Maria Boling

The National Association of REALTORS convened for their 2012 Midyear Legislative Meeting. It was at this assembly that they extended to Maria Boling, Associate Broker with Century 21 Lindsey and Pauley, the distinctive honor of REALTOR Emeritus. "I am deeply touched by this tribute from my colleagues in the real estate industry, a challenging business that has been ever so good to me and my family over the past forty-four years." REALTOR Emeritus is an honorary status given in recognition of long and faithful years of service. It reflects a myriad of efforts and activities on behalf of the Associations of REALTORS. Ms. Boling's leadership capacity is well known in north Georgia. Not only does she market real estate full time, but also donates her efforts to local charities, is an active member of two writing clubs and on the board of a variety of civic organizations. "In 1968 there was a classified ad seeking homemakers interested in becoming real estate agents. I already led a frenzied life with a husband and three small children, but thought I would like real estate as long as it wasn't too hectic. Well, it was pandemonium the first week and I loved it!" "As I ponder the past years, the closing of thousands of properties, brokerage, management and ownership of my own 27-agent corporation and the coinciding management of a competing real estate company, I recognize that answering that simple ad gave me another life-niche." The National Association of REALTORS provided Ms. Boling a plaque to hang in the Century 21 Lindsey and Pauley Real Estate office as well as a lapel pin she proudly wears. "I thoroughly enjoy, even relish this enchanting profession--from the thrill of finding a young couple's dream home, to closing the big deals," she stated. "The market is ever changing. I have sold houses when the interest rate was 21% and few could qualify. Right now is a great time to buy due to unprecedented low rates and scads of houses with reasonable prices." Maria should write a book about some of her comical career experiences. "There are a few stories that are real estate dozes," she laughed. "For example: All professionals learn early on to introduce the right property to the right purchaser." "There was this magnificent home on a hill with a picturesque and rather large pond out front. My client, a farmer, said she didn't want it because 'Half the land is under water, ma'm.' Well, she was right-I later sold it to a fellow who loved to fish." "At one late afternoon closing a client stood up, removed his money belt, emptied his coat and shirt pockets and dumped 2,000 green $100 bills onto the table-said he didn't have time to get a certified check." If it were not for humor, she said, life around the closing table could get tedious. "The attorney wasn't happy about all that cash, but stuffed it into Piggly Wiggly grocery bags and put it in his safe for the night." Maria Boling says she markets her client's property as if it were her own, her mother or her client's mother. She has survived the past forty-four years in a tough industry because she lives by the principle of delivering to her customers and clients straightforward service with very little time and effort on their part. "And humor helps." She smiled.