REAL Exclusive Magazine

From the Publisher Ed Bertha.

Since launching REAL Magazine, correspondence complimenting and supporting our mission continues to arrive. Recently I received a letter thanking me for sharing my positive attitude. I guess I know no other way to approach life.

 This magazine is a result of an event over which I had no control. There were two choices; feel sorry for myself or view it as an opportunity. Opportunity it was indeed. Every day presents two alternative paths. Choose the one that will move you forward and don’t look back.

REAL Magazine continues making strides forward. www.the-real-magazine is attracting readers not only from our market but globally. The time visitors are spending on the REAL website is amazing. Introducing Melissa Fach this month will help you understand why REAL is making such striking progress through search engine optimization. Our distribution to high net worth individuals and real estate professionals now spans Tampa to Naples. Everything in print and more is posted on the REAL website.

It pleases me to hear the impact of REAL. An agent featured in REAL received an out of state call and subsequent visit from a party interested in high end luxury waterfront property in our area. One of REAL’s editorialists picked up a new project through her contributions. I received a reference call from an individual noticing a particular sponsor’s ad running for which they need the services. All REAL stories. In print and on the web, REAL Magazine has you covered.

I want to thank everyone who made the silent auction at Deborah Beacham’s Villa Verde networking event a success. The Children First choir certainly put things into perspective. How can you not support loving, innocent children through the REALTORS® for Kids program? Even though the figure sounds generous the money raised only provides about seven weeks of child care. We’ll continue to do more.

Speaking of children. At one of our networking events a special person in our real estate market mentioned the Children’s Rainforest at Selby Gardens. Not aware of the Children’s Rainforest I went and took a look. What a wonderful project for our youth! Problem is, even though $1 million is secured another million and a half must be raised before a shovel can go in the ground. In support of this very worthy cause, I’m pleased to introduce the readership to the Children’s Rainforest at Selby Botanical Gardens in the February edition. Take time to learn about this project, but more importantly get involved. Selby, and the kids, need your support to turn a dream into reality.

Another project in the works is a showcase home in The Lake Club benefitting Southeastern Guide Dogs. “In the Dog House” is championed by Lynn and Chris McNamee, who will make the Tuscan inspired estate their home. There is a very touching story behind this venture. It’s a story of appreciation and giving back. I applaud Westwater Construction’s Mark Miller for taking the lead. There is an opportunity for anyone in the building trade to get involved. Stay tuned.

Lastly, look for information forthcoming about REAL’s charity golf outing hosted at The Founders Club in May. If you have an interest in organizing the event please reach out. Once again we’ll have fun but we’ll also positively affect a few lives along the way.

Take time to touch someone’s life.

Ed Bertha

PS Happy Birthday Cathy!

February 09