Keller Williams Realty Receives Nod as the Highest Ranked in Customer Satisfaction

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J.D. Power and Associates names company highest in customer satisfaction for second year in a row

AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 2, 2009) —According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in North America, received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the second year in a row. The company also ranked second-highest among home sellers in the study.

“We couldn’t be prouder. This is an achievement our associates have truly earned. It is the face-to-face interaction and the relationships they build daily that has impacted this study and elevated Keller Williams Realty to another level in customer service,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. “Knowing that this study was conducted during the toughest times the market has seen shows that spirit and dedication can make an impact.”

The study was produced by J.D. Power and Associates to measure home buyers’ and sellers’ customer satisfaction. The results of the home-buying experience were determined by three factors including the agent, office and the package of additional services.

“I am absolutely beaming with pride that our agents have been honored in such a fantastic way,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. “We are lucky to be in business with such incredible business people, who have shown incredible resolve over the past two years. If there was a time to build their business, it is now.”

About Keller Williams Realty Inc.:
Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 offices and 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).

Atlanta’s Crepe Revolution announces Komen 3Day fundraiser

SMYRNA – Atlanta’s new crêpe bar, Crepe Revolution Restaurant in Smyrna’s West Village, will have a fundraising event for the Breast Cancer 3Day to be held later this year. Crepe Revolution has partnered with a local 3Day walking team to raise funds and awareness for the Komen Foundation. The event, “Tinis-for-Tatas”, A Breast Cancer Happy Hour will be held at Crepe Revolution on Tuesday June 9th from 5:30pm to 8pm. Event tickets will be sold at the restaurant for $20 and include two drinks and a crepe appetizer buffet. Tickets can be reserved by emailing tinis4tatas@gmail.com.

The restaurant, Crepe Revolution offers an exciting interpretation of the world’s culinary flavors creatively folded into crêpes. Atlanta restaurant patrons have always been supportive of charitable causes. The Komen foundation through the 3Day Walk raises significant research dollars and awareness to stamp out breast cancer. The 3Day walk in Atlanta is scheduled for Oct. 23rd-25th, 2009. walkers complete a 60 miles walk through parts of Atlanta over three consecutive days.

It’s Your Doodie

I love this community and almost everything about it. Businesses that fit many basic needs, including the essentials like food, beer, salons, coffee, a gym to work off the food and beer, and a dry cleaner are just a few. Accessibility to the airport and several routes into the city are also bonuses. Now if I could only get normal groceries, I’d be in homeowner heaven! Would it kill our grocer to sell a few cases of diet coke?

Moving along…

When Carl asked for article writers for Everything West Village, I jumped at the opportunity not knowing what I would write about, just that I wanted to be involved. He said it could be anything related to the community. Sick as it may sound, the first topic to pop into my mind was dog poop. It’s a war that I don’t expect to win, but rather to create awareness about. In the process, perhaps I’ll be able to shame the guilty into picking up their poop. Whether it is here at the Flats or within the WV community, I’ve seen far too much lying around. The kicker is that the remains are rarely more than 100 feet away from a dog waste station. My favorite turds are the ones sitting within a few feet of a trash can. Trust me, they don’t jump high enough on their own to reach the lip of the can.

It’s not just your dog’s doodie, it’s your duty too!

Let’s start of with some Poo-pular misconceptions (and excuses)…

Poo is biodegradable – Oh it is, but over weeks! Trust me, it’s still there long after you walk back up to your flat to un-pause Judge Judy.

My dog is smarter than your dog – My dog (Kobe) knows a lot of tricks, commands, and hand signals but apparently many owners are under the impression that their dogs have the inherent ability and skills to poop, and bury their own poop. I can only assume that’s the case if you are not picking it up. If that’s so, teach them to flush and never take them outside.

The Poo Fairy – She/He doesn’t exist. It was probably me that picked it up.

The Turd Burglar – See Poo Fairy

We’re out of Poo Bags – It happens less frequently now. In fact, it may be months since the last bag drought. Solution: use one of those Publix or Kroger bags that you’ve stockpiled under the kitchen sink. Any plastic bag will do, the bags at the station are not any better at picking up poo. And yes, if you find that the station is dry, come back out to pick it up. Poo is a stalker that will still be waiting for you when you come back outside.

TIP – tie a plastic bag or two to your leash. That way you always have a bag on you and can pick it up during a walk to deposit at the next station.

It’s Raining! – One of my fav’s happens when it rains and that’s when your dog decides “it’s time”. So, instead of waiting for your dog to grow a tail while you wait impatiently under the awning …grab your umbrella and some crappy shoes and follow your dog to food’s final resting place. Really.

Your friend/sister/cousin is dog-sitting. They didn’t know – tell them. Make it dog rule #2 after feed and hydrate.

There are many other reasons for not picking up your doodie, but out of respect for time and space I’m cutting it short.

How it affects you as a homeowner could have longer lasting effects than the unpleasant smell before your morning run or walk to the car on your way to work.

Let’s explore some, shall we?

Home Value

With the attraction of Live-Work-Play communities, potential home buyers are coming and going out of the West Village well beyond the sale of the last model. Our grassy areas are not expansive at all but fit snuggly along the pedestrian walkways. Those grassy areas double as dog litter boxes. As prospective home buyers (not to mention our friends and family) walk through our complex, nothing says “What a beautiful community” more than a steamy pile of yesterday’s Science Diet. Unfortunately, one dog’s poo can reflect poorly on the entire community. Is that a deal breaker for someone looking to get into a F@WV condo? I can’t say with any certainty, but in today’s economy I’d like to fill up a buyer’s pro list while keeping the cons to a minimum.

HOA

If dog waste starts to become a serious problem and it is deemed necessary to hire someone to come in and take care of that problem, it takes a bite out of our HOA dues. I can’t speak for everyone but personally I’d rather our funds go towards making sure elevators are safe and work properly, security, and general maintenance. Adding Dog-poo-picker-upper to an already stressed HOA account could increase our monthly premium. For renters, I’m sure that the buck will be passed down to you as well.

Disease

One of the most often overlooked reasons for cleaning up seemingly non-toxic waste could be the most expensive and potentially deadly to your animals and children. Parasites live in what our dogs leave behind. Has your pooch ever curiously sniffed or stepped in a freshly laid dog log? Mine too. It wasn’t until Kobe started to hemorrhage violently that I took him into the veterinarian only to find out that he contracted whipworms. The first question out of the doc’s mouth was, “Does he do his business in an area where other dogs do the same?” That’s where my education into the realm of parasites in poop began. When all was said, done, poked, prodded and sampled I was out a cool $450+. The incident was scary for me and especially for poor Kobe.

Other parasites found in dog waste – Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms, Giardiasis, Coccidiosis. The first two can penetrate human skin. Figure it out from there. Ever walk in the yard with sandals?

Because quite frankly, I’m sick of seeing that $H!T

On a personal note – and I’m aware that I might be speaking for a greater group – nothing gets my day off to a fresh start more than walking Kobe outside only to be greeted with chocolate dog croissants. Ladies and gents, size really doesn’t really matter in this case either. Just that it’s there… and I almost stepped in it…again!

Remember, the area around the Flats at West Village is a backyard of sorts, which you happen to share with 90 other units. The same can be said on a greater scale with the main WV community. As a dog owner, I’m doing my part and know that a vast majority of you are doing the same. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, I hope you take a vested interest in keeping this community looking beautiful in an effort to attract more businesses, which attract more visitors, which can only make this community a more desirable place to be. Even without the diet coke.

Dog waste stations can be found throughout the community.

• Two at the Flats – one located in the common area between the 100 and 200 building, and one adjacent to the 200 building garage
• Two are found on the walk from the Flats to Starbucks
• Two more are strategically placed within the boulevard which runs down through the center of West Village

5 Days of May at Lime Taqueria & Tequila Bar

Friday, May 1: Acoustic rock guitar from 7-10 with Dos XX promos and margarita & beer specials

Saturday, May 2: Resident appreciation party from 5-7; live band from 7-10, food, beer & margarita specials

Sunday, May 3: Wine, beer & margarita specials

Monday, May 4: Beer & margarita specials, Cinco de Mayo themed trivia at 8 with house prizes

Tuesday, May 5: CINCO DE MAYO!!!  Live band from 6-9, food, beer & margarita specials

Alive After Five – McCray’s Tavern

Alive After Five – McCray’s Tavern at West Village

Event Date: Thursday, 04/16/2009

Event Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Event Description:

Come network with other Smyrna Business owners at the April Alive after Five happy hour.

Don’t miss out on this great event!

Location: McCray’s Tavern at West Village.

Cash Bar. Appetizers provided. Door prizes.

Don’t miss it!

West Village’s New Town Park II Has Townhomes for Move-in Now

Town Park II is a new townhome neighborhood within the popular Smyrna/Vinings community of West Village. The first building of these townhomes has just been completed and is ready for immediate move-in! There are only a select few homes left at the special introductory price of $299,900.

“There has definitely been a lot of buzz about this new product line in West Village. We have seen activity increase steadily over the last few weeks as we’ve put on the finishing touches,” said Terry Fogerty, Monte Hewett Sales Associate at West Village. “These townhomes are a truly affordable option for those who wish to own a home in West Village.”

Town Park II features 2 different floor plans, the Strickland and Mansfield. Both have around 2,200 square feet of living space, 2-car garages, 9 foot ceilings and granite counters in the kitchens.

Search all West Village Homes for Sale.

West Village Homeowners Featured in AJC Article on Energy-Efficient Homes

Walter and June Massey, Monte Hewett Homeowners in West Village in Smyrna, are huge proponents of their EarthCraft home, and are happy to tell anyone they meet about it! So when the AJC was looking for homeowners to interview about energy-efficient homes, they jumped in line! The Masseys will be featured in the Saturday, December 13th issue of the AJC Real Estate Saturday.

For a preview of the article, visit the AJC’s website.

We are so pleased to have The Masseys as part of the MHH family and greatful that they enjoy sharing the wonderful benefits of living in a Monte Hewett EarthCraft home with others.

Search all West Village Homes for Sale.

Monte Hewett Homes announces Town Park II in Smyrna’s West Village

Special pre-construction pricing starts in low $300,000s

ATLANTA – Monte Hewett Homes is set to begin construction on two-story townhomes in Town Park II at West Village. Part of the award-winning live, shop, play community just outside of I-285 near Atlanta Road, Town Park II offers buyers their first option to buy a townhome in West Village in the low $300,000s.

“With just seven homes available at pre-construction pricing and one home already sold, time is of the essence if buyers want to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Monte Hewett, President of Monte Hewett Homes. “Town Park II offers a new price point for buyers who are eager to get into the convenient West Village environment.”

Monte Hewett Homes introduces two new floor plans in Town Park II – the Strickland and the Mansfield. Each has a two-car garage; three bedrooms and the laundry room upstairs; and a formal dining room and gracious living spaces downstairs. The Strickland, priced at $314,900 for pre-construction, has 2,175 square feet of finished space. Special features include a breakfast area adjacent to the kitchen and a separate sitting room in the master suite. The slightly larger Mansfield provides 2,245 square feet with an open floorplan that flows from the kitchen with breakfast island into the dining room and fireside family room. The master suite has an oversized bath and walk-in closet. Two additional homes will showcase the Mansfield plan, starting at $329,900 during presales.

The distinctive interiors of Monte Hewett Homes’ Town Park II townhomes offer 9 foot ceilings, wood flooring in the foyer, powder and kitchen with ceramic tile in all baths and the upstairs laundry. Kitchens are finished with granite countertops, tile backsplashes, stainless appliances and raised panel maple cabinets. Monte Hewett Homes’ signature trim work includes five-inch base board on the first floor, crown molding in the primary living areas and master bedroom, and a two-piece chair rail in the dining room.

Search all West Village Homes for Sale.

West Village wins the 2007 ARC/Livable Communities Coalition ‘Development of Excellence’ Award

West Village was awarded the 2007 “Development of Excellence” Award by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Livable Communities Coalition.

ARC and LCL are joint partners in the promotion of the Developments of Excellence Awards program.

“We worked with the Atlanta Regional Commission during our planning process to make sure West Village would become the kind of community that would make metro Atlanta a better place to live,” said Woody Snell, Partner with the Pacific Group. “West Village has brought the Smyrna community together with a variety of places to shop, eat and live. We offer something for everyone in a classic neighborhood environment.”

The award is given to developments in the 10 – county metro region that exemplify the policies and practices of ARC’s Regional Development Plan. Developments are eligible for selection as a Development of Excellence if they advance the policies and best development practices of the Regional Development Plan. Past award winners include developments that show how great design can create a “positive framework for the future” today and showcase how our community is creating innovative and successful developments for the future in the Atlanta Region.

Shops, Restaurants Open in Smyrna’s West Village

Homebuyers can enjoy the best of a convenient urban lifestyle and a Cobb County location in West Village, where Monte Hewett Homes is selling townhomes and single-family homes from the high $400,000s to the $700,000s. The first of several restaurants and shops have already opened within walking distance of the luxury homes.

“People are telling us they love the option of having a walkable community with an urban feel positioned a little further from downtown Atlanta,” said Monte Hewett, President of Monte Hewett Homes. “When they get home, they’ll have everything they need within walking distance, from restaurants that will attract people from all around the area to a grocery store and specialty shops with one-of-a-kind items.”

Now open and serving the community are Blue Moon Pizza, Five Guys Burgers, McCray’s West Village Tavern and Starbucks Coffee. Meal Maker’s, Lime Taqueria and Yuraku Japanese Restaurant are scheduled to open in the coming months. Je Belle’s formal boutique, Nora’s Place with fine arts and crafts, Palo’s Shoe Gallery, Pashmere Ladies Boutique and VantagePoint Staffing Solutions have also opened. Colonial Bank, Swee-T-Pie Children’s Boutique, Polished nail and beauty lounge, and a dental office will open soon.

The shops and restaurants create a “downtown village,” which residents can reach by strolling down brick paver sidewalks. When complete, the village will include a neighborhood grocery and larger shops as well. Ample parking is available for visitors.

The community’s residential components will include the 115 townhomes and 70 single-family homes by Monte Hewett Homes as well as apartments and condos. In all, the community will boast some 1,100 residential and retail units. Two decorated model homes, the Howell single-family with private courtyard and the Piedmont townhome with extra space for entertaining, are open daily.

Search for West Village Homes for Sale.

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