Dec. 15 - Special 2008 Convention Edition

HomeVestors Awards 10 Franchises In November

Expansion reaches four new markets and includes Associate Franchises New Development Agents receive training. Barry Watts (orange shirt, left) was the first DA to recruit an Associate Franchisee without HVA's assistance. CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   “We’re having an incredibly strong finish for 2008,” said Jason Killough, vice president of development, after HomeVestors announced the awarding of 10 new franchises in November. Among the new franchisees was Nick Howes, whose Fresno, CA, franchise is HVA’s first in that state. “In today’s economy, people need our services more than ever, and our growing franchise network is answering the call,” said Killough Eight of the 10 new franchisees took advantage of the new associate franchise program, allowing them to join HomeVestors as a home-based franchisee with a lower franchise fee.  “It has become a very attractive option for joining our network,” Killough said.  “Franchisees can join for less money up front.  They can receive the assistance of an experienced HomeVestors franchisee as their development agent and mentor.  And they can become active real estate investors with our brand much faster, even keeping other full-time employment or commitments as needed.” In November, HomeVestors awarded franchises to: Rob Cammarata - Prescott/Flagstaff, Ariz. (new market) Barbara Hill - Lancaster, Pa. (new market) Keathen Wilson - Richmond, Va. James and Shateria Johnson - Chicago, Ill. David Pappalardo – Edison, N.J. Jo-Ann Thomas – Hartford, Conn. Jim and Mia Leland – Norfolk, Va. Nick Howes – Fresno, Calif. (new market) Tim Estepp and Greg Kilper – St. Louis, Mo. Tyler Swift and Vanessa Ellis – Neosho/Joplin, Mo. (new market) “We are very excited to see HomeVestors expanding in both new and existing markets” said Killough.  “It’s a great testament to the strength of our company, the power of our brand and the ability to grow to the next level.” More than 50 prospects attend Discovery Day in Las Vegas. CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   Record Discovery Day Turnout In Las Vegas! More than 50 prospects representing 28 groups and 13 states attended our Discovery Day held annually in conjunction with the opening of the Annual Convention on December 2.  A special thanks to our franchisees who helped participate in the question and answer session near the end of the Discovery Day including Tim Risley, Mark Mattlage, Patti Robertson, Barry Watts, Chas Carrier, Keith Immken and John Nixon. DA Training At Convention! More than 20 Development Agents were on hand the last day of the 2008 convention to participate in DA training. Members of the Development and Operations team as well as Dave Hiatt with Sandler Sales Institute conducted the DA training. For more information about becoming a Development Agent, please contact Jason Killough at 972.532.8009 or jason.killough@homevestors.com. New AF Discovery Day Webinar Every Wednesday HomeVestors is conducting weekly Associate Franchise (AF) Discovery Day Webinars every Wednesday at 2 p.m. CST. The Webinars last from an hour to an hour-and-a-half. The AF Webinar Discovery Day helps a prospect alleviate the expenses of traveling to Dallas for a Discovery Day. Discovery Day prospects must have completed a Request for Franchise Consideration (RFC) prior to attending the Webinar. If you have a prospect for the Discovery Day Webinar, please contact Sherry Wallace at 972.619.0089 or sherry.wallace@homevestors.com. Franchise Development also offers an overview Webinar for the full and AF franchises every Tuesday at 4 p.m. CST which lasts 30 minutes. To register, visit the "Own a Franchise" section of HomeVestors.com and click on "Upcoming Events/Webinars." New Associate Franchise Referral Program HomeVestors Franchise Development will pay $500 cash or an advertising credit to any franchisee that refers a new Associate Franchisee. Please contact Sherry Wallace at 972.619.0089 for details. You can now easily register your Full or Associate Franchise prospect on our Web site. Click on the box in the upper right hand corner of the franchisee Web page to register your lead. . . . Jason Killough is VP Franchise Development for HomeVestors. He can be reached at jason.killough@homevestors.com .

Yes We Can! And Yes We Will!

John Hayes opens Annual Convention with a vision for HVA John Hayes tells franchisees "Yes We Will!" 2008 CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   If determination can dictate success, then the now-famous slogan of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign is a perfect mantra for the HVA vision. That’s how HVA President and CEO John Hayes opened the general session of the 12th Annual Convention. While acknowledging a tough year and a shaky economy, Hayes rallied a room full of franchisees at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. He emphasized that “no one is entitled to a successful business.” But he quickly followed up with the fact that even the biggest obstacles couldn’t keep top franchisees down this year. “We’re optimistic, creative, determined, persistent and passionate about our business,” Hayes said.  The challenge, he explained, was learning how to manage change. And then he inspired the crowd with examples. “Many people here do get it. They made more money in this current market than in the old market of the cherished past,” Hayes shared. Take Todd Reid of Nosara in Atlanta, GA. Reid’s goal began a year ago. He wrote on a piece of hotel stationery and gave it to Hayes at the HVA convention in Orlando. There, on a tiny piece of paper, was a road map for the entire next year: to buy 72 houses, an 85 percent improvement over the previous year, and to sell 72 houses, a 71 percent improvement. He did even better when he bought 112 houses during the convention year! “Yes we can. And, yes, they did.” Hayes said. From left, Ken Channell, Scott Bowling and Paul D'Angelo whip the crowd into a frenzy with their version of "Viva, HomeVestors!" during a general session performance. 2008 CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   Too over-the-top? Okay, then there was David Bickford in Richmond, VA, a person who didn’t Get It until a challenge came his way that coached him in the right direction…literally. Hayes, who visited Bickford in February, told him to work with an FSM for six months. If the business didn’t improve, Hayes promised to pay for the FSM fees. “Unfortunately, we will not be able to collect,” Bickford wrote in the end. That’s because regular calls with FSM Holly Puig resulted in buys, sales and profits as the franchisee learned to follow the system, hire effective talent and work with determination. “Yes we can. And, yes, they did.” Hayes said. These stories were just a small glimpse of what franchisees achieved under the toughest economic conditions. And they did it with the help of the HVA system, FSMs, coaching, marketing, and an unquestionable amount of determination. “We’ve been through another ugly year,” confessed Hayes. “Blame it on whatever you want.” But it was clear that many people built a beautiful business in response. Now was the time, according to Hayes, to look to those peers as mentors, to look to coaches and FSMs at corporate, to address change successfully and profitably like others. “Our job at HVA is to help more franchisees Get It,” Hayes shared. “No one has ever achieved peak performance without coaching. “Tiger Woods once fired his coach and went 18 months without a win, losing his top money position,” Hayes said. “What did he do to remedy that problem? He hired a new coach.” Then he went on to do even better. Hayes was enthusiastic that HVA could do even better too. With coaching, determination, the ability to address change and working together – the slogan in next year’s general session could be: YES WE DID! . . . Monica Feid is vice president of BizCom Associates, HVA’s public relations agency.

Top Franchises Honored At Annual Convention

HVA franchisees showed no obstacles were too big on awards night in Vegas By Monica Feid Monica Feid The awards stage at the 12th Annual Convention was full of success stories. And the successes were no accident. The top franchisees for 2008 were a textbook case for the results of good goal-setting. They were also the perfect example of why everyone should have a target to shoot for in 2009. “Do not leave this convention without setting your goals for 2009,” HVA President and CEO John Hayes told franchisees in the general session. Then Awards night showed why. NOSARA ON PAPER “If you don’t believe in miracles, you can believe in them now,” said Todd Reid of Nosara in Atlanta, GA, who won the Top Seller Award, the Most Improved Office Award, second place Top Closer Award and the prestigious UG Cup. “Eighteen months ago I was broke, so never lose faith,” Reid shared. At the 2007 convention in Orlando, Reid boldly listed his plans to buy 72 houses this year. Then he ramped up an office that closed on 112 homes instead.  Todd and Lilian Reed are recognized for their success at the Annual Convention. CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   Nosara Buyer Terri Clair won the 2008 Top Buyer Award with 85 buys alone! A franchisee since November, 2003, Nosara had averaged just 36 buys a year for the first four years. Then the company put pen to paper, shot for a target and exceeded its goal by 64 percent. BETTER BY THE YEAR Another shining star on awards night belonged to Jeff and Kim Drake of Motor City Home Buyers in Detroit, MI. As standout veterans of the system, they’ve graced the convention stage before. But this year they were the only franchisee to be recognized with the Rising Star Award for the fourth year in a row. The award recognizes franchisees that increased the number of purchase closings from one convention year to the next. So for anyone who questions staying up in a down market, look no further than Detroit. While the U.S. automakers may be asking for a federal bailout, the Drakes are already providing some fantastic rescuing of their own. FOUNDER'S AWARD Some of the best performances in 2008 also came from franchisees who set goals to rescue themselves. In fact, Eddie Gant of Advantage House Buyers in Houston, TX, said the way he changed his business also saved his business. It was all about sales! After building a sales team in-house, which today includes five people, Eddie and Debbie Gant drastically improved their numbers for buying, rehabbing and retailing their inventory--often to first-time homebuyers. A franchisee since June 1999, they’ve sold 428 houses. But a whopping 92 of those sales were this year, earning them the second place Top Seller Award. Eddie and Debbie Gant receive the Founder's Award during the Annual Convention CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   In the process, they also closed on the 35,000th house for the HVA network in 2008. But it was their third trip to the awards stage that topped off a truly great year. Through sheer will to persist in business, to mentor countless others, to champion the system, and to evolve along with their market, Eddie and Debbie received the coveted Founder’s Award, the highest honor at the HVA convention. Not surprisingly, while Advantage House Buyers embraced huge change and growing pains within, the Gants always found time to ask, ”What can we do to help you?” Hayes said. The Gants embodied the giving spirit that Founder Ken D’Angelo, himself, often displayed. And HVA is a better company as a result. Following is a look at this year's top award winners: THE UG CUP - Nosara, Atlanta, GA The UG Cup is presented to the franchisee that best demonstrates how the HVA franchise  system should be implemented and stands as an example to all franchisees. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR These franchisees opened for business between October 2007 and September 2008 and reported the most activity per month in purchase closings, purchase contracts, and sales contracts, out-performing all other franchisees that opened in the same period. 1. Hickory Capital Partners, Rochester, NY 2. ABC Home Services, Richmond, VA 3. Cardinal Property Investments, Philadelphia, PA TOP 10 CLOSERS These franchisees closed on the most properties in the 2008 convention year. Major Market 1. Cal Mat Properties, Ft. Worth, TX, 114 properties closed 2. Nosara, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 112 3. WFI Properties, Houston, TX, 107 4. C&C Residential Properties, Dallas, TX, 101 5. Advantage House Buyers, Houston, TX, 92 6. Corporate Properties, Inc. Denver, CO, 78 7. CityScape Properties, Kansas City, KS 96 8. Mull Properties, Oklahoma City, OK, 69 9. The Real Advantage, Dallas, TX, 67 10. Stieferman Investments, Tulsa, OK, 64 Junior Market 1. RP Investment Group, Columbus, GA, 58 2. Springfield Property Management, Inc., Springfield, MO, 49 3. Florida Coast Homes, Panama City, FL, 46 TOP SELLERS Major Market 1. Nosara, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 99 properties sold 2. Advantage House Buyers, Inc., Houston, TX, 92 3. Cal Mat Properties, Ft. Worth, TX, 89 4. C&C Residential Properties, Inc., Dallas, TX 85 5. Alliance Realty Services, St. Louis, MO, 66 6. Meadow Wood Homes, Inc., Dallas, TX, 65 7. RP Investment Group, Columbus, GA, 64 8. Stieferman Investments, Tulsa, OK, 60 9. The Real Advantage, Inc., Dallas, 59 10.  Metro Properties, Denver, CO, 57 Junior Market 1. RP Investment Group, Columbus, GA, 64 properties sold 2. Florida Coast Homes, Panama City, FL, 44 3. Abbott Real Estate Investment Group, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 40 Top Buyers (non-franchise) 1. Terri Clair, Nosara, Inc., 64 properties purchased 2. Jason Petree, C&C Residential Properties, Inc., 60 3. Brian Loughridge, Springfield Property Management, 58 BEST CUSTOMERS These franchisees best followed the HVA system and generated the most annual gross profit for HVA, including transaction fees, advertising commissions and finance fees. 1. Florida Coast Homes, Panama City, FL 2. SNL Realty, Chicago, IL 3. STW Holdings, Charlotte, NC 4. C&C Residential Properties, Inc., Dallas, TX 5. WFI Properties, Inc., Houston, TX 6. DIS Partners, Houston, TX 7. Cifaldi Property Investments, Philadelphia, PA 8. Abbott Real Estate Investment Group, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 9. Wiley Properties, Newark, NJ 10. Metro Properties, Denver, CO MOST IMPROVED OFFICE 1. Nosara, Atlanta, GA 2. Corporate Properties, Denver, CO 3. Metro Properties, Denver, CO        RISING STAR AWARD Four years progressive growth Jeff and Kim Drake, Motor City Home Buyers Three years progressive growth Ascent Properties, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT Cifaldi Property Investments, Inc., Philadelphia, PA Jireh Construction & Development Group, Inc., West Palm Beach, FL Kingsgate, Brevard County, FL WFI Properties, Inc., Houston, TX Two years progressive growth C&C Residential Properties, Inc., Dallas, TX Corporate Properties, Inc., Denver, CO Mull Properties, Oklahoma City, OK Peloton Properties, Milwaukee, WI Springfield Property Management, Inc., Springfield, MO One year progressive growth Bickford Construction II, Inc., Norfolk, VA CityScape Properties, Kansas City, MO Freshwater Affiliated Holdings, Asheville, NC Goldmine Properties, Sarasota, FL Greensboro Investment Homes, Greensboro, NC Home Buyers of River City, Jacksonville, FL HomeBuyers of Wilmington, Wilmington, NC HomePro Denver, Denver, CO Metro Properties, Inc., Denver, CO NorPeg Investments, Inc., Dallas, TX Nosara, Inc., Atlanta, GA Oaken Bucket Properties, Ft. Worth, TX Premier Home Network, Minneapolis, MN R.D. & S.J. Properties, El Paso, TX Select Equity Investments, Inc., Minneapolis, MN The Orion Group, Inc., Charlotte, NC WRO Corp. dba Prospect Properties, San Antonio, TX . . .Monica Feid is vice president of BizCom Associates, HVA’s public relations agency.

Award-Winning Franchisees Share Turnaround Tips

Despite troubled economy, these franchisees improved their business in 2008 Todd Reid, Paul Barrow and Mike Hoff share their experiences during the "Most Improved Office" panel at Convention. CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY   Just one day after the awards were handed out in Vegas, a panel of top franchisees shared tips about how they turned around their businesses. Panelists included: Michael Hoff of Corporate Properties in Denver, CO; Paul Barrow of Metro Properties in Denver, CO; and Todd Reid of Nosara in Atlanta, GA. Here are highlights of what they shared: …On business changes Reid: “I joined a country club exclusively to find investors. And literally I was broke. But that’s where the investors are. That’s where they play golf. [Today] We want to have 20, what I call, ‘touches’ a week.” Barrow: “The aha moment for us was a client coming to us and asking us if we could do everything for him. So we adapted the business model to say this is what we’re now selling--a turnkey investment opportunity.” Hoff: “The biggest change for our business was the market and our ability to adapt to our market.” …On tracking their numbers Reid: “We greatly upgraded our accounting function. We went from having a bookkeeper to hiring a CPA as our CFO.” …On rehabs, retails and rentals Reid: “Renting a house to me is as good as selling a house.” Barrow: “We over improve, especially for a rental property, for two reasons. A client, or ourselves, is going to own it for the next three to five years.” Hoff: “The real value of HomeVestors is rental properties.” Reid: “We don’t call them rentals. We call them new-home placebos. When you do that [upgrade the rehab], you get a better-quality renter.” Hoff: “Every single house [we rehab] has stainless. It’s a no-brainer. The cost pales in comparison to the initial impression.” Barrow: “We rent a property in a week as soon as our sign goes in the yard. It usually goes to the first person who sees it. It does pay in the long run to do better improvements now.” Hoff: “You have to differentiate yourself in this market. And we stage our houses, too. Two totes for house. That’s it.” Reid: “Everything we use to stage a house fits in the back of Lilian’s SUV.” Hoff: “Our average days-on-market is 12 to 14 days in a market where it’s typically 90 days. Our upgrades are a little more. For 3 bedrooms/1 bath, our average fix is $26,000. We found that you can buy bank-owned homes at $70,000 or $80,000 or our complete remodel at $120,000. And ours sell, because people don’t want to do those upgrades.” …On past goals and future goals Reid: “We went from buying 39 houses to buying 112 houses and rehabbing 13 houses to rehabbing 100 houses. So, it was an incredibly stressful year. Our goal this next year is to have a more balanced life. We have the processes and systems in place. Now we just want to refine them.” Barrow: “I worked way too hard. I want to scale back and utilize the systems more. I’m planning on more profit per transaction.” Hoff: “Our goal was 42 buys, which turned into 72 buys. The most important thing is to maintain profitability per transaction. Three years ago we decided we needed fewer houses and more profitability. Hopefully we’re planning on selling another 50 homes next year.” Reid: “Our goal was 72 houses. This next year, we have the same goal, but we’ll probably concentrate on more quality instead of quantity.” Hoff: “All of us are looking for additional balance and a way to create more wealth on a stable basis.” …On a final note Hoff: “Be an investor first. You’re in this not to buy homes. You’re here to make a profit and create wealth. These guys [Reid and Barrow] are not great home buyers. These are good businessmen. When you focus on profits, when the market adjusts, you’re in a position to adjust with it.”

National REIA Presents Special Membership Rate At Convention

Take advantage of the discounted rate and discover the benefits of National REIA membership By Leah Templeton Elmer Diaz of National REIA introduced a new strategic alliance with HVA including a special membership rate during the Annual Convention. The National Real Estate Investors Association (National REIA) and HVA used the Annual Convention to announce a strategic alliance designed to leverage the influence of each on legislative efforts. National REIA is currently offering HVA franchisees a special rate of $750 to join the organization and gain additional benefits. Approximately 30 franchisees joined at the convention. Troy Miller, National REIA membership liaison, said additional memberships are expected.  “National REIA has created a sponsorship plan for franchisees that benefits both organizations,” said Miller. “With that sponsorship, franchisees receive free attendance at the 2009 Day on the Hill and membership in their local REIA. We had about 30 franchisees sign up at convention. We thought that was very successful.” In introducing National REIA to the convention, HVA President and CEO John Hayes said that the organization recently strategized a plan to mount lobbying programs at both state and national levels. “What I appreciate about National REIA is first, they have the numbers—some 40,000 members,” Hayes explained. “Second, they have infrastructure. They collect dues, they communicate with their members, they sponsor numerous meetings where people can get involved. They’re a real association that provides obvious benefits to the membership. We need to be aligned with a professional group that can marshal forces on short notice and achieve results without worrying about the infrastructure and the mechanics. We’ll need money to accomplish these goals, and HVA can’t do it all alone, but I believe we’re on the right track and we’ll be able to raise funds successfully.” Miller added, “We are creating state organizations legislatively to work together for a state voice on local real estate issues. The strategic alliance between HVA and National REIA will support those legislative efforts. We are working on a state-by-state update for franchisees that are joining our efforts and are staying up on all the trends to help prevent negative legislation. That momentum is leading up to Day on the Hill.” Day on the Hill offers a focused two-day opportunity for franchisees and National REIA members to meet directly with congressional and senate leaders. Day one is spent at bootcamp preparing to meet with legislators. Day two the group meets with congressional and senate leaders. Day on the Hill, which HomeVestors sponsors, will occur April 22-23 in Washington, D.C. Hayes said he expects to see 500 investors at this year’s event. “Franchisees shouldn’t wait until legislation directly affects their business,” said Miller. “It’s about power in numbers and trying to bring change now. That’s why it’s so important to band together and for HVA to join.”  Additionally, the $750 membership fee will be used to help develop a legislative committee for each member’s state. It also provides franchisees the opportunity to receive a bottom line discount for the National REIA winter cruise February 7 -14. Rebecca McLean, National REIA executive director, said the partnership between HVA and REIA is a natural one. “We’ve aligned because we operate for similar reasons and touch similar people,” she said. “HVA is a business opportunity that gives people support and National REIA is a trade association that supports those same people. Both groups have specifically targeted issues we agree on and need to come together to promote. That includes being proactive within legislation.” McLean added that HVA’s strong national presence coupled with National REIA’s grassroots efforts makes the two groups an ideal match for the continuing fight for legislation on Capitol Hill. “Many of our people are legislative-focused because unfortunately they have already been hit with legislation and know how it can negatively affect business,” she said. “So we’re partnering with HVA to make people aware, be proactive and better benefit the real estate community. Our members are investors who are in the trenches selling properties day-to-day, just like HVA franchisees. Joining National REIA and your local chapter provides the opportunity to network with vendors and investors on economic topics, what areas are thriving or dying and really discuss what is impacting the community on a local level. Franchisees are not alone on the local level, we’re there to help.” McLean said National REIA is gearing up to launch a subscription-only legislative Web site that members can access. But there are many advantages for franchisees right now. “When HVA franchisees join National REIA they gain more than just the opportunity to participate in our meetings,” said McLean. “On the local level there are many membership benefits,” including discounts on products and services needed by investors. Franchisees are encouraged to join National REIA for the special $750 rate by contacting Troy Miller at troy@nationalreia.com or 888.762.7342. Franchisees may pay the membership fee in one installment or an initial $150 and $50 each month for one year. . . .Leah Templeton is an account executive at BizCom Associates, HVA’s public relations agency.

Do You GET IT!

New book by John Hayes looks at habits of elite HVA franchisees John Hayes' new book reveals secrets of HVA's most successful franchisees. HVA President and CEO John Hayes says sleepless nights made him do it. During his Friday address to a general session of the annual convention, Hayes explained, “For months I couldn't sleep at night because one question kept me awake: Why is it that some HomeVestors franchisees become multi-millionaires and create enviable lifestyles while other franchisees struggle to succeed?” One night Hayes promised himself that he'd answer that question once and for all, not only for the sake of existing and future franchisees, “but because I really do like to sleep!” he said with a laugh. The result is his latest book, “GET IT! Secrets To Cultivating The HomeVestors Millionaire Mindset,” which studies the habits of HVA’s most successful franchisees. The book was presented to franchisees attending Convention and will soon be available on the HomeVestors Web site along with a Web page designed for discussion of and new information related to The HomeVestors Millionaire Mindset." Over a period of months of studying HVA’s most successful franchisees, Hayes said he discovered similarities that he came to call the “The HomeVestors Millionaire Mindset.” “It is both a philosophy and a strategy,” he said. “Don’t confuse it with positive attitude, because it’s more than that. It’s a way of thinking about business and life. But most importantly, it’s a mindset that drives each top franchisee to make decisions and take actions that lead to success. . . .every time. . . .or almost every time.” In studying the elite franchisees, Hayes identified nine habits, each discussed in its own chapter: They Focus On Results They Come With Great Expectations They Choose To Be Different They Fear Failure, But They’re Not Afraid They Expect Change They Are Salespeople They Know Why They Do What They Do They Embrace The System They Are Led By Their Faith “The good news is that even franchisees who don't have The HomeVestors Millionaire Mindset can acquire it,” said Hayes, “if they understand what it is and they want it, they can possess it, too.” Hayes suggested that franchisees not only study the book for ways to improve their businesses but also as a marketing tool for franchise prospects who may be considering a HomeVestors franchise. “It’s a great way to let them know what we are all about,” he said.

Chicago Has Ugliest House Of The Year

"Winning" franchisee receives $10,000 ad credit, other prizes, for top finish By Monica Feid     Monica Feid Ugly never looked so good! That’s how Scott Gottlieb of SNL Realty in Chicago, IL, might describe this year, after winning the Ugliest House of the Year Contest at the HVA convention “I think it’s very cool that Chicago has the ugliest house in America,” Gottlieb said. And while Vegas may be famous for gambling, Gottlieb returned to Illinois with plenty of winnings and fame of his own--courtesy of HVA. According to Gottlieb, the thanks goes to Joanne Graupner of HVA’s Marketing Department. Joanne persuaded him to enter the contest. “She knew I always took pictures of my houses,” Gottlieb said. “I was too busy, so I told my buyer to enter for me.” But this picture was worth much more than 1,000 words! As winner in the online vote for the Ugliest House in America, Gottlieb was the proud recipient of a $10,000 HVA ad credit for Q1 of 2009. Second place, and an ad credit of $5,000 for Q1 of 2009, went to Nick and Jessica Cifaldi of Cifaldi Properties, Philadelphia, PA. Third place and an ad credit of $2,500 went to Ian Mendelson of Allied Property Group in Atlanta, GA. Each of the top three winners also received gifts from HomeVestors’ Preferred Vendors totaling over $2,500 for each winner! Participating vendors include: The Home Depot, ICI Paints, BFC Print, Staples, Pro Source Floor Coverings, and Lowen Sign Company.  This house earned Scott Gottlieb first prize check and prizes in the second annual Ugly House of the Year Contest. FINAL STANDINGS The Ugliest Top 10 America voted for houses in these cities in the following order: Chicago, IL Philadelphia, PA Atlanta, GA Milwaukee, WI Norfolk, VA Daytona Beach, FL Houston, TX Kansas City, MO Washington D.C. Richmond, VA . . . Monica Feid is vice president of BizCom Associates, HVA’s public relations agency.