ANDERSON — Jason and Jodi McDowell, a husband and wife team from Anderson, recently have joined Dynamic Realty Inc., an Upstate real estate brokerage firm.

The McDowells focus on residential lake properties around the Anderson area. They can assist in land, home, investment and vacation home purchases. Mr. McDowell also is a licensed real estate agent in Georgia.

Dynamic Realty Inc., an Upstate real estate brokerage, has hired Jessica Coombs, Krystal Daye and Julian Rayo.

Coombs specializes in the residential industry with a focus on the Golden Strip area. Coombs resides in Simpsonville with her son and husband, David.

Daye concentrates on the residential and new homes markets and has extensive knowledge of the Simpsonville area. Daye lives in Simpsonville with her husband, Keith, and her four children.

Rayo specializes in the residential and new homes markets in Simpsonville. A Simpsonville resident, Rayo speaks fluent Spanish and resides with his wife, Claribell, and two sons.

"We're excited to add Jessica, Krystal and Julian to our team," Stroud said. "Their skills and areas of specialties will serve us well as we grow our brokerage with talented, unique individuals."

Interested individuals can visit www.DynamicUpstate.com and click on "Our Team" to find each agent's contact information.

Dynamic Realty Inc., an Upstate real estate brokerage, announced it recently hired three new agents. John Hernandez, Lynne Hines and Richard Magarino are all residents of Greer.

Hernandez focuses on the residential and new-homes markets. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and lives with his wife, Karen, and teenage son.

With more than 10 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, Hines holds her ABR designation and focuses on the investment market. She is a Greenville native and resides with her two daughters.

Magarino focuses on working with buyers in the residential marketplace and lives with his wife, Holly, and their two children.

"We're excited to bring John, Lynne and Richard on board," said Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty. "Their skills and areas of specialties will serve us well as we grow our brokerage with talented, unique individuals."

Interested individuals can visit www.DynamicUpstate.com and click on "Our Team" to find each agent's contact information.

Greenville-based Simko Communications has been named the public relations agency of record for Dynamic Realty, Inc. The local real estate brokerage recently developed a different agent model with a higher commission split for real estate agents and plans to expand from 12 agents to 200 by the end of 2008.

The traditional compensation arrangement between brokers and real estate agents ranges between 50/50 to a percentage of 70/30. Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty, believes this approach is out of balance and benefits the broker more than the agent. Stroud’s business model offers its agents a 90/10 commission split without any upfront, monthly or transaction fees.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Dynamic Realty to develop creative public relations strategies that will help them reach their aggressive growth plan,” said Kim Simko, president and public relations specialist for Simko Communications.

Simko Communications will provide public relations support to promote the unique agent model, while announcing an ongoing series of presentations. The upcoming events, hosted by Dynamic Realty, are designed exclusively for the local real estate community.

“This is an exciting time at Dynamic Realty as we reach out to real estate agents through new events and activities,” said Stroud. “With her public relations expertise, Kim Simko can help us promote the Dynamic Realty brand to new real estate agents and help us reach 200 agents by the end of 2008.”

About Dynamic Realty, Inc.
Dynamic Realty, Inc. is an Upstate real estate brokerage that offers its agents a 90/10 commission split without any upfront, monthly or transaction fees. Dynamic Realty defines their role as one of support for their agents, who ultimately lead the charge in meeting the unique real estate needs of family, friends and community. For more information about Dynamic Realty and its services, visit www.DynamicUpstate.com or call 864-239-0300.

About Simko Communications, LLC
Greenville, S.C.-based Simko Communications is an independent agency that provides strategic public relations planning, freelance writing and marketing services to clients. Founded in 2007, Simko Communications client roster includes Progress Lighting, Prescolite, Community School of the Arts and Dynamic Realty. Visit www.simkocomm.com for more information.

Dynamic Realty, Inc., an Upstate real estate brokerage, has hired Jane Diago, Ronald Olson and Val White.

Diago's industry specialty is within the residential field. Fluent in Spanish, Diago lives in the Laurens area with her husband, Michel, and their young son.

With a focus on residential land and rental properties, Olson works in the Clemson, Easley and Pickens communities. He resides in Pickens with his wife, Iretha, and has seven adult children.

White specializes in the Blue Ridge, Taylors and Travelers Rest communities and has experience in the new homes market. She lives in Taylors with her husband, Taft, and their two sons.

Stroud's business model offers its agents a 90/10 commission split without any upfront, monthly or transaction fees. He expects the new model to attract more agents, bringing the total of 12 agents to 200 by the end of 2008.

"We are extremely pleased Jane, Ronald and Val have joined Dynamic Realty," said Stroud. "Each brings a unique combination of skills and specialty areas that will serve us well as we grow our brokerage with talented individuals."

Interested individuals can visit www.DynamicUpstate.com and click on "Our Team" to find each agent's contact information.

Dynamic Realty will host an event open to all real estate agents on Feb. 12, that will focus on methamphetamine (meth) abuse and manufacturing. The presentation will include information on abuser behavior, addiction symptoms and the massive social impact meth causes, as well as the physical damage and contamination to homes that results from its production. The event will be held at the Phoenix Inn, 246 N. Pleasantburg Drive, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Michael A. Miller, director of the Anderson/Oconee Regional Forensics Laboratory, will lead the presentation. Kent Berg, president of BioCare, an organization that specializes in health hazard remediation, will also be in attendance to address specific procedures used to clean houses where meth has been made.

The event is part of a series of professional development presentations - designed exclusively for REALTORS - and Dynamic Realty's ongoing efforts to educate local real estate agents on different topics that affect their industry.

Recognizing the uniqueness of the event, Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty, thinks it's important to become aware of issues that put real estate agents and their clients in potential danger.

"Real estate agents may be the first to come in contact with a house where meth has been made," said Stroud. "It's important that they be able to recognize the signs of a meth lab and be aware of the dangers. The more we know, the more we can increase our safety, as well as those we represent in the Upstate community."

Greater Greenville Association of REALTOR members are encouraged to attend the event. There is no charge but, because of limited seating, pre-registration is required.

Dynamic Realty, Inc., an Upstate real estate brokerage, has hired Jane Diago, Ronald Olson and Val White.

Diago's industry specialty is within the residential field. Fluent in Spanish, Diago lives in the Laurens area with her husband, Michel, and their young son.

With a focus on residential land and rental properties, Olson works in the Clemson, Easley and Pickens communities. He resides in Pickens with his wife, Iretha, and has seven adult children.

White specializes in the Blue Ridge, Taylors and Travelers Rest communities and has experience in the new homes market. She lives in Taylors with her husband, Taft, and their two sons.

"We are extremely pleased Jane, Ronald and Val have joined Dynamic Realty," said Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty. "Each brings a unique combination of skills and specialty areas that will serve us well as we grow our brokerage with talented individuals."

Dynamic Realty will host an event on Tuesday, Jan. 15, that will focus on RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) compliance. The presentation, which is open to all real estate agents, will be held at the Phoenix Inn, 246 N. Pleasantburg Drive from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Byron King, director of legal and legislative affairs for South Carolina REALTORS, will be the presenting speaker. The event will focus on how to recognize and avoid potential trouble spots between REALTORS and other service providers during real estate transactions.

“These issues are important to local real estate agents, especially as we enter 2008,” said Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty. “RESPA procedures are expected to be heavily scrutinized this year, and this event will be a great opportunity for review.”

Greater Greenville Association of REALTOR members are encouraged to attend the event. There is no charge but, because of limited seating, pre-registration is required.

Interested individuals should e-mail Rick Stroud at Rick@DynamicUpstate.com. The deadline for registering is Monday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m.

The event is part of a series of professional development presentations – designed exclusively for REALTORS – and Dynamic Realty’s ongoing efforts to educate local real estate agents on different topics that affect their industry.

About South Carolina REALTORS
In the constantly changing world of real estate, South Carolina REALTORS is an impartial anchor – a source of news, legislative advocacy, ethical enforcement and fair housing support. As the largest professional trade association in the state, South Carolina REALTORS strives to be the collective force influencing and shaping the real estate industry.

About Dynamic Realty, Inc.
Dynamic Realty, Inc. is an Upstate real estate brokerage that offers its agents a 90/10-commission split without any upfront, monthly or transaction fees. Dynamic Realty defines their role as one of support for their agents, who ultimately lead the charge in meeting the unique real estate needs of family, friends and community. For more information about Dynamic Realty and its services, visit www.DynamicUpstate.com or call 864-239-0300.

Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty, recently hosted an event for the local real estate community titled "How To Compete Against 2,365 REALTORS" at the Phoenix Inn. Gil Gerretsen, president of BizTrek Marketing Mentors and member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, was presenting speaker. The event was part of an ongoing series of professional development presentations designed exclusively for REALTORS by Dynamic Realty, an Upstate brokerage.

Local real estate agents have an opportunity to attend a presentation on Dec. 11, titled "How to Compete Against 2,365 REALTORS." Hosted by Dynamic Realty, the event will be held at the Phoenix Inn, 246 N. Pleasantburg Drive, from 2:30-4 p.m.

Gil Gerretsen, president of BizTrek Marketing Mentors, is the speaker.

The series of professional development presentations is designed exclusively for realtors and is part of Dynamic Realty's ongoing efforts to educate local real estate agents on different topics that affect their industry. "With nearly 2,500 real estate agents in the area, it's important for individuals to learn how to rise to the challenges of competition and become more successful," said Rick Stroud, president of Dynamic Realty.

"As a local organization in the real estate industry, we want to be part of the dialogue between real estate agents in the community by offering continuing educational opportunities." Greater Greenville Association of realtor members are encouraged to attend the event. There is no charge but, because of limited seating, pre-registration is required. Interested individuals should e-mail Rick Stroud at rick@DynamicUpstate.com. The deadline for registering is Dec. 10, at 5 p.m.

Mauldin city limits could abut I-385 soon if the City Council seconds the Planning Commission's recommendation for two annexation requests at the intersection of the highway and East Butler Road.

Both annexation requests also were recommended to be rezoned as commercial property, with plans for retail and a possible hotel.

The first request is for property across from the Arby's and Spinx. The second is for two combined parcels on the opposite side of I-385 where a yellow house is located. The Planning Commission has recommended them to the City Council for approval.

Brenda Josenhans currently owns all three parcels, according to the county tax records.

Dynamic Realty, a Greenville-based company, hopes to close on all the parcels by the end of the month, said sales agent Darren Ison, who presented the proposal to the commissioners.

Ison said there are "plans hopefully for a hotel property, retail and a restaurant in front" on the first property, the 3.71-acre lot across from Arby's and Spinx.

According to the meeting minutes, the hotel will be full service. The company is speaking with Marriott and Choice hotels.

The same lot could possibly be the future site of the city's first Starbucks, Ison said, though "none of the plans have been drawn up on (the property)."

The other two parcels, on the other side of I-385 across from the Evangelical Church, could be the future home of a "very large retail chain," Ison said.

"I don't even know who they are yet," Ison said, adding they won't "make themselves known" until after the closing.

The developments planned for both locations are a "win-win" situation for everybody, Ison told the commissioners.

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 in favor of the first request. Javiere Norris opposed. Gordon Love had not arrived at that time.

On the second request, the vote was 4-3. Commissioners Randy Eskridge, P.L. Fortune, Bobby Harper and Love approved; commissioners Rhonda Bowen, Bob Settle and Norris opposed.

Commissioners also recommended for approval a change to the planned development (PD) zoning at Brookwood Church for a proposed gym, said Peter Nomikos, building and zoning department head.

Commissioners unanimously recommended approval to annex a day-care center on Balcome Boulevard, off U.S. 276 near Golden Park, so the center could access sewer lines, Nomikos said. The center would retain its R-12 zoning.

The City Council could next review all requests during the formal session at 7 tonight.

Three properties at the intersection of East Butler Road and Interstate 385 in Mauldin have been sold for $2.78 million to VIP Hospitality LLC, according to the real estate broker.

The properties are located on the east side of I-385 across from the Arby's and Spinx and on the opposite side of the highway where a yellow house sits. They are already being cleared for construction, said Darren Ison, of Dynamic Realty.

The Mauldin City Council recently approved the annexation into the city and rezoning of all properties, totaling 8.019 acres, from residential-suburban to commercial.

Ison had told the council that a hotel, possibly a Marriot, could be slated for the land across from Arby's and Spinx, while several retailers, including a large company and perhaps a Starbucks, could take the place of the yellow house.

There is still no word on possible retailers after VIP Hospitality closed on the properties, Ison said.

Ison estimates the project will be completed between late 2008 and the spring of 2009. Clearing is already under way, with all trees except those considered "historic" being taken to the mills, according to Building and Zoning Department head Peter Nomikos.

About six trees were deemed historic, Ison said, meaning 30 inches or wider at chest height. Such trees can't be removed without the approval of the City Council.

Mauldin City Council approved the final readings of a controversial annexation and rezonings along Bethel and Bridges Roads on Tuesday night.

Councilman Don Godbey questioned the necessity of holding a special meeting for annexation requests, which he called non-emergencies. "I think prudence requires that we take our time in all of these matters," Godbey said. "Traffic is heavy and development is coming."

Godbey had asked City Council at its Sept. 17 meeting to table the requests until impact studies on the properties' neighbors could be completed.

Mayor R.C. Jones brushed past Godbey's comments, as he had at the Sept. 17 meeting. The requests passed 6-1 with Godbey opposing, as they had Sept. 17.

Holly Tree residents who had come to speak against the proposed development by SouthStyle Communities weren't given time to speak.

For the first time, sign-up sheets were differentiated by city residents and non-residents.

"Obviously they have now created two levels of citizens," said Holly Tree resident Theresa Kizer. "Mauldin citizens, who get preferred treatment, and those of us who just happen to live in the county whose opinions don't matter."

Jones told Holly Tree opponents that their comments could be addressed at next month's City Council meeting.

During the meeting Tuesday night, City Council also approved annexation and rezoning requests at the intersection of Interstate 385 and Butler Road on final readings.

The two properties, totaling 8.02 acres, could be the future site of a proposed hotel, retail development and a possible Starbucks, according to Darren Ison of Dynamic Realties, who represents the buyers.

City Council also finalized an annexation request for about one acre on Balcome Boulevard so the owner could access the city's sewer line.

A special Mauldin City Council meeting has been called for Tuesday to resolve most of the city's outstanding annexation and rezoning requests.

Among the agenda items are two controversial properties at the intersection of Bethel and Bridges roads, the requests on opposite sides of the intersection at Butler Road and I-385 and the request from a day care on Balcome Boulevard.

The two properties being requested for annexation at Bethel and Bridges roads currently have two owners: Ed Burgan of SouthStyle Communities and Beulah Chappelear. Both properties are the future site of a proposed development by SouthStyle.

Development plans presented to the community show up to 46 units, each a "quad-plex" of four joined single-family, single-level homes.

Neighboring county residents, from Holly Tree and Mustang Circle, have opposed the development since it was formally introduced to the public Wednesday. City Council members previously met with the developer during a special council meeting to arrange sewer connections and a streamlined zoning timetable.

Second and final reading on the properties will also be held during a special meeting, as Holly Tree resident Theresa Kizer predicted months ago.

The properties catty-corner from each other at the intersection of Butler Road and I-385 will also be finalized during the Wednesday meeting, after first reading was approved Monday.

The total of three properties involved are the possible site for a hotel across from the Spinx and Arby's and undisclosed retail across the highway where the yellow house now sits.

Darren Ison of Dynamic Realty, representing the property buyers, said he wouldn't know the companies interested in the property until after the sale closes.

The last annexation request is from a day-care facility on Balcome Boulevard. The zoning will remain R-12, but the property will enter the city so the owners can connect to sewer lines, according to Building and Zoning head Peter Nomikos. First reading was also approved Monday.

One pending annexation request will remain after the special City Council meeting: a request to annex and rezone about 30 acres on West Butler Road and Holly Ridge on the western outskirts of town. PHC Communities LLC is requesting the rear part of the property zoned S-1 be rezoned to residential-multifamily for townhomes.

Shanks Golf Range, which sits at the front of the property currently zoned C-2, will eventually be replaced by retail, according to development plans.

The meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. or after the Planning Commission meeting adjourns in the council chambers, 5 E. Butler Rd.

Mauldin city limits may abut Interstate 385 soon if the City Council seconds the Planning Commission's recommendation for several annexations at the intersection of the highway and East Butler Road.

The annexation requests were also recommended to be rezoned as commercial property, with plans for retail and a possible hotel.

The three parcels, one across from the Arby's and Spinx, and two combined parcels on the opposite side of I-385 where a yellow house sits now, were all unanimously recommended to the City Council for approval during the Aug. 28 Planning Commission meeting.

All three parcels are currently owned by Brenda Josenhans, according to the county tax records.

Dynamic Realty, a Greenville-based company, hopes to close on all parcels by the end of the month, said sales agent Darren Ison, who presented the parcels to the commissioners.

According to Ison, there are "plans hopefully for a hotel property, retail and a restaurant in front" on the first property, the 3.71-acre lot across from Arby's and Spinx.

The same lot could possibly be the future site of the city's first Starbucks, Ison confirmed.

The other two parcels, on the other side of I-385 across from the Evangelical Church, could be the future home of a "very large retail chain," Ison said.

"I don't even know who they are yet," Ison said.

The developments planned for both locations are a "win-win" situation for everybody, Ison told the commissioners.

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 in favor of the first request. Javiere Norris opposed. Gordon Love had not arrived at that time.

On the second request, the vote was 4-3. Commissioners Randy Eskridge, P.L. Fortune, Bobby Harper and Love approved; commissioners Rhonda Bowen, Bob Settle and Norris opposed.

Commissioners also recommended for approval a change to the planned development zoning at Brookwood Church for a proposed gym, Nomikos said.

Commissioners unanimously recommended approval to annex a day-care center on Balcome Boulevard, off 276 near Golden Park, so that the center could access sewer lines, Nomikos said.

The City Council could next review all requests at the Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting at 6 p.m. Monday and then at the formal session Sept. 17.