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Half of new lots sold at Hamilton Grove

Centex Homes' first offerings in the Savannah market proved to be dramatically successful with the sale of 50 percent of their new lot releases on the first day of sale, April 9, at their Hamilton Grove neighborhood at Savannah Quarters. Pre-sales efforts, which were conducted only through the Centex Homes website, resulted in more than 150 inquiries about the community and led to a home site draw for the selection of lots.

"We were extremely pleased with the response to our array of high-quality, single-family homes in a variety of sizes and styles," said Becky Smith, Hilton Head/Savannah Division sales manager for Centex Homes. "We are excited to be able to provide the right home styles at the right price in the right location. Hamilton Grove at Savannah Quarters offers everything our homeowners are looking for � a peaceful and convenient location, strong schools, and an exceptional quality of life."

Centex Homes is developing Hamilton Grove at Savannah Quarters, a neighborhood on the east side of the community featuring one- and two-story single-family homes with three, four, or five bedrooms and up to more than 2,600 square feet. Prices will range from the $140,000's to the $220,000's. All home models will be open by late July.

Dallas-based Centex Homes is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, operating in more than 90 U. S. markets in 26 states. Centex Homes, which delivered 30,358 homes in the United States in its most recent fiscal year, builds quality homes backed by more than five decades of construction experience and a reputation that has been nationally lauded.

"Our strength as a national company gives us the ability to provide to Savannah homebuyers not only the home styles but also the communities they've always dreamed of," said Craig Lovette, Hilton Head/Savannah Division president for Centex Homes. "Hamilton Grove will offer 16 home styles, a community amenity center with playground, and sidewalk-lined streets to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere."

Savannah Quarters, a 2,600-acre master planned community, is being created through the expertise of Medallist Developments, a joint venture between Australia's leading investment bank, Macquarie Bank, and Greg Norman's Great White Shark Enterprises. Savannah Quarters offers a diverse array of housing opportunities, including homesites, townhomes, villas, and estate homes, all within a natural setting that promotes the beauty of the Lowcountry habitat yet still within minutes of historic downtown Savannah, the airport, and local beaches.

Local realtor achieves national recognition

Katina O. Holmes of Coldwell Banker Intercoastal has been awarded the Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, Inc. (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

"Today's real estate brokers and agents want to provide a full menu of services for their clients, whether they are buyers or sellers," explains Terrence M. McDermott, President and CEO of REBAC. "The ABR designation, the benchmark of excellence in real estate buyer representation, demonstrates to clients that the agent has taken steps to continue their education in the field of buyer representation, and has the proven experience and training to deliver ethical and professional service to real estate buyers."

Katina O. Holmes joins more than 30,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the ABR designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on a buyer representation specialty, both in addition to submitting documentation verifying professional experience.

REBAC was founded in 1988 and is currently the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer. There are more than 41,000 active members of the organization world-wide. The National Association of Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is the world's largest professional association, representing over 950,000 members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry.

You may contact the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council by telephone at (800) 648-6224, by e-mail at rebac@realtors.org, or by visiting the REBAC website at www..REBAC .net.

Fair Housing Group sponsors luncheon

The Savannah-Chatham County Fair Housing Council will hold its annual luncheon on April 29, 2005, with Georgia State Representative Al Williams serving as guest speaker. The theme for this year's luncheon is "Fostering Secure and Diverse Communities."

Graylan Quarterman, Chairman of the Planning committee, said the luncheon will be held from noon until 2 pm at the Temple of Glory Community Church in the Eden Room at Gwinnett and Stiles Streets. Doors will open at 11:30 am.

The winner of the William K. Broker Award will be announced. This annual award is presented to a local citizen to recognize exemplary efforts to further fair housing.

The 2005 Fair Housing Poster contest winner will be announced.

A special invitation for the luncheon is extended to persons involved in housing, including real estate professionals, landlords, property managers, bankers, insurance providers, and community activists. Pre-registration is preferred.

The Fair Housing Council was formed to provide equal housing opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex or gender, family status, or disability.

Individual cost is $30 per person. Contact the Fair Housing council office for more information on corporate rates and advertising availability.

Lee joins Celia Dunn Realty staff

Celia W. Dunn Realty is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Lee has joined the company as a sales associate. Lee brings more than 20 years experience in real estate management and sales. She was previously the property manager for David Byck Realty in downtown Savannah, Georgia.

A native of Ohio, Lee is active in the Savannah community, including Parent and Child, the American Diabetes Association, and Hope House of Savannah. She earned a Georgia Realtors Institute designation from the National Association of Realtors and has been a licensed real estate agent since 1996. Lee and her husband, Bill, an electrical and general contractor, live on Wilmington Island. Lee manages the Causton Bluff Owners Association.

Lee specializes in condominium listings and sales, assisting first-time buyers to obtain a home and properties in the historic district and on the islands.