Traton Homes is being recognized by GuildQuality for outstanding customer satisfaction. The new home builder received a 2008 GuildMaster award, a yearly recognition that is awarded to a handful of GuildQuality members for exemplary quality and customer service.

To be eligible for an award, a GuildQuality member must have achieved a recommended rate of 90 percent or greater and at least 70 percent of their customers must have completed a customer satisfaction survey. Traton Homes’ customers are surveyed twice during their first year of ownership.

GuildQuality provides customer satisfaction surveying and performance benchmarking for quality-minded builders and real estate developers. GuildQuality is a service for building professionals who are interested in using customer feedback to monitor and improve the quality of their service.

Bowen Family Homes is pleased to announce that during the “Dollars for Dreams” home event, 82 homes were sold. “We are thrilled at the amazing success we have seen during our ‘Dollars for Dreams’ home event over the last week and a half. Not only have we sold 82 homes, but we have also had more than 7,000 visitors to our Web site and have had more than 800 people register,” said Mike Phelps, owner of Bowen Family Homes.

Bowen Family Homes has 26 new home communities to choose from with numerous home designs and many sought-after amenities such as pools, tennis courts, walking trails, aquatic parks, mushroom play fountains, neighborhood parks and more.

More than 40 interested new home buyers and agents attended the Earth Day 2008 celebration at eon at Lindbergh on April 22. Held in the eon sales gallery, various representatives from other green organizations showed guests how easy it is to live a “green” lifestyle, while agents answered questions about the environmentally-friendly community.

Guests of eon at Lindbergh enjoyed cocktails and organic snacks and had the opportunity to speak with representatives from the Piedmont Park Conservancy, Pike Nurseries, Dave FM and Zip Car.

Lenore Place, a five home enclave of custom homes, has opened in Cherokee County. Developed and built by Southern Star Builders and Developers, a firm owned and operated by Prudential Georgia Realty agent Susie Trettel, homes will range from the $500’s to $700’s. To celebrate the homes being ready for sale and public viewing, Southern Star is offering to pay the first six months of mortgage interest on the buyer’s home loan.

Lenore Place homes are each situated on an acre and feature three car garages; full daylight basements; gourmet kitchens with upgraded cabinetry; granite countertops; a bar area; keeping room with a stacked stone fireplace; an eat-in area and a separate formal dining room. Each home offers luxury master suites with quad-barrel ceilings and spacious walk-in closets, master baths with dome ceilings, upgraded tile work, separate Jacuzzi tub and granite countertops.

Home exteriors are complete with brick and custom stone work. With homes still awaiting final touches, home buyers can customize things such as carpeting, paint and kitchen details to fit their own personal needs.

The first sales have been recorded at Coggin’s Farm, Jeff Lindsey Communities’ new 90 home community in Coweta County. Located between the cities of Newnan and Peachtree City and just one mile from I-85, Coggin’s Farm offers homes priced from $227,000 to $284,000. Homes in this community contain from 2,700 to over 4,085 square feet of space and include granite countertops; hardwoods in the foyers, dining rooms, kitchens and breakfast areas; stainless steel appliances; and many other features. Jeff Lindsey Communities is currently building eight home plans available which include two story designs, ranch plans and master-on- the-main plans.

Stacey Irwin has been named Broker of the Eagle’s Landing Sales Center, which represents the homes in Eagle’s Landing’s only private golf community on the south side of metro Atlanta.

Irwin owned and operated her own real estate company for 13 years, giving her the overall knowledge of all aspects of real estate business, management and sales. Irwin has earned her GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and CRB (Certified Residential Broker) designations within the real estate industry. Stacey Irwin’s mission is to integrate marketing, customer service and professional knowledge, resulting in a total sales satisfaction experience.

Prudential Georgia Realty is proud to announce that Realtor Cindy Simpson was recently honored as the number one agent for most homes closed in 2007 out of 1,500 agents within the company. With 204 units closed, Simpson and her team had a gross sales volume of nearly $29 million. Cindy Simpson averaged 17 closings a month, which is more than what the typical real estate agent sells in a year.

Cindy Simpson was presented with the Chairman’s Circle Diamond Award at the annual Prudential Georgia Realty awards event this spring. This Prudential award signifies she is in the top one percent of some 64,000 Prudential agents in North America for sales performance.

Mark Spain and his Re/Max Greater Atlanta real estate team achieved $196.5 million in 2007 gross sales, which made them the number two team in the United States for closings with Re/Max International. This marks the seventh consecutive year the Mark Spain Team has broken the $100 million annual sales mark.

Mark Spain’s team ranks number four worldwide out of 115,000 Re/Max agents in 65 countries. Mark and his team placed number one in sales volume and number one in units sold at Re/Max Greater Atlanta’s annual awards event. The Atlanta Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club Banquet honored Spain for the fourth straight year, placing him as the number one agent team in metro Atlanta out of nearly 9,000 Realtor members in the organization.

Del Webb’s Village at Deaton Creek was recently named as a finalist in the 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards. Presented by the National Association of Home Builders’ 50+ Housing Council, the Best of 50+ Housing Awards is the premier design and marketing competition for the senior housing industry.

Village at Deaton Creek was announced as a finalist in the overall community design category for communities with 850 or more homes. The community was recognized by an elite panel of 13 judges that included builders, developers, architects, marketing experts and other respected industry professionals.

The Certified Professional Home Builder (CPHB) program celebrated its 10 year anniversary on April 24, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia Hotel in Atlanta. Certified Professional Home Builders who have been with the program for all 10 years and those who have for five years or more were recognized for their hard work and dedication. From both categories, a total of 161 builders were recognized at the celebration.

“On behalf of The Housing Institute, I would like to thank all of our CPHB’s who have been with the program for 10 years and five years or more. We look forward to another 10 years of professionalism and customer satisfaction in the building industry,” said Kim Jones, director of The Housing Institute.

Joyce Astin is pleased to announce the grand opening of Joyce Astin Realty, a full service real estate firm catering to buyers, sellers, investors and new home builders. Joyce Astin has established a team of real estate agents who work to provide home buyers and sellers with a one-stop destination for a full range of real estate products and services.

Joyce Astin Realty’s agents specialize in new homes sales, resale properties, luxury home sales, condominium sales, investment properties, bank owned properties, short sales, land and home staging.

Coldwell Banker The Condo Store closes the first quarter of 2008 with four new projects and two new hires within the metro Atlanta market. With its group of experienced specialists and diversity of products, The Condo Store continues to prosper and endure in the ever-changing real estate market.

The Condo Store added four new projects to its portfolio of properties including Centennial Station, a gated community with views of downtown; The Healey Building, a turn-of-the-century building in the Fairlie-Poplar landmark district of downtown; Manor Park, a gated community near Buckhead; and The Oaks on Jordan, a private enclave consisting of 20 homes near downtown Decatur.

Mark Eagle and Nicole Wesley-Smith also joined The Condo Store’s new “Office of the Future” in Midtown as sales associates.

Lenox Square announced that it will host HomeAid Atlanta’s annual signature fundraiser Project Playhouse this fall. The fifth annual opening of this event will be on September 13 at the Playhouse Village located in valet parking at Lenox Square. The Playhouse Village will remain open to the public for tours on weekends through October 4.

Project Playhouse 2008 will showcase four playhouses designed and built by some of Atlanta’s premier architects and home builders. These dream homes will be fully furnished by professional interior designers and exhibit quality craftsmanship. In each playhouse, local home builders will combine the wonder of childhood imagination with many of today’s modern amenities.

At the end of the fundraiser, one playhouse will be raffled off while the other three will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Funds raised through Project Playhouse benefit HomeAid Atlanta, a non-profit organization that builds transitional housing for temporarily homeless families and individuals throughout metro Atlanta.

The statistics package is now available for COMMUNITIES Web site advertisers. It is very helpful and important to see progress in detail, which is why COMMUNITIES is happy to announce that in addition to our statistics package, atlantacommunities.com now also hosts videos for our Web site advertisers.

This valuable web stats package, developed exclusively for atlantacommunities.com, provides real-time statistics of home shoppers who view pages in each advertiser’s group of web pages. For more information about our Web site, stats packages or web videos, call COMMUNITIES at (770) 541-7575.

Regional home builder, John Wieland, is working to build confidence in new home purchases with his “Value Protection” program. Five years after closing, if the home owner’s new John Wieland home does not appraise for at least the purchase price, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods will pay them the difference. The complete program conditions and procedures are included on an enrollment certificate that is completed at the time of closing. John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods is pleased to offer this program on all new homes purchased in Atlanta.

“With more than three decades of home building experience across the Southeast, I have seen the market rise and fall. I am so confident that our homes retain their value that I am willing to put my money where my mouth is. Our new no cost Value Protection program lets customers buy with confidence, regardless of market conditions,” said John Wieland.

Sagent Homes is pleased to announce the grand opening of Cyrus Creek, a new townhome community located in the heart of Acworth. Cyrus Creek offers spacious two and three story townhomes affordably priced from the mid $140’s to the high $150’s.

Cyrus Creek features 94 townhomes that offer approximately 1,600 square feet of living space and also have two to three bedrooms with two and one-half bathrooms. Community amenities include a pool, cabana and playground.

Traton Homes is pleased to announce presales in Hays Farm, a community of new and existing homes located in Kennesaw. The new homes at Hays Farm will be priced from the low $300’s.

Traton homes at Hays Farm will range in size from approximately 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and will feature three sides masonry, architectural roof shingles and side-entry garages on one-half acre homesites. Homes also will feature granite countertops and hardwood floors in the kitchens, carriage-style garage doors, finished bonus or media rooms and nine to ten foot ceilings.

Hays Farm residences enjoy a swimming pool, cabana, two lighted tennis courts and a children’s play area.

Newland Communities’ Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch and Windermere in Cumming, now offer a new service called “Put Your Feet Up” to eliminate much of the stress that comes with moving or preparing a home for sale. Now through July 19, anyone who buys a new home at either Sterling on the Lake or Windermere will have access to a personal qualified concierge who will manage many of the tasks surrounding selling a home and moving.

Home buyers will receive an allowance from participating builders to spend with the concierge for the key items and tasks they need. The new concierge package includes moving and packing services; spring cleaning; minor painting and repair; lawn care and maintenance; home staging and design; child care for moving day; pet sitting and grooming for moving day; and lunch and dinner gift certificates. Additionally, participating builders will cover the mortgage for up to the first six months for qualified purchasers.

Meridian Homes recently purchased Cedar Creek, a planned family community located in Walton County. Opening for presales, the homes at Cedar Creek are priced from the $170’s and feature sidewalks, streetlights and wooded lots. Cedar Creek offers the peace and quiet of the suburbs as well as the conveniences of living in the city.

Monte Hewett, president of Hewett Custom Builders and Monte Hewett Homes, has selected experienced builder and real estate agent Chuck Delp as program director of Hewett Custom Builders. Delp will interface with clients for the division, which builds custom homes on a client’s homesite and complements the neighborhood-focused work of Monte Hewett Homes.

Delp has 17 years of experience building homes in metro Atlanta. His building experience combined with time as a new homes sales agent gives Hewett Custom Builders clients a direct contact who can speak and serve knowledgably in all areas of the custom home building process, from locating a homesite through construction, to move-in and beyond.

Vesmont is pleased to announce Alicia Barnes as the new on-site agent at TerraSol in Gwinnett County. Barnes, owner of Alicia Barnes and Associates at Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners, will serve interested new home buyers at Lilburn’s new environmentally-friendly community. Barnes has been a licensed real estate professional since 1985 and is an expert instructor in new home sales and builder relations. She is a member of the Elite Realtor Society, a Platinum Active Phoenix Life Member of the Million Dollar Club and a member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR). In addition to her industry affiliations, Alicia Barnes has been recognized as a COMMUNITIES 100 agent since 2000 as well as many other accolades.

Bowen Family Homes is pleased to announce the Dollar for Dreams Home Event. From April 17th to the 20th, those who purchase a home at any of Bowen Family Homes’ 26 metro Atlanta communities will receive up to $50,000 to spend on their new home. Buyers may choose to use the money towards a Pottery Barn shopping spree, designer upgrades, down payment/closing costs, a free basement on available homesites or to lower monthly payments.

“We build in some of the most desired locations throughout metro Atlanta and hope that interested new home buyers will stop by one of our many communities during our ‘Dollars for Dreams Home Event’ April 17th to 20th to see why they should call one of our many communities home,” said Mike Phelps, owner of Bowen Family Homes.

Southern Gentry Developments and Coldwell Banker Builder Developer Services is pleased to announce Crestar Homes Corporation as the first builder to break ground at Country Hills Estates, located in the Sandy Springs area.

Priced from $1.9 million, Country Hills Estates draws inspiration from the historic New Orleans vernacular and French Colonial styles, and the architectural guidelines are maintained to ensure its integrity and appeal. Homes feature unique floorplans and lavish appointments, built by carefully selected craftsmen with superior materials.

Country Hills Estates features walking trails, bronze statues, marble water fountains and willow oak trees.

Sera CityHomes invited brokers and agents to a sneak peek event on April 17th at the sales gallery located at the corner of Piedmont Road and Garson Drive in south Buckhead. The community offers 72 split-level and traditional CityHomes priced from the $300’s.

Sera CityHomes at Lindbergh is part of a new urban village located within walking distance to Lindbergh MARTA station and easily accessible to downtown, midtown and Buckhead. The split-level CityHomes offer two and three bedroom options ranging from 1,435 to 2,650 square feet, while the traditional CityHomes have three to four bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms ranging from 1,870 to 2,680 square feet. Interior features include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, European style cabinetry, hardwood floors and custom lighting packages.

Windsong Properties, an award-winning builder of active adult communities in Atlanta, has hit the mark again with a winning combination of low-maintenance homes designed for each buyer and the perfect lifestyle for those aged 55 and up. The builder’s new Woodstock community, Somerset, features 59 detached ranch courtyard homes priced from the mid $300’s. The clubhouse and two professionally decorated model homes are now open.

Homes at Somerset offer three bedrooms as well as private courtyards with garden retreats; rocking chair front porches; ten foot ceilings with crown molding; and large master suites with baths that have separate vanities, garden tubs and tile showers with seats and ceramic tile floors. Built with the active adult in mind, the homes also provide ample space to entertain, gourmet kitchens featuring granite countertops, custom cabinets, and built-in appliances.

Vesmont is pleased to announce TerraSol, Gwinnett County’s newest lifestyle community. Located along the scenic Yellow River in the city of Lilburn, TerraSol will offer 128 single-family homes priced from the $600’s that will incorporate a variety of earth friendly components and building methods. TerraSol is being developed with lifestyle and land use as top priorities and will offer several sought-after amenities.

Prudential Georgia Realty’s New Homes Division is pleased to announce the grand opening of The Haven on Briarwood. This DeKalb County, 49 townhome gated community held its official debut at a weekend grand opening event March 29th and 30th. Conveniently located less than five minutes from Lenox Mall, Phipps Plaza, GA 400, I-85 and I-285, visitors of The Haven on Briarwood can tour two decorated model homes.

Priced from the mid $300’s to low $400’s, The Haven on Briarwood is being built and developed by CORE Development Group. Homes feature Bosch stainless steel appliances, site finished hardwood flooring throughout the main levels, Kohler plumbing throughout and granite countertops in the kitchens and master baths.

The three story, spacious and innovative floorplans offer rear-entry, two car garages, nine and ten foot ceilings and are available with either two, three or four bedrooms and an optional elevator upgrade.

The 1010 Midtown development team, Daniel Corporation, celebrated a significant construction milestone on April 4, 2008 by placing the tower’s last beam. This 35 story Midtown Atlanta high-rise features 443 residences and 50,000 square feet of retail and dining space. Home owners will begin moving in this Fall.

Architecture firm Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio designed 1010 Midtown to accentuate the natural curve in Peachtree Street, creating an elegant high-rise. The tower’s presence on Peachtree has helped to establish 1010 Midtown as one of Atlanta’s premiere addresses.

The one, two and three bedroom floorplans will feature 10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, stone baths and large balconies. The wide variety of floorplans are priced from the $200’s to over $1 million.

Fairgreen Development has opened phase two of South Harbour at Mirror Lake, a 1,567 acre master-planned community in the city of Villa Rica in Douglas County. Mirror Lake homes are priced from the $400’s to $1 million. The large homesites are wooded, most backing up to natural tree-lined areas. Premium homesites are available offering lake and golf views.

Mirror Lake residents enjoy many miles of sidewalks, walking trails and recreation centers that include a competition swimming pool, a relaxation pool, tennis courts, basketball court and children’s playground.

Bowen Family Homes’ Hanover Pointe, a community of garage townhomes priced from the low $200’s, features the newest in townhome design, making it one of the most sought-after communities in the Alpharetta area.

Hanover Pointe gives home buyers the choice of seven townhome designs with two car garages, including many that are rear-entry and approached by quaint alley streets. The combination creates a unique small town atmosphere and inviting environment. These spacious townhome plans range in size from 1,848 to 2,133 square feet and offer some of Bowen Family Homes’ most popular three bedroom floorplans.

Home owners will enjoy a variety of amenities including a pool, mushroom play fountain and cabana including access to the amenity area at Hanover Place, its sister community located across the street.

Minerva Properties is excited to announce the grand opening of The Summit at Heron Bay, a neighborhood of single-family homes priced from the high $100’s by award-winning builder, Paul Thomas Homes. A grand opening celebration was held on April 15, 2008 from noon to 3:00 p.m. that included food, prizes and the opportunity to be one of the first to tour this affordably priced neighborhood.

“The Summit will offer over 30 exterior elevations in 10 carefully crafted award-winning floorplans, ranging from 2,140 to 2,887 square feet with up to five bedrooms and three and one-half baths,” said Paulette Alves, broker associate for Paul Thomas Homes at The Summit. Heron Bay residents enjoy an abundance of amenities including an 18 hole golf course, a kid friendly aquatic center, walking trails and a community lodge with fitness center.

The Paul Thomas Homes model at The Summit is the Raleigh floorplan, offering 2,519 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and two and one-half baths. The Raleigh offers a brick front; separate dining room; kitchen with large island and built-in home management center; two car garage; large owner’s suite with sitting area; garden tub; and options for a fifth bedroom and a basement foundation.

The Greater Atlanta HomeBuilders Association (GAHBA) recently recognized Phil Gressly, builder of Summerfield Homes, as the 2007 Chapter President of the Year for his dedication, service and commitment to the GAHBA. He served as president of the GAHBA’s Cobb chapter for the past two years and is staying on for his third term in 2008.

Gressly is the builder for SilverOak, a new home community from the mid $600’s to high $800’s in Cobb County. The community is represented by Metro Brokers’ Builder-Developer Marketing Group (BDMG) and Gressly was one of the first builders in Georgia to begin constructing EarthCraft House and Energy Star certified luxury homes. He was named 2006 Builder of the Year by EarthCraft House for his continuing dedication to building only energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes.

ERA Buckhead Realty has received the 2007 Georgia Top Broker Award from the Georgia Alliance Broker Council in recognition of the office’s outstanding sales performance during 2007. ERA Buckhead Realty owners, managers and top sales associates became the number one producing ERA office in Georgia for the second consecutive year.

“This award is a testimony to the quality of our team at ERA Buckhead Realty. Through a commitment to customer satisfaction and cutting-edge products and services, we strive to meet the specific needs of both home buyers and sellers,” said Will Colley, C.E.O. and co-broker.

Local real estate sales expert Shirley Gary launches About Sales, a new home sales and marketing firm for Atlanta builders and developers. About Sales provides comprehensive staffing, management, closing coordination and marketing services. The About Sales team represents a stellar combination of expertise from entry-level to custom, intown to suburban, master-planned and golf course communities to active adult markets; with over 35 years of sales and marketing experience in the Atlanta area.

“The cycle for outside sales services typically ends due to a lack of management and sales and a focus on builder recruitment for commission. However, the business model for About Sales places the sales manager’s focus on retaining current builders by increasing sales, training, hiring and team management. With relatively low overhead costs, we are able to offer these services more affordably than others,” said founder Shirley Gary.

Keller Williams Realty International recently recognized its Roswell Market Center as number one for offices of similar categories nationwide. The award was based upon the significant growth in number of homes sold, profit share paid to its agents, and overall profitability of the market center.

“We are extremely pleased and gratified with this announcement. What makes this especially gratifying is the award comes during one of the most difficult of real estate markets, demonstrating the incredible level of enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism of every team member,” said Denise Buchannan, general manager for the Roswell Market Center.

Atlanta is on the forefront of environmental awareness, thanks to the Buckhead office of Harry Norman, Realtors. With the greatest number of certified EcoBrokers in one real estate office in the nation, the Buckhead office has translated its concern about energy savings and environmental issues into action.

The group brought nationally recognized environmental leader John Beldock, founder and C.E.O. of EcoBroker International, from his headquarters in Colorado to Atlanta to present a program of intensive classes. These courses led to the designation of 47 agents as certified EcoBrokers, making the Buckhead office the number one assembly of EcoBrokers in the country.

eon at Lindbergh is pleased to announce its newly formed partnership with Lindbergh’s Pike Family Nursery, which is located next to the condominium community. eon at Lindbergh is an environmentally-friendly community offering 352 one and two bedroom residences priced from the $180’s. As the first community in the Buckhead area to pursue EarthCraft certification, eon at Lindbergh is proud to partner with Pike to continue its green outreach to the community and new home buyers.

Brayson Homes has revealed plans for Oakdale Ridge, a 25 home community in the greater Vinings area of South Cobb County. This community will feature two and three story Craftsman-style plans and prices will range from the high $200’s to high $300’s.

The four to seven bedroom homes will have architecturally controlled exteriors with Craftsman design details as well as prairie-style front windows and carriage-style garage doors. The exteriors will have brick or stone accents with three sides brick options. Most homes will have covered front porches and a number of basement homesites are available.

A covered timber vehicular bridge, built and designed by York Bridge Concepts, took center stage as part of a grand opening celebration at Smyrna’s Woodbridge Crossing community. This double lane bridge crosses Nickajack Creek, has a span length of 75 feet and is built to withstand the rigors of modern-day traffic – any vehicle that can safely travel over a roadway without special weight permit can safely cross the bridge, including semi trucks/trailers, fire trucks and school buses.

Bowen Family Homes now offers three home plans with various attic options. These plans are available at Hanover Place in Alpharetta and McGinnis Reserve in Suwanee. Homebuyers may opt to purchase the Foxcroft, Gloucester or Havilland models, which all come with the option to add an additional bedroom, bathroom and bonus/media room on the third level of the home. The attic options are ideal for college students returning home or out of town guests, yet still provide plenty of storage space for holiday decorations or vacation equipment.

Bowen Family Homes is pleased to announce the grand opening of their Pottery Barn inspired model home at Kensington Creek Manor in Lawrenceville. The 2,452 square foot Dorchester home is fully decorated by Pottery Barn, which recently formed a partnership with Bowen Family Homes. As part of the relationship recently formed between the two companies, each person who signs a written contract on a Bowen Family Home at Kensington Creek Manor from March 28 through April 13 will receive a shopping spree at Pottery Barn valued up to $5,000. Kensington Creek Manor is a single-family home community that offers the choice of 12 different floorplans, both ranch and two story, ranging from three to four bedrooms.

Benchmark Homes would like to congratulate Lois Hanson for being a recipient of the 2007 Circle of Excellence West GA Board of Realtors $4 Million General Brokerage Award. Lois, who is an active Phoenix member since 1998, has been with Benchmark for 19 years. Lois shows professionalism and expertise in all aspects of her work and is an integral part of Benchmark Homes.

According to figures from SmartNumbers, Minerva Properties’ Heron Bay Golf & Country Club in Henry and Spalding counties was the number one selling community in Henry County for the fourth consecutive year in 2007, with 110 closings.

Heron Bay features numerous neighborhoods offering a diverse selection of home styles from the area’s top building companies such as Brayson Homes, D.R. Horton, Paul Thomas Homes, Pulte Homes, Ryland Homes, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods and an impressive list of local custom builders.

Heron Bay Golf and Country Club is pleased to present “Henry the Heron,” a great blue heron caricature that will serve as the official mascot for the award-winning master-planned community. Henry the Heron will be the voice, face and personality of Heron Bay keeping residents, new home shoppers and industry professionals abreast of community and area happenings, local events and other information such as amenity, builder and retail center news.

Tara Currier was recently named an account manager at Flammer Relations, a public relations and social media agency. Currier joined Flammer Relations in February 2007 as an account coordinator and has managed real estate accounts for builders and developers throughout metro Atlanta since that time.

Currier is a member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council and a member of the Leadership Bartow Class of 2008.

“Tara is creative, as well as organized and detail-oriented. Her diligence and attention to detail has made her a very valuable member of our team. She has a great deal to offer our clients in terms of capability in successful implementation of public relations strategies and tactics and increasing publicity for our clients,” said Carol Flammer, president of Flammer Relations.

Townhomes by Lane is pleased to announce that Annie Boland has been named the New Home Consultant at Ansley Parkside, a classic townhome community in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Boland brings her experience and expertise of selling luxury homes in Atlanta and vacation properties in Blue Ridge to Ansley Parkside.

“Annie is an incredibly talented individual who has a strong passion for real estate. Her attention to detail will be an asset to homebuyers and her training, knowledge and experience ensure seamless transactions every time. Annie works tirelessly and enthusiastically to exceed expectations. We are delighted to have her as part of the team at Ansley Parkside,” said Adam Brown, Development Partner.

J.D. Kent, a veteran land sales specialist, has joined Legacy Realty as a land specialist. Although relatively new in the real estate business, Kent has enjoyed tremendous success having brokered more than $50 million in transactions the previous three years.

“We are very pleased to have J.D. join our team. His expertise in the sale of large developed and undeveloped land parcels will be a huge asset for Legacy’s clients,” said Pratt Farmer, vice president of sales and marketing for Legacy Realty.

The Gwinnett Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors (W.C.R) hosts the New Home and Trade Expo as their annual fundraiser. This year, W.C.R made a $5,000 donation each to Gwinnett Habitat and H.E.R.O for Children. Habitat plans to build 12 homes this year in Gwinnett and H.E.R.O is an organization that works with children with HIV and aids.

On March 29th, Toll Brothers will grand open three exquisite model homes at Woodstock Knoll, its new master-planned luxury home community. Located near downtown Woodstock in Cherokee County, this community is convenient to Buckhead and downtown Atlanta.

Woodstock Knoll includes 311 homesites with three distinct collections – the Georgia, Executive, and Estate – ranging in size from approximately 2,800 to 4,800 square feet. The homes will be priced from the low $400’s to low $700’s.

The Hampton, a decorated model in the community’s Estate Collection, will include a Chef’s kitchen, spacious playroom, Naples sunroom, and dual curved staircase. The Waterford, a decorated model in the Executive Collection, will feature a Palm Beach sunroom, playroom, expanded gourmet kitchen, and a finished basement. The Georgia Collection’s Ellsworth decorated model will include an expanded family room, a bonus room, and cozy screened porch.

Woodstock Knoll offers residents a wide array of amenities, including a clubhouse, jr. Olympic-sized pool with waterslide, walking trails, a tot lot, tennis courts, and a fitness center.

Developed by The Columns Group and being built by Monte Hewett Homes, Brownstones at Decatur is now accepting presales on its classic three story townhomes. Priced from the high $400’s, the homes include luxury details such as professional grade appliances, Italian cabinetry and granite countertops.

The homes at Brownstones at Decatur feature gourmet kitchens with Viking appliances, dining rooms or formal studies, and fireside family rooms. Each home is built to meet or exceed EarthCraft and Energy Star standards.

Townpark Village Townhomes is the first residential community within The Village at Townpark. When complete, the master-planned community will incorporate more than 243 acres of planned office parks, retail shops, restaurants, and an Embassy Suites hotel. Townpark Village Townhomes will consist of 37 luxury townhomes priced from $359,000.

Each townhome at Townpark Village will feature an array of luxuriously appointed features that are hand selected by a professional design consultant. The two and three story townhomes each offer three bedrooms and three and one-half baths. Each home incorporates three sides brick with HardiPlank siding accents and covered front porticos. The decorative wrought-iron front handrails and carriage-style garage doors add to the look and feel of the community. Each floorplan features a chef’s kitchen with imported Italian cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Sera CityHomes at Lindbergh is pleased to welcome Jennifer Roberts as a new home consultant at the upcoming neighborhood in South Buckhead. Roberts has been involved in the real estate industry for more than 10 years and is a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors (ABR).

Laura Everett has joined Flammer Relations as social media manager. Everett will be responsible for managing the agency’s Top Builder Blogs on behalf of clients, as well as overseeing the agency’s successful real estate blog. Everett will also serve as account coordinator for the business-to-business accounts at Flammer Relations.

“Laura quickly caught on to the power of the internet and how it can be used to increase coverage for our clients through search engine optimization and enhanced key words. We are delighted to have her as a full-time team member,” said Carol Flammer, president of Flammer Relations.

The Columns Group is pleased to welcome its sales team to Townpark Village Townhomes. Combining their experience in real estate sales, the team consists of Paul Carraway and Brandi Hunter. Both Carraway and Hunter are Realtors with Paces Ferry Realty.

The Columns Group welcomes its sales team to the Brownstones at Decatur. Combining their experience in luxury real estate sales, the team consists of Keshia Johnson, Kellie McCloskey, Dale Robbins, and Jim Jordon. All four agents are Realtors with Paces Ferry Realty.

Metro Brokers’ recent annual awards celebration delivered more than 700 awards to its top sales associates. Leading the awards parade at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta were Ed Short of the North Fulton office, Toni Turner of the Woodstock office and Sandra Watkins, also of the Woodstock office. Short was recognized for being the top sales associate (unassisted) in the company. Turner and Watkins were named the top sales team and top sales associates (assisted) in the company. All three agents received multiple awards at the event.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Haven Properties as a 2008 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion award-winner for outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Haven Properties’ accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008.

An ENERGY STAR partner since 2004 and award winner for three consecutive years, Haven Properties’ efforts include building all homes to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements and sponsoring consumer education efforts to promote energy efficient homes.

The excellence in ENERGY STAR award is given to a variety of organizations to recognize their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Award-winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

Bowen Family Homes invites interested home buyers to register for the Avington Glen priority interest list to have first choice of homesites and home plans before the community’s official grand opening to the general public. Priority list registrants will receive updates on the community’s progress and an invitation to a private presale event at the community before the general public may do so.

Located in Gwinnett County, Avington Glen will feature ranch and two story homes from the $150’s. These single-family homes will have many features including marble vanities in the bathrooms; 30 inch kitchen cabinets; Whirlpool gas ranges; hardwood floors in the foyers; decks or patios per plan; garages; and a neighborhood lake, pool and playground.

O’Dwyer Homes announces Old Friendship Place, a new conservation neighborhood priced from the high $200’s. Located in Gwinnett County, Old Friendship Place offers new amenities which include a pool and cabana with extensive natural areas to help preserve and maintain the neighborhood’s natural feel.

The diverse collection of homes is carefully planned to enhance the area’s amazing natural beauty combining Craftsman and traditional architectural details with modern functionality.

Jim Chapman Communities is pleased to announce Tamara Hesse as director of lifestyles and marketing. In this role, Hesse will continue to utilize her background in marketing and event planning to suit the needs of Jim Chapman Communities. As the director of lifestyles and marketing, Hesse is responsible for scheduling all activities, parties, special events and social activities at all five Jim Chapman Communities. She also works with the Homeowners Associations to ensure proper management and manages the Jim Chapman Communities Travel Club. Hesse also writes, designs and distributes the Jim Chapman Communities (JCC) Star Herald and maintains the social activities on the company’s Web site.

Peachtree Residential Properties is pleased to announce Steve Owen as the new general sales manager. Owen brings more than 12 years of experience in the real estate industry to his new role. Previously, he served as an on-site sales manager for Peachtree Residential.

In his new role, Steve Owen will oversee all on-site sales operations, ensuring that the Peachtree commitment to impeccable high quality communities and exceptional personalized customer service is followed on a daily basis.

Linda Lelak has been named regional trainer and sales team builder in the Southern metro Atlanta region for Prudential Georgia Realty. In this position, Linda will be responsible for the ongoing training of newly licensed agents as well as monthly classes for experienced Realtors. Her team building efforts will focus primarily on Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, and Henry counties. With more than 16 years in the real estate business, Linda was the top Harry Norman Realtors agent in Fayette County for five years before joining Prudential Georgia Realty in 2007. Linda is a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Linda has earned real estate designations including Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Relocation Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Accredited Relocation Specialist (ARS), Luxury Homes Specialist and her Associate Broker’s license.

Timothy McFadden, a member of Metro brokers’ broker support team, was recently installed as the President of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR), the second largest real estate board in Georgia. As president, he is also a director of both the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). McFadden has more than 28 years of experience in commercial and business brokerage and has international experience, handling transactions in Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Kathryn Schultz has returned to COMMUNITIES Magazine as an Account Executive. After working at COMMUNITIES for over nine years in various positions, Kathryn left the magazine in 2004 to pursue a career in real estate. Since then, she has been a multi-million dollar agent, working on-site at several new home communities, and she has represented many buyers as a Buyer’s Agent.

Kathryn is married to Ryan Schultz, president of Raven Homes, a company that has been building new home communities throughout Cobb, Bartow and Paulding counties for over 32 years. Kathryn brings her real estate knowledge and experience back to COMMUNITIES Magazine where she will be serving Carroll, Cobb, Coweta, Douglas, Paulding and South Fulton counties in advertising sales.

This year, Peachtree Residential Properties marks its 20th anniversary of building new homes in metro Atlanta. Known as “The Builder Who Listens,” Peachtree Residential is offering six months no payments and $3,000 in closing costs at several of its communities.

“At Peachtree Residential, it has always been our mission to provide complete customer satisfaction and homes that are unsurpassed in quality. I take great pride in celebrating 20 years of success and share this with the entire team at Peachtree Residential,” said president and chief executive officer, David J. Borreson.

Morris & Raper and its in-house marketing firm, Marketing Results, recently held an awards banquet to recognize those who have done an exceptional job over the last year. Approximately 150 people attended the formal affair, which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead.

Thomas Multhaup, Vice President and Managing Broker of Morris & Raper Intown, received the most coveted award, “The JB Kantner Award.” This award has been given to the most deserving winners since 1996 and commemorates JB Kantner, a former employee of Morris & Raper Realtors who shined through his work and also through his character. Multhaup exemplifies JB’s glowing work ethic of going above and beyond the call of duty.

Awards were given in each of the nine divisions of Morris & Raper. The following individuals received the Agent of the Year award for their specific regions: Delores Jones, Tonja Britt, Tonie Deloney, Wendy Gilsten, Kathleen Buell, Christopher Roberts and Greg Williamson. Tracy Sprowl, Michael McCleod, Jesus Rodriguez, Tracey Cabrey and Veronica Jones all received the Rookie of the Year award for their individual divisions.

The Community of the Year award went to The Manhattan, a high rise located in Dunwoody; The Manager of the Year award was given to Pauline Miller; and The Team of the Year award was given to The Creek Team, which is not in a division, as well as to Lori Clezie and Michelle Legan of Division Two. Nicola Schwab received the Marketing Achievement award and The Mortgage Consultant of the Year award was given to Brent Edwards.

Kairos Development Corporation commemorated the completion of the 15th floor of The Astoria at the Aramore last month at a “Topping Out” celebration. Construction on the luxury mid-rise, consisting of 71 exclusive condominiums, began in early March 2007 and with all floors now complete, construction is on schedule for resident move-in by summer 2008.

Condos at The Astoria are priced from the $400’s and penthouses are priced from the $900’s. The views from the homes will be spectacular, offering extraordinary panoramas of Buckhead to the north, downtown Atlanta to the south, Peachtree Creek to the east and Peachtree Road and Bobby Jones Golf Course to the west. An abundance of amenities are offered at The Astoria including a lap pool, heated spa, water wall, an elegant clubroom with a full catering kitchen, more than one acre of greenspace, a concierge, private guest suite for out of town guests, and street-level retail and dry cleaning services.

Bonner & Bonner is pleased to announce the opening of their newest single-family home community, Medlin Place. Medlin Place features luxurious Craftsman-style homes in the sought-after area of Smyrna. This intimate community features only 16 homes in a prime location, within walking distance to the shops and unique restaurants of Market Village.

Medlin Place offers a variety of spacious, open floorplans with luxurious features and exceptional quality priced from $479,000 to $520,000. Home owners can choose from a variety of floorplans, ranging from four to five bedrooms with 2,700 to 3,600 square feet of living space. Homes feature gourmet kitchens, two car rear-entry garages, 10 foot ceilings on the main floors and large bonus rooms with their own separate staircases. The master bedrooms vary per plan and many include his and her walk-in closets, sitting areas, fireplaces and master bathrooms with dual vanities, granite countertops and separate tubs and showers.

The Providence Group is offering no payments for six months at its closeout community, Merrimont, in sought-after Johns Creek. Merrimont is a gated townhome community priced fom the low $200’s in North Fulton County.

The three story townhomes at Merrimont offer 2,500 square feet of living space and from three bedrooms with three and one-half baths to four bedrooms with three and one-half baths. All nine floorplans feature two car rear-entry garages; gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinets; master suites with trey ceilings and spacious baths; and nine foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout the main living areas.

A fully decorated model home recently opened at SilverOak, a luxury custom home community priced from the high $600’s in Cobb County. Marketing is handled by the Builder-Developer Marketing Group.

The builder, Summerfield Homes, combined brick and stone with popular architectural features that include exposed beams and metal roofing accents. The exterior includes a three car garage and a large terrace level patio. The kitchen is open to the family room which features hardwood floors. The finished basement includes a built-in wine bar, a poker room and family/game room.

LakeStone, Sharp Residential’s newest single-family neighborhood, is located in sought-after Woodstock. The community is located near Hwy. 92 and the cities of Roswell and Alpharetta convenient to shopping, dining and entertainment. LakeStone features homes priced from the $300’s to $400’s.

LakeStone will have 203 homes upon completion ranging from three to five bedrooms with up to four baths with master-on-main plans available. Within the first phase of the neighborhood, 46 homes will offer basements with numerous lake lots available.

Interior features include vaulted ceilings, heavy trim packages and granite countertops. Carriage-style garage doors will enhance the elegance of the exteriors. Along with a lake setting, community amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, a tot lot, dock and sidewalks throughout.

Carol Flammer, president of Flammer Relations, has been chosen for Oglethorpe University’s 2008 Spirit of Oglethorpe Award. An alumna of the college, Flammer was recognized for living the Oglethorpe motto – Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference. “Carol’s success in her public relations career and her involvement in many deserving charities demonstrate the sense of creativity, purpose and commitment to the community that we value at Oglethorpe University,” said Barbara Bessmer Henry, director of Alumni Relations for the college. Flammer is president and founder of Flammer Relations, a public relations and social media firm specializing in real estate, business-to-business and non-profit accounts.

Vesmont welcomes The ESG Group and Keller Williams Realty Connections to The Cottages at Stillwood in Newnan. Eileen Evans, Sherry Stone Blackmon and Georgia Nations will serve as neighborhood specialists for the community. Evans has more than a decade of experience and is a member of the National Association of Realtors. She also is on the board of directors for the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors and is an active member of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Blackmon is the current president of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors. She also is a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors and the Fayette County Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Nations is the 2008 president of the Women’s Council of Realtors, Coweta Chapter and is involved with the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.

Bowen Family Homes recently held its annual Casino Night Agent and Homeowner Referral Appreciation party. The event included the giveaway of 12 three night Hollywood getaways for two to the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, casino style entertainment and a silent auction with more than $10,000 in prizes.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the trips to Hollywood. The co-op agents who sold the most Bowen Family Homes in 2007 to win a the trip were: Jeff Woodward of Lincoln Homes; David Pace with The Real Estate Office; Gail Eidelman of RE/MAX Professionals; Jim Krieger with ERA United Home Realty; and Yimin Tian of Berkeley Realty. Agent Colleen Mack was the winner of the random drawing for the Hollywood trip. Bowen Family Home agents who sold the most homes in 2007 also were awarded trips; the winning agents were Tracie Shaw and Casey Wood.

Home owners who referred the most home buyers to Bowen Family Homes in 2007 also were awarded Hollywood trips. The winning home owners were Rahsheen Kelsey and Vijay Chilkamari, and the random drawing home owner winners were Beverly Harrison and Ernan Valdiezo.

John Willis Homes was selected as the silver award winner of the National Housing Endowment Builder Achievement Award for Outstanding Community Service at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida. Winners of the award receive donations to be directed to their charity of choice. The company selected HomeAid Atlanta as its designated charity and the organization will receive a $5,000 donation from the National Housing Endowment in honor of John Willis Homes.

The National Housing Endowment Builder Achievement Award was established in 2005 to honor builder, developer and remodeler members of the National Association of Home Builders for their exceptional philanthropic endeavors. Winning entries are selected by a panel of builders and industry professionals.

Prudential Georgia Realty announces the merging of Reed Realty Group, a Douglas County real estate firm into its Prudential Douglasville branch office. “Douglas County and those counties west of Atlanta are expanding at an incredible pace as families move there to enjoy affordable housing and a suburban lifestyle,” said Dan Forsman, president and CEO of Prudential Georgia Realty. “By combining our resources, we’ll be in a better position to offer hometown service to help families achieve the dream of home ownership.”

The Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) announces its 2008 line officers and regional directors. The leadership team includes Van Johnson as president, Steven Fischer as president-elect, Arlene Davis as immediate past president, Anne Gault as vice president of governmental affairs; Dana Bauguss as vice president of administration and finance, Bill Boatman as vice president of professional development and Robin Lance as vice president of communications and public relations.

Regional directors for the association include Region 1, Kristen Crisp Townsend of Marietta; Region 2, Chuck Jonaitis of Cumming; Region 3, Tom Wise of Rome; Region 4, Kristy Pennington of Lithonia; Region 5, Linda Carol Porterfield of Athens; Region 6, Derrick Shields of Columbus; Region 7, Barbara Watson of Leesburg; Region 8, Missy Lane of Brunswick; and Region 9, Hazel Hendrix of Statesboro.

The Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) announces its 2008 line officers and regional directors. The leadership team includes Van Johnson as president, Steven Fischer as president-elect, Arlene Davis as immediate past president, Anne Gault as vice president of governmental affairs; Dana Bauguss as vice president of administration and finance, Bill Boatman as vice president of professional development and Robin Lance as vice president of communications and public relations.

Regional directors for the association include Region 1, Kristen Crisp Townsend of Marietta; Region 2, Chuck Jonaitis of Cumming; Region 3, Tom Wise of Rome; Region 4, Kristy Pennington of Lithonia; Region 5, Linda Carol Porterfield of Athens; Region 6, Derrick Shields of Columbus; Region 7, Barbara Watson of Leesburg; Region 8, Missy Lane of Brunswick; and Region 9, Hazel Hendrix of Statesboro.

Traton Homes announces the opening of Phase II at Lochshire in Acworth. The new phase will offer 55 homes priced from the high $200’s. When complete, the community will feature 212 ranch and two story homes.

Homes feature rich exterior designs, with brick, stacked stone and cedar shake front exteriors and carriage-style garage doors. Twelve floorplans are available, ranging from three to six bedrooms and approximately 2,000 to 3,600 square feet. Finished bonus or media rooms are standard per plan.

O’Dwyer homes has opened two model homes at The Villas at Heritage Springs in Woodstock. The active adult community offers 57 ranch villas priced from the high $200’s.

The Newport and the Beaumont models feature brick, stone, and low-maintenance exteriors with two car carriage-style garages. Each plan offers private rear yards, covered patios and private sunrooms. Additional home features include nine and twelve foot ceilings, arched doorways and an abundance of windows. The eat-in kitchens offer large walk-in pantries, and the master bath has a separate tub and shower.

O’Dwyer Homes has opened the clubhouse at The Villas at Castleberry Township in Cumming. The state-of-the-art facility features a card/game room, a fully-equipped kitchen and a fitness center. It also offers a large community room with fireplace and plasma television. A number of outdoor amenities have also opened including an outdoor pool and walking paths.

A new date and new location have been announced for the 2008 COMMUNITIES 100 Awards Breakfast. The 2008 event will be held on Wednesday, May 14, approximately two weeks earlier than in past years.

Also new for 2008 is a move to the Cobb Galleria Centre, a location familiar to many Realtors. “We moved the celebration to make it easier for these top producing agents to attend and then quickly return to the demands of their work. The Galleria is easy to access and offers free parking – two features now missing from our previous Buckhead locations,” said Publisher Gib Dickey.

The COMMUNITIES 100 is a recognition of the 100 leading Realtors in three groups: the 100 leading individual general brokerage agents, the 100 leading team agents and the 100 leading agents working for new home specialist companies. The 2008 COMMUNITIES 100 will be announced in the May issue of COMMUNITIES Magazine. This will be the 21st annual edition of this awards program, which was created by COMMUNITIES Magazine.

Douglasville Development, developer of Tributary at New Manchester, has placed three tracts of property under contract to International Solutions Collaborative (ISC), an Orlando-based, full-service real estate company. ISC will work within the design concepts and guidelines of Tributary in developing 3 million square feet of retail, office and multi-family properties over a five to ten year period.

Bowen Family Homes recently introduced the Shelbourne floorplan at Hanover Place in Alpharetta. The community offers ranch and two story homes priced from $299,900.

The Shelbourne offers 2,719 square feet and features a two story foyer, formal dining room and two story family room with fireplace. The kitchen offers an eat-in breakfast area and an optional island. The owner’s suite is situated on the main level and offers walk-in closet, oversized garden tub and separate shower.

Robert Harris Homes announces the grand opening of the Villas at Park Ridge, its newest active adult community. Located in Gwinnett County, the neighborhood for ages 55 and older offers 119 ranch condominiums priced from the mid $200’s.

The two and three bedroom homes offer open floorplans featuring kitchens with breakfast bars and walk-in pantries; separate dining areas; great rooms with gas fireplaces and marble surrounds; and master suites with walk-in closets and designer bathrooms with double vanities and tile showers with sitting benches. Amenities will include a clubhouse with fitness center, a swimming pool and tennis courts.

The Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR) was presented with five prestigious awards at the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) Inaugural Meeting, held February 6 through 9 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

The organization won the Community Service Award, which is awarded to boards/associations that offer meaningful public service programs; and the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes boards/associations for its dedication in providing commendable services to its members. In addition, the organization won in two categories for the 2007 Best of GARPAC – Largest Percentage Over Goal and Largest Membership Participation. The board also was recognized for the highest percentage of membership attending Georgia Realtors Institute (GRI).

The Providence Group welcomes three new employees to its corporate office; Ginny Bryant as director of marketing, Michelle France as marketing manager and Donna Piemonte as contracts/closing manager.

Bryant has been involved in the real estate industry for 10 years. In her role as director of marketing, Bryant's main focus will be internet marketing, generating and following up with leads, and turning those leads into contracts.

France’s responsibilities as marketing manager will include company branding through signage, ads, flyers, broker events, as well as maintaining a strong internet presence.

As contracts/closing manager, Piemonte will oversee contract acceptance, manage correspondence and procedures between the preferred lender and closing attorney, and monitor the seller closing structure. She has 24 years of real estate experience.

Winter Properties, an Atlanta-based real estate development and management company, announces Michael C. J. Fallon as president. Fallon has an extensive background in the real estate industry as a developer, investor and consultant. Over the course of his career, he has been a principal and senior officer of numerous national real estate organizations. As president, Fallon will focus on the management of day-to-day operations.

The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) announced its 2007 individual award winners. The six association-wide awards included the Lewis Cenker Award, Builder of the Year, Associate of the Year, Presidential Award, Chapter President of the Year and Council Chair of the Year.

The Lewis Cenker Award is the highest honor given by the HBA. The award is named for Lewis Cenker, who was president of the National Association of Home Builders in 1974 and is the only Atlantan to have held the prestigious office. The award recognizes an individual who has made a lifelong contribution to the advancement of the home building industry in Atlanta. The 2007 recipient is Millard Bowen, owner and president of Bowen & Bowen Homebuilders, marketed as Millard Bowen Communities.

The association’s Builder of the Year award is presented to a Certified Professional Home Builder who has demonstrated commitment to professional excellence and to furthering the goals and mission of the association through volunteer efforts and charitable programs. DuVall Brumby of Homes by Brumby was named the 2007 Builder of the Year. Brumby also is a founding member of HomeAid Atlanta.

The Associate of the Year award recognizes an HBA associate member for his or her accomplishments in the areas of service to the industry and the association; professional excellence and community involvement; and furthering the mission and goals of the association. The 2007 Associate of the Year is Carol Stone, vice president of residential construction lending at Colonial Bank.

The Presidential Award, which is the only HBA award presented at the discretion of the current HBA president, is not necessarily given every year. It recognizes an individual whose commitment, dedication and leadership have made a significant impact on a specific program or project within the HBA and the industry. The 2007 Presidential Award recipient is Ray Bouley, president and CEO of Full Circle Real Estate Marketing. Bouley and his Full Circle staff have dedicated its time to design, launch and manage “Get Home Atlanta,” a multimedia campaign focused on consumer confidence.

The Chapter President of the Year award honors an HBA chapter president for outstanding leadership at the chapter level, recognizing achievement in the areas of government affairs, education, positive community relations and membership development. The 2007 Chapter President of the Year is Phil Gressly, president of Summerfield Homes. Gressly is serving his third term as president of the HBA’s Cobb Chapter.

The Council Chair of the Year award recognizes achievement in the areas of education and membership development within the local council. The 2007 Council Chair of the Year is Al Capogrossi, owner of Concept Creators.

Monte Hewett Homes has expanded its company services. The builder will now construct custom homes in locations selected by buyers and will custom finish basements in existing homes. The new custom finishing services demonstrate the company’s flexibility in meeting today’s demands.

“We’re here to help home owners finish their existing homes or start from scratch at the homesite of their dreams,” said Monte Hewett, president of Monte Hewett Homes. “Either way, our customers know they can trust their homes to a professional team backed by many years of experience in all areas of home construction.”

Construction is underway at Serenity Cove in Newton County. BMP Properties and Madison Brook Homes will offer 29 ranch and two story homes priced from the mid $300’s.

The four and five bedroom homes will offer hardwood floors, detailed vaulted and coffered ceilings, and Palladin windows. Some plans will offer spacious master-suites-on-the-main with separate sitting rooms. In addition, master baths will offer oversized tubs and showers, tile, granite and dual vanities per plan.

The Providence Group welcomes five new sales agents to the company. Tim Kiger and Gloria Thomas will be located on-site at Sterling of Dunwoody. Kiger has more than 18 years of experience, specializing in new home sales and mortgages. Thomas has 20 years of experience and is a Phoenix member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. James Wilkins is the newest sales agent at Alderwood on Abernathy. Wilkins has two years of experience and will be in charge of day-to-day operations of the community. Leslie Newberry and Larry Cude are the new sales consultants at Promenade at NorthPlace. Newberry has three years of real estate

Sharon Patterson has been elected to a two year term as National Association of Realtors (NAR) director by the Metro South Association of Realtors (MSAR). Patterson will represent MSAR at the 2008 Midyear Meetings and Trade Expo and at its annual meeting. She has more than 20 years of real estate experience and is currently the broker for Crystal Lake Realty, which handles sales for Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club in Henry County.

Bowen Family Homes has announced its incentive program for 2008. The company will recognize the top six sellers and one randomly drawn agent with a trip for two to the Florida Keys in 2009. In addition, the top two home owners with the most referrals and one randomly drawn home owner will receive trips to the Florida Keys.

All agents who close at least one home during the year will be invited to the 2008 Florida Keys tropical-style 2009 Casino Night. Home owners who refer someone who then purchases a Bowen home will be invited to the event.

The Providence Group has announced its newest incentive for home buyers. The company will pay a buyer’s principal and interest for the first six months of home ownership. The promotion is being offered at its communities in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, Dunwoody and Intown Atlanta.

Bowen Family Homes introduces the Newhaven floorplan at its Buford community, Autumnbrooke. The new plan features 2,087 square feet and offers three bedrooms and two and one-half baths. The main level features a two story foyer with hardwood floors. The owner’s suite offers a walk-in closet and a luxurious bath with dual marble vanity, garden tub and separate shower. This home plan is available starting at $199,900.

In a separate release, Bowen Family Homes also introduces the Newhaven plan at Brynfield-Woodvale in Gwinnett County. The plan offers the same details as it does at Autumnbrooke. However, this plan provides the option of turning the extra loft space into a fourth bedroom. The floorplan is priced from $219,900 at Brynfield-Woodvale.

In an additional release, Bowen Family Homes is now offering the three bedroom, two and one-half bath Laurelton plan at Brentwood Place in South Fulton County. The Laurelton design is priced from $144,900.

The first level offers an open design with 1,484 square feet. The home features three bedrooms and two baths, including an owner’s suite offering a walk-in closet and a spacious bath with large garden tub.

Steve Palmer, chief financial officer for Bowen Family Homes, has been installed as the 2008 President of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA). Palmer served as vice president for the Association in 2007. His primary goal for the year is to improve the perception of the industry’s health and convince the public that “now is the absolute best time to buy a new home.”

Matt Baker has joined Sera CityHomes at Lindbergh as a new home consultant. Baker is a graduate of the University of Georgia with dual business degrees in real estate and consumer economics.

Crown Communities is changing its name to Pillon Communities. The company plans to take advantage of opportunities for growth in the surrounding areas to become the largest builder of brick homes in the region. The builder will continue to focus on the Crown Communities brand and develop a distinct and strong brand recognition in each of its markets.

The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) has installed its 2008 Board of Directors. The senior officials for the association include President – Steve Palmer, Bowen Family Homes; Vice President – Steve King, Ivey Chase; Treasurer – Les Stumpff, Ryland Homes; Parliamentarian – David Clough, Waterford Homes; Associate Vice President – Bob Chapin, SunTrust Bank; Associate at Large – Mitch Hires, Atlanta Marble Mfg.; and Builders at Large – Steve Brock, Brock Built; Dean Cowart, Dean Cowart Homes; Phil Gressly, Summerfield Homes; and Dan O’Dwyer, O’Dwyer Homes.

The Housing Institute (THI) had its second annual Certified Professional Home Builder (CPHB) Professionalism Awards on January 22 at the Renaissance Waverly at Cobb Galleria. The three award categories presented were the 100 Percent Customer Recommendation Award, the Customer Satisfaction Award and the Excellence in Customer Service Award.

The 100 Percent Customer Recommendation Award is based on recommendations from the builder’s home buyers, indicating that the buyer would recommend the builder to a friend or family member 100 percent of the time. The winners for 2007 include Bill Grant Homes, Black & David Homes, Cherokee Builders Group, Earnest, Gary & Olsson Properties, Hadi Builders, Jeremy Rutenberg & Associates, Live Oak Builders and Stillwater Communities.

The Customer Satisfaction Award is based on an index score comprised of a builder’s ranking in nine GuildQuality satisfaction categories. These categories include professionalism, scheduling, construction quality, communication, problem resolution, employee and trade contractor, punch list, easier than expected and recommendation rating. The award is presented to the top builders in four categories: 1 to 20 permits, 21 to 50 permits, 51 to 99 permits, and 100 and over permits. The winners for 2007 include Bill Grant Homes – 1 to 20 permits; Gary Olsson Properties – 21 to 50 permits; Windsong Properties – 51 to 99 permits; and Centex Homes – 100 and over permits.

The Excellence in Customer Service Award is based on overall highest combined index score in the GuildQuality satisfaction categories for all builders in all categories. The 2007 Excellence in Customer Service award winner was Bill Grant Homes.

In a separate release, HomeAid Atlanta announced its second annual awards for Builder Captain of the Year, Trade Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. These awards are presented to companies and individuals, nominated by HomeAid Atlanta board of directors and staff, exhibiting dedication to the organization and its efforts to be a vital force in eliminating homelessness in metro Atlanta. The awards were presented during the Installation and Awards Banquet of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association held on January 22 at the Renaissance Waverly at Cobb Galleria.

The HomeAid Atlanta Builder Captain of the Year award is presented to a past builder captain of a HomeAid Atlanta transitional housing development. Westward and Associates, represented by Bill and Nathan Shean, was announced the 2007 Builder Captain of the Year. The company renovated a duplex in Roswell operated by HomeStretch, serving homeless families with young children.

The Trade Partner of the Year award is presented to a non-builder partner in one or more HomeAid Atlanta transitional housing developments. The 2007 award was given to BSB Design, which served as the architect for three playhouses in Project Playhouse 2007 and also designed the facility for Covenant House, which will accommodate 40 homeless teenagers.

Melinda Harris of Opteum Mortgage was named Volunteer of the Year for 2007. Harris has volunteered as a member of the HomeAid Atlanta Marketing and Project Playhouse Committees; has donated her time to staff the Project Playhouse Village and the Fairway to Haven Golf Classic; and has assisted in the collection efforts for the Essentials for Young Lives Drive, collecting items for homeless infants and toddlers.

Pulte Homes announces the groundbreaking of the Club at Lake Oconee, a 21,000 square foot amenity center located in Del Webb at Lake Oconee. The Craftsman-style facility is part of the $9 million, resort-style amenity package at the 55 and better community. The Club at Lake Oconee will offer a complete fitness center, clay tennis courts, bocce ball, pickle ball, a junior Olympic indoor pool, zero-entry outdoor pool, ballroom, arts and crafts room and billiards room.

The Georgia Club Foundation’s first annual Christmas Tour of Homes drew more than 850 people to the community tour of five homes and raised $25,000 for seven local charities. The charities that were honored include Extra Special People, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Peace Place, Project ADAM, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, The Statham Library and The Tree House.

Scenic Homes announces The Seasons at Pendergrass located in Jackson County. The community of three to five bedroom homes is priced from the $140’s.

Homes feature exteriors with brick or stone accents and HardiPlank siding. The spacious interiors offer separate showers in the owner’s baths, full appliance packages and secondary bedrooms with trey or vaulted ceilings per plan. Some of Scenic Homes’ most popular floorplans are offered at the community, including the Vanderbilt, Cambridge and Ansley, which also are decorated models.

In a separate release, Scenic Homes has opened model homes at Hightower Ridge and Rutledge Estates in Gwinnett County. The communities are priced from the $220’s and $230’s, respectively.

The decorated model at Hightower Ridge is the Hamilton plan, which features formal living and dining rooms, and a two story sunken family room. The home also features four bedrooms and a spacious loft. The owner’s suite offers a sitting area and a garden tub with separate shower in the bath.

The Trent II is the model at Rutledge Estates. It is a master-on-the-main plan featuring a two story foyer, formal living and dining rooms, and a bayed breakfast area. The second level offers three additional bedrooms and a loft.

Bowen Family Homes is now offering the Emerson floorplan at Kensington Creek Manor in Lawrenceville. The community of ranch and two story homes is priced from the $170’s.

The Emerson is a ranch-style plan with approximately 1,915 square feet, three bedrooms and two full baths. Home features include a formal dining room, breakfast area, a family room with fireplace, large walk-in closet in the owner’s suite, and separate garden tub and shower in master bath. Additionally, an upstairs bonus room can be added to provide space for an office, children’s playroom, game room or exercise room.

Crown Communities announces the grand opening of its newest community, Jones Crossing in Fairburn. Priced from the $160’s to low $200’s, the brick front homes offer spacious interiors with features such as granite countertops, smooth ceilings and energy efficient vinyl windows.

In a separate release, Crown Communities donated a newly built home to Habitat for Humanity. The home, located in Clayton County, is valued at more than $165,000. “We wanted to say thank you for a successful year, and give back a portion of what we have been so fortunate to have,” says Frank Downey, owner of Crown Communities.

Lewis Britt Homes announces Highgrove, a community of two story townhomes located in South Fulton County. The neighborhood is priced from the $120’s to $140’s. Morris & Raper, Realtors will be handling sales and marketing for the community.

Homes offer 1,400 to 1,800 square feet with two bedrooms and two and one-half baths to three bedrooms with two and one-half baths. Gourmet kitchens feature granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The open floorplans boast two story foyers and hardwood floors throughout the main levels. Amenities include a swimming pool, cabana and playground.

Scenic Homes announces the opening of Hamilton Pointe in Henry County. The community offers three sides brick homes priced from the $200’s.

The homes offer four to six bedrooms and feature sitting areas in the owner’s suites. Additional features include sunken family rooms with fireplaces, two car garages, a garden tub with separate shower in the owner’s bath, smooth ceilings throughout and appliance packages.

In a separate release, Scenic Homes has opened two model homes in Phase II at Wrights Crossing in Clayton County. The community offers three to five bedroom homes priced from the $180’s.

The newly opened models showcase the Hamilton and the Trent floorplans. The Hamilton offers four bedrooms and three baths with a loft overlooking a sunken two story family room. The home also boasts a bedroom with full bath on the main level, and a spacious owner’s suite on the second level. The Trent offers the owner’s suite on the main level and four secondary bedrooms upstairs.

Jana Waycaster of Prudential Georgia Realty has graduated as one of the inaugural members of the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) Leadership Academy. Each year, 20 individuals are selected based on their volunteer performance for their local Board of Realtors, civic organizations and personal integrity. Through the academy, Waycaster attended multiple courses taught by national instructors that provided her with the skills to become a stronger leader within the Realtor organization and local community. Waycaster also is a member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors.

The Providence Group, the homebuilding entity of Jolly Development, ended 2007 on a high note as the company closed its 1000th home at Woodbridge Crossing in Smyrna.

“We are incredibly pleased with the success we had throughout 2007,” said Ginny Bryant, director of marketing for The Providence Group. “The Providence Group continues to defy the trends of today’s builders; we were honored to celebrate our 25th anniversary and close our 1000th home in the same year.”

The Sera CityHomes at Lindbergh sales gallery has opened. Located in the Lindbergh area, the community will offer 72 CityHomes priced from the $300’s. The development is part of a new urban village that also will include luxury apartments and retail space. The sales gallery includes a large three-dimensional model of the Sera CityHomes and surrounding village.

The neighborhood offers split-level homes with two and three bedroom options, and traditional homes with three to four bedrooms and three and one-half baths. Interior features include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom lighting packages, five inch exotic hardwoods throughout the main living areas, and large bathrooms with soaking tubs and streamlined glass showers.

McCar Homes has opened a model home at Cobblestone Creek in Mableton. The community offers 69 single-family homes priced from the $240’s, and 82 townhomes priced from the $200’s.

The model showcases the single-family Candler floorplan and offers 2,398 square feet, five bedrooms, three baths and two dining areas. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash, and it opens into a breakfast area and large great room. Hardwood floors run throughout the main living area. Additional highlights include a two story foyer, a bedroom and full bath on the main level, and a garden tub, separate shower and granite countertops in the master bathroom.

Achasta, formerly Birch River, has released new homesites in the Bear Paw Ridge neighborhood. Created by Linger Longer Communities, the development is located in Dahlonega and features one-half to one acre homesites with panoramic views of the Appalachian foothills, bluffs and forested preserve. Sites are priced from the $125’s.

Friendship Village, a Minerva Properties development, has donated five acres of land for the construction of the Georgia Rehabilitation of Wildlife Hospital and Clinical Research Center (GROW). Located in the Chattahoochee Hill Country, the facility will provide professional medical care to sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. It also will serve as a teaching and research facility for the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

David Dudar has been named vice president of marketing for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods. Dudar joins the company after nearly five years as head of marketing & communications for Denver-based Vail Resorts Lodging Company/RockResorts, where he was honored with 38 Adrian Awards from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Dudar also was named one of the “Most Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales & Marketing” by HSMAI in January 2006.

McCar Homes welcomes Jimmy Dunnett as sales manager for the Atlanta West Division. Dunnett brings more than 10 years of experience to the role of sales manager. In this position, Dunnett will oversee sales at 13 communities and a staff of 25 agents for the division.

Peggy Slappey, 2007 president of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR), was named the first Businesswoman of the Year by the Gwinnett Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. The award is based upon business accomplishment, production, education, leadership, political/business community involvement and career achievements.

Garland Smith of Re/Max Professionals and Tom O’Rourke, NAMAR executive vice president, were honored with The President’s Award by the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR). The award is given to the person or persons who the president feels has made the most contribution to the president and the association. This year marked the first time there were two recipients of the award.

Prudential Georgia Realty’s Perimeter North office hosted its third annual auction to raise funds for the Sunshine Kids Foundation. The auction raised more than $25,500 for the organization. The Sunshine Kids Foundation provides positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients.

In s separate release, Prudential Georgia Realty’s Towne Lake office hosted its first annual Sunshine Kids 5K Power Run/Walk to raise funds for the organization. The event raised more than $10,000 for the foundation.

Monte Hewett Homes and the Columns Group are accepting presales for phase two at The Brownstones at Habersham located in Buckhead. The three and four story townhomes are priced from the mid $600’s.

The community features the St. James plan, which offers four bedrooms and four and one-half baths. Additional details include a gourmet kitchen with Wolf oven and warming drawer, a formal dining room, a large master suite, a two car rear-entry garage and a family room that opens to a covered deck. The four story St. James plans offer a rooftop terrace that can be finished with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace or landscaping.

Vintage Homes announces the opening on Vintage Square in Smyrna. The community will offer 132 townhomes priced from the low $400’s. The sales and marketing will be handled by Morris & Raper Realtors.

The three story townhomes ranges from 2,400 to 2,800 square feet and all offer a finished terrace level. Four floorplans are available, featuring three to four bedrooms with three and one-half baths. Interior details include trim packages, 10 foot ceilings on the main levels, hardwood floors throughout and gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, custom cherry or maple cabinets and GE stainless steel appliances.

Bowen Family Homes announces its newest community, The Preserve at Johns Creek. Located in North Fulton County, the community of single-family homes is priced from the $400’s.

The two story homes feature four sides brick and three car garages. Floorplans offer up to six bedrooms, two story family rooms, sunrooms, basements and dual closets in the master bedrooms.

Scenic Homes announces the opening of Hightower Ridge in Gwinnett County. The community features brick front or three sides brick homes priced from the $220’s.

Homes offer four to six bedrooms, and two and one-half to four bath plans. Details include sunken family rooms with fireplaces; appliance packages; sitting rooms off the owner’s suites; nine foot smooth ceilings on the main levels; and two inch blinds.

Richport Properties is accepting presales for Phase II at Vineyard Gate, Braselton’s first conservation community. The new phase will feature new floorplans priced from the mid $120’s to $160’s.

When complete, Vineyard Gate will have 200 homes featuring neo-traditional influences. Each two story and ranch homes will be finished with HardiPlank siding with brick accents available. Ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 square feet, the three and four bedroom homes feature large family rooms and fireplaces, some homes will offer masters-on-the-main and front porches.

Scenic Homes announces the opening of Hamilton Pointe in McDonough. The Henry County community offers four bedroom homes priced from the $200’s.

Among the floorplans available include the Trent, a master-on-the-main with three secondary bedrooms on the second level; and the Melrose, a plan offering a keeping room, sunken family room with fireplace, formal dining room and spacious sunroom. Additional home details include full appliance packages, nine foot ceilings on the main levels and two inch blinds.

Ross Mundy Custom Homes announces the grand opening of McGiboney Trace in Covington. The community of 54 ranch and two story homes is priced from $184,900 to $234,900.

Five floorplans are offered, ranging in size from 2,200 to 3,400 square feet. Designs include spacious master suites with sitting areas, children’s retreats, private studies and bedrooms on the main floors. Homes will offer standard details such as custom molding packages in the dining rooms, hardwood floors in the foyers, wood-designed mantels, custom maple cabinets and separate tubs and showers.

In a separate release, Ross Mundy Custom Homes announces the grand opening of Laurel Lake in Newton County. The community of 44 homes is priced from $215,900 to the mid $300’s.

The three to five bedroom homes feature two car garages, custom molding packages in the dining room, four inch base molding, blinds, Frigidaire appliances, five foot garden tubs and separate showers. Amenities will include a junior Olympic swimming pool, tot lot, tennis courts and access to the Desmond Muirhead designed championship Indian Creek golf course and country club.

Robert Harris Homes welcomes Tim McReynolds as its vice president of sales and marketing. In this role, McReynolds will be responsible for sales staffing, training, marketing and overall personnel management. He brings several years of experience in the real estate industry and is a life member of the Million Dollar Club.

The Mark Spain Team with Re/Max Greater Atlanta, headed by Mark Spain, was named one of America’s top real estate professional teams by The Wall Street Journal, REAL Trends and lore Magazine. Spain and his team were named members of “The Real Estate Top 200,” a prestigious national award ranking sponsored annually by the three publications. Spain was ranked sixth in the nation for the most transaction sides and he also was ranked fourteenth for sales volumes. Spain and his team were the only associates in Georgia to make the list.

Rick Carruthers has been named chief executive officer of Legacy Communities. Carruthers has nearly 30 years of experience in residential construction and previously held the positions of regional general manager and president of Atlanta home building with other metro area builders.

Beacham & Company, Realtors has acquired Conrad Lyles, Realtors, a Buckhead based real estate firm specializing in high-end new homes and lot sales. Beacham & Company, Realtors is a boutique real estate firm that specializes in luxury real estate.

Flammer Relations announces its partnership with ULI Atlanta, a district council of the Urban Land Institute. The nonprofit group, supported by its members, examines land use issues, impartially report its findings and convenes forums to find solutions to complex land use problems.

Viscaya Development Group has opened The Residences at Lullwater Park. Located in the Druid Hills/Virginia Highlands area, the development features 50 luxury town residences and manor homes priced from the $500’s to $800’s.

Home designs offer two, three or four bedrooms, and each residence features state-of-the-art pre-installed technology and gourmet kitchens with Viking appliances. Additional details include granite countertops throughout, nine and ten foot ceilings, sitting areas in the master suites and two car side-by-side garages. Some homes offer covered rooftop decks and elevators.

Triumph Development Partners has opened the sales gallery for Triumph Lofts in Reynoldstown. The development is a renovation of the historic Triumph Motorcycle building. The first phase of the complex will feature 30 two bedroom, two bath lofts priced from the $280’s. The sales gallery showcases a full-scale kitchen model and a virtual reality tour that provides a glimpse of the completed development and amenities.

John Willis Homes announces the grand opening of Brookhaven Manor, a luxury townhome community in historic Brookhaven. The stone and brick townhomes are priced from the $700’s.

The maintenance-free homes offer spacious floorplans with upgraded options including Travertine tile floors, gourmet kitchens with glass tile backsplashes, and six foot jetted tubs. In addition, homes feature outdoor living spaces with paver patios and individual gated entries.

Monte Hewett Homes and the Columns Group are accepting presales at Brownstones in Decatur. The three story townhomes are priced from the high $400’s.

Homes feature fireside family rooms that open to second level decks, gourmet kitchens with professional grade appliances and granite countertops, and a lower level flex space for a bedroom, media room or home office. Some homes offer master suites with fireplaces and sitting areas. All homes meet or exceed EarthCraft and Energy Star standards.