San Joaquin River Parkway Receives Guarantee Good Will Network Donation

The Guarantee Good Will Network recently donationed $1,000 to the San Joaquin River Parkway.

One of our region’s best locations for recreation, the Parkway provides trails for runners/walkers and cyclists, as well as a separate equestrian trail for horseback riders. When the Parkway reaches its goal, we will be able to enjoy 22.5 miles of trail that will stretch from Friant to Freeway 99.

The SJRP preserves and restores the San Joaquin River and the lands immediately surrounding it. They also provide education regarding the ecological and historical significance of the river through nature walks and canoe trips. Summer camps and other programs are offered at the SJRP’s Coke Hallowell River House where thousands of people, young and old alike, have learned about the flora and fauna and the importance of preserving our river. Learn more about the SJRP at http://www.riverparkway.org//

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $1,000 to Tree Fresno

Guarantee Good Will Network made a $1,000 donation to Tree Fresno. Tree Fresno has planted over 38,000 trees, 4,100 of which were on county school campuses, in the Fresno and Clovis areas.

Tree Fresno believes that people will thrive in a community that has landscaped homes, schools, parks, workplaces, and medical facilities. Engagement of the community is important to the successes of Tree Fresno. Community engagement events include Arbor Day, Earth Day, and the Water Wise Plant Exchange.

Learn more about Tree Fresno and become a volunteer by visiting their website http://www.treefresno.org/

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $1,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Guarantee Good Will Network and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) both share a common goal which is to make the community a better place to live. Guarantee Good Will Network donated $1,000 to MADD in efforts to help prevent drunk driving and underage drinking.

Incorporated September 5, 1980, MADD has since saved over 300,000 lives. For 2013, MADD has decided to reach out to 67,000 individuals in underserved populations. Statistics show that one in three 8^th graders have tried alcohol and that children who begin drinking at a young age are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol related crash. On average 27 people die each day from alcohol related crashes. Through campaigns with local law enforcement and educational workshops, MADD has decreased the amount of drunk driving and underage drinking in our community.

MADD offers support to victims of alcohol related crashes. Some of their services include providing emotional support, advocacy in the criminal/civil justice systems, and connecting survivors of whom have similar experiences.

Learn more about MADD and become a volunteer by visiting their website http://www.madd.org

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $1,500 to the Fresno Rescue Mission

Established in 1949, the Fresno Rescue Mission guides those in need of restoration to become productive members of society. Guarantee Good Will Network helped the Fresno Rescue Mission build a stronger community by donating $1,500 to the charity.

The Rescue Mission reaches out to the homeless, abused children, people dependent on drugs/alcohol, and single transit adults. Assistance that is offered by the Rescue Mission includes parenting classes, career development, and marriage skills.

One of the Rescue Missions programs that deserve great respect is called the Academy. The Academy is an 18 month program for men who are in need of an opportunity for restoration. This program is for both single and married men. It is the Academy’s goal to help these men conquer their addictions and restore them to their families. Through this program the attendees are able to obtain a GED, receive counseling, and take part in support groups.

To learn more about the Fresno Rescue Mission and how to become a volunteer, visit their website at www.fresnorescuemission.org

Guarantee Real Estate Voted Best Real Estate Company

It is a great honor for everyone at Guarantee Real Estate to have been voted #1 Fresno Bee People’s Choice Award for Best Real Estate Company again in 2013. Our sales associates, management, and staff would like to extend our sincerest thank you to all who took the time to place their vote for our company and give us this recognition. It is our goal to continue to provide the highest quality service to our clients and to support our communities so that we may continue to earn this award for many years to come.

Guarantee Real Estate has been providing residential real estate brokerage services in the Central Valley since 1984. The company has five offices in Fresno, two offices in Clovis, and offices in Prather, Shaver Lake, Reedley, Kingsburg, and Visalia.

Guarantee Real Estate Voted Best Company to Work For

The management at Guarantee Real Estate would like to thank their sales associates and employees for voting the brokerage to be Best Company to Work For. Scott Leonard, President of Guarantee Real Estate said, “It is our privilege to work with people who are committed to delivering professional service, staying abreast of the changing demands of the market, and focusing on the best interest of our clients. These outstanding individuals have given us the greatest compliment possible by voting us to be the Best Company to Work For. ”

 

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $500 to the Aquarius Aquarium

An ecosystem is a community of species of who share common needs and resources. Just like the Aquarius Aquarium, Guarantee Good Will Network takes pride in strengthening communities and graciously donated $500 to the organization.

The Aquarius Aquarium is an educational resource that teaches the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems. The Aquarius Aquarium’s outreach program is called Teaching Tidepools. This program gives both preschool and elementary school children the opportunity to touch and learn about species that live in California’s tide pools.

The Aquarius Aquarium also serves as a model for water conservation and promoting alternative energy. Along with their interpretive exhibits they have also brought a mass amount of scientific research to the Central Valley.

Please join the Aquarius Aquarium on April 20, 2013 as they hold their 11^th Annual Earth Day Run for the Reef. This event will start at 7:00 am in the River Park shopping center. More information can be found on their website www.aquariusaquarium.org

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $2,500 to the Ronald McDonald House

Guarantee Good Will Network lends a healing hand to the Ronald McDonald House by donating $2,500 to the organization. Founded in 1984, the Ronald McDonald House provides, “a home away from home” for families with critically ill or seriously injured children are receiving medical treatment at the Valley Children’s Hospital. The Ronald McDonald House is there to help keep these families together. Keeping families strong is a large part of the healing process when one receives medical care.

The Ronald McDonald House offers shelter to the many families who have traveled long distances to give their children the care they so desperately needed. The Ronald McDonald House has 18 bedrooms, offers daily meals and other life essential resources. This organization is staffed by wonderful volunteers who provide comfort to these deserving families.

Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House on their website ronald-mcdonaldhouse.org

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $1,500 to the Poverello House

Guarantee Good Will Network embraces the hungry and the homeless by donating $1,500 to the Poverello House. Established in 1973, the Poverello House has been a tremendous resource to anyone in need of compassion.

“Believing in the dignity of every person”, the Poverello House enriches the lives of many by providing resources that were made available through the support of our community. Not only does the Poverello House provide three meals a day to anyone in need of a nutritious meal, they also provide dental and health care through the Holy Cross Center. Additional resources provided include laundry service, showers, and shelter.   

The Poverello House has many volunteer opportunities. Become a volunteer by attending their orientation meeting offered every Friday at 3:30 pm or view their calendar of events for orientation dates that fall on selected Saturdays. 

Learn more about the Poverello House on their website www.poverellohouse.org

Real Estate is a Solid Long-Term Investment

A picture is worth a thousand words. 

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $1,000 to the American Red Cross

Guarantee Good Will Network helped the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter fulfill its humanitarian mission by donating $1,000 to the organization. The American Red Cross was established in 1917 and serves 7 counties throughout the Central Valley.

In 2012, the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter responded to 565 local emergencies. These emergencies included fires, floods, shootings, and even one emergency that involved a car that drove through a family’s home.

More than 20,000 people from the Central Valley have benefited from attending the American Red Cross emergency preparedness events. These events are free and can even be brought to businesses, churches, and schools. In 2012, more than 600 people from the Central Valley became volunteers. The Red Cross’ goal is to make people prepared for when disasters strike.

Please join the American Red Cross as they honor our local heroes at The Central Valley Chapter Real Heroes Dinner event on March 22, 2013 at 5:30 pm

Learn more about the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter on their website www.redcross.org/ca/fresno

Guarantee Good Will Network Donates $1,000 to Fresno Filmworks

Guarantee Good Will Network snapped into action to provide celebrity treatment to Fresno Filmworks by donating $1,000. 

Fresno Filmworks is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by a group of film lovers in our community. By offering a series of world-class independent movies, Fresno Filmworks shows their commitment to the multiculturalism that provides the community with an education and conversation of the film industry. These prize-wining films are international and/or high-quality independent films and are shown at Fresno’s very own Tower Theatre. Fresno Filmworks also presents the annual Fresno Film Festival each spring and supports other film events within our community.

Please join Fresno Filmworks as they premier their Oscar Shorts at the Tower Theater on Friday, February 8^th and Saturday, February 9th. Check their website http://fresnofilmworks.org for times and film details. 

Fresno Philharmonic Receives $1,000 Donation from Guarantee Good Will Network

Guarantee Good Will Network applauds the Fresno Philharmonic with a donation of $1,000. The Fresno Philharmonic provides more than fifty educational outreach services to schools within our community. These outreach services transform and enrich the lives of approximately 6,000 school children.

The Fresno Philharmonic offers a musical adventure to students by allowing students to join them during an open rehearsal.  During these rehearsals children are able to get an up-close glance of the orchestra and gain an understanding about the time and effort that goes into coordinating each instrumental sound. Another program worth applause is Concertos for Kids. This program provides an outstanding musical experience to school children within their very own classroom.

The Fresno Philharmonic inspires people of all ages through high quality performances. It is their priority to provide an exceptional experience with a focus on audience development. Learn more about the Fresno Philharmonic on their website fresnophil.org

2012 a Turn Around Year for Central Valley Real Estate

2012 was a real turn around year for the local real estate market. We saw a steady decline in the number of homes available for sale. In Fresno and Clovis the year ended with only 1,316 homes on the market. Compare that to nearly triple that number in December of 2007 when buyers had 3,334 homes to choose from and you can see why we have experienced so many multiple offers on homes this year.

 

While the number of homes sold, 7,377, was down slightly from 2011, this was a reflection of fewer homes to choose from rather than lack of interest from buyers. We continue to see a large number of buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase a home as soon as one that meets their needs comes on the market.

 

And good news for property owners, the median sales price in December for homes in Fresno and Clovis was up 17.1% over the previous year. This was the ninth straight month that the median sales price was higher than the 2011 median. This is a solid indicator that the Fresno/Clovis real estate market has passed bottom, passed stabilization, and has reached the point of growth.

 

 

Guarantee Real Estate Acquired by HomeServices of America Inc.

HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Guarantee Real Estate, one of central California’s largest and most respected residential real estate brokerage firms. 

Guarantee Real Estate serves central California with more than 400 sales associates in 13 offices located in Fresno, Clovis, Prather, Shaver Lake, Reedley, Kingsburg, Dinuba, and Visalia. Guarantee has held the number one market share for over 20 years and in 2011 closed over 3,700 units and $634 million of volume.

J. Scott Leonard will continue in his role as president and CEO, and co-chairmen, Joan Eaton and Paul Gibson will remain in their current roles leading strategic planning and growth initiatives.  Together, they will continue running the day-to-day operations along with their sales management and leadership teams. Originally founded in 1919, Guarantee has a long-standing reputation for providing clients with the highest level of customer service, expertise and resources.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service independent residential real estate brokerage firm and the largest brokerage-owned settlement services provider in the U.S. The acquisition represents HomeServices’ expansion of their presence in California and their entry into the Fresno market. With this transaction, HomeServices has 27 brands and more than 16,000 real estate professionals operating in 21 states. HomeServices’ growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their community and long-standing traditions for excellence.

“Guarantee has been a valued partner to HomeServices within the Realty Alliance and through the years we have shared many ideas and successes. They are a strong company with an excellent reputation in a growth market,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “This transaction aligns with our vision of acquiring distinguished companies in leading markets that share our core values.”

“This transaction makes one of the premier firms in central California an even stronger organization,” adds Leonard. “By joining forces with HomeServices, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients the Fresno area.”

“We are proud to be a part of HomeServices of America,” noted Eaton. “We are joining an organization known for its strength and stability; one that is consistent with our high standards of service, integrity, and community involvement making this a win/win for our customers and our brokers.”

“We are excited to be in Fresno and are looking forward to having Scott, Joan and Paul and their teams join the HomeServices family,” concluded Peltier.