June 2004 Fast Takes

Thanking a teacher.

The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® in mid-April named its education center the Martin Edwards Jr. Education Center to honor NAR’s 2002 president for his years of teaching and his leadership in launching an education foundation in 1985, when he headed MAAR. “Martin’s efforts to further education opportunities for Memphis-area practitioners have been one of the keys to our association’s efforts in serving our members,” says Bob Turner, ABR® 2004 MAAR president. The foundation funds a real estate scholarship at the University of Memphis, grants continuing education scholarships to members, and sponsors a summer internship.Thanking a teacher. The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® in mid-April named its education center the Martin Edwards Jr. Education Center to honor NAR’s 2002 president for his years of teaching and his leadership in launching an education foundation in 1985, when he headed MAAR. “Martin’s efforts to further education opportunities for Memphis-area practitioners have been one of the keys to our association’s efforts in serving our members,” says Bob Turner, ABR® 2004 MAAR president. The foundation funds a real estate scholarship at the University of Memphis, grants continuing education scholarships to members, and sponsors a summer internship.

A truly divine condo.

With in-fill property scarce in many areas and many groups pushing architectural preservation, don’t be surprised if you see more homes and commercial properties with divine pedigrees. Conversion of former houses of worship into museums, restaurants, clubs, nursing homes, condos, and single-family homes is on the rise. Major news outlets, including The Washington Post and USA Today, have picked up on the trend, and a Denver organization, Faith Action, has developed an online manual for those who want to repurpose or preserve churches.

Too stoked, dude.

Buying a home on the green doesn’t measure up for young buyers who’d rather hit the lip on a surfboard than chip a shot in the fairway. Find these beach-dwellers a house for rent or purchase at stokebay.com. Stoke Media LLC launched the surfer-centric property site in mid-April.

Awards to NAR building.

The ultramodern, environmentally advanced building on Capitol Hill that will house NAR’s Washington, D.C., operations won top awards for architecture and financing from the Washington Business Journal in its Best Real Estate Deals of 2003 contest. The building was also runner-up for best urban office project and best sustainable growth project. NAR staff will occupy the building beginning this fall.