Long Realty Reveals ‘Why I Love Arizona’ Contest Winners

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Kevin Kaplan

Long Realty is excited to announce the winners and completion of the second annual ‘Why I Love Arizona’ photo contest. The contest provided Arizonans an opportunity to submit their best photo to one of ten categories and compete for prizes.

“We received so many outstanding submissions this year that it was difficult to narrow down 850 photos to just the top finalists,” says Kevin Kaplan, Long Realty Vice President of Marketing & Technology. “These winners are truly deserving and have made us aware of many new reasons why we love Arizona.”

Winning submissions were chosen through online public voting, with over 33,000 votes cast. We proudly congratulate Adam Ratesic for winning the $1,926 grand prize with his submission titled I Love the Grand Canyon. He submitted a beautiful image of himself sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon staring at the distant picturesque scenery. A special recognition goes to Bill Wagner for the winning photo in the Long Realty Agent/Employee submission category. Bill is a sales associate with Long Realty West Valley in Anthem, Arizona, and won $1,926 for his submission entitled Reflections on Oak Creek.

See the finalist photos

 

IMG_6834

Grand Prize winner Adam Ratesic (left) with Kevin Kaplan, Long Realty VP Marketing and Technology

agent winner photo

Agent/Employee winner Bill Wagner (right) with Jim Larkin, Long Realty VP Franchise Operations

 

The contest winners of each category are as follows:

Animals/Wildlife – Axel Elfner

Buildings/Landmarks – Melissa Holland

Community Events – David Graff

Employee/Agent – Bill Wagner

Flowers/Cactus – Tiffany Fleckenstein

Flagstaff Altitude – Patrick McCarthy

Miscellaneous    – Jessica Nelson

People – Adam Ratesic

Sports/Action – Travis Kolter

Sunset/Sunrise – Summer Driggs

Weather – James Schrimpf

Long Realty appreciates the dedication and contributions from our contest sponsors in this outstanding effort. Thank you Truly Nolen, Rancho Sahuarita, GEO Advertising & Marketing, News 4 KVOA, Arizona Daily Star, Horizon Moving Systems, Cherry Landscape Inc., Cox Communications, Cirrus Visual, 93.7 KRQ, 790 KNST, 92.9 My Tucson, Hot 98.3, Radio Tejano and 1450 La Preciosa.

Long Realty is donating $1 to the Long Realty Cares Foundation for every photo that was submitted to the contest, and has increased their donation even further to a total of $1,000. The Long Realty Cares Foundation, created in 2002, has raised more than 2 million dollars for over 170 Arizona charities.

For more information about the contest or to view the rest of the winning photos, visit http://whyilovearizona.com. 

Share this article:
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Grand Opening Event at Long Realty Partners Casa Grande

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Erica Smith

Long Realty Partners has announced its Casa Grande office Grand Opening Party on May 15th, 11 AM – 2 PM. Owner/Designated Broker Sue Christensen and Branch Manager Kindar Ashford invite all Long Realty agents and employees to help them celebrate the opening of their new office, meet their agents and enjoy the food. The Long Realty Partners Casa Grande office is located at 251 E. Cottonwood Lane, approximately 2 blocks west of Trekell. It’s easy to find just exit I-10 at Florence Blvd, head west to Trekell, go north to Cottonwood and then west until you see that distinctive Long Realty sign. Stop by and enjoy snacks, register for door prizes and tour Long Realty Partners’ beautiful new Casa Grande office.

Share this article:
Posted in News Clippings, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Long Realty and Agent Tony Reed Win Awards from CoStar Group

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Erica Smith

(Tucson, AZ, Mar 21, 2013) The 2012 annual CoStar Power Broker Awards have honored Long Realty Company and REALTOR® Tony Reed with Top Sales Firm and Top Sales Broker awards. These awards recognize top commercial real estate firms and individual brokers who achieve the highest transaction volume in commercial property sales and leases in their market.

“CoStar is proud to honor the firms and brokers who perform at the industry’s highest level each year,” said CoStar group Founder and CEO Andrew C. Florence. “These industry leaders deserve to be recognized for their hard work, expertise and superior deal-making abilities. We extend our congratulations to this year’s winners on their achievements.”

Winners range from national firms to small local agencies but only 10 winners are named per category in each market. The awards are based on transaction data in CoStar’s commercial real estate database, believed to be the largest of its kind.

“Tony Reed has done a tremendous job of servicing the needs of his commercial clients, we are very proud of his accomplishments,” said Rosey Koberlein, CEO of Long Companies. “Everyone at Long Realty was overjoyed to be recognized by CoStar as one of the top commercial real estate firms in the Tucson market. It’s a testament to the business model and synergies we created with our great commercial agents servicing the commercial business needs of our residential agents. A true win-win.”

“I am honored to be acknowledged by CoStar for my transaction volume in 2012,” said Top Sales Broker Tony Reed. “The CoStar Power Broker Awards are recognized throughout the community and I couldn’t have achieved this honor without the unrivaled support and technology of Long Realty.”

For more information or to contact Long Realty, visit longrealty.com.
 

Share this article:
Posted in Long Realty Commercial | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lloyd Fox Named as a 2013 Director for the Arizona Association of REALTORS® Board

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Erica Smith

 

Congratulations to Lloyd Fox of Long Realty The Fox Group, on being named as a 2013 Director for the Arizona Association of REALTORS® board. Lloyd has focused his real estate sales career on listing and selling luxury homes in the Phoenix area while simultaneously combining his exceptional organizational and leadership skills to become one of the premier brokers and educators in Maricopa county.  Lloyd has been an important part of the Long Realty family as a franchise owner since 2005 and currently owns the Scottsdale office and is co-owner of the Long Realty Camelback offices in Central Phoenix and Moon Valley.  Lloyd is a consistent top producer and has received the coveted 1926 Circle of Excellence award every year since joining Long Realty in 2005.

Lloyd can be reached at lfox@longrealty.com or 602-418-1153

Share this article:
Posted in Long Realty Affiliates, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HomeServices of America, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Prudential Georgia Realty

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Erica Smith

MINNEAPOLIS (March 19, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Prudential Georgia Realty, one of Atlanta's largest and most respected residential real estate brokerage firms.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service independent residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest brokerage-owned settlement services provider in the U.S. In October 2012, HomeServices became the majority owner in HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the Prudential Real Estate franchise network and will launch Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – a new real estate franchise brand.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Prudential Georgia serves the greater metro area of Atlanta, with nearly 1,000 sales associates and 20 offices and has ranked No. 1 in homes sold, transactions, and total units, listing sales, buyer sales and current inventory since 2009, Under the new structure, Prudential Georgia Realty retains its name and remains a flagship franchisee of Prudential Real Estate's U.S. network. Prudential Georgia Realty will rebrand to the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices when it becomes available later in 2013.

This acquisition represents an expansion of HomeServices' footprint in the Atlanta market along with Harry Norman Realtors®, which HomeServices acquired in 2006, With this transaction, HomeServices has 28 brands and more than 17,000 real estate professionals operating in 21 states. HomeServices' growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their communities and long-standing traditions for excellence.

Dan Forsman, CEO, is renowned for his exemplary leadership skills and is recognized throughout the real estate community for his extensive professional contributions. Forsman will continue in his current role running the day-to-day operations along with the executive leadership team and Managing Brokers.

"Prudential Georgia Realty is among the leading real estate companies in the U.S. and closely aligns with our corporate visions and our emphasis on customer value and results," said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. "Dan's leadership and uncompromising commitment to his agents, employees and customers has guided Prudential Georgia Realty to its position as one of the largest companies within the Prudential network."

"This transaction makes Prudential Georgia Realty an even stronger organization," adds Forsman. "By joining forces with HomeServices, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients throughout Atlanta."

"Dan is an accomplished leader and I look forward to having him and his team join the HomeServices network of companies," Peltier said.

Information about Prudential Georgia Realty is available at prudentialga.com

Share this article:
Posted in HomeServices of America, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Long Realty Opens New Office in Casa Grande

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Erica Smith

(Tucson, AZ, Mar 18, 2013) Long Realty Company is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Casa Grande with Long Realty Partners. The office is scheduled to open its doors on March 28, 2013, filling Long Realty’s quest for a strategic location in Pinal County.

"We have a strong roster of superior Casa Grande agents who are excited to have a new office in town”, said veteran Casa Grande REALTOR® and Casa Grande Branch Manager Kindar Ashford. “This new location will help our agents continue their business growth. Long Realty’s focus on a superior customer experience and its strong brand history in Arizona truly enhance our goals of becoming one of the premier real estate companies in the Casa Grande Valley.”

“We are excited to bring the Long Realty brand to Casa Grande, connecting our substantial presence in the Phoenix and Tucson markets”, said Long Companies CEO Rosey Koberlein. “Long Realty has been working towards a presence in Casa Grande and the timing of this new location is perfect given the rebound in the local housing market. I have the utmost confidence in Long Realty Partners to represent the Long Realty brand and the mission to serve the real estate needs of the community at the highest standards.”

The new office is located at 251 E. Cottonwood Lane, approximately 2 blocks west of Trekell. Long Realty Partners Casa Grande will serve the entire Casa Grande Valley including Arizona City, Coolidge, Florence, Maricopa with additional business in the far southern portions of Chandler, Sun Lakes and other Southeastern Maricopa County communities.

For more information about Long Realty Casa Grande, visit LongRealty.com.
 

Share this article:
Posted in News Clippings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sun City Grand Realtor® Nancy Muslin has Joined Long Realty’s Surprise Office

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Erica Smith

 

(Phoenix, AZ.) Long Realty West Valley is pleased to announce that Sun City Grand REALTOR® Nancy Muslin has joined their Surprise office. Nancy has been an Arizona REALTOR® since 2004 concentrating her business in the western communities of Phoenix. " My experience in marketing, commitment to hard work and my love of the “people “ aspect of real estate has blessed me with success helping my clients buy and sell properties in the West Valley. It is exciting for me to bring my business to Long Realty and to be a part of their continued growth in the Sun Cities and Surprise ” says Nancy.”

 “We are thrilled to welcome Nancy to our Surprise office and know that her incredible energy and years of success will be an important asset at Long Realty,” says Gordon Nichols, Owner/Broker, Long Realty West Valley. “ Nancy is an honest, dedicated agent who understands the local markets as well as the importance of superior customer service.”

Nancy holds the important Certified Short Sale Negotiator ( CSSN ) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist ( SRES ) certificates that verify her commitment to growth and the necessity of learning to keep pace with our constantly changing real estate environment.  For more information or to contact Nancy Muslin, visit www.NancyMuslin.com or email Nancy@NancyMuslin.com.

Long Realty West Valley Surprise is located at 14245 W. Grand Avenue, adjacent to Sun City Grand and Sun City West.
 

Share this article:
Posted in New Agents Joining Long Realty, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Public Voting Begins for Long Realty’s “Why I Love Arizona” Photo Contest

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Erica Smith


(Tucson, AZ, Mar 11, 2013) Long Realty’s second annual “Why I Love Arizona” photo contest is underway and only weeks away from announcing a winner. The “Why I Love Arizona” web site received over 850 submissions and now we need your help to vote for the best photos. This final stage of the photo contest is online, and public voting runs from March 11 through 5pm March 29.

“We have had another great showing in this year’s contest with over 850 fabulous photo submissions that can be viewed in the online galleries.” says Kevin Kaplan, Long Realty Vice President of Marketing & Technology. “So many Arizonans contributed their art to this contest to show us why they love Arizona.”

The first phase of the photo contest, from February 4 through February 22, gave people the opportunity to submit a photo to 1 of 10 categories expressing why they love Arizona. Long Realty’s internal judges then narrowed the 850 submissions down to the top 10 in each category. 

Long Realty now asks that the public help decide which photo wins the top prize in each category and the overall grand prize of $1,962. One vote is allowed per person per day per category during the online voting period. Whichever photo receives the most online votes in each category will win the prize for that category and the photo that receives the most overall votes will receive the grand prize.

Long Realty has always been devoted to giving back to the community and is donating $1 to the Long Realty Cares Foundation for every photo that was submitted to the contest. The Long Realty Cares Foundation, created in 2002, has raised more than 2 million dollars for over 170 Arizona charities.

For more information about the contest or to vote for your favorite photos, visit whyilovearizona.com.
 

Share this article:
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Once a Campsite, Now a Luxury Desert Ranch Featured on CNN/Money Website

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Erica Smith


 

Building his dream home in the middle of a desert wasn't in David Hoffman's grand plan. But in 1985, that is exactly what he found himself doing.

"I wasn't in the market for anything," said Hoffman, a lawyer-turned restaurateur.

He was out riding a horse near his central Tucson home, when he stumbled upon a YWCA campsite with a "For Sale" sign.

"I happened to see it, fell in love with it and thought I might be able to steal it," he said.

The 10-acre property was in Northwest Tucson and featured an original farmhouse from 1906. He purchased the property for $280,000 soon after and then spent the next two decades renovating and building additions.

"It was pretty rough," he said. "The roads weren't paved and there was no grass."

But Hoffman saw potential in this desert hideaway surrounded by about 5,500 acres of national forest and state land.

With the help of a crew of skilled workers, he turned an old barn into the "Copper Room," an indoor event space where he and his wife Molly could host corporate events as a source of income. He also built himself a "Boys Club" for cigar smoking and TV watching.

Outside, he planted two and a half acres of grass and big eucalyptus trees, built a waterfall and erected a mock Western town, with fake storefronts to hide a gymnasium he built for his wife.

The Hoffmans have used the property to host events for big companies like American Express, BMW and Caterpillar.

Now, Hoffman has listed the property for $8 million. They say it's time to scale down and travel more.

"It's going to be very tough to leave here," said Hoffman. Click here to view original article.

Share this article:
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Long Realty Announces New Assistant Sales Manager at River/Campbell Office

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Erica Smith

 

(Tucson, AZ, Mar 5, 2013) Long Realty is excited to announce that REALTOR® David Winter has taken on a new role as Assistant Sales Manager at their River/Campbell Branch Office. David’s new responsibilities include new agent development and helping the office’s sales associates maximize the company’s technology and support systems.

“I feel honored to have the opportunity to expand my role at Long Realty,” says David Winter. “Long Realty’s reputation speaks for itself; they are an outstanding employer that has provided me with the tools to succeed.”

David first became a REALTOR® in 2001 after developing a passion for real estate during his own home buying experience.  His focus has been working with buyers and sellers of residential properties throughout Pima County.

“David is a team player who has done a great job mentoring many of our newer agents,” says Linda Moore, River/Campbell Branch Branch Manager. “We are pleased with how much effort he has put into meeting the needs of his clients and making sure they become satisfied customers, and helping our other sales associates achieve the same level of success.”

As a veteran employee of the retail industry, prior to working for Long Realty, David was able to develop the ability to listen well and fully understand his clients’ needs. He brings significant management expertise to this new position.

For more information or to contact David Winter, email him at winter@longrealty.com.
 

Share this article:
Posted in News Clippings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment