Dan Benefield

Decatur, GA

Benefield Realty Company was founded by C.E. Benefield in 1948. At that time most of DeKalb County remained undeveloped countryside and dairy farms. Mr. Benefield started out working with builders, finding spot lots for them, and handling the sales. Growth began to head East out of Atlanta and the demand for lots in DeKalb increased.

Beginning in the early 1950's and through the mid 1970's, Benefield Realty became heavily involved in developing subdivisions in DeKalb, Clayton, Fulton, Rockdale, and Gwinnett Counties. The primary emphasis was in DeKalb County. In many instances, C.E. Benefield formed a partnership arrangement with the builders through various corporations to buy and build on the lots he developed. In all instances, Benefield Realty marketed the new homes to the buying public.

In those early years, there were no local MLS systems and consequently fewer co-op sales than there are today. There were a number of Benefield Realty Company agents that made the Million Dollar Club selling houses for around $18,000. A good building lot could be purchased for around $500. Many of the older subdivisions you drive through today in the heart of DeKalb County were developed, built, and sold as new homes through Benefield Realty.

C.E. Benefield was one of the founders and a charter member of the DeKalb Board of Realtors in 1956, known today as the DeKalb Association of Realtors. He was also a charter member of Metro Listing Service, known today as GAMLS. C.E. served as President of the DeKalb Board in 1959, and numerous years as a director.

The Company weathered some tough times in the mid 70's when financing dried up due to usury laws in Georgia at that time, then again in the early 80's when interest rates hit 18% and more at times. This was the era when "creative" financing became the norm.

The late 70's saw the Company beginning to lean more toward a resale market, although it still remained involved in new home sales as well. In 1977 Benefield Realty was one of the first few companies in Atlanta to acquire a Century 21 franchise. The Company maintained that affiliation for roughly 10 years before severing ties and going strictly independent again.

Dan Benefield, the youngest son of C.E., became licensed as a salesperson in 1975 and an Associate Broker in 1978. In 1983 Dan took over as principal Broker for the Company. Dan is a lifetime member of the DeKalb Association of Realtors Million Dollar Club, served as the Association's President in 2001, was the DeKalb Realtor of the Year in 2002, and received the Mary Nelson Realtor Spirit Award in 2004.

He is still active on the local and State level, serving on the board of directors for both the DeKalb Association and the Georgia Association of Realtors. Dan also served as RPAC trustee for the 4th congressional district, chaired the State Governmental Affairs Committee, and is currently on the board of directors for the Georgia Multiple Listing Service.

The mid 1980's through the early 90's saw continous drops in the mortgage interest rates. This, along with the Olympics putting Atlanta in the spotlight of the world, brought about one of the best local markets we've seen.

Today, Benefield Realty remains active in resales, foreclosures, new homes, commercial properties, and property management. We appreciate you and would like to thank all of our satisfied customers and clients for keeping us in business for over 55 years.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BUYING OR SELLING IN METRO ATLANTA?

WE CAN HELP!

BROWSE HOMES IN ANY NEIGHBORHOOD BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.

Many buyers like to "shop" their homeowners insurance coverage looking for the best deal they can find. It's hard to disagree with looking for a deal these days, but it is very important to discuss with your agent exactly what is covered by the policy.

There are many policies that cover fire damage only. With all the catastrophies we see happening around the U.S. today, you might want to consider adding additional coverages to your policy. Things that immediately come to mind are:

• Tornado & Hurricane damage
• Earthquake damage
• Flood damage

Better safe than sorry. Be sure and discuss all types of coverages with your agent, then you can make the determination how much risk you are willing to take by leaving certain items out.

Looking for a home in metro Atlanta - click on the link below to browse homes for sale in Georgia.

ENJOY THE DAY!!

Now is the time to buy folks. Prices on many of the homes in metro Atlanta right now are like finding a blue light special.

SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Click on the search link below to browse real time homes throughout metro Atlanta.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me if I can help you in any way.

I had to take my wife downtown today to drop her off at my daughters place of work. The two of them have a little excursion this afternoon.

Since we're in the neighborhood we decide to eat lunch at The Varsity. We felt we may be running a little low on our grease quotient. I don't use that in a derogatory sense. Those of you local to Atlanta know what I'm talking about.

Those of you not from Atlanta - it is a "must experience" on your visit here. The standard is pictured above. Chili dog, rings, and FO, or frosted orange. The Varsity has been featured on several of the "Food Network" type television shows, and has been serving up great tasting chili dogs, chili burgers, & more since 1928.

You won't be finding tofu and vegan dishes here, but if you're in the mood for a great hotdog & fixin's, put The Varsity on your to do list in Atlanta.

If you're looking for housing in Atlanta, be sure and put Benefield Realty on your to do list ;)

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Decatur, Georgia - billed the worlds largest yard sale. Come on out and enjoy the fun and find a treasure. June 10th, 11th, & 12th starting at 7am daily. Located at the First Baptist Church, Decatur, GA at 308 Clairemont Avenue, 1 block from the Old Courthouse. Check out the video. All proceeds benefit youth mission projects. For more details please visit: http://www.decaturyouth.org/YOUTH%20YARD%20SALE.html Hope to see you there!