“Don’t pay for leads, work by referral.” — Alix Nadi, Realtor, RE/MAX Around Atlanta

The Justice Department’s original complaint against the National Association of Realtors, filed Nov. 19, 2020, alleges that the association enforced rules and policies that illegally hampered competition in residential real estate services.

“Keep grinding, it will pay off.” — Nathan Minkwic, Real Estate Agent, RE/MAX Around Atlanta

Shirley Gary, of Engel & Völkers Buckhead Atlanta, increased her production in two years from 266.2 transaction sides and $70.1 million in volume to 621 sides and $121.2 million of volume in 2020.

The new executive previously worked as vice president of sales at Rockhaven Homes.

“Be yourself. There is no one ‘right way’ to succeed.” — Kristen Mehr, Realtor, Truly Fine Homes, RE/MAX Around Atlanta, Sandy Springs 

A survey by Homes.com found that 68% of pet-owning homeowners prioritize their pet’s comfort when searching for new properties. Lucky dog!

Looking forward, 37% of the survey’s respondents expect drones to be the most-impactful technology over the next 24 months, followed by cyber security (34%), 5G (31%) and virtual reality (30%).

Adjectives reflecting the desire for privacy and physical isolation gained a place of prominence: “private,” “covered,” “quiet,” “separate” and “enclosed” were among the top 100 most-used description terms.

Shirley Gary was also ranked No. 5 nationwide for transactions closed and No. 131 nationwide for sales volume.

The new vice president has 19 years of real estate experience and holds an associate broker’s license under Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.

“Don’t be afraid to go outside the box.” — Kamron Engler, Realtor, The Engler Group of RE/MAX Town & Country

Meghann Brackett, who specializes in luxury properties in Georgia’s northeast mountain region, was also named top agent for the state and the #1 Individual Agent for total gross commission income in Georgia during the quarter.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” — Gabi Lavelle, on-site agent, The Providence Group, Atlanta

The office, located at 150 Fowler St., is led by managing broker Jill Triola.

Homebuyers lucky enough to win a bidding war these days are increasingly running headlong into appraisals that don’t match — or even come close to — the agreed sales price, leaving them with limited ways to close the sale.