In addition to my being the best generalist around (!), I also specialize in certain types of properties and services. To learn more about my special areas of expertise, scroll down the page and read all about it.

On a side note, I'm also fond of my brown lab, Cooper, pictured above, whose attitude towards selling real estate is less developed than my own.

If you are in the market to buy rural property, then get ready to make the most of your investment. Russell is THE Athens-area expert specializing in farm, "farmette" and large-tract land sales. I offer:

* Extensive, hands-on experience with land/farm valuation, marketing and sales;

* Practical, working knowledge of land division, lot split and site development issues;

* Networks of Sellers and Buyers who are in search of unique rural properties, including mini-farms and "farmettes."

Each Fall, the Athens-area chapter of Green Energy Ohio hosts a tour of "green," earth-friendly homes throughout Southeast Ohio. And every year there are more and more houses to visit, from completely off-grid homes on remote hillsides, to in-town houses with solar arrays that supplement electric usage.

Two companies in our area have built a reputation for educating consumers about renewable energy resources, inlcuding wind and solar. See Third-Sun Solar and Dovetail Construction for more information about their work.

If sustainable housing is of interest to you, I'm the most qualified real estate agent in the area to help you--whether it's finding suitable land to build your own house, or finding an existing house or farm that's ready-to-go, or qualifies for likely conversions.

First-time home buyers come in all ages and with varying financial resources. So whether you're an older professional looking to escape the rental racket, or a young couple trying to get your foot in the door, I want to help you achieve your dream of home ownership.

Make no mistake about it: buying a house is a complicated process where the stakes are high. New terminology, financing options, contract negotiation, inspection processes--it can all be a little overwhelming.

My approach to helping first-time buyers is to explain every step of the process up front, before even visiting the first house. In a past life I was a teacher, I'd like to think that I bring all the best teacherly qualities to the table when helping first-time buyers. Patience. Clear explanations. Experience. Understanding. Knowledge.

My goal is to make a sometimes challenging process as easy as possbile. Call or email me today to set up an appointment. There's no time like the present!

Our brokerage is uniquely qualified to assist two types of new-home buyers:

1)Those who want to buy an already-completed, newly-built home, or at least one where the majority of the design issues have been resolved;

2)And those who are willing to invest the time, patience, energy, passion and money that it takes to create a custom built home from scratch.

The needs of both buyers are different, but also the same in many ways. Whichever type you are, you'll want a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the business. As the Exclusive Listing Brokerage for University Estates--Athens' largest, most visionary planned community--we have access to the newest in all sorts of new construction products, from condos to homes, from townhomes to lots. Call me today to learn more about our growing inventory!

As the area's first and only Certified Aging in Place Specialist (through the AARP and the National Home Builder's Association), I am uniquely qualified to assist buyers who have special accessbility needs.

Specifically, I have the training and experience to address the needs of consumers who want to make their house a home for a lifetime--regardless of age or functional abilities.

As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), I am specially trained in:

* The unique needs of older people;
* Home modifications that can help people continue living independently in their homes longer;
* Common remodeling projects;
* Solutions to common barriers.

As a CAPS professional, I look beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling projects and their costs, product ideas and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions.