People in Real Estate

Driver heads up commercial unit

Michaela Driver, a broker, has joined ReMax Properties North to head a new commercial division.

Ms. Driver, the commercial director, has more than 22 years’ experience in real estate. She is fluent in German and is the only local member of the

International Real Estate Federation, according to ReMax. The federation, abbreviated FIABCI for its French name, pioneered international real estate education by creating the Certified Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. The CIPS Network for international agents is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors.

Ms. Driver is a licensed broker in Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas and Alabama. She specializes in international commercial real estate. ReMax International has more than 7,000 offices in more than 65 countries.

Martin receives new home designations

Sam Martin of Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty Inc. has earned the Certified New Home Specialist and the Residential Construction Certified designations to better serve home buyers and builders.

His training included architectural design and planning, blueprint reading, topography, building site design, materials, methods and more. Mr. Martin has more than 20 years’ sales experience with Fortune 500 companies. He also holds the Certified Residential Relocation Specialist designation.

Champion named managing broker

Steve Champion has joined ReMax Renaissance Realtors as managing broker.

“Having someone of the caliber of Steve Champion, with his tremendous depth of knowledge of the real estate industry, his proven management style and his commitment to excellence is a great asset to our organization” said Jason Farmer, broker/owner of ReMax Renaissance Realtors.

Mr. Champion is a past president of the Chattanooga Association of Realtors, 2003 Realtor of the Year, Tennessee Association of Realtors 2006 Educator of the Year and a national speaker and trainer in the real estate industry.

“The tools and systems available through the ReMax organization are world class,” Mr. Champion said. “It is my job to take those resources and put them in the hands of our well-trained, local experts. The result is less hassle and more money for our clients.”

Swafford obtains remodelor title

Tim Swafford of Swafford Construction in Chattanooga has earned the Certified Graduate Remodelor designation from the

National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council. Mr. Swafford is the first in the Chattanooga area and one of only 2,000 nationwide who have attained the CGR certification, according to a statement.

CGR recognizes those remodelors who demonstrate exceptional business integrity, technical competence and have a record of customer satisfaction.

To earn the CGR designation, a remodelor must complete a series of industryspecific education courses, provide letters of recommendation, proof of licensing and insurance, and adhere to a code of ethics.

Mr. Swafford also holds a Certified Graduate Builder designation and Certified Aging in Place designation.

Seavey recognized for top production

Bender Realty has announced that Diana Seavey is the 2007 top listing agent, 2007 top selling agent and 2007 overall top producer for the company.

“In a corrected market for 2007, Diana has proved that hard work and a willingness to go above and beyond can be accomplished, and we want to recognize her,” said broker Brian Workman.

Ms. Seavey began her real estate career as a personal assistant and is a multi-million-dollar producer.

“I like being a part of a company who encourages personal and professional growth among their agents and who also provides the tools of the trade for that growth,” she said.

Ms. Seavey is a member of the Chattanooga, River Counties, Georgia, Tennessee and National Associations of Realtors.

Realtor receives EcoBroker training

Ryan King of Real Estate Partners in Chattanooga has earned the EcoBroker Certified designation, having completed a training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions.

“I am the first Realtor in the Chattanooga area to receive this distinguished designation for the environment,” Mr. King said. “I truly feel that being more environmentally friendly is the future for real estate.”

Mr. King joins a number of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable and healthier features in homes and buildings.

“From windows to moisture control to energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make better real estate decisions,” he said.

EcoBroker International’s education and designation program provides a curriculum of energy and environmental training to licensed real estate agents.

Cope receives tech certification

Becky Cope, a broker and consultant at ReMax Renaissance Realtors, has completed the e-PRO training program, certifying her as a real estate Internet professional. The course from the National Association of Realtors helps Realtors stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement Internet business models to serve their clients.

“Realtors must use and understand today’s technology in order to provide the highest level of customer service to buyers and sellers,” Ms. Cope said. “Our profession is all about staying in touch and technology has enhanced our level of service tremendously.”

Pargeon named member of the year

Brenda Pargeon of Crye-Leike Realtors’ East Brainerd office has been selected as the 2007

Women’s Council of Realtors

Member of the Year.

“I am honored that my colleagues on the WCR nominating committee, with unanimous support, chose me for this esteemed recognition,” Ms. Pargeon said.

Ms. Pargeon holds the Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtors Institute and e-PRO designations. She is a Ronald McDonald House volunteer.

Cleveland’s Phillips cited top producer

Crye-Leike Realtors has announced that Max Phillips, sales associate for the Cleveland, Tenn., office, recently received the top producer award. He was also ranked No. 3 in the Crye-Leike Chattanooga Region.

Mr. Phillips works with buyers and sellers in Cleveland specializing in residential and commercial real estate and developments.

“I started my real estate career in 1979 at the age of 23 years old and never looked back,” Mr. Phillips said.

He holds the Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate of the Realtors Institute and Certified Real Estate Instructor designations. He is a member of the River Counties Association of Realtors, where he has been elected to every office and has received the Realtor of the Year award.