May 11, 2009

Hello,

I'm very pleased to share some news with you that I'm very excited about -- on May 8th,  I opened up my own real estate brokerage, Ralston Group Properties, LLC. This is the culmination of years of planning and preparation, and has been my dream since first entering the real estate industry. While I have both enjoyed and appreciated my last 4 years at Windermere, it was time for me to realize this dream.

Ralston Group Properties, LLC is designed to serve a boutique residential and commercial real estate niche in Boise. My goal is to earn the reputation of being the most-trusted and respected realty brokerage in the Boise area. I have no aspirations to become the biggest. As a start-up, we are small in stature, but well equipped with all state-of-the-art tools and systems. We will not lose any tools that I have used in the past. We are only enhancing and growing our technology portfolio. Over time we will grow as a company as circumstances permit, but client-oriented service will always take precedence over growth.

From Day 1, our promise is simply this -- we always work diligently and honorably to provide client satisfaction. We are solely invested in our clients success, and as we stay true to this objective our success will come in due course. We always strive to foster trust-based relationships and deliver transactional expertise that is second-to none in the industry.

Against this backdrop, here are a few items of note:

  • Ralston Group Properties, LLC offices are at The Riverwalk Center II building located at 1673 W. Shoreline Drive, Suite 260 (on the Greenbelt on the SW corner of Americana and Shoreline Drive). Were currently co-located with a consulting firm, The KeySource Group, and expect sometime late this year or early next year to open offices in downtown Boise.
  • Were maintaining continuity with all of the prior industry relationships that I've established over the years. Most notably, my mortgage broker partner, Ms. Melinda Kim, will continue to provide my clients with extremely competitive mortgage finance rates and unsurpassed services.
  • As many of you know, recently Charley and Jacqueline Crist announced a new direction for J Crist Gallery. Going forward the gallery will feature only the work of Idaho artist James Castle. Despite this new vision and focus for J Crist, were going to continue and increase our support of the Boise art community. We'll continue to feature many of Boises finest artists such as Molly Hill with our monthly postcard art series. In the weeks and months ahead wer'e going to contact you with invitations to several receptions featuring these and other exciting new and well-established artists.
  • One area of our focus will be on green architecture and construction. I received my Eco-Broker certification last year, and by mid-June will also become certified Green and look forward to becoming a member of the Green Resource Council.
  • We're also well equipped to offer our clients services in staging homes for re-sale, as well as providing practical tools in helping clients through the home design/building experience. From my early career experience in project management at MK/Washington Group, coupled with my own recent home design/building, we've worked up some great strategies and suggestions for those of you who may be considering taking this route to a new home.
  • Lastly, Ralston Group Properties is in-process of updating its website for information, tools, area resource links, etc. -- please be patient with us as we're making these changes. And as always, tell us if there is new information that you would like to see on our website or postcards. We cherish your feedback.

As you might imagine, were grateful, excited, humbled and very optimistic about launching Ralston Group Properties, LLC. You have my personal assurance that all business that were fortunate enough to have come our way, will be conducted in a highly professional, cost-effective manner with your objectives being our objective.

We also realize that like most start ups, we have to rely on gaining some early market visibility and early on demonstrate our delivery capability. To this end, Ralston Group Properties is going to offer a Grand Opening financial incentive to clients interested in buying or selling a residential property, which we will be sharing with you soon.

Thank you for your consideration and interest in Ralston Group Properties.We look forward to working with you, your family and friends, and would be very grateful for referrals that you would consider directing our way. If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please contact me at 850.7638 or at my new email address aliciaralston@gmail.com.

Warmest Regards,
Alicia Ralston