30
June	0	6	16	18	93	377	28
July	0	4	8	10	118	379	29
August	2	3	14	15	97	341	37
September	1	5	13	20	80	405	47
October	0	3	15	14	79	444	29
November	0	4	25	31	181	830	73
December	0	3	14	8	120	361	24
Total	6	45	151	197	1165	5027	405

View crimes on a map for Athens-Clarke County

GBI Crime Statistics for Barrow County during 2005

Number of crimes by offense
Month	Murder	Rape	Robbery	Assault	Burglary	Larceny	Vehicle Theft
January	0	0	0	33	33	100	18
February	1	1	1	24	32	105	17
March	0	1	2	31	38	89	23
April	0	1	2	35	53	125	14
May	0	1	3	27	47	139	11
June	0	4	3	56	42	95	10
July	0	0	2	49	58	129	12
August	0	2	7	49	42	131	19
September	0	0	1	56	40	135	21
October	1	10	5	53	31	136	22
November	0	1	3	55	50	96	15
December	0	0	2	54	47	130	15
Total	2	21	31	522	513	1410	197

View a very detailed report on Barrow County Crimes from theirr Sherrif's Department

GBI Crime Statistics for Jackson County during 2005

Number of crimes by offense
Month	Murder	Rape	Robbery	Assault	Burglary	Larceny	Vehicle Theft
January	0	0	2	3	42	69	13
February	0	0	3	1	15	52	9
March	0	0	0	4	16	62	9
April	0	1	1	11	28	76	10
May	0	0	1	7	35	82	9
June	0	1	0	9	31	61	5
July	0	1	1	16	38	63	11
August	0	0	0	9	28	79	6
September	0	2	1	16	42	83	8
October	0	0	1	18	36	112	13
November	0	3	0	10	24	71	14
December	0	0	0	13	31	75	5
Total	0	8	10	117	366	885	112

GBI Crime Statistics for Madison County during 2005

Number of crimes by offense
Month	Murder	Rape	Robbery	Assault	Burglary	Larceny	Vehicle Theft
January	0	0	0	2	4	44	5
February	0	0	0	3	7	26	3
March	0	0	2	0	7	38	3
April	0	0	0	1	4	30	2
May	0	0	1	2	1	64	3
June	0	0	1	7	7	45	6
July	0	0	0	0	1	7	1
August	0	0	0	4	5	51	5
September	0	0	1	9	12	51	0
October	0	0	3	8	7	50	7
November	0	0	1	9	4	48	4
December	0	0	1	8	6	48	2
Total	0	0	10	53	65	502	41

GBI Crime Statistics for Oconee County during 2005

Number of crimes by offense
Month	Murder	Rape	Robbery	Assault	Burglary	Larceny	Vehicle Theft
January	0	1	0	1	6	31	8
February	0	0	0	1	9	26	4
March	0	0	0	5	10	27	1
April	0	0	0	4	17	36	2
May	0	0	0	2	5	28	8
June	0	1	0	2	6	26	3
July	0	0	0	0	7	14	6
August	0	0	0	3	5	20	2
September	0	0	0	0	6	24	2
October	0	0	0	0	0	10	0
November	0	0	0	2	13	16	4
December	0	0	0	0	6	28	4
Total	0	2	0	20	90	286	44

GBI Crime Statistics for Oglethorpe County during 2005

Number of crimes by offense
Month	Murder	Rape	Robbery	Assault	Burglary	Larceny	Vehicle Theft
January	0	0	0	10	9	21	0
February	0	0	0	4	4	12	0
March	0	1	0	4	4	11	4
April	0	1	1	8	9	28	3
May	0	0	1	7	9	19	2
June	0	0	0	4	6	14	2
July	0	0	0	5	5	20	0
August	0	0	1	3	5	12	0
September	0	0	0	4	10	13	2
October	0	0	0	5	5	14	0
November	0	0	0	3	4	13	3
December	0	0	0	5	3	16	0
Total	0	2	3	62	73	193	16

I'd love to help you move to one of the safest cities in Georgia! If you would like to see what is available for sale in the Athens Georgia and surrounding area real estate market, please search our IDX via the multiple listing service, just click on the "search for homes" button below.

706-207-2502 cell 706-543-1553 office

Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com Success Realty website

For more information about homes for sale and real estate in Athens, GA or to request a Relocation Package for Athens, GA and the surrounding areas , please visit our website at Success Realty or email Michelle DeRepentigny at Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com for more information. All information believed accurate, but not guaranteed.

Athens GA: Experience a Bed & Breakfast Inn!

2008-02-28T22:58:45Z

If you, like me, really dislike staying in a cold, impersonal hotel room and are feeling adventurous, you may want to explore the world of Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Locations in and around Athens, Georgia when you come to visit or shop for real estate in Athens, GA.

Here are some of the Bed & Breakfast locations in and around Athens, Georgia:

Grand Oaks Bed & Breakfast, formerly know as the Nicholson House is a an 1820's Historic Inn about 5 miles from downtown Athens, GA. "Located on 34 splendid acres and well off the road, the rocking chairson the verandah beckon you to relax and unwind with the sights and sounds of nature. The grounds boast springs with a nature walk through the majestic forest, a secluded lake, and vast rolling fields. Congenial deer and wildlife abound. Don't miss the evening deer feeding! Magnolia, azalea, pecan, dogwood, oak, walnut, and crape myrtle trees are only a sample of the vegetation that envelops the Inn. This unique and serene environment is a peaceful haven from everyday life."

The Magnolia Terrace Guesthouse is located in downtown Athens, GA. One of my relocating clients recently stayed with them and just loved it! "Built in 1912 by cotton broker James M. Rogers, Magnolia Terrace Guest House was completely restored in 1994. Breakfast in the dining room, may include fresh-baked mango bread, fruit and yogurt parfaits, bacon-cheddar muffins, and a hot entree. Complimentary port, sherry and single malt scotch are available in the evening. "

Ashford Manor "was built in 1893 by Alexander Woodson "A.W." Ashford, son of William Henry and Louisa Booth Ashford. A.W. and his wife, Elizabeth (Loula) Ashford lived in the house with nine children." Ashford Manor features Concerts On The Lawn which are spectacular entertainment open to the public. They truly feature music for everyone from bluegrass to classical!

Ashford Manor also host Grace's Birthday Party, annually, which benefits animal welfare & rescue agencies throughout the community! For the innovative involvement in a cause dear to my heart, they win my "Success" gold star award!

Rivendell Bed & Breakfast is located about 10 minutes from downtown Athens, GA and is owned by Dan & Nancy Connell. Nancy is a REALTOR also. Rivendell, "Serving the Athens, Georgia area is located on 11 acres of land along the Oconee River. It is an enchanting English country home which offers the architectural charm of the past combined with modern amenities for your comfort."

The Harber House Inn is located in Commerce, Georgia, about 20 minutes from downtown Athens, GA and is very convenient to the shopping mecca at Tanger Outlet which features 125 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores.

The facilities and amenities vary widely from with some offering wireless internet service, pool or hot tub, facilities for guest pets and some being a bed & breakfast only. One of the most important things to remember is to "ask before you make your reservation"! If it is really important to you, make sure you ask!

We'd love to help you make the decision to move to Athens, Georgia!

706-207-2502 cell 706-543-1553 office

Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com Success Realty website

*Athens Georgia Real Estate Blog* by Michelle DeRepentigny, Success Realty

What do you want in a mentor? Active Rain Makeover 2 Takeover Contest

Athens Georgia Named Greenest City #33 in Popular Science Magazine

Is Athens Georgia on Your Mind?

RE Tech South Wrap Up - You should have been in Atlanta 3-27-2008

The "Team" Dilemma - How Do You Handle It?

Athens Georgia Economy - More Positive News!

Awesome Atlanta Blogger Event - RE Tech South

AGAIN - I beg, hey lady, mister can you spare a minute?

Athens Georgia - No Recession Here!

Athens Georgia Relocation Package

VAR Blog Brawl - A Shameless Plea for Votes!

Athens Georgia: Crime Statistics - Including surrounding counties!

Athens GA: Experience a Bed & Breakfast Inn!

Athens Georgia Real Estate Blog by Michelle DeRepentigny, Success Realty