Laury Gardner

Spending Where it Counts

10-27-08

I was browsing the online frontpage of my favorite news site this morning. A report that a movie, in it's second week of release, is a "flop" not because of critical review but because it "only made $5.3M last week" caught my attention. Really? Let's pretend that an average adult movie ticket costs $9 (not a scientific average...where I live tickets are $7-8 and in some cities they hit $12+, so this is my number. It'll work for this exercise). That means that over 588,000 people spent money to see it. Second week or not, that's a lot of people. And when the choice of whether to fill up your gas tank, take some clothes to the dry cleaners or see a movie is facing many people, that's a pretty good turnout.

More and more the "extra" money people had to spend on the little things is either missing - gone due to economic conditions - or moved to a new category in household budgets. The last time I went to see a movie at a theater was last May. Nowadays, I wait for it on pay-per-view so my entire family can see it for under $5. It costs us about $48 to go out to a movie together (without anything purchased at the concession stand!). I much prefer a night at home with the kids and making our own popcorn.

I've talked to a few friends and colleagues lately about the economic chaos in the world being likened to our modern day "Noah's Flood." Perhaps this is a really good time for people to reflect on what is really important in life and focus on the things that don't cost anything but time spent together.

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Laury Gardner
Keller Williams Realty - Community Partners

Laury Gardner: Real Estate Agent in Cumming, GA

Office: (678) 341-7948

Mobile: (770) 861-4991
Secondary: (706) 531-6227

Associate Broker consulting Sellers & Buyers at Lake Lanier and surrounding areas in GA. Also serving Lakes Hartwell & Keowee in SC. Fine homes, relocation & second home / 1031 Exchange specialist.

400 North Living. Your Dreams. Your Lifestyle. Our Passion.

I strive to do the best possible job for my clients and to promote professionalism within our industry. I keep the best interests of my clients at the forefront of every transaction.

What drives me

With 10 years experience with waterfront properties, second homes and investments/1031 Tax Exchanges, in addition to residential and land sales. Originally from Chicago, I moved to the South in 1999 and DO NOT miss the snow! I'm an Associate Broker with one of the premier brokerages in the state and have earned several professional designations including Certified Residential Specialist and Accredited Buyer Representative. I am currently finishing up my GRI and working on CCIM.

I am a graduate of LeadershipSCR, have served in many capacities on local and state boards and was a participant in the inaugural Leadership class of the 400 North Board of REALTORS(R). I currently serve on as a director on the 400 North Board of REALTORS(R) and am 2009 Education Chair. I strive to continue to learn in my field and have enjoyed working with community groups and projects.

My passion is opening doors for buyers and facilitating stress-free moves for my sellers. I built my business on referrals, and work to keep growing my business, one transaction and happy client at a time!

Don't take my word for it...here's what my clients' have to say

"Great service and attention to detail, we are really enjoying our new home! Thanks for all your help with our relocation."

M. Wise

"You were great! You treated us like friends. Thank You."

Christopher and Donna Venth

"Thanks for all your work and knowledge. We are going to love this area. We not only have a new home, we have a new friend. Thanks!"

Jeff & Rebecca Stepp

"Laury Gardner is a terrific Realtor. Her attention to our needs made us feel as if we were her only customers (which of course was far from the truth). She tirelessly took us to home after home until we found the perfect match in Chickasaw. There were no glitches in the transaction due to her professionalism. You couldn't find a better person to sell your property or to find you a great home."

Bob & Bonita Jones

"The best real estate agent we have ever had." Don & Laura Berlin

"Laury gives 110%. Her professionalism far exceeds that of other agents we have worked with, and she has a thorough knowledge of the market."

Dawn & Joe Deboskey

"We just wanted to share what a pleasure it has been in dealing with you and with Lake & Land Realty. Your professionalism combined with personal warmth and sincerity clearly represents you and your company well. We are amazed by your drive to service your clients, both from the listing and sales side of the business.

It's nice to deal with a realtor whose success gauge is tied to customer satisfaction, not just volume sales. That goes a long way in our book!"
Alan & Beverly Nash

"Extremely responsive. Wonderful to work with. Great experience!" Jennifer Gaharan

"Laury is not only enthusiastic, but is a WONDERFUL communicator! She heard what we needed & wanted and found the PERFECT house for our family!"

Jennifer & Jason Staley

"I have bought and sold eleven personal and rental properties and you are by far the most responsive and professional agent that I have ever worked with. It was truly a great pleasure."

Zack & Leigh Anne Devier

"Laury was very helpful and kept us well informed all through our purchase and has continued to provide help with information on the area. I am recommending Laury to friends and appreciate her assistance."

John & Sally Corrick

"I really appreciate all of your efforts, weekend meetings, e-mails, voice mails, etc. I am a difficult person to deal with, but your service was excellent. Thanks!"

Scott Baker

"Laury you are the best! Thanks for all your help."

Vic & Shirley Grimaldi

"We feel that you did an excellent job and we are most appreciative. If we have any occasion to handle real estate in your area, you certainly will get the call."

Ray T. Wilk

"We were very pleased with your service. If we get an opportunity to refer you and your company, we will do so. Thank you very much!"

Larry & Sandra Chandler

"Service was great! It was a real comfort to know things were being handled the right way for once, especially with me being out of town for the transaction-Thanks."

Mark Calloway

"Thank you for sharing your staff's knowledge in design with us. I believe your try to put a personal touch in all of your customer dealings."

Dennis Bench

"I would highly recommend Lake & Land Realty and Laury Gardner, without hesitation. I believe she goes the extra mile to assist in anyway she can. She knows the area, and is very glad to share her local knowledge and professional connections with her clients."

Deanna Bench