Kendall

Oh yeah, and did we mention Quinn is a dog? Ebby’s Little White House agent and 28-year cancer survivor, Peggy Walker, is the proud owner of Quinn, a Leonberger therapy dog who has been raising money for the Baylor Hospital Sammons Cancer Center (where Quinn works as a therapy dog). After a group of Olympic Swimmers from Swim Across America, a cancer-fighting initiative, fell in love with Quinn last year, they recruited the canine to participate in the great cause.  In a period of just one week, Quinn raised $4,000 for Swim Across America. And, because of his great performance, Quinn has been invited back this year with a goal of raising $10,000.

Not only is Quinn an amazing swimmer and philanthropist, he has become quite the celebrity during this year’s campaign to raise money. Watch the video below to see Quinn on Good Morning Texas and click here to see him on Channel 33.  Please visit Quinn’s site here if you wish to donate money to this amazing cause.

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® has appointed Keith Newman sales manager of its Plano/Willow Bend Office. Mary Frances Burleson, president and chief executive officer, recently made the announcement.

“Keith brings extensive real estate sales experience, as well as a strong desire to assist our Plano/Willow Bend agents in taking their careers to the next level,” Burleson says. “Intensely focused on education, Keith truly appreciates the wide-ranging educational opportunities available to new and seasoned agents at Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®.”

Newman will report to Betty Misko, executive vice president and director of sales offices.

“Recognized as a Top Producer at his previous brokerage, Keith often served as a mentor to other agents,” Misko says. “I am confident his background and sales experience will benefit the Plano/Willow Bend Office in many ways.”

A native of Dallas, Newman has been in real estate sales since 2001 and has extensive experience representing buyers and sellers in a variety of Dallas neighborhoods. Recognized as a D Best real estate agent multiple times by D magazine, he enjoys exploring new and innovative ways to be successful in real estate.

“I am passionate about technology, particularly mobile technology and the opportunities it offers today’s buyers and sellers,” Newman says.

“One of the reasons I chose Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® is the company’s appreciation for both new-agent education and continuing education for seasoned agents,” Newman says. “I really look forward to helping our Plano/Willow Bend agents develop successful business plans to take their business to the next level.”

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®’ affiliation with Luxury Portfolio International®, the luxury division of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® — the largest global network of premier independent luxury brokerages — is another reason Newman chose Ebby Halliday. The 48-year-old network is responsible for more transactions than any other real estate network. Its website, LuxuryPortfolio.com, markets more than 25,000 of the world’s most remarkable homes annually and attracts more than 1.2 million high-net-worth visitors a year.

“I am truly excited about my move to Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® and the future of the Plano/Willow Bend Office,” Newman says. “My door will always be open for my agents, and our valued clients will reap the benefits.” 

For more information on Ebby’s Plano/Willow Bend, visit planowillowbend.ebby.com.

Cody

Be sure and check out the back page of the Main Section in today’s Dallas Morning News. There you’ll find the Ebby Halliday Companywide Top Associates for First Quarter 2012!

You can also see the complete list at ebby.com.

The Ebby Halliday Companies salute these Associates for their tireless dedication to providing preeminent service to their clients.

Congratulations to you all!

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS has appointed Sylvia Sotelo Kidd sales manager of its Rockwall Office. Mary Frances Burleson, president and chief executive officer, recently made the announcement.

“Always energetic and a proven Top Producer, Sylvia will undoubtedly bring the already very successful and well-known Rockwall Office to the next level,” Burleson says.

Sotelo Kidd will report to Betty Misko, vice president and director of sales offices.

“I have great confidence in Sylvia,” Misko says. “With her successful real estate background, I know that she will continue to perform with distinction.”                            

For the past 10 years Sotelo Kidd has been a top agent in the White Rock/Lake Highlands Office of Ebby Halliday, REALTORS. She was the first recipient of the “Yellow Rose of Distinction” Award, a companywide award for her numerous and significant contributions to the community and her positive impact on the lives of others.

“Among the reasons for my success are the extensive training and tools that come with being a member of the Ebby Halliday Family of Companies,” Sotelo Kidd says. “The Ebby Rockwall Office has long been No. 1 in Rockwall County. My job is to keep it the leader — and make it even better.”

Sotelo Kidd, who is bilingual, has extensive experience in management, operations and human resources for both corporate and non-profit organizations. She is well known for her significant service in a variety of community activities.

Sotelo Kidd has served as a board member or officer with the Dallas Zoo, YWCA, Center for Non-Profit Management, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – Dallas Chapter, Dallas Summit for local businesswomen and AVANCE for at-risk Hispanic children. She has served as a member of the DISD Superintendents Advisory Council, Women’s Museum Board and SMU Meadows School of Art Executive Board.

She also has served as chair of the Mental Health Association of Metropolitan Dallas and chair of the Hispanic 100, a group of senior executive Hispanic women. She currently is on the Parkland Foundation Board, is the Chair of MomentumTexas and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Dallas Theater Center. Sotelo Kidd was 1 of only 20 women nationwide selected to the National Latina Leadership Institute to participate in an intensive leadership program.

“I very much look forward to using my executive management and community experience as resources to support the Rockwall office’s agents, our buyers and our sellers,” Sotelo Kidd says. “My door will always be open.”

For more information on Ebby’s Rockwall office, visit rockwall.ebby.com.

Kendall

The most popular question when anyone begins to look for a home is, “What can I get for my money?”. Well, in honor of the spring housing season MSN Real Estate recently published an article that answers that very question. The article gives an interesting glimpse at the housing markets in four cities including San Jose, Omaha, Winston-Salem, and our neighbros to the South, Austin. We add a fifth city to that list with a brief look at Dallas homes on the market today in a variety of price ranges:

$200,000 | 6452 Lovers Lane

This home has an amazing price tag for a four bedroom, two bath home on one of the most recognizable streets in Dallas. It also has beautiful hardwood floors, two fireplaces and a spacious backyard. Unique accents inside this charming home include a bay window, built-in cabinets and a back patio. For details, contact Paula Streiff.

$500,000 | 6747 Alexander Drive

This three bedroom, three bath Lakewood home is zoned for the Exemplary Lakewood Elementary and perfect for a family. Amenities include a great second living area with a wood-burning fireplace. And imagine enjoying this beautiful spring weather on the gorgeous front porch. For details, contact Margot Strong.

$1,185,000 | 1855 Timbergrove Circle

It’s almost impossible to choose just one million-dollar Dallas home that we love, but this Kessler Park Mid-Century Modern stands apart from the rest. Situated on a nearly one-acre lot, this home has an open flow, high ceilings, a dramatic staircase, and a wall of windows to enjoy the scenic backyard with mature trees and a gorgeous pool. For details, contact Carol McCracken.

Ready to start a home search of your own?  To see more homes on the market, start your home search at The Best Address In Real Estate, Ebby.com.

Kendall

Need some motivation to start your Spring Cleaning? Well, the Ebby White Rock/Lake Highlands office is here to help with the “Spring Clean Thing” at the North Lake Shopping Center (10233 E Northwest Highway) this Saturday, April 21st.  Goodwill will be on hand to collect clothes, shoes, games & toys, small sports equipment, small appliances, books, DVDs, computers & accessories, housewares, jewelry & accessories, purses and backpacks. And, if you need to rid yourself of old and unnecessary paper work,  there will be a shredder on site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. so you can safely destroy those documents.

It’s a great way to get yourself in gear and help your home while helping others! Click here for more information on this great event! Or, need some assistance letting go? Go here for helpful tips on cleaning out your closet.

Cody

You read that right.  The top six Sales Associates for Ebby Halliday, Realtors sold a combined 505 homes last year for a sales volume of almost $251 million.  Bravo.

That’s why last week, these six individuals and their office managers were guests of honor at the annual President’s Luncheon hosted by Company President & CEO Mary Frances Burleson along with Founder & Chairman of the Board Ebby Halliday, CFO Ron Burgert and Executive Vice President & Director of Sales Offices Betty Misko.  Attendees were:

Cindy O’Gorman
2011 Companywide Top Group
The O’Gorman Group
Preston Keller Office

Paulette Greene
2011 Companywide Top Group Runner up
The Paulette Greene Group
Frisco Office

Martha Morguloff & Danna Morguloff-Hayden
2011 Companywide Top Team
Preston Keller Office

Dee Evans
2011 Companywide Top Individual
Rockwall Office

Kathy Lakatta
2011 Companywide Top Individual Runner Up
Mansfield Office

The informal luncheon was held at the newly renovated Dallas Country Club in Highland Park, and served as a rare and valuable opportunity for these top Associates to come together.  The overriding theme of the conversation was the strength of the current real estate market – and business is good.  Really good.  The attendees echoed what we’ve been hearing for weeks – there are many buyers in the current market but a shortage of available inventory.  Translation: if you’ve been considering listing your home for sale, now is probably an ideal time.  In fact, Kathy Lakatta who was honored as the Runner Up Top Individual Associate Companywide for 2011 was unable to attend the luncheon for fear of her buyer client possibly losing a home they were interested in.  Yes, it seems we’re entering a seller’s market!

To see more photos from the 2011 President’s Luncheon (plus an inside glimpse into the newly remodeled Dallas Country Club, which opened with a black tie gala the night before), visit the Ebby Halliday Facebook Page.

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® has appointed Van Vanaman sales manager of its Arlington and Mansfield offices. Mary Frances Burleson, president and chief executive officer, recently made the announcement.

“Van brings an in-depth knowledge of the real estate industry as an accomplished veteran sales associate, and he has a complete understanding of the strength of the Ebby Halliday name and brand in North Texas,” Burleson says. “Van is widely known for always going above and beyond to provide truly exceptional customer service.”

Vanaman will report to Betty Misko, vice president and director of sales offices.

“Through the years, Van has earned the highest respect and admiration of his clients and fellow Realtors,” Misko says. “His background and experience will be invaluable assets to the clients and Associates of the Arlington and Mansfield offices.”

For the past 16 years Vanaman has been a top agent in the Irving /Las Colinas office of Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®. He has been the recipient of the Ebby Halliday companywide Excellence In Customer Service Award 10 times. The award is based on ratings from past clients, making it truly a people’s choice award. In 1998, Vanaman received the companywide Rookie of the Year award.

“My primary focus has always been the same as Ebby Halliday REALTORS®: excellent customer service and client satisfaction,” Vanaman says. “The Arlington and Mansfield offices will continue to uphold these pillars upon which our company has built its sterling reputation.”

Prior to joining Ebby Halliday REALTORS® Vanaman was in the homebuilding business. Experience as a builder, home-building manager and sales counselor provides him with unique insight into each phase of the home-sale transaction, he says.

“My background in all facets of the residential real estate business, from building to closing, will bring a high level of experience to the Arlington and Mansfield offices,” Vanaman says. “I look forward to being a resource and to providing support where needed for the agents, our buyers and our sellers. Customer satisfaction is the No. 1 goal of the Arlington and Mansfield offices and Ebby Halliday REALTORS®.”

Vanaman, a graduate of Abilene Christian University, enjoys bicycling and scuba diving and has run two marathons and several half-marathons. The father of two children and grandfather of six grandchildren, Vanaman lives in Arlington, and is actively engaged in community service and particularly enjoys working with the deaf.  

For more information on Ebby’s Arlington and Mansfield offices, visit arlington.ebby.com and mansfield.ebby.com.

Kendall

Ebby Halliday agent, Cindy Solice, recently took on the challenge of representing engaged clients Lindsay and Dayne in the search for their first home together. This unique couple presented a common challenge as they struggled to find an aesthetic to fit both of their tastes. Lindsay is drawn to traditional homes while Dayne prefers a more contemporary style. Their conflicting styles created the perfect formula for s the HGTV show, “House Hunters”. So, the cameras followed Lindsay and Dayne around as  Cindy faced the challenge by showing the couple a variety of homes.

In the end, the couple settled on a transitional home, a ’70s ranch-style house  in North Dallas with formal living and dining areas to satifsy Lindsay, yet tall ceilings and an open feeling for Dayne’s taste. A job well done by Cindy, and we hope Lindsay and Dayne enjoy their new home!

Inspired to begin searching for a home of your own?  Start at The Best Address In Real Estate, Ebby.com.

Cody

If you missed yesterday’s Home Center section of The Dallas Morning News, we again congratulated our Companywide Top Associates for the past year.  Our President & CEO Mary Frances Burleson was quoted:

“These Associates exemplify the utmost in professionalism, having established themselves as leaders in our industry. For over 65 years Ebby Halliday, REALTORS has been in the forefront of the area’s real estate market, setting the standard for customer service and building a name that is synonymous with trust. Today, our company continues to be focused on innovation, growth and people. It is those people that we honor today. We applaud their accomplishments and join in celebrating their success.”

In addition to yesterday’s front page story, the 2011 Companywide Honor Roll was featured in a full page ad on the back cover of the main section of The Dallas Morning News on Sunday, February 25, on the home page of the award-winning Ebby.com, as the header of our Sunday property ad in TDMN for the past three weeks and in various print media mentions and social media outlets. 

The following Associates were named to the top of their categories:

To see our full Honor Roll featuring all of our 2011 Companywide Top Associates, visit applause.ebby.com.

Congratulations again to you all!