http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news.asp The Group, Inc. News - Northern Colorado Real Estate News Serving Windsor, Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins The Group, Inc. All rights reserved http://www.thegroupinc.com/lib/images/rss_logo.gif http://www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=174 The Group, Inc. was recently ranked No. 95 on REAL Trends’ Top 500 Largest Brokers ranked by closed sales volume in the U.S. for 2007. With $1.24 billion in closed sales last year, The Group moved up from the 107th position in 2006. Of the Largest Independents (not affiliated with a national franchise) list of 32 real estate firms, The Group ranked No. 9, closing 4,258 transaction sides last year. The complete Real Trends report can be viewed at www.realtrends.com. REAL Trends, Inc. is a publishing and communications company considered to be a leading source of analysis and information on the residential brokerage industry. REAL Trends is based in Denver, Colorado. The Group, Inc. Real Estate is locally owned by its 225 broker associates/partners and employees. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=173 The Group, Inc., Real Estate announced that Tami Spaulding has earned the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation in recognition of her experience, knowledge and expertise in the luxury home market. Recipients of this designation have completed special training and met performance standards in the upper tier market. Ms. Spaulding can be reached at 375 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=172 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Myron Hastings, longtime Weld County builder, has joined the Greeley Office as a Broker Associate. Hastings’ company, Hastings Homes, LLC, has built over 150 custom homes throughout Weld County over the past 15 years. He is a former Eaton School Board member. Hastings can be reached at 3257 West 20th Street, Greeley, (970) 392-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=171 Rhonda Heth, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate, has completed required coursework to earn the GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute). The GRI designation is given to REALTORS who have completed 92 hours of live instruction and is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism and knowledge. Ms. Heth can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-223-0700, rheth@thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=170 Rita Greywood and Ceri Anderson have been awarded the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) Designation by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRB Designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure for success for real estate brokers and managers. Realtors earning the designation have completed a comprehensive program combining experience with management education. Approximately 7000 North American Realtors have earned the CRB designation. Ms. Greywood is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. Ms. Anderson is the Managing Broker of The Group, Inc. Centerra Office. They can both be reached at 970-613-0700, 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=169 Kathy Boeding has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Ms. Boeding is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-663-0700, or kboeding@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=167 A preview of “Idylwilde”, a unique custom residence built by Benchmark Custom Homes, will be held on May 1st from 5:30 to 8:30 to benefit local United Ways. Tickets are $25 person or two for $40. Reservations can be made by calling Weld County United Way, 970-353-4300 or Larimer County United Way, 970-407-7000. This $1.86 million dollar captures Colorado’s heritage with fresh design and is Built Green with nature in mind. It boats an eco-friendly combination of textures and a variety of woods that create an atmosphere of luxury. Natural-light sun tubes, recycled glass tiles, limestone floors, and a 350 gallon trout aquarium are just some of the features of this amazing home. The home captures views of Longs Peak and the Indian Peaks Wilderness from its location overlooking the Big Thompson River. “Idylwilde” is one of the homes that will be featured at the 2008 Parade of Dreams. Over 40,000 people are expected to attend this event, to be held May 17 - June 15, sponsored by the Northern Colorado Home Builders Association. Learn more about “Idylwilde”, and other Benchmark Custom Homes projects by contacting Dave Muth at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700 or dmuth@thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=168 The Group, Inc. Real Estate was ranked 85th in the nation in sales volume for the year 2007 in the 2008 Power Broker Report compiled by RIS Media. The magazine’s 20h annual report gave a detailed break-down of year-end production numbers for the 900 most successful real estate companies nationwide. The Group, Inc. closed 4,258 transaction sides totaling $1,242,406,534 in 2007. The Group, Inc. Real Estate is locally owned by its sales associates and managers. It has 6 offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=166 Over 50 Group Realtors have been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. These Realtors join the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Those who have earned the Eco-Broker Certified Designation are Georgena Arnett, Tracy Beal, Kathy Beck, Sheila Benshoof, Maribeth Bergan, Chad Brent, Steve Bricker, Jo Carney, Jim Chance, Leone Coryell, Sharianne Daily, Mary Doty, Chris Doyle, Lane Everitt, Todd Fields, Debi Fowler, Mark Goldrich, Rita Gordon, Chris Hau, Randy Joseph, Prue Kaley, Shelley Kerr, Andrea Kraft, Cindy Kutin, Sally Lee, Liz Lore, Devin Martinez, Meredith Mayer, Chris McElroy, Terry McNeal, Jeff Montgomery, Dave Muth, Rob Mygatt, Mary Oneal, Layne Payant, LeighAnn Peters, Dennis Pfeifer, Marsha Raymond, Christopher Reilly, Adrienne Scharli, Barbara Schneider, John Simmons, Lind Sioux Stenson, Kim Summitt, Cathy Vance, Becky Vasos, Carol Voorhis, Ralph Waldo, Bill West, and Tracy Wilson. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=165 Joey Porter has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Ms. Porter is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-229-0700, or jporter@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=162 Nancy Miller has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Ms. Miller is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-223-0700, or nmiller@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=163 Marsha Raymond has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Raymond joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Ms. Raymond is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=164 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Cassie Ewan-Rein has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Ewan-Rein is a graduate of Colorado State University and has 12 years experience in real estate marketing, property management, and sales. She can be reached at 375 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=160 Miki Roth has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Ms. Roth is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-613-0700, or mikiroth@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=161 Prue Kaley has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Ms. Kaley is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-223-0700, or pkaley@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=157 Felipe Sorzano has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Sorzano is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 970-613-0700, or fsorzano@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=158 Kurt Faulkner has earned the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2007, as measured by Leading Research Corporation. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. Following a real estate closing, clients of QSC agents receive a survey to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon agents’ validated record of service satisfaction. Faulkner is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 970-229-0700 or kfaulkner@thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=159 Vern Milton, who owned the areas’ largest property management company for more than 20 years, has found a new lease on his career with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. The founder of Vern Milton & Co. Realtors/Property Management has joined The Group as a broker associate/partner, with his office at 2803 E. Harmony Road. Milton sold his property management company in 2000 and, though he continued to own and manage his own residential and commercial properties, spent the last eight years raising three daughters and traveling around the world. Larry Kendall, chairman emeritus of The Group, said he was ecstatic to learn of Milton’s interest in working with the area’s oldest real estate company – the only one older than Vern Milton & Co. “I’ve known and respected Vern for over 30 years,” Kendall said. “I consider Vern one of the smartest real estate minds in our market. He’s just a good business person. And being in this town as long as he’s been, he has a very large sphere of influence. This is a great honor to work with him, and it’s really a dream come true to have him working for our company.” Milton founded what was originally a brokerage firm in 1978. The company had converted three major condominium projects consisting of more than 400 properties and was a highly successful brokerage office. Milton said though he never meant it to become a property-management firm, his business eventually took on that focus to meet a demand few others were meeting. Once Milton made the decision to focus on property management, the company grew in leaps and bounds: when he sold it in 2000, Vern Milton & Co. managed hundreds of individual rental properties and more than 50 homeowners associations. The company’s management portfolio consisted of more than 4,000 “doors” in Fort Collins and Windsor, making it the largest property management firm in Northern Colorado. The company excelled because of its integrity and customer service, he said. “We’re a service business; that’s what we have to offer, and you will give good service,” Milton said he told his employees. And it was the desire to sell real estate at a company with a similar focus, reputation and longevity that brought him to The Group. “There’s no better place to do real estate brokerage than here,” Milton said. “I enjoyed a very good reputation of honesty and professionalism, and I’ve seen that at The Group. I want to continue to do things the right way – that’s what people know me for, and I know that’s how The Group operates. I was always impressed with how they do business, and being here has confirmed my impression: this is the place to give customers good service.” Although some are of the opinion that this is a weak market, Milton isn’t concerned. “The real estate business cycles and while this may not be one of the peak times in that cycle, people still want or need to buy and sell real estate. Service-oriented, professional brokers with the right company backing them prosper in any market,” he said. Milton will specialize in residential brokerage, both personal homes and investments. He looks forward to reconnecting with past customers, business associates and the community http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=156 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Gary Dutelle has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner and can be reached at the Centerra Office at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, 970-613-0700. Dutelle has a Master’s Degree in Management and Supervision and was previously a commercial airline pilot. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=155 Sally Lee has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Ms. Lee joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Lee is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 375 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=150 Danny Byerly, project manager for WildWing, made the announcement that The Group has been retained to sell the land and homes at WildWing in Timnath. “Everyone involved in the development of the WildWing community is thrilled that The Group has joined our team of professionals. This is a company that is very involved with and committed to the Northern Colorado community. We are very pleased that it will be handling the sales at WildWing.” Well-known and respected as Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company, The Group has six offices in Ft. Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. “We are committed to helping sell and build a great family neighborhood at WildWing through the efforts of our talented sales professional team,” states Sharianne Daily, the president of The Group. Overlooking Timnath Reservoir and the Rocky Mountains, WildWing is located two miles east of I-25 and the Harmony Rd. exit. Its scenic location is convenient to future business centers planned for the thriving I-25 corridor, the new Medical Center of the Rockies, the new regional hospital at I-25 and Hwy. 34, as well as business and retail centers in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. WildWing is also just a few miles north of the Budweiser Events Center, home of the Colorado Eagles, as well as only minutes away from the Outlet Shops at Loveland, and the Shops at Centerra. LUXURY HOME SITES AVAILABLE AT WILDWING A variety of upscale home sites choices are offered at WildWing with presales available for semi-custom and custom homes as well as luxury lifestyle villas. A variety of local homebuilders, including Colorado Custom Homes and Lamar Valley Craftsmen, will offer their impressive designs and craftsmanship at WildWing. Ranging in size from 2/3 to 1.7+ acres, you’ll find both semi-custom and custom home sites in cul de sac locations and backing up to the abundant open space within WildWing. A large percentage of custom home sites border Timnath Reservoir with majestic views to the west. The initial home sites will range in price from $180,000 to $350,000 inclusive of water and sewer taps. Custom homes start from the $800,000’s. Planned for active adults, Colorado Custom Homes is offering four new lifestyle villas at WildWing. Each is beautifully appointed with desirable custom features as well as a flex-space opportunities. Designed with Tuscan architecture by Colorado’s Knudson-Gloss, the lifestyle villas range in size from 2300 to 2700 square feet of finished interior space. With prices starting from the $600’s, both ranch and main-floor master two-story designs are available. Choices include two and three bedroom plans with a study, plus an unfinished lower level that can be finished as an option. Ideally located within the WildWing community, the lifestyle villa sites are terraced with view corridors and back up to three natural wetlands and large ponds flowing to the Timnath Reservoir. Many homes have incredible views to the west. All homes include a three-car garage. Approximately one-half of the home sites will have a much sought-after walk-out basement. ABUNDANT RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WildWing offers abundant recreational opportunities to its homeowners. 30 percent of this luxury community’s 283 acres is reserved for open space and recreational amenities. WildWing homeowners will enjoy use of a 21.6 acre park, a 25 meter competition-size pool plus children’s pool with slides, basketball courts, and a pavilion and barbeque patio. In addition, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, baseball fields and over seven miles of coastline trails within the community and along the Timnath Reservoir will also be available for homeowners’ enjoyment. For more information on Colorado Custom Homes, Lamar Valley Craftsmen, and other WildWing presale opportunities, please call The Group’s on-site sales team, Tracy Wilson, Kathy Beck or Becky Vasos at 970-472-6000 for your special WildWing introduction. To visit WildWing at 2221 County Line Road, Timnath, CO 80524, please take the I-25 and Harmony Rd. exit, head east two miles to County Rd. 13, turn north and continue two miles to WildWing’s sales information center which is open by appointment. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=151 The Group, Inc. Real Estate announced that Chris Doyle has completed the Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation course offered by the National Association of Home Builders. This comprehensive course includes 24 hours of instruction surrounding the sale of new homes. Subjects covered are consumer psychology, the financial and legal aspects of new home sales, building materials, and the construction process. Doyle can be reached at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=153 Chris Doyle has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Doyle joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Doyle is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=152 The Group, Inc. Real Estate announced that Steve Bricker has completed the Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation course offered by the National Association of Home Builders. This comprehensive course includes 24 hours of instruction surrounding the sale of new homes. Subjects covered are consumer psychology, the financial and legal aspects of new home sales, building materials, and the construction process. Bricker can be reached at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=154 Steve Bricker has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Bricker joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Bricker is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=149 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Brenna Strait has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner and can be reached at the Centerra Office at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, 970-613-0700. Brenna has extensive experience in customer service including working as a flight attendant for two major airlines and most recently for an engineering firm. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=148 George Betz, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate, has been honored by the National Association of Realtors as a recipient of the Emeritus Award. This esteemed honor is given to Realtors who have been members of the National Association of Realtors for 40 years or longer. Betz obtained his real estate license in March of 1962 and began his career with Hansen Realty in Fort Collins. He purchased Hansen Realty in 1973 and remained there until 1987 when he joined The Group, Inc. George served as President of the Fort Collins Board of Realtors in 1972 and was selected Realtor of the Year in 1979. He can be reached at The Group, Inc.’s Mulberry Office at 401 West Mulberry Street, 970-221-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=147 Tami Spaulding, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc., was a featured panelist at the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Sell-a-bration conference held recently in Honolulu, Hawaii. Over 2000 Realtors from around the country attended the annual educational conference organized and hosted by the Council of Residential Specialists. Ms. Spaulding’s spoke about “Being of Value After the Closing.” Attendees shared information about marketing, technology, business strategies, and current economic conditions. Ms. Spaulding can be reached at 375 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=145 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Mark Moran has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Moran is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Real Estate and Finance. He can be reached at The Group’s Loveland office, 1401 West 29th Street, 970-663-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=146 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Tracey Ryk has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Ms Ryk has extensive experience with real estate transactions and marketing listings. She worked as Personal Assistant to Harleen Alexander at The Group, Inc. for the past 11 years. She can be reached at The Group’s Harmony Office located at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=143 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Matt Thompson has joined as a Broker Associate. Thompson’s experience includes managing the statewide marketing for D.F. Horton – Melody Series. Most recently he developed strategic marketing plans for homebuilders throughout the country while working for Milesbrand in Denver. He was born and raised in Loveland and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He served in the United States Navy. He can be reached at The Group’s Loveland Office located at 1401 W. 29th Street, Loveland, 970-663-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=142 Mark Goldrich has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Goldrich joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Mr. Goldrich is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=141 Terry McNeal has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Rand joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Ms. McNeal is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=139 The Group, Inc., Real Estate announced that Ron Maulsby has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Maulsby has 34 years experience as an educator including 21 as an Elementary Principal and 3 years as Assistant Superintendent in the Poudre School District. He and his wife, Sue, have been residents of Fort Collins for 31 years. He can be reached at the Mulberry Office, 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, 970-221-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=140 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Tracy Wilson has joined The Group, Inc. as a Broker Associate/Partner. Tracy and her three associates, Amy Lane, Danielle Wilson, and Larry Wilson, comprise Tracy’s Team. Collectively they have 31 years of experience in marketing and sales. Ms. Wilson began her real estate career in Loveland in 1999. She holds several Realtor designations including that of Certified New Homes Sales Professional (CSP) and the Eco-Broker designation which she received in 2007. She has extensive experience marketing new home communities and is currently representing builders in Belmont Farms, Peakview Estates, Hearthfire, Thompson Crossing, and Kendall Brook. Tracy’s Team can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 80538, or 970-663-0700. Her email address is tracy@tracysteam.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=137 Mike Kraft, 970-613-0700, mkraft@thegroupinc.com Berin Wachsmann, 970-221-0700, bwachsmann@thegroupinc.com Karla VanDenBerg, 970-392-0700, kvandenberg@thegroupinc.com It has been a long time coming and finally Northern Colorado will get its first gated, active adult community in Windsor Colorado. The plans have been in the works for years but the timing hasn't been right until now. Doug Petersen of Colorado Builders is putting the finishing touches on the first home at Veranda Villa in Belmont Ridge. The unique gated community will be tailored to the ever expanding over 55 age group. The 59 maintenance-free villas will feature 5 different ranch style models ranging in price from the mid- 300's up to the 500's for those with finished walkout basements. Every floor plan is uniquely tailored to over-55 active adults. Standard features will include wood floors, 3 foot wide doors, granite counters, and full landscaping. All of the residences also have low E energy efficient windows and no-step entrances in the garage, entry and deck. The models are very versatile with options for finished basements, Trex decking, 3 car garages, and even an elevator. This is a one-of-a-kind community that will have its own clubhouse with a pool, tennis courts, and even a bocce ball court. Until that time, Veranda Villa is offering a membership at Highland Meadows for the fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. "I believe this project is going to be a huge success, because of it's proximity to shopping, dining, medical, and entertainment. It is in the heart of the all the best that Northern Colorado has to offer. You are literally minutes away from anything you need." Petersen comments. Although there are several patio home communities in Northern Colorado, this will be the first designated as an active adult community which gets the designation because 80% of the residences must be over 55 years old. The maintenance free Villas will be available for purchase beginning in January. For more information on this new community contact The Veranda Villa Sales Team at The Group, Inc. Real Estate - Mike Kraft, 970-613-0700; Berin Wachsmann, 970-221-0700; Karla VanDenBerg, 970-392-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=138 Miki Roth has been awarded the Master of Real Estate (MRE) designation by the Colorado Association of Realtors. The MRE is earned by Realtors who have been in business for more than 10 years who wish to advance their career by expanding their knowledge. Designees must complete 96 classroom hours of approved courses including advanced law, contracts, ethics, and professional standards. The MRE designation signifies a broker is dedicated to professional development. Ms. Roth is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, (970) 613-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=134 The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Rochelle Pettigrew as December's Volunteer of the Month. Rochelle, Advertising Directors and Partner at The Group, Inc. is actively involved in the community. She serves on the steering committees for Leadership Fort Collins and Envision: Young Professionals, and is the Marketing/PR Committee Chair for the Habitat for Humanity Gala. She mentors a young woman in the Partners program and she volunteers for DECA helping kids prepare for local and state competitions. She also works with developmentally disabled children. Robhelle received a degree in Computer Information Systems in 2006 and is currently working to complete her Masters degree in Business Administration. She graduated from Leadership Fort Collins in May, 2006. Congratulations, Rochelle!! http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=135 The College of Applied Sciences at CSU featured CSU graduate, Prue Kaley, in their annual publication. Prue, a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc., received a degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 1972. Since 2001 she has donated $1,972 each year to suport a graduate student in Human Development and Family Studies. Lisa Youngblade, Department Head, said, "Inspiration is a word that comes to mind when one thinks about Prue Kaley. She is a role model in the best sense - a distinguished professional who demonstrates excellence and who makes a difference in our community. Prue is an alumna of distinction. I am very proud to know that she is a graduate of Human Development and Family Studies." Prue joined The Group, Inc. Real Estate in 1980. She is also an entrepreneur, starting up NorthernColoradoRentals.com in 2003. She supports many charities and non-profit organizations both as a volunteer and through her financial donations. She is married to Mark Goldrich, also with The Group. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=136 Mary O’Neal has been named to the “Best in Business 2007” Honor Roll by Quality Service Certified. O’Neal was recognized for providing customers with the highest level of customer satisfaction in the industry. She previously received the Platinum Service Award. Quality Service Certification Survey (QSC) recognizes exceptional service satisfaction measured and compiled by Leading Research Corporation (LRC). The QSC status is the only award in the real estate industry based on independently validated, measurable service results. Customers of QSC brokers receive a customer satisfaction survey at the end of each transaction. The surveys are administered and the results are displayed on a consumer website (QualityService.org) Ms. O’Neal is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 3257 West 20th Street, Greeley, 970-392-0700 http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=133 The Group Commercial has joined forces with one of the nation's largest commercial real estate brokerage firms, Sperry Van Ness. The 12 person brokerage team will operate as Sperry Van Ness The Group Commercial, LLC. The partnership gives customers national explosure and access to state of the art systems for marketing commercial real estate. The company will specialize in the lease and sale of office, industrial, retail, multifamily properties and land. The new entity is located at 2020 Caribou Drive, Suite 201 in Fort Collins, at the Timberline Office Park business complex. Steve Kawulok iw the broker/manager of the company. Other brokers who have joined are Cole Herk, Julius Talbert, Craig Hau, Jared Goodman, Larry Hawe, Randy Marshall, Geoff Tolmachoff, Bill Reilly, Dan Leuschen, Travis Ackerman, and Michael Eyer. Their office telephone number is 207-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=132 Jim Watson has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialist, an affiliate of The National Association of Realtors. Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 38,000 realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Watson is a Partner with The Group Inc in Fort Collins. He is a member of The Fort Collins Board of Realtors, and also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Resource Center. He can be reached at 375 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=131 Larry Kendall, Chairman Emeritus of The Group, Inc. was honored Wednesday evening at the 2007 Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards. The Northern Colorado Business Report, sponsor of the event, said, "...his accomplishments made him an easy choice as winner of the Bravo! Entrepreneur Lifetime Acheivement Award for 2007." "Kendall was selected through a rigorous screening process that included past winners, the Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards Committee and the Bravo! Entrepreneur Steering Committee. His vision in crafting a new type of real estate brokerage, initally to the ridicule, dismay and outright opposition of others in the industry, demonstrate his entrepreneurial qualities." The award, held at The Ranch, was presented to Kendall before a crowd of nearly 600 business men and women from throughout Nrthern Colorado. Kendall was also a nominee for the Regional Spirit award. Group Partner, Prue Kaley, was a nominee for the Emerging Entrepreneur Award for the creation of NorthernColoradoRentals.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=129 Tami Spaulding, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc., has been recognized by the Colorado Association of Realtors as a member of the Political Survival Fund Liberty Club. Members of the Liberty Club have contributed over $1,000 to the fund in 2007. The recognition took place during the Association’s state convention held in October at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Ms. Spaulding can be reached at 375 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700 or tspaulding@thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=130 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Joshua Takahashi has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. He can be reached at 375 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, (970) 223-0700, jtakahashi@thegroupinc.com. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with six locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=128 Sunset Magazine's November issue devotes a page in their travel section to Fort Collins, saying "The 'best place to live' is also a great place to visit over the holidays. A list of local downtown restaurants, pubs, and shops along with several holiday events give potential visitors a taste of The Choice City. "In terms of bragging rights, Fort Collins has plenty to crow about. In 2006 Money Magzine named the collegiate community just one hour north of Denver as the country's best place to live. Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A. was modeled after Fort Collins's historic Old Town, which is packed with shops, restaurants, and watering holes perfect for chasing off early-winter's chill. Order a pizza, sip a locally brewed beer, catch an innovative play, and check out the town's pre-holiday celebrations, which continue into December." The November issue also has information about antique shops in the area and great Mexican food. Look, too, for an article about the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes. Visit Sunset Magazine's website at http://www.sunset.com/sunset http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=125 History has proven time and time again that real estate “experts” repeatedly providing the media with bad news regarding real estate for half a century are usually wrong. Check out what some of them have predicted: • “Most economists agree … a home will become little more than a roof and a tax deduction, certainly not the lucrative investment it was through much of the 1980s.” – Money Magazine, 1986 • “Financial planners agree that houses will continue to be a poor investment.” – Kiplinger’s Personal Financial, 1993 • “A home is where the bad investment is.” – San Francisco Examiner, 1996 • “The prices of houses seem to have reached a plateau, and there is reasonable expectancy that prices will decline.” – Time Magazine, 1947 None of these “gloom and doom” predictions came true; in fact, if investors had purchased real estate at the time of these quotes, they would have profited handsomely – as will investors who take advantage of current market conditions. • Peter Lynch, perhaps the greatest stock guru in the history of Wall Street and the author of bestseller “Beating the Street,” was once asked what the greatest investment is. His reply: “A single family house.” The same holds true in ’07 despite negative reports. Potential home buyers shouldn’t apply the national trend to the local market; much of the media hysteria and data is coming from Florida, Las Vegas, Phoenix and California. Our region is showing signs of improvement – declining inventory, stable prices, rising rents and job growth. Fundamentally, our demographics and projected population growth, combined with our quality of life, bodes well for real estate in Northern Colorado. (This article appeared in The Group's October issue of The Real Estate Insider) http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=126 The Mark Goldrich Sustainable Building Graduate Scholarship in the Department of Construction Management at Colorado State University is the first scholarship in the department's history to support sustainable buiding. This scholarship will be awarded to graduate students enrolled in CM's sustainable building emphasis. "I wanted to make more of an impact with this scholarship," says Goldrich. "I am impressed by the leadership the department has taken on green initiatives. Not only will this be supporting a student, but this is an opportunity to make a global impact." Mark Goldrich, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. earned his degree in construction management in 1969 from Arizona State University. He and his wife, Prue Kaley,also a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. have been loyal CSU supporters for over two decades. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=127 Vista Largo Reserve, the first community in Northern Colorado where all homes will be constructed using standards of the new Built Green® High Performance Homes program, opens November 9th in Larimer County. Vista Largo Reserve is located adjacent to the southeast Fort Collins city limits on Golden Prairie Court, off Carpenter Road between Timberline Road and Lemay Avenue. Lee Barker, president of LR Barker Builders, Inc., the exclusive builder of the 10-homesite community, announced the opening. While other homes are built using the Built Green® checklist, Vista Largo Reserve will be the first community in Northern Colorado in which every home is tested and third-party certified as Built Green® High Performance, a new program of Built Green®. Built Green® High Performance Homes must meet the highest certification for energy efficiency, air quality, and use of sustainable materials. “Built Green® High Performance homes are a big step in the right direction. On top of being resource-efficient, these homes are more comfortable, durable, and healthy. And, since Built Green® requires third-party certification for these homes, the consumer is getting the performance they are promised,” says Steve Byers, principal of EnergyLogic, an energy rating firm in Northern Colorado, and an expert in green building science. “Vista Largo Reserve offers home buyers the best of both worlds: luxury custom homes and a higher level of environmental performance. Every home will use sustainable materials and technologies to conserve resources both in the building process and throughout the life of the home,” according to Lee Barker. “The Built Green® High Performance program doesn’t tell you how to build your house; the program specifies standards that you have to meet in numerous areas of performance. Then, the Vista Largo Reserve homes are tested and certified that they meet those standards.” Vista Largo Reserve is developed jointly by Bluebonnet Investments, LLC and LR Barker Builders, Inc. of Fort Collins. It is marketed by Mark Goldrich and Terry McNeal of the Group Inc. Real Estate; they can be reached at (970) 229-0700. -30- http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=122 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Ashley Walker has joined as a Broker Associate and can be reached at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, 970-613-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with six locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=123 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Berin Wachsmann has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner and can be reached at 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, 970-221-0700. Wachsmann has been involved with the Building and Real Estate Industry since 1994. Along with a Colorado Real Estate License and the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Designation, Berin has also held a Contractor’s License and all four Insurance Licenses. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with six locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=124 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that longtime Greeley Realtor, Sam Lopez, has joined the Greeley Office as a Broker Associate. He can be reached at 3257 West 20th Street, Greeley, (970) 392-0700. The Group, Inc. has six offices in Greeley, Fort Collins, and Loveland. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=120 The Loveland-Berthoud Association of Realtors named John Simmons, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc., 2007 Rookie of the Year. This recognition is awarded to a Realtor who has completed his or her first complete year in the real estate business and has demonstrated professionalism, a commitment to education, and a high level of service to the Association of Realtors and the community. Simmons can be reached at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, 970-613-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=121 Cindy Kurtz, Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate, was installed on Thursday, September 20, as President of the Loveland-Berthoud Association of Realtors. Kurtz has been an active member of the Association for many years, serving in many capacities during her tenure on the Board. She succeeds Debbie Hansen of The Group, Inc. who served as President in 2006-2007. Other Group Partners serving on the 2007-2008 Board of Directors include Jim Muller, Secretary, Miki Roth, Director, and Robert Walkowicz, CAR Director. Ms Kurtz can be reached at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, 970-613-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=119 The Group Guaranteed Title, LLP celebrated its first anniversary in September. A joint venture of The Group, Inc .Real Estate and B.T. Escrow, The Group Guaranteed Title was created with the goal to provide remarkable title and escrow services for real estate transactions. Employees include some of the most experienced title officers and escrow officers in Northern Colorado. Each Group real estate office has on-site staff with the authority and tools to make the closing process smooth and efficient from beginning to end. The Group Guaranteed Title stands behind its service with the following guarantees: • Title premium and closing fees will match the charges quoted on the current rate sheet. • Title commitment will be delivered to the listing agent and selling agent within 3 business days of receipt of order with contract. • A preliminary HUD-l settlement statement will be delivered to the listing agent and selling agent within 3 hours of receiving complete lender figures. • A pre-closing real estate documents package will be provided to the listing agent and selling agent 3 business days prior to closing. • Final title policy will be postmarked to buyer within 3 weeks of verification of recordation. The Group Guaranteed Title and The Group Guaranteed Mortgage have been added to the services provided by The Group, Inc. Real Estate in an effort to create the ‘perfect transaction’ for our customers. For more information, contact a Group Realtor. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=118 Mortgage lenders are finding business trickier these days since foreclosures began to rise and investors slowed their purchase of nonprime, mortgage-backed securities. Lenders are changing parameters weekly - if not daily. However, mortgage loans at attractive rates are still available for qualified home buyers. The days of getting a 100% loan even if you have bad credit and can't document income are over - as they should be; those wanting to buy a home with no down payment should be prepared with documentation. The result of these changes is a cleansing of unqualified borrowers and lenders from the industry. In the meantime, rumors about what is required to get a mortgage loan are running rampant. Below are some of those rumors and the actual facts. For the most updated information about mortgage lending or to learn about loans you would qualify for, call a Group Realtor or The Group Guaranteed Mortgage at any of The Group, Inc.'s seven offices. MORTGAGE LOAN RUMORS VERSUS REALITY Rumor: 100% financing is no longer an option Reality: As of mid-August, 100% financing was still available Rumor: 20% down payment is necessary to get a mortgage loan Reality: Borrowers can get a good interest rate with a down payment as small as 5% Rumor: A credit score of 720 or higher is required to acquire a mortgage loan Reality: Many conventional programs will give loans to borrowers with a 620 or higher credit score and government loans have no minimum credit score requirement Rumor: Low- or no-documentation loan programs are no longer available Reality: Low- or no-documentation loan programs are still available with as little as 5% down http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=116 The 2007 Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado, begins Saturday, September 8. The thirty-one Northern Colorado homes will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23. Homes in Eaton, Greeley, Milliken, Ault, Frederick, Windsor, Loveland and Fort Collins showcase home ideas that are new, innovative, energy efficient, sustainable, and much more. In addition to the design and construction of the homes, many are decorated and landscaped by professionals in the industry. Builders represented by The Group, Inc. include Stoner Homes, Hartford Homes, Westmark Homes, Province, Jamestown Builders, Payant Homes, LLC, Hammerskil Homes, Inc., and Lasaris. These builders have built 13 of the homes featured on the tour. Stop by any of our offices to pick up a Parade of Homes Booklet with complete details about the home tour. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=117 Kevin Westhuis, Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate, was installed on Thursday, September 6, as President of the Fort Collins Board of Realtors. Westhuis, who has served on the Board in various positions in the past, will focus on private property rights during his tenure. He can be reached at 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, 970-221-0700. Master of Ceremonies for the installation event was Bill West, also a Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=115 Jeanette Meyer, CRS, GRI, MBA has earned the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation from The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing. Meyer previously completed special training to earn the designation of Founding Member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. In addition to training, designees have met performance standards in the upper tier residential sales market of homes valued at $500,000+ in Northern Colorado. Meyer has been with The Group, Inc. since 2001. She can be reached at (970)221-0700 or jmeyer@thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=114 Active Website, www.activewebsite.com, along with The Group, Inc., www.thegroupinc.com,were chosen as the subject of a Case Study produced and published by Microsoft. The Group’s website, designed and developed by Active Website, features map-based property searches powered by the Microsoft Windows Live™ Platform, a suite of resources, tools, and services that enable developers and enthusiasts to quickly create compelling web applications. “We were honored to receive this recognition for our use of Microsoft’s Windows Live Platform,” said Ori Staub, Director of Technology at Active Website. “We researched many solutions to provide our clients with a map-based search function that would attract new visitors, as well as convert them to customers, and Microsoft’s offering was the clear choice.” To use the map-based search, click on the map on the home pge of www.thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=113 A recent article on CNN Money.com reported that affordability improved in many metro areas across the nation during the first three months of this year. According to a report from Wells Fargo Bank and the National Association of Home Builders, about 44 percent of all homes sold in the United States during the first three months of the year were affordable to families earning the median household income for the area they lived in. Greeley appeared on the list with 63.2% of its homes affordable for a median income of $59,800. Fort Collins/Loveland appeared on the list with 61.5% of its homes affordable for a median income of $68,200. Other Colorado cities appearing were Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Boulder. Click on the link to see the entire list. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=110 The Group, Inc. Real Estate announced that Janet Bailey has completed the Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation course offered by the National Association of Home Builders. This comprehensive course includes 24 hours of instruction surrounding the sale of new homes. Subjects covered are consumer psychology, the financial and legal aspects of new home sales, building materials, and the construction process. Ms. Bailey can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-461-7119 or 970-663-0700. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=111 The Group, Inc. Real Estate announced that Mary Doty has completed the Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation course offered by the National Association of Home Builders. This comprehensive course includes 24 hours of instruction surrounding the sale of new homes. Subjects covered are consumer psychology, the financial and legal aspects of new home sales, building materials, and the construction process. Ms. Doty can be reached at 3257 West 20th Street, Greeley, 970-304-2144 or 970-392-0700. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=112 The Group, Inc. Commercial Real Estate is pleased to announce Jared Goodman and Dan Leuschen have been elected to exclusively represent The Great Western Development Company in its sale of industrial land within the Great Western Industrial Park located in Windsor, Colorado. The Great Western Industrial Park is part of a coordinated, master-planned development that is becoming an epicenter of twenty-first century manufacturing and distribution. The Great Western Development Company offers exclusive invitation to growth-directed companies to stake a claim inside one of the nation's fastest growing, most vibrant corridors of commerce. BROE Companies, headquartered in Denver, Colorado with over 30 years of international investment, acquisition and operation experience provides management services to a group of affiliated companies, including The Great Western Development Company. 'We are excited to have the opportunity to represent BROE, whose passionate involvement in Northern Colorado has historically contributed to the economic growth and sustainability of our region,' says Jared Goodman, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Commercial. He goes on to say, 'This business park is a unique opportunity for industrial corporations such as Vestas Blades and Owens-Illinois to align themselves with the benefits of a Foreign Trade Zone, a Class 1 Rail Service with distribution capabilities throughout the United States and internationally, as well as the quality of life in Northern Colorado.' Jared Goodman can be reached at (970) 377-4964 or (970) 229-0700. Dan Leuschen can be reached at (970) 226-0700 or (970) 226-0700. The Group, Inc. has seven offices throughout Northern Colorado. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=109 Janet Bailey, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate, has completed required coursework to earn the GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute). The GRI designation is given to REALTORS who have completed 92 hours of live instruction and is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism and knowledge. Ms. Bailey can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-223-0700. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=106 Fast Company Magazine has selected 30 urban centers ‘that are shaping our future’. Fort Collins was included in the list of ‘R & D Hot Spots’. This is what the magazine had to say about our town: “Colorado State University spins out world-class work in realms from bacterial diseases to sustainable energy, feeding a patent stream that’s growing by 21% a year. And Fort Collins’s six breweries spin out --- brew.” Sharing honors in the same category are Seoul, South Korea, population 9.6 million, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina with 1.6 million residents. To find out about other categories and the cities named, visit www.fastcompany.com/cities/2007. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=107 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Kevin Bolin has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Bolin has over 8 years of real estate experience in Northern Colorado focusing on property management and investment real estate sales. He can be reached at 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, (970) 221-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=108 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Cameron Harris has joined as a Broker Associate and can be reached at the Windsor Office at 7785 Highland Meadows Parkway, Windsor, 970-226-0700. Harris has several years experience in the construction business. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=105 Brenda Johnson has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Only 37,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Ms. Johnson is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-663-0700. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=104 The Group, Inc. Real Estate has been recognized among the Top 10 Companies in North America at the 2007 inaugural presentation of The Quie - Quality Excellence Award. The QE award recipients earned the highest levels of service excellence and customer satisfaction from among more than 500 participating companies and their 30,000 real estate agents,” stated Larry Romito, President of Quality Service Certification, Inc. (QSC). QSC provides specialized training on superior service delivery and requires Quality Service Certified® agents to offer consumers a guarantee of service. Leading Research Corporation independently surveys every consumer of a QSC agent following the closing of each real estate transaction. Surveys provide feedback on both the overall assessment of satisfaction and the details. Consumers can review agents’ independently validated overall Customer Satisfaction Rating by visiting www.QualityService.org. Top 10 Companies Helen Adams Realty,Charlotte, NC Real Estate Professionals GMAC, Redding, CA Vanguard Realty GMAC,Jacksonville, FL Prudential Northwest Properties, Portland, OR Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston, Raleigh, NC Prudential Preferred Properties, Chicago, IL RE/MAX All Cities Realty, Manhattan Beach, CA Rubloff Residential Properties, Chicago, IL RE/MAX Creative Realty, Lexington, KY The Group, Inc., Fort Collins, CO http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=102 Dave Muth, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc., announced the ground breaking of “Idylwilde”, a unique custom residence influenced by its natural setting and the heritage of Colorado. Built by Benchmark Custom Homes, the home captures views of Longs Peak and the Indian Peaks Wilderness from its location overlooking the Big Thompson River. Benchmark Custom Homes has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency in the Energy Star Program and with Built Green Colorado. Every home built by Benchmark is third party inspected to verify that the home has been built to exceed the standards of both of these quality programs. The results are much lower monthly operating costs, less maintenance, higher quality materials, improved indoor air quality, and less wasted energy and money. Great care is taken during the design and construction processes to preserve natural resources through sustainable building practices and other techniques to create a ‘healthy home’. “Idylwilde” is one of the homes that will be featured at the 2008 Parade of Dreams planned for Spring, 2008. Over 40,000 people are expected to attend this event sponsored by the Northern Colorado Home Builders Association. Learn more about “Idylwilde”, and other Benchmark Custom Homes projects by contacting Dave Muth at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700 or dmuth@thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=101 The Group, Inc., Real Estate has awarded a full-tuition scholarship to a high school senior who will be entering the Colorado State University College of Business as a freshman. Recipient of the scholarship is Byron Ellsworth of Fossil Ridge High School. The Group, Inc. Scholarship is designated for incoming CSU Business School students from Northern Colorado high schools. Students applied for the scholarships through the counseling office at their school or through the CSU Business College. Selection was based on GPA, types of classes the students have taken during their high school career, community service and extracurricular activities. The Group, Inc. Scholarship has been awarded to 15 students since 2000. The Group, Inc. is owned locally by its sales associates and staff, and has seven offices in Northern Colorado. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=99 Moby Arena came alive on April 18, when over 1,500 area kids participated in Ram Jam, sponsored by The Group, Inc. and CSU Athletic Department. Ram Jam gave kids up to 8th grade the opportunity to meet CSU student athletes from every sport. Each sport hosted a booth for the kids to play games with the students and get their autographs. Drawings were held throughout the evening for prizes and tickets to athletic events. Cam the Ram, the mascot, was there to greet the kids and the real Cam was also present for pictures and to have his nose scratched. Ram Jam is a free event held each Spring. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=98 Cathy Vance has earned the CSP (Certified New Home Sales Professional) Designation given by the National Association of Home Builders. She has completed 24 hours of instruction surrounding the sale of new homes. Subjects covered were the financial and legal aspects of new home sales, building materials, and the construction process. Ms. Vance can be reached at 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, 970-663-0700. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=100 The Group, Inc.'s new website designed by real estate technology firm, Active Website, had over 62,000 unique visitors in April. The number of visitors to the web site have increased nearly 75% during the same period last year. “The new design, launched in January, reflects current trends, not only in real estate, but in industry-leading websites across the board,” said Active Website Manager, John Sable. “It is cleaner, simpler, and cuts to the chase without unnecessary graphics or text. This is what today’s consumers are looking for – quick loading pages with links to interactive sections of the site. We redesigned www.thegroupinc.com from the bottom up, and focus groups agree that this is a great tool for homebuyers and sellers.” The new site has a feature that is currently unique among most Colorado real estate company sites – the implementation of its Virtual Earth interactive map-based search, powered by Microsoft. Virtual Earth map-based searches enable a homebuyer to locate a particular area and the available listings that match their requirements. They can then zoom in to see their location relative to shopping, schools, parks, recreation facilities, hospitals, etc. Other popular features of the site remain, including My HomeSearch!, a tool that enables a visitor to receive notification when properties that fit their criteria come on the market, and What’s My Home Worth?, a home valuation tool. Multiple photos of homes and virtual tours are available for most properties. New listings and the weekend’s open houses can also be viewed on the site. All properties listed for sale on the multi-list system can be viewed at www.thegroupinc.com. Video presentations including real estate related topics and community videos can also be viewed on the site. For additional information about Active Website, contact Stacie Staub at 720-299-6635 or visit www.activewebsite.com. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=96 Shelley Kerr has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Only 35,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Ms. Kerr is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-223-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=95 Todd Fields has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential. Less than 4% of Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Fields is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700 www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=94 Ram Jam, sponsored by The Group, Inc. and CSU Athletic Department will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at Moby Arena. The doors open at 6:00 pm and the festivities will run from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Admission is free and the first 1000 kids will receive t-shirts. Ram Jam, held each year, gives kids up to 8th grade the opportunity to meet CSU student athletes from every sport. Each sport hosts a booth for the kids to play games with the students and get their autographs. Drawings are held throughout the evening for prizes and tickets to athletic events. There is also free popcorn and pop for everyone. Cam the Ram will be there to greet the kids and the real Cam will also be present for pictures and to have his nose scratched. Questions? Call Amy Hoback at 377-4958. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=93 The Group, Inc. Real Estate of Northern Colorado has a new website designed by the leading real estate technology firm, Active Website. “The new design reflects current trends, not only in real estate, but in industry-leading websites across the board,” said Active Website Manager, John Sable. “It is cleaner, simpler, and cuts to the chase without unnecessary graphics or text. This is what today’s consumers are looking for – quick loading pages with links to interactive sections of the site. We redesigned www.thegroupinc.com from the bottom up, and focus groups agree that this is a great tool for homebuyers and sellers.” The new site has a feature that is currently unique among most Colorado real estate company sites – the implementation of its Virtual Earth interactive map-based search, powered by Microsoft. Virtual Earth map-based searches enable a homebuyer to locate a particular area and the available listings that match their requirements. They can then zoom in to see their location relative to shopping, schools, parks, recreation facilities, hospitals, etc. Other popular features of the site remain, including My HomeSearch!, a tool that enables a visitor to receive notification when properties that fit their criteria come on the market, and What’s My Home Worth?, a home valuation tool. Multiple photos of homes and virtual tours are available for most properties. New listings and the weekend’s open houses can also be viewed on the site. All properties listed for sale on the multi-list system can be viewed at www.thegroupinc.com. Video presentations including real estate related topics and community videos can also be viewed on the site. For additional information about Active Website, contact Stacie Staub at 720-299-6635 or visit www.activewebsite.com. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=92 Scott Ellis and Jason Peifer, Loan Officers with The Group Guaranteed Mortgage, have earned the Certified Mortgage Lender designation. The CML is earned through years of experience in the real estate finance industry, participation in mortgage lending trade associations, and education. The designation demonstrates a high level of competence, expertise, and dedication to mortgage lending as a career. Only 289 Colorado lenders currently hold the designation of Certified Mortgage Lender. Ellis can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-461-7160. Peifer is at 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, 970-419-2374. The Group Guaranteed Mortgage is a Joint Venture between Countrywide and The Group, Inc. Real Estate. Loan officers are available in each of The Group’s 7 offices throughout Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=91 Jim Hauan has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential. Only 35,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Hauan is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, 970-221-0700 http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=89 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Travis Ackerman has joined as a Commercial Broker Associate. Travis is a senior at Colorado State University and will graduate in May with a Bachelors Degree in Business with a focus on Real Estate and Finance. He has worked as an intern with commercial brokers at The Group, Inc. for the past year. He can be reached at the Harmony Office located at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=90 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Kay Taylor has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner and can be reached at the Windsor Office at 7785 Highland Meadows Parkway, Windsor, 970-226-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=88 Jim Dunlap, retired Group Partner, was honored by the National MS Society as the 2006 MS Champion. Dunlap was presented the award before a crowd of 600 who attended the annual fundraising event on March 8 at the Hilton Fort Collins. Jim was recognized for his support of the National MS Society and for creating optimism and providing encouragement for those living with multiple sclerosis. Jim joined The Group in 1986. In 2006 symptoms of the disease forced him to leave his real estate career to concentrate on his health. Jim continues to pursue his passion for bicycle racing. A video was created in honor of Dunlap for the Dinner of Champions event and can be viewed on The Group's website in the Video Center. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=85 Michelle Hubbard recently completed training from the National Association of Realtors, “Buyer Sales Strategy For Residential Real Estate.” The segments of the course included counseling techniques, understanding human behavior and professional knowledge of the required steps in the real estate sales sequence. The many and varied needs of the buyer is dealt with in this advanced course. The course is a requirement for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Ms. Hubbard is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-223-0700 or 970-690-6706. The Group, Inc. has seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=81 Stu Hoime, Venture Manager, The Group Guaranteed Mortgage has earned the Certified Mortgage Lender designation. The CML is earned through years of experience in the real estate finance industry, participation in mortgage lending trade associations, and education. The designation demonstrated a high level of competence, expertise, and dedication to mortgage lending as a career. Only 150 Colorado lenders currently hold the designation of Certified Mortgage Lender. Stu has been in the mortgage lending business since 1994. Most of his career has been with Countrywide where he opened several branches and served as a Regional Builder Manager. Stu joined The Group Guaranteed Mortgage in 2006, a Joint Venture between Countrywide and The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He oversees seven offices for The Group Guaranteed Mortgage throughout Northern Colorado. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=82 Local builders and Realtors were recently honored at the Northern Colorado Home Builders Association’s Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence (MAME) Awards event. Awards are presented in several categories including housing design, construction, merchandising and advertising. MAME awards recognize significant contributions to the residential merchandising of new homes and related industries performed by local builders, developers and their associates. MAME awards are the highest honor in the local industry and consistently stimulate more creative efforts in design, architecture and communication for the consumer's. The Group, Inc. is proud to work with the following builders who received honors: Best Community – Observatory Village – Village Homes Community Service Award – Stoner Homes Group Realtors also received MAME awards: Sales Person of the Year – Judy Bogaard Top Producer – Judy Bogaard Sales Volume Award – Steve Bricker Million Dollar Circle Awards Tim De’Leon Kim LaPlante Don Svitak Judy Bogaard Steve Bricker Cindy Kutin Karla Vandenberg Jim Hauan Kathy Beck David Robinson Rita Gordon Linda Hopkins Jim Chance Joey Porter Cathy Vance Mark Goldrich Layne Payant Keith Huntsman Barbara Schneider Terry McNeal http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=84 Vicki Caldwell recently completed the course, “Buyer Sales Strategy for Residential Real Estate conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of Realtors. The many and varied needs of the buyer are dealt with in this advanced course as well as the teaching of important negotiation skills. Segments of the course included counseling techniques, understanding human behavior and professional knowledge of the required steps in the real estate sales sequence. The course is designed to ensure the professionalism of the residential sales associate. Ms. Caldwell is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-663-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=80 Shelley Kerr, Partner/Broker Associate with The Group, Inc. has recently completed the course "International Real Estate for Local Markets" with the National Association of REALTORS® toward her designation of Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). The CIPS designation prepares REALTORS® to service the growing international market in their local community by focusing on culture, exchange rates, investment trends and legal issues. Kerr is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at (970) 223-0700. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=77 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Rhonda Heth has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Rhonda has worked at The Group, Inc. for 5 years as escrow officer. She can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-663-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=78 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, is offering a full tuition scholarship to be applied to tuition and general fees at the Colorado State University College of Business for the 2007-2008 academic year. To be eligible, applicants must have graduated from a Larimer County High School or Windsor High School, have been accepted in the CSU College of Business as an entering freshman, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have completed the application. Applications are available from area high school counseling offices or at www.biz.colostate.edu/scholarships and the deadline to submit an application is March 1, 2007. The Group, Inc. is a locally owned, independent real estate company with seven offices in Northern Colorado. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=79 Jonathan Irvin recently completed training from the National Association of Realtors, “Buyer Sales Strategy For Residential Real Estate.” The segments of the course included counseling techniques, understanding human behavior and professional knowledge of the required steps in the real estate sales sequence. The many and varied needs of the buyer is dealt with in this advanced course. The course is a requirement for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Mr. Irvin is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 970-223-0700 or 970-690-1400. The Group, Inc. has seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=76 Larry Kendall, Chairman Emeritus of The Group, Inc. was awarded the Charles A. Lory Public Service Award at the Colorado State University Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony and dinner held on February 10. This annual event recognizes alumni and friends who have distinguished themselves professionally, brought honor to the University, and made significant contributions of time or philanthropy to the University or their community. In addition to serving as past chairman of Colorado State University’s Development Council, Mr. Kendall provided expertise during the expansion of CSU’s research complex that now houses federal, state, and university research facilities. He serves on President Penley’s strategic planning teams and is a member of the College of Business Global Leadership Council. Larry can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=73 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Mike Eyre has joined as a Commercial Broker Associate/Partner. Mike worked as an equity trader on the West Coast and, after relocating to Fort Collins, operated a business in Old Town for several years. He can be reached at the Harmony Office located at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=74 Lisa Whittle has joined The Group as a Broker Associate/Partner and can be reached at 375 East Horsetooth Road, 970-223-0700. Lisa worked in pharmaceutical sales prior to beginning her career in real estate. The Group is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=75 Quality Service Certification Survey (QSC) has recognized Chris Doyle, Broker Associate/Partner from The Group, Inc. Real Estate as QSC Agent of the Month. Chris has earned 100% customer satisfaction with a near perfect Customer Satisfaction Rating measured and compiled by Leading Research Corporation (LRC). The QSC status is the only award in the real estate industry based on independently validated, measurable service results. Customers of QSC brokers receive a customer satisfaction survey at the end of each transaction. The surveys are administered and the results are compiled by LRC. Doyle’s extraordinary record of service and customer satisfaction distinguishes him from all real estate professionals as well as among the 30,000 QSC real estate professionals who subscribe to the QSC system. He can be reached at 970-226-0700. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=71 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Mike and Carol Schultz have joined as a Broker Associates/Partners and can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-663-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=72 The Group, Inc., Real Estate announced that Cheryl Munger has joined the Greeley Office as a Broker Associate. She can be reached at 3257 West 20th Street, Greeley, (970) 392-0700. The Group, Inc. has seven offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=70 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Christi Sande has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. She can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland. Prior to joining The Group, Inc., Christi worked in new construction for four years. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=68 Where's the best place to buy real estae right now? Researchers at Moody's Economy.com crunched the numbers and predicted the 10 best and the 10 worst housing markets in the nation between now and 2011. Business 2.0 reported the Fort Collins-Loveland market ranked 9th best in the country. Median home prices are predicted to jump 28% (from $196,000 to $251,000) while per capita income increases 32% (from $36,600 to $48,400). They note that this place continuously makes "bests" lists - best place to live, best place to retire, best place to raise a family, best "dream" town, even the best place to "reinvent our life." The front page article in the November issue of Business 2.0 was devoted to real estate investing. They point out that savvy investors can find great opportunities in foreclosure markets. Greeley is rated as the top market for "where the action is" with 0.59% of households in foreclosure. Denver is ranked 6th with a rating of 0.33%. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=69 Site preparation has begun on Loveland's second Wal-Mark Supercenter, which will cover 204,000 square feet on the southwest corner of U.S. 287 and West 65th Street. The plan is to begin construction by the end of November, with completion in mid-summer '07. Bayer Properties Inc. plans to break ground on the long-awaited Front Range Village in February. The 800,000 square foot project on East Harmony Road in Fort Collins should open with Super Target and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse as anchors in spring '08. Staples is preparing for its Northern Colorado debut at 1665 Rocky Mountain Avenue in Loveland's Centerra Market place. Completion of the 20,400 square foot store is slated for March '07. The Hilton Garden Inn is now under construction on East Harmony Road in Fort Collins. The 4-story, 75,000 square foot hotel will have 120 rooms. Completion is set for August '07. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=67 Chris McElroy, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate in Fort Collins, was installed as Vice-President of Region 11 (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) at their annual convention held in New Orleans. During his term, McElroy will serve as spokesperson for NAR in his region, and will represent Region 11 on NAR’s Executive Committee. Chair positions that McElroy has held with NAR include the Federal Taxation Committee, Housing Opportunities Advisory Board (Affordable Housing), and Research Committee. Chris is a past State President for the Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR) and was named CAR Realtor of the Year in 2000. Locally, Chris has been a residential Realtor in Fort Collins since 1976, and has been active in the community with many organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association and United Way Alexis de Touqueville Society. Chris can be reached at 970.377.4927. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=66 Tim De’Leon has been awarded the Certified New Home Specialist Designation focused on professionalism and service to builders and new homebuyers. Completion of the Certified New Home Specialist training involves a total of over 20 hours of interactive computer-based course work and a 90% or better score on the certification test. The training covers architectural design and planning, blueprint reading, topography, building site design, evaluating quality construction, materials, methods, construction terminology, and scheduling. De’Leon is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at The Group’s Horsetooth Office, (970) 223-0700. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=65 Eric McCrery has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential. Less than 4% of Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. McCrery is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700 www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=63 Rita Gordon, Broker Associate/Partner, The Group, Inc. Real Estate, is the recipient of the 2006 Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado Associate of the Year award given annually in recognition of contributions to the HBA of Northern Colorado and its organizations during the year. It also recognizes a spirit of voluntarism over the span of a career. Ms. Gordon has been very involved in the home building industry for the past 10 years. She is the outgoing chairman of the Board of Directors for the Sales and Marketing Council of Northern Colorado, and she is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association. Gordon is an active fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. She can be reached at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=64 Savant Homes, Inc. announces the opening in late December of their new model home in HighPointe Estates, a new neighborhood in Windsor designed around resort living. Amenities include a clubhouse, skate park, tennis courts, swimming pool, multiple age parks, playgrounds and walking trails. Every estate lot is ¼ acre and backs to open space affording beautiful views of the Front Range. Home prices range from $389,000 to $440,000. Three homes for sale by Savant Homes are currently under construction for completion in February 2007. Savant Homes offers a variety of homes in different sizes and configurations. Each plan has multiple exterior and interior options, giving the customer the ability to customize their home. Savant Homes has built homes in Buffalo Creek in Wellington, and Hearthfire and The Lofts at Magnolia. Dave Muth, Broker Associate/Partner, The Group, Inc. Real Estate is the marketing agent for Savant Homes in HighPointe Estates. He can be reached at 970-229-0700. www.muthrealestate.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=62 Josh Rand has been awarded the EcoBroker Certified Designation by EcoBroker International. The EcoBroker Certified Designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed advanced courses on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Rand joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. Rand is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 401 West Mulberry Street, 970-221-0700. The Group, Inc. Real Estate has 7 offices throughout Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=61 Where's the best place to buy real estate right now? Researchers at Moody's Economy.com crunched the numbers and predicted the 10 best and the 10 worst housing markets in the nation between now and 2011. The Fort Collins/Loveland market was ranked 9th best in the country. Median home prices are predicted to jump 28% (from $196,000 to $251,000) while per capita income increases 32% (from $36,600 to $48,400). They note that this place continuously makes "bests" lists - best place to live, best place to retire, best place to raise a family, best "dream" town, even the best place to "reinvent your life". It is just too nice to have such low home prices. (Source: November issue of Business 2.0) To view the article on-line visit: http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/biz2/newrules_bestinvest/9.html http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=59 The Colorado Association of Realtors has chosen Larry Kendall, Chairman of The Group, Inc., as the 2006 Colorado Realtor of The Year. The honor was presented to Kendall during the Association’s annual convention in Colorado Springs on October 17. Qualifications to receive this coveted honor are include business accomplishments, civic activity, and the faithfulness and willingness to support the Realtor community. Larry Kendall founded The Group, Inc. Real Estate with 10 other Realtors in Fort Collins in 1976. The company, owned by 275 broker associates and staff, has grown to 7 offices throughout Northern Colorado. Larry’s leadership throughout the years has earned The Group, Inc. national recognition. His expertise in the real estate industry, along with his knowledge of sound business practices, has made him a highly sought after consultant for many local organizations and real estate companies throughout the United States. Kendall was recognized by the National Association of Realtors in 2004 with a Special Achievement Award for the real estate sales training course he developed that is being taught to Realtors throughout the country. He was inducted into the Real Estate Hall of Fame of the Everitt Real Estate Center at Colorado State University in 2005. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=60 The Group Inc. has learned that 17 Broker Associate/Partners are being honored by Quality Service Certification (QSC) in the latest issue of The Real Estate Professional Magazine. “The Best in the Business” ad recognizes the top 260 real estate professionals across North America out of our 25,000 plus membership base. Eligibility was based upon a combination of three things: Customer Satisfaction Rating, number of surveys sent, and number of returned surveys. Group Partners recognized are Carl Nelson, Scott Mullen, Chris Doyle, Felipe Sorzano, Lisa O'Brien, Cynthia Kutin, Kathleen Arents, Douglas Miller, Jason Billings, Jeanette Meyer, Mark Miles, Wynn Washle, Linda Stenson, Sharon Stranberg, Norma McMillen, Tracie Gunn and Joey Porter Realtors who are Quality Service Certified must complete the QSC education program, pass a written examination, and sign a commitment to follow a prescribed procedure that is presented and communicated in writing to every home seller and buyer. Following the closing of each home sale or purchase, an independent research company sends the consumer a comprehensive survey asking critical questions about the details and overall satisfaction of service provided the sales broker. The broker’s ability to maintain Quality Service Certified status is dependent upon satisfactory service evaluation feedback from buyers and sellers. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=58 The Group, Inc. Real Estate announced it has posted its residential listings on two major website search engines, Googlebase.com and Trulia.com. Trulia.com is a residential real estate search engine that gives consumers a simple way to search for property. It helps homebuyers customize their searches online, from home price and number of bedrooms to neighborhoods, and key market trends. The search engine, which currently features properties listed in 14 states, launched in Colorado on August 22. Visitors to the site can learn interesting facts about each community and are sent to the property detail page on The Group’s web site that contains complete information about the property along with photos, virtual tour, and listing agent contact information. Googlebase.com is an on-line marketplace that promotes a variety of goods and services enabling visitors to search with keyword phrases. The national marketing of Trulia and Googlebase gives customers whose homes are listed with The Group, Inc. additional on-line presence, and provides another way for potential buyers to search for real estate on-line. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices throughout Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=57 Jason Billings has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential. Only 35,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Billings is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. He can be reached at 401 West Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, 970-221-0700. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=56 Georgia Torson has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential. Only 35,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Ms. Torson is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 1401 West 29th Street, Loveland, 970-663-0700. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=54 Quality Service Certification Survey (QSC) has recognized Realtors from The Group, Inc. Real Estate for exceptional service satisfaction measured and compiled by Leading Research Corporation (LRC). The QSC status is the only award in the real estate industry based on independently validated, measurable service results. Customers of QSC brokers receive a customer satisfaction survey at the end of each transaction. The surveys are administered and the results are compiled by LRC. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a consumer website (QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon each broker’s validated record of service satisfaction. Realtors who are Quality Service Certified must complete the QSC education program, pass a written examination, and sign a commitment to follow a prescribed procedure that is presented and communicated in writing to every home seller and buyer. Following the closing of each home sale or purchase, an independent research company sends the consumer a comprehensive survey asking critical questions about the details and overall satisfaction of service provided the sales broker. The broker’s ability to maintain Quality Service Certified status is dependent upon satisfactory service evaluation feedback from buyers and sellers. Brokers receiving recognition are Georgia Torson, Paul Tams, Kim Summitt, Sharon Stranberg, Linda Stenson, Suzy McEwan, Nick Hansen, Jonathan Irvin, Debbie Hansen, Sally Brent, Rick Brent, Kathy Boeding, Georgena Arnett, Chad Brent, Kelli Couch, Stephanie Kirkland, Diana Luthi, Miki Roth, Kathy Arents, Katie Bergan, Nancy Churchwell, Mark Koentopp, Cindy Kurtz, Cynthia Kutin, Jeff Montgomery, Bobbye Padalecki, Ryan Spencer, Jerry Swanson, Laura Thomas, Dave Trujillo, Cathy Vance, Bob Loner, Jeanette Meyer, George Menning, Matt Nesbitt, Mark Miles, Wynn Washle, Jan Bertholf, Jason Billings, Doug Miller, Felipe Sorzano, Harleen Alexander ,Joey Porter. The Group, Inc. has 7 offices in Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=55 The Group, Inc. Real Estate Commercial has been recognized by the Northern Colorado Business Report as one of the Mercury 100 companies in Northern Colorado. The 100 companies received this honor based on growth in revenues from 2003 to 2006. The Group, Inc. Commercial increased its revenues by 29.114% during the two year time period. The Group, Inc. Commercial has 15 Commercial Brokers in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=53 Meredith Mayer has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential. Only 35,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Ms. Mayer is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at 375 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. www.thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=51 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Michelle L. Hubbard has joined as a Broker Associate/Partner. Ms. Hubbard worked in the mortgage business prior to beginning her real estate career in 2002. She can be reached at 375 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, 970-223-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with six locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=49 The Group, Inc. Real Estate was ranked 110 in the nation in sales volume for the year 2005 by RIS Media Real Estate Magazine. The magazine’s 18th annual report gave a detailed break-down of year-end production numbers for the 500 most successful real estate companies nationwide. The Group, Inc.’s 202 sales associates closed 5,594 transaction sides totaling $1,501,971,561 in 2005. The Group, Inc. Real Estate is locally owned by its sales associates and managers. It has 7 offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor. www.thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=52 Over 800 Northern Colorado children attended Ram Jam on April 17 at Moby Arena at Colorado State University. This annual event is free and is sponsored by The Group, Inc. Real Estate and the CSU Athletic Department. The children enjoyed playing games with the student athletes including face painting, football and basketball games, tennis, a fishing pond, prizes, and refreshments. Athletes from every sport were on hand to meet the kids and sign autographs. Collegiate cheerleaders and mascots also entertained the guests. Ram Jam began several years ago to give young people the opportunity to visit the CSU campus and interact with the athletes who serve as positive role models. Their message of working together as a team, staying in school, and staying away from drugs and alcohol is delivered by one of the athletes who addressed the group before the games began. Photos of the 2006 Ram Jam can be viewed by visiting www.thegroupinc.com. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=50 The Group, Inc., Real Estate, announced that Geoff Tolmachoff has joined as a Commercial Broker Associate/Partner. Tolmachoff is a graduate of Colorado State University and has 3 years experience in the commercial real estate business. He can be reached at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. The Group, Inc. is Northern Colorado’s leading real estate company with seven locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley. www.thegroupinc.com http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=48 Larry Kendall, Chairman of the Group, Inc. Real Estate, became the third person inducted into the Real Estate Hall of Fame of the Everitt Real Estate Center at Colorado State University. The honor was presented by Dr. Glen Mueller, Director of the Everitt Real Estate Center at the Vision of Northern Colorado in 2020 event held at the Fort Collins Hilton. Mr. Kendall was recognized for his vision and commitment to the real estate industry for the past 30 years. Mr. Kendall can be reached at 2803 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, 970-229-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=43 Diana Luthi has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Only 35,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Ms. Luthi is a Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc. Real Estate. She can be reached at The Group’s Centerra Office, (970) 613-0700. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=42 Fort Collins, Colo. – Realtor magazine named The Group, Inc. Real Estate’s broker associates/partners as the No. 1 producers in the nation. Out of the top 100 real estate companies, The Group had the highest number of transaction sides per broker associate/partner in 2004, with 28.3. The magazine also ranked Group as the 90th top real estate company in its July 2005 edition. The list of the Top 100 Companies is based on the Realtor’s survey of closed transaction sides and sales volume in 2004. “Our sales partners have built genuine relationships within our communities over the last 30 years,” said Sharianne Daily, The Group president and chief executive officer, of why the company continues to do well in a slower market. “The sales partners have the ability to have operational excellence with our extensive staff, our systems and processes supporting them. We are committed to our customers and to making it easier and faster for them.” The Group’s 212 associate brokers/partners closed 5,989 transaction sides last year and reached $1,447,391,037 in sales volume. The Group was one of only three Colorado real estate companies to make Realtor’s list: Re/Max Alliance, based in Arvada, was No. 33; and Keller Williams Colorado Region, based in Englewood, came in at No. 97. The other four real estate companies with the highest-producing sales associates in the nation, according to Realtor, are: · Remax Results, Eden Praire, Minn., 25.1 sides closed per associate · Realty Executives Associates, Knoxville, Tenn., 21.2 sides · Century 21 Sunbelt Realty Inc., Cape Coral, Fla., 21.1 sides · Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group, Appleton, Wis., 20.4 sides REAL Trends newsletter also recently recognized The Group in its survey of the nation’s 500 largest real estate companies. It ranked The Group 92nd in closed transaction sides and 112th in sales volume for 2004. The Group, Inc. Real Estate is locally owned by its broker associates and managers. It has seven offices in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and Windsor. For more information, please contact Sharianne Daily, President/CEO, The Group, Inc. Real Estate, 970-377-4959. Realtor magazine’s current and past listings of the Top 100 Companies is available on the Web at www.REALTOR.org/realtormag. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=32 The Group, Inc., Real Estate has awarded two full-tuition scholarships to freshmen entering the Colorado State University College of Business. Recipients of the scholarships are Trevor Trout, Poudre High School, and Dustin Seilbach, Windsor High School. The scholarships are designated for incoming CSU Business School students from Northern Colorado high schools. Students applied for the scholarships through the counseling office at their school or through the CSU Business College. Selection was based on GPA, types of classes the students have taken during their high school career, community service and extracurricular activities. The Group, Inc. is owned locally by its sales associates and staff, and has seven offices in Northern Colorado. May 16, 2005 For Immediate Release For Further Information, Please Contact Helen Gray or Sharianne Daily at 970-229-0700 NEWS RELEASE The Group, Inc., Real Estate has awarded two full-tuition scholarships to freshmen entering the Colorado State University College of Business. Recipients of the scholarships are Trevor Trout, Poudre High School, and Dustin Seilbach, Windsor High School. The scholarships are designated for incoming CSU Business School students from Northern Colorado high schools. Students applied for the scholarships through the counseling office at their school or through the CSU Business College. Selection was based on GPA, types of classes the students have taken during their high school career, community service and extracurricular activities. The Group, Inc. is owned locally by its sales associates and staff, and has seven offices in Northern Colorado. http://www.thegroupinc.com/about/news_item.asp?ID=33 The Group, Inc. Harvey G. Nesbitt Scholarship has been awarded to Christy Trent, student in the College of Business at Colorado State University. Ms. Trent was chosen based on her scholastic performance and community involvement. The full tuition scholarship is awarded to a sophomore or above with a 3.25 or higher GPA studying at the CSU Business School. The Harvey G. Nesbitt Scholarship was established following t