Company News
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE METRO BROKERS
ACQUIRES FIRST REALTY ASSOCIATES, INC.
August 3, 2010
Kevin Levent (second from left), President and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, welcomes Tommy Bohannon (left), Arlene Griffith (second from right) and Chuck Griffith (right) - brokers and owners of First Realty Associates, Inc. - after the successful merger of the two companies. First Georgia Realty Services will now operate under the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers name.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, the largest real estate company in Georgia, recently acquired First Realty Associates, Inc, a top-performing real estate agency specializing in residential, relocation and commercial sales. Founded in 1974, First Realty Associates, Inc. is one of the oldest established real estate companies in west Georgia. All three of their real estate offices and more than 30 agents have joined BHGRE Metro Brokers serving Carroll, Haralson, and Heard Counties.
Former broker/owners Tommy Bohannon, Chuck Griffith and Arlene Griffith knew very quickly after meeting with BHGRE Metro Brokers that it was the right move for their agents. “It’s important that our agents have the support and education that BHGRE Metro Brokers offers,” Bohannon said. “Unlike other companies, they offer big brand backing on a local level. They understand our market and what our agents need to succeed in it.”
Another key point was BHGRE Metro Brokers’ reputation in the community. “Our clients were very excited when I mentioned that we were going to be with BHGRE Metro Brokers going forward,” said Chuck Griffith. “They already knew about the fantastic website, recognizable signage and other benefits that BHGRE Metro Brokers offers! The additional services were a key aspect of our merger with BHGRE Metro Brokers.”
“After such a long time in the community, we wanted to join a company that could bring our agents to the next level,” said Arlene Griffith. “And BHGRE Metro Brokers has shown that again and again.”
The owners – Bohannon, Chuck Griffith and Arlene Griffith – will continue on at BHGRE Metro Brokers as associate brokers handling residential resales, new and custom homes, REO properties and land. They will also continue to support Mirror Lake and the other communities in the Carrollton, Douglasville and Newnan areas.
Bohannon has more than 19 years of experience in the real estate industry, and is a past director of the West Metro Board of REALTORS® (WMBOR). He has also received WMBOR’s Top Producer award and earned his GRI designation. He has a degree in Marketing from the University of West Georgia and lives in Carrollton.
Chuck and Arlene Griffith have almost 70 years of combined experience in the real estate industry. Chuck is a past president and director of the WMBOR and Arlene recently received the Double Phoenix award from the WMBOR for her 20 years as a million dollar producer. They are also active members in the Lion’s Club, a local community service organization, and Chuck was awarded Lion of the Year in 2009. Both attended University of West Georgia and live in Carrollton.
“To succeed in this business, you must focus on integrity, honesty, technology, branding and innovation,” says President and CEO Kevin Levent. “We’re looking for other companies in the real estate industry that share these core beliefs.”
Founded in 1979 with just one office and a handful of sales associates, Metro Brokers is the largest Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate franchise in the world offering a wide range of real estate services including residential and commercial sales; business brokerage; corporate relocation; new home sales and marketing; pre- and post-license training; and insurance, mortgage and title/closing services.
Companies interested in joining Metro Brokers can contact Craig McClelland, Director of Strategic Growth, at 678.587.4505 or e-mail craig.mcclelland@metrobrokers.com for a completely confidential meeting.
