.

Well, 2010 is off with a bang. Business is booming as potential home buyers scramble to find homes to take advantage of the tax credits offered by the federal government.  If you even think you may want to purchase a home this year, now is the time to do so.  And if you haven’t heard about the incentatives, let me tell you.  If you are a first time home buyer, you will receive a tax credit of $8,000 after the closing of your new home.  First time home buyer can also mean that you have not owned a home in the last three (3) years.  Also, if you are a move up buyer, you can take advantage of the $6,500 tax credit.  WOW, free money from the Feds to purchase a home.  This is part of the US stimulus package the government has approved to get the economy moving again and to get the housing market back on track.  The first time home buyer credit was available for the most part of 2009, with several new home buyers taking advantage of this program.  The only problem I saw as a Realtor is unfortunately a large percentage of first time home buyers don’t have the credit they need to make a new home purchase.  So, the federal government added the move up buyer tax credit in hopes of adding more potential home sales.  I really wish I was in the market to purchase a new home right now.  With this free money, interest rates still being competitively low, and home inventory still plentiful there are a lot of postiive opportunities for you to purchase now and get that low house payment with the ability to buy a larger home.  Yes, the market is moving.  I am busy as I can be and loving it.  Tax credit guildelines are as follows:  You have to close or be in a contract by April 30 with a solid closing no later than June 30, 2010.  How to you get this free tax credit money?  After your closing, take your settlement statement to your tax professional, and they can amend your tax return for 2008 or make it a part of your 2009 tax return.  After this has been amended or added, you should receive a check from the government.  Now, if you need more information on how this program works, please contact a trusted mortgage professional and ask questions about the guidelines and how to participate in this program.  I am excited about this year, and I hope you are too.  If I can be of assistance to you, please give me a call or visit my website at www.CynthiaWilliamsHomes.com

Crescendo Business Services has announced its 2009 Five Star Award Winners for Best Overall Client Satisfaction.  Local Area Winner for Lancaster and York Counties goes to Cynthia Williams, Keller Williams Realty.

What does being a Five Star Best in Client Award Winner Mean?  FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agents are selected as a result of a rigorous research process. The resulting list represents no more than 7% of the real estate agents within their market area.  Agents are selected as potential award candidates based on surveys returned from their client base.  This survey was conducted by Crescendo Business Services from the Eagan, MN area.  Each winner must meet the following areas:

·  Top 1% of all Realtors in Charlotte & surrounding markets. 

·  Excellent listening, negotiating and problem-solving skills.

·  Comprehensive knowledge of real estate market and trends.

·  Unparalleled marketing plan.

·  Experienced, full-service agent.

A featured story will be in the December 2009 - Charlotte Magazine where Cynthia will be recognized as the 2009 Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent Award winner.  Cynthia has been in the real estate field for 7 years.  She has won numerous awards ranging from Rookie of the Year when she first started her career with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, to the covented induction into the International Diamond Society, as well as the most prestigious Silver Mediallion Award with Keller Williams Realty which places her in Mega Agent status. Cynthia has a long list of educational accomplishments as well and believes the more she knows the better she can serve her clients.

“I am humbled and proud to be honored in this way because I know this was a result of my hard work and dedication to my clients and customers, especially during the last two years when our market has been more challenging.  I want to thank everyone for believing in me and allowing me to serve their real estate needs, and I look forward to a continued relationship.”

Cynthia G. Williams

Keller Williams Realty 

I am often asked what a potential Seller should do about whether or not to list their home during the holiday season.  My answer is aways the same - “YES”.  Why?  Because serious Buyers look even through the holiday season.  Many companies relocate their employees before the first of the year and with the holiday school break, this is a good time to move.  So, I highly recommend listing your home durig the holiday season as well as anytime of the year.  Many Sellers are reluctant to list because of Christmas decorations and gifts under the tree.  Well, as I always tell my Seller clients, don’t leave anything valuable out that might attract the attention of someone.  Not to necessarily mean that something might get taken but to just be cautious as the eyes of little children may get attracted to the pretty bows, etc.  For example, I was in the hair salon last week and overheard a Mother calling down her daughter who was picking at the salon Christmas tree.  She told the hairdresser, “My daughter just loves shiney things.  I always have to check her pockets when we get home to make sure she hasn’t brought anything home with her that doesn’t belong to us.”  My thought was “Oh my goodness.” Not to good huh?  The moral of this story is to tell you that things happen even when the best Seller or Realtor tries to prevent them from happening.  No one’s eyes can be everwhere all the time.  So do your part as always to protect your personal items and valuables during the holidays which is what you would do at any time of year if you listed your home for sale. 

So now you ask, “How should I decorate my home for the holidays as to make it appealing?”  Well, I have asked the staging expert for help on this one.  Martha Reier a professional stager gives us the following advice when decorating your home for the holidays.  Martha says… 

1- Keep it simple! Decorate with neutral colors but still make it inviting!
2- Place a Wreath on the front door with the smell of evergreen.  Nice way to start off the entrance with a good clean smell.
3- No inflatables ..”one man’s merry may be another man’s tacky”…simple string lighting same color to match your decoration.
4- Monotone colors.  Don’t go overboard with multi-color anything.  Earthtones- cranberries, gold, forest green, Blue rooms- stick to silver, neutral   colors but no reds in bedrooms.
5- A Christmas tree is fine but not too large to overwhelm the floor space. Remember crowded spaces feel smaller. A lighted tree seen from outside is always inviting but do not block your windows and light. Place the tree in the corner and try to keep the windows and doorways clear for good quality light to shine through.  Remember to enhance the room - not to overwhelm it.
6- Small assortment of wrapped gifts under the tree is a lovely touch keeping colors neutral and to match decor.
7- Save the popcorn garland, holiday collectibles, and children’s framed picture ornaments for your new home.  Remember you are trying to create a model home effect.  No one wants to see too many personal items.  It keeps them from envisioning themselves living there.
8- Standard rules of no religious items still applies at this time of the year.  Respect all religions by not overdoing it.
9- Do not clutter an elegant fireplace with stockings..a little greenery- tree branches from your tree or garden, nuts, ribbons, pomegranates in front of a mirror.  Keep it simple.
10- Now is a perfect time to set the dining room for a party.  Shiney glassware, bright flower arrangements, clean plates and silverware.
11- Bowl of pinecones, spiced cider and the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies are an inviting aroma.  Keep the house smelling fresh.
12- Plush towels and fluffy hand towels to add a sense of softness.  Makes the space feel cozy.
13- Plate of treats to visiting buyers is a good thing…no fruitcake or anything with nuts.  Prewrapped candies are best.
14- Do not leave decorations up after New Year’s Day and remember if pictures were taken for MLS during the holiday to please change them out.
15- Keep it warm, inviting and cheerful! Play some gentle no word music!  Music is a subliminal mood setter to BUY!
16- But most important. ..Enjoy your holiday in your home because life is too short! Make sure the staging you are doing is comfortable for your own family.

Buyers do look at homes during the holidays so please remember to keep your house STAGED! That First Impression is so Important!

If you have any questions about Staging your home during the holidays or any other time of year, please call Martha Reier of Staging and ReDesign at (704)490-0026 or visit her website at www.StagedHomes.com.  Thanks Martha for your valuable advice on staging homes for the holidays.

So, Merry Christmas to all and I wish you each a Happy New Year in 2010.  Thank you to all of my customers and clients in 2009 and the past years.  This has been one of the best real estate years I have had since I started my business in 2003.  I could have never made it without your support.  Thank you so much for believing in me and allowing me to service your real estate needs.  I am honored by your trust and hope you will continue to think of me as your real estate professional of choice for many years to come as well as send me your friends and family members should they ever had a real estate need.  My success comes from wonderful people like you and I look forward to a very long and happy continued relationship.

Thanks again,

Cynthia Williams

Keller Williams Realty 
 

What a great day it is for all of us, not only in the real estate industry, but more so for you the American home buyer.  President Obama has signed and approved the extension of the First Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit of $8,000 and in addition to this has added a $6,500 move up credit for ANY - yes I said ANY home buyer who wants to sell their home and up move in price to buy another home.  What a wonderful opportunity.  This means me too!  WOW, now this is really making me want to get out there and look at homes and not just dream about them.  So, let me share with you what the lending experts are saying about this new tax extension: 

1. Entend the tax credit until April 30, 2010 and allow those who have signed contracts by this date to still qualify if they close prior to June 30, 2010.
2. Allow a tax credit up to $6,500 for existing homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for at least 5 years consecutively if they buy up.
3. Income limits would be increased for individuals from $75,000 to $125,000 and increased to $225,000 per year for couples filing jointly.
4. The maximum purchase price for a home can go as high at $800,000.

Sales of existing homes rebounded sharply in September to their highest level in two years due to the boost from first time home buyers in the market place.  Sales of previously owned homes jumped to 9.4% in September after falling for the first time in 4 months in August.  The National Association of Realtors stated that even though the market has been hit hard by the ecomony that year over year sales of existing homes were still up 9.2% in September which is great news for our industry and the economy overall.

Home contracts continue to rise for the eighth straight month.  The number of signed contracts for homes rose to its highest level in September according to the Real Estate Industry Report.  My own real estate office, Keller Williams Realty - Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC, had its highest number of closing for any month at 83 closed sales for September - higher than any month we have had in the past two years.  Pending home sales index from NAR went from 6.1% to 6.4%.  This was the highest index level since December 2006, so it looks like we are on the move in a positive direction.

Let me give credit where credit is due.  The above information has been given to me by the following mortgage lending partners:

Ed Butler and Cathy Haney - WR Starkey Mortgage

Richard Hilton - Synovus Mortgage

And now a few words from me:

Homes are selling.  This is my best year ever and I have been in real estate 7 years.  I am thankful to love what I do and have the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people - buyers, sellers, and fellow Realtors.  So, if you are looking to buy, sell, or relocate - please contact me.  I can get you any where you want to go.  I have great KW Realtors all over the US I can refer you to, and if you are looking to buy in my area, please give me the opportunity to serve your real estate needs.  I am really good at my job and I can give you the names of anyone I have worked with to prove it.  I say that with pride and not to be boastful and I give all of my success to the glory of God because without him I am nothing.  Thank you to the clients and customers who have put their trust in me to lead them and guide them through their real estate process.  I have been blessed by every experience and look forward to more…

Have a wonderful weekend.:)  Cynthia Williams

Well, I am not happy about it but Winter is on its way.  I love Summer!!!  Give me warm weather and sunshine.  However, it seems to me that I blinked and somehow missed it this year due to being so busy at work, not enough beach time but that’s okay.  There will be next year.  So here we are going into October, Fall leaves are starting to fall to the ground.  So, it is time to get our homes ready for the weather change.  I know what you are thinking.  For years, before my real estate life, I never even thought about getting my house ready for Winter.  Hey - I just lived there, but now after going to tons of home inspections and seeing damage caused by lack of basic home maintenance.  I realize that some of those items could have been prevented with a little TLC by the homeowner.  Now, I am guilty of this myself.  I don’t always do what I need to do around my house but I always know that if I don’t I will pay the price later.  Later is never better when it comes to home maintenance.  So, let me help you to know what to look for, in case you don’t already know.  The information below is provided by Brian Connelly with Inspection Services.    Mr. Brian Connolly is a Certified Home Inspector, BPI Building Analyst, has a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and a Level 3 IR Thermographer.  He recommends just a few simple things you can do to get your home ready.  He says:

 - Look for cracks and holes in your house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary.

- Now is a good time to paint interior rooms or shampoo/replace carpets while it’s still warm enough to leave windows open.

- In cold-climate areas, remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.

- Check heating system including filters, pilot lights, and burners, and have the system serviced by a qualified professional.

- Drain your hot water heater. Flush and refill. 

- Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.

- Check your foundation to make sure it is properly graded. Soil should slope 4 to 6 inches for a distance of 3 feet out from the foundation walls.

- If you haven’t already, check your basement for cracks or leaks. Seal if necessary.

- If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate - call a professional if necessary.

- Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, and then rinse thoroughly.

Mr. Connelly also adds some important information about Furnace Filters.  He states “We all know that we should replace our furnace or air conditioner filters (they are the same thing) regularly, but many of us gape in confusion at the many, many options available and we don’t really know how to determine what might be best for our specific purposes. Here are a couple of resources you might want to try for information to help you decide. Filter Furnace Care (a retail site) is good place to look for some important things to consider and a simple, but detailed comparison chart of the various filter types. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is a good, but technical, resource for a comprehensive guide to air cleaners in the home including sections dealing specifically with types of furnace filters and how efficiency ratings are determined.”

See, that doesn’t sound hard does it?  So now we just need to spend a Saturday morning on these “To Do List” items to get our home ready for coming of Winter.  I Will.  Will You? 

If You Need to Buy, Sell, or Relocate?  I can take you anywhere you want to go.  Visit me at www.CynthiaWilliamsHomes.com

As the end of Summer comes to a close, I have been so busy.  Seven - YES - Seven closings this month.  This means homes are selling.  I am on track for this to be the best year in real estate I have ever had in my nearly 7 years of real estate.  Can you believe it.  With the skeptism of the market, my area here in South Carolina has flourished.  Home prices are still low and great, and interest rates are still low and great.  The economic stimulus money has helped - of course, but I have actually had only two first time home buyers take advantage of this.  Most of my sales have been mid-range home price sales.  So with the end of Summer, many Sellers are pushing to get their homes sold before the Winter months set in.  That is why it is a end of Summer clearance (so to speak).  Also, with the end of the $8,000 tax credit for the economic stimulus money ending December 1st, I expect a lot of first time home buyers will start to scramble around to purchase homes at the last minute.  You know how that goes.  I am ready, and I am excited.  This has been a great year and I expect things to continue.  I am thankful for everything that has been sent my way this year and every year.  Thank you to the past clients, family members, and friends who have continued to support my business with referrals.  I have sold more of my home listings this year than ever before.  My market knowledge has strengthened with each home I sell.  My ability to communicate and make my clients feel comfortable about their decisions has also helped because I believe in what I say and never ever try to make a decision for my clients.  I am a giver of information and a resource of knowledge.  My marketing ability is strong in the area and my name is well known.  These are just a few of the things that have helped to support my business and my reputation.  Other Realtors as well as Buyers and Sellers know I am true to my word and a great Realtor.  This is my code of honor.  So, when I tell you something, you can believe it.  I speak from statistical market facts because I know the market so let me know if I can ever help you with a real estate need. 

A couple of great end of Summer clearance buys are two homes in Palm Tree Cove.  I have spoken about these homes before but want to remind you that you need to take a look at these properties.  Great prices for the square footage.  Great location too! Call me for more information or visit my website at www.CynthiaWilliamsHomes.com to see more information. I would be happy to set up a meeting with the Builder for us to talk with you about his plans for these homes as well as the plans for the neighborhood.  Prices are $485,000 and $515,000 - were $565,000 and $585,000. 

Call me to preview these homes in Palm Tree Cove - Close to Lake Wylie, SC - or visit me at www.CynthiaWilliamsHomes.com

With the increase of new buyers in the market, I felt the need to write about Buyer Agency Relationships in Real Estate again.  I won’t get in to the same topic of my past blog post since you can read it for yourself; however, what I want to discuss is why this is so important to everyone involved from Buyers, to Sellers, to Realtors.  The market has picked up a lot in the past several weeks, and I have noticed the Realtor rush out the door to show property to buyers who are calling on the phone.  I too have done this when it comes to my own personal property listings.  However, what I want to stress is there are standards for Realtors to follow that we must all remember.  As a Realtor, we have an obligation by law to discuss Agency Relationships in Real Estate upon first substantive contact when we meet a potential buyer.  Meeting for the first time at a property makes it very hard to do this effectively.  Yes, I always do it and give the potential buyer the agency handout to keep, but I always feel that it would have been better to do it in the office.  Why does this matter?  Several reason are 1.) Buyers are preoccupied with what is going on around them to really listen to what you are trying to tell them. 2.) I often think they don’t fully understand what their rights are because they are so focused on getting to see the property. 3.) Capturing the buyer and upgrading them to become a client is harder. 4.) I feel the entire process is harder if started off this way.  As I have said before, when I meet someone for the first time, I go over Agency with them and tell them that it is our first day together.  I don’t expect them to become my client on the first day because we both need time to get to know each other and decide if we feel comfortable working together.  I take the pressure off by letting them have a courtesy day as a customer.  Buyers need to remember that as a customer the Realtor does not represent them and to reframe from telling any confidential information that may be required to be shared with the listing agent later.  After the courtesy day, I request that the potential buyer upgrade to become my client.  The reason is because if they want to continue working with me then they need to trust that I will work in their best interest and to do this they need to be my client.  It is difficult to work with someone as a customer more than one day because buyers start telling you too much information and to keep it confidential they need to be a client.  The client relationship between a Buyer/Seller and Realtor is the highest level relationship you can get in a real estate transaction.  Being a customer gives you no guarantees of confidentiality.  It also gives the Realtor no guarantee that the buyer is a real buyer.  What I have found is if a buyer will upgrade to a buyer client then they are a real buyer.  In the real estate industry, Realtors consider customers tire-kickers.  Buyers who have not seriously formed a relationship with a Realtor exclusively prove to be browsing the market are are much more indecisive than clients.  This is okay but customers need to remember that the Realtor works for their clients first and they are the first priority.  In our current market, especially in my area, homes are selling and I am busy working hard for my clients.  I do love working with buyers and don’t mind working with customers, but I don’t have time to continue to work with a customer who is not willing to upgrade to become a client.  Why?  Because my time and energy is put into serving my clients best interest.  They are the ones I am obligated to work for.  That is why discussing Buyer Agency is so important so that a new buyer understands the difference and also understands the priority level they become based on their real estate needs.  If they are serious about buying a home, they need to work with one Realtor who they can get to know and the Realtor can get to know them so they can work together to find the right home.  If they are a true customer and just browsing the market, they need to make this known upfront so the Realtor will know this and work with them in this manner.  This is only fair from both parties so that is why it is always better to discuss Buyer Agency in the office before meeting at the property because it gives you a better environment to discuss your real estate needs in full detail with the Realtor you choose to work with to find your new home.  If you need more information on this topic, please feel free to email me at  cynthiawilliamshomes@gmail.com.

Two Blogs in one day.  This is a first for me, but since I am talking about Lake Wylie, I wanted to tell you about two homes I have in Palm Tree Cove.  Both homes are built by Just In Homes.  Custom Home Builders from New York who moved to the local area to start their custom home business here about two years ago.  They have started their first project in a neighborhood close to Lake Wylie, SC called Palm Tree Cove.  This new neighborhood is located between the Lake Wylie and Rock Hill, SC areas right off of Highway 274.  It is right down the street from the Allison Creek Boat Landing which is great for taking your boat out on a Sunday afternoon or a quiet week night if you like to go boating.  The neighborhood has a gated boat area if you need boat storage and it has a neighborhood pool.  There is about 40 homes - all new construction.  Five different builders with different homes styles to choose from.  The two I have are custom built with master bedrooms on the main level.  Custom kitchens with custom cabinets built by Just In Homes - not prefab cabinets.  The entire home has custom cabinets built by them.  Granite countertops in the kitchen and all bathrooms.  Stainless steel appliances - tons of hardwood floors - open floor plans - huge bonus rooms and spacious bedrooms and baths.  Really great homes at great prices.  I listed these homes a year ago at $575,000 and $585,000 when they were first under construction and now believe it or not the builders have reduced the prices to reflect the market to $485,000 and $515,000.  Can you believe it?  What a great deal.  Please visit my website to see more photos of these homes and call me if you have questions about one of my listings.  I have attached a front picture of each home for you to see how wonderful these two homes are.  The best part is the builders - Tony and Ang Lombardozzi are so nice.  The Best!

245 Palm Cove Way - Located in Palm Tree Cove - Lake Wylie, SC

 275 Palm Cove Way - Located in Palm Tree Cove, Lake Wylie, SC

First of all - please don’t think I am slack because I have not written on my Blog in a while.  I have been tremedously busy working this summer.  I think about writing every day but just get taken in a different direction.  When I say working, Yes, I do mean in real estate, I am focused on my clients.  I have been working hard to get my homes sold and have been very successful this year.  Hurray - there is still money to be made in real estate which means homes are selling and buyers are still buying even in this market.  Our market here in York and Lancaster County has been steady.  The York County market has been stronger than the Lancaster County market mostly due to location.  York County is closer to Charlotte, NC than Lancaster County.  Lots of first time home buyers are on the move with the $8,000 tax incentive credit.  I actually have two buyers who I can’t find homes for right now due to their price range and the low inventory in their price range. So, I am in a holding pattern for them but continually looking on a daily basis as to what is becoming available.  As for other home sells, homes under $250,000 still seem to have the most selling power right now.  My upper listed homes are showing but still slow to move.  I have a wonderful custom built home in Lake Wylie, SC that the seller purchased 3 years ago for $450,000 and he has it slashed to $350,000 just to move it due to being ready to sell it.  It is located in The Landing in Lake Wylie.  Custom built by Nu-South Construction.  3128 heated square feet with 3 bedrooms - a bonus that could sub as a 4th bedroom, 3 full baths.  It has a stacked stone fireplace in the Den and a Sunroom.  The Kitchen is beautiful and it overlooks a Breakfast Room with a view to the backyard.  The home is a Ranch plan which means all bedrooms are on the main level.  The Master is huge.  I really love the Master Bath because of all the custom cabinets.  This is a steal of a home.  The Landing has its own website at www.TheLandingonLakeWylie.com if you want to learn more about the neighborhood.  Great location with a community pool and a boat dock with boat slips for homeowners given on a first come first serve basis.  I have attached a picture of the home.  It is located at 1734 Mineral Springs Drive. 

I seriously don’t think you will find a better price on a home of this quality.  I love the carriage style two car garage.  This home is truly beautiful.  Come take a look for yourself.  Call me!

I have been a Keller Williams Realtor for 2 years, so I know the difference in real estate companies.  What I have found at Keller Williams Realty is a strong sense of pride and excitement for the real estate profession.  The last two years have been a tough time for me personally and professionally.  When I decided to change companies in June of 2007 and move to Keller Williams Realty, I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do for me.  I have never looked back and know without a doubt that things will only get better.  When the market shifted last year, I was scared to death.  I suffered all the negative thoughts I could endure thinking I would not make it, BUT - here I am and thriving in this market.  How has this happened?  It has happened because of the values and beliefs of Keller Williams Realty.  They truly believe that every KW Realtor should prosper and grow to be come the best they can be.  Not only does Keller Williams have these values and beliefts, they also continually educate us on what we need to do to stay in touch with the market trends and how to work in a shifting market and remain strong.    I went from being afraid of failure to feeling enpowered by the knowledge Keller Williams Realty has shared with me.  It is because of these things that Keller Williams Realty has maintained and even increased their market share to become the 3rd largest real estate company.  I am posting the press release to share this information with you.  If you are interested in becoming a Keller Williams Realtor, please give me a call.  Come Grow  With US!

Keller Williams Realty Brokerages Dominate Annual Industry Surveys
3^rd largest company in U.S. the only major franchise to show growth

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 19, 2009) —According to two of the industry’s most comprehensive annual surveys, Keller Williams Realty brokerages continue to defy the pervasive downturn in the industry by growing and expanding.

RISMedia’s Power Broker Report and REAL Trends’  REAL Trends 500 rank the largest residential real estate brokerages in the U.S. based on transaction sides and sales volume. This year, Keller Williams Realty had more brokerages on both lists than any other real estate brand.

In the REAL Trends 500 report, Keller Williams Realty dominated, with its offices comprising more than a quarter of the entire list. Of all the major brands represented in the report, Keller Williams was the only company to boast growth in both number of agents added to its ranks and in total transactions closed.

Within RISMedia’s Power Broker Report, Keller Williams Realty again had the largest majority on the list – accounting for 35 percent of all the brokerages listed. The report also ranked Keller Williams Realty #1 in number of agents and total closed transactions.

“These results prove what we already knew – Keller Williams Realty is experiencing the next phase of our growth during this shift,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “Our agents and offices are capitalizing on the opportunities presented in today’s market and powering forward.”

“Two years ago, when the market began to shift, we mobilized to make sure our people would have the training, support and technology to tackle the market and they have truly blown us away with their accomplishments,” he added.

Within the past 18 months, Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of the company, released his latest book, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times which became the No. 1 selling real estate book for agents in 2008. The launch also included a nationwide seminar tour which is slated to visit more than 50 cities throughout North America by the end of the summer. Other initiatives included the delivery of affordable health care options for KW associates through the new Keller Williams Health Providers Program and the launch of the company’s commercial arm, KW Commercial.

“When we do what we do best – coach and train our associates to higher levels of personal productivity and profitability – growth takes care of itself,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “Keller Williams Realty, the franchise company, didn’t rank on these lists – our people did.”

“We’re confident we’re in businesses with some of the most talented and focused individuals in the industry and we are so proud of all they’ve achieved,” added Willis.

Come Grow with US at Keller Williams Baxter Village - Serving Fort Mill, Rock Hill, York, Clover, Lake Wylie, Lancaster, and South Charlotte areas.  Call me 803-289-0282 - Cynthia Williams