Valdosta Board of REALTORS

08/28/2026

✨Affiliate Friday Spotlight ✨
This week, we're excited to feature Brittany Batten with Luna Mortgage! 🎉

Where southern hospitality meets mortgage expertise, Brittany brings a personable, hands-on approach to the homebuying process. With more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, her background includes closing, funding, processing, underwriting, private mortgage insurance sales, and origination—giving her a unique understanding of the entire loan process from application to closing. 🤝🏠

💙 Why she loves serving our community:
With a passion for helping people turn their homeownership dreams into reality and a commitment to making clients feel supported and confident throughout the process, Brittany shares why serving our community means so much to her:

“For me, mortgage lending has never been just about getting a loan closed. I love helping people realize that something they may have thought was out of reach is actually possible.

One of the greatest compliments I’ve received from a client was that I didn’t just help them get a loan, I helped them believe their dream wasn’t too far out of reach.

These aren’t just transactions. They’re our neighbors, families, military members, first-time buyers, and the people we see around our community every day. Getting to play a small part in helping someone put down roots here is something I genuinely love.” ❤️

🔎 Fun Fact About Brittany!
Before mortgages found her, Brittany studied criminal justice, which may explain why she's a true-crime ju**ie! 🕵️‍♀️ If there's an unsolved case, chances are she's already developed her own theory and mentally solved it from her couch. 😂

And if she weren't in mortgages—or solving crimes—she'd want to do something involving football! 🏈 Put her on the sidelines with a microphone and she's ready for her Erin Andrews moment! 🎤

Thank you, Brittany, for your continued partnership with the Valdosta Board of REALTORS® and for helping our neighbors, families, military members, and first-time buyers see that homeownership may be closer than they think. We appreciate your dedication to our members and our community! 🏡❤️

08/24/2026

Georgia Association of REALTORS® leadership and Association Executives are coming together in Chicago for the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Summit! 🏙️

VBOR CEO Fallon Cole and incoming 2027 President Hope Brown are excited to be part of this great opportunity to connect with incoming leadership from across the states, strengthen relationships, and hear from professional panels about current issues and upcoming developments impacting our industry.

These conferences are always a valuable opportunity to learn, share ideas, and bring new information and insights back home to better serve our members. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect, grow, and represent the Valdosta Board of REALTORS®! ❤️💙

08/21/2026

✨Affiliate Friday Spotlight ✨

This week, we're excited to feature Jessie Brace with Georgia Pack and Load - Valdosta!

At Georgia Pack & Load, Jessie and her team help make moving easier by providing professional packing, loading, unpacking, and moving support for homeowners, families, and businesses. They work alongside real estate professionals to help ensure clients experience a smooth transition from one home to the next—giving them one less thing to worry about during the moving process. 🏡📦🤝

💭 Why she loves serving our community:
“One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is helping people through a major life transition. Whether they're buying their first home, relocating for work, or downsizing, every move represents a new beginning. Being able to ease some of the stress and provide peace of mind during that process is something I truly enjoy. South Georgia is home, and it's an honor to serve the people in our community.”

📍 Did You Know?
Georgia Pack & Load has proudly served customers for over 30 years! 🎉 With the recent expansion of their Valdosta location, Jessie and her team are excited to provide even more support to homeowners, businesses, and real estate professionals throughout South Georgia.

🐾 Fun Fact:
When she's away from work, Jessie enjoys spending time with her husband, their three children, and their three dogs—two huskies and a dachshund! 🐶🐶🐶 She loves the slower, simpler side of life, whether that's spending time on the family farm, exploring a hiking trail, or enjoying a quiet sunrise with a cup of coffee. 🌅☕ For Jessie, life's best moments are often the simplest ones. ❤️

Thank you, Jessie, for your continued partnership with the Valdosta Board of REALTORS® and for helping make the moving process a little easier for so many of our clients and community members. We're excited to welcome Georgia Pack & Load – Valdosta to our community and appreciate all you do for South Georgia! 🤝🏡

📲 Connect with Georgia Pack & Load – Valdosta:
https://www.facebook.com/gapackandloadvaldosta/

08/20/2026

We are proud to see one of our own recognized as a 2026 Rooted in Georgia Ambassador!

Congratulations to Craig Pittman, Realtor with GPS Real Estate Company on being featured by the Georgia Association of REALTORS® for his outstanding commitment to serving the Valdosta-Lowndes County community.

From his work with the Lowndes High Georgia Bridgemen to mentoring children and adults through Krav Maga 911 Valdosta, Craig continues to make a difference through service, leadership, and mentorship.

Craig, thank you for representing the Valdosta Board of REALTORS® and REALTORS® across Georgia so positively. We are proud to call you one of our members!

Congratulations, Craig! 👏

Be sure to read GAR’s feature to learn more about Craig and his contributions to our community.

Craig Pittman is a retired Georgia State Trooper, REALTOR®, and dedicated community volunteer based in Valdosta. Throughout his career and into retirement, he has remained committed to serving others through mentorship, civic involvement, and community leadership. Craig actively volunteers with the...

08/20/2026

Continuing to Learn. Staying Ahead.

Today, our members had the opportunity to learn from guest instructor Tom Gillett during Mortgage Fraud: The Silent Sin.

Mortgage fraud can have serious consequences for the industry and our clients, making education and awareness an important part of being a trusted real estate professional.

A special thank you to our Affiliate Sponsor, Nikki Rodgers - NMLS #1160045 - BankSouth Mortgage, for sponsoring today’s class and supporting continued education for our members!

We appreciate our instructors, sponsors, and members who make professional development a priority.

®Education

08/14/2026

✨Affiliate Friday Spotlight ✨

This week, we're excited to feature Lexi Smith- Mortgage Specialist 🏡💙

Lexi does more than just mortgages—she helps people create a plan for homeownership. From first-time homebuyers and VA loans to construction loans, down payment assistance, and more, Lexi is dedicated to making the financing process feel simple and helping each buyer find the option that works best for them.

💭 Why she loves serving our community:
"I love serving this community because I get to help people turn homeownership from something that may feel overwhelming or out of reach into an achievable goal. Whether someone is ready to buy now or needs a plan to get there, I love being a resource they can trust throughout the process. It’s also incredibly rewarding to build lasting relationships with local buyers, families, Realtors, and other professionals while helping our community continue to grow."

📍 Did You Know?
Lexi has been serving the mortgage industry for nearly five years, building relationships throughout our community and helping buyers navigate the path to homeownership. Whether a client is ready to purchase today or needs help creating a plan for the future, Lexi is passionate about being a trusted resource every step of the way.

Thank you, Lexi, for your continued partnership with the Valdosta Board of REALTORS® and for the important role you play in helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals. We appreciate your dedication to our members and our community!

Connect with Lexi: Lexi Smith- Mortgage Specialist

08/11/2026

Congratulations to our own Wendy Cook!

We're excited to celebrate Wendy Bledsoe Cook, who has been named one of the 2026 Georgia REALTOR® of the Year nominees by the Georgia Association of REALTORS®!

This recognition honors REALTORS® who demonstrate outstanding professionalism, leadership, and service to both the industry and their communities. We are incredibly proud to see Wendy representing the Valdosta Board of REALTORS® among this year's outstanding nominees.

Join us in congratulating Wendy as we cheer her on! The 2026 Georgia REALTOR® of the Year will be announced during the Georgia Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans, August 31–September 4.

Congratulations, Wendy! We wish you the very best!

We’re proud to introduce our REALTOR® of the Year nominees. The 2026 honoree will be announced this September at the Annual Conference & Expo. Stay tuned and make your plans for New Orleans now!

08/10/2026

🎹 VIENNA, WON’T YOU STOP AND WAIT FOR ME… TO BUY MY AUCTION TICKET? 🎹

If Ethan Ray Parker can make Vienna sound this good, imagine what he’s got in store for the PAF Auction! 👀

🎤 Live entertainment by Ethan Ray Parker-C21 Realty Advisors
🍽️ Delicious hors d’oeuvres
🛍️ Exciting auction items
🍸 Cash bar
📸 360° Photo Booth
🥂 A night of fun, networking, and supporting REALTOR® advocacy

📅 TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 VSU Magnolia Room

🚨ONE WEEK TO GO!🚨

Don’t wait for the last note to fade — get your tickets NOW!

👉 Purchase your tickets here:
https://forms.rpac.realtor/fundraise/formid/2026-ga-valdosta-annual-auction/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTmxyJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVh2a3R0ZEZUMWh4MlJiT2lzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe6r4eb5-wrpgidOoMID-S-bqcje88a9fDutWpVXjWbJXHDlF-NvAUw3Az0AY_aem_1KSS8rJRgOIrHHwUW8SkJA

Come for the auction. Stay for the music. Strike a pose. Leave with something amazing! 🎹📸✨

08/07/2026

✨Affiliate Friday Spotlight ✨
This week, we're excited to feature Dana Williams, Colony Bank Mortgage Lender! 🏡💙

For more than 20 years, Dana has been helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, including the last 10 years as a member of the Colony Bank Mortgage Team. She is passionate about making the mortgage process as smooth and stress-free as possible, especially for first-time homebuyers. From application to closing—and often sitting right at the closing table with her clients—Dana is there every step of the way.

💭 Why she loves serving our community:
"As a local lender, I'm committed to making the home financing process smooth and stress-free, especially for first-time homebuyers. From application to closing—and often at the closing table myself—I'm with you every step of the way."

📍 Did You Know?
Dana is actively involved throughout our community, serving with the Homebuilders Association, Valdosta and Moultrie Boards of REALTORS®, the Chamber of Commerce, Hahira Community Church, and the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia. Most recently, she was invited to serve on the Board of the Georgia Sheriffs' Boys Ranch.

👶 Fun Fact: Dana recently became a grandmother—a title she says she wears just as proudly as "Mortgage Lender!"

Thank you, Dana, for your continued partnership with the Valdosta Board of REALTORS® and for helping so many families throughout South Georgia achieve homeownership. We appreciate your dedication to our members and our community!

08/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Beautiful Creations by Chanel for allowing us to be a small part of such an incredible mission. 💜

At the Valdosta Board of REALTORS®, we believe strong communities begin with people who care. Whether it’s collecting school supplies, hosting a community blood drive, supporting local initiatives, or volunteering our time, we’re proud to stand alongside organizations that are making a real difference.

We’re honored to support the 18th Annual Tools for School initiative and help local students start the school year with confidence and the supplies they need to succeed.

Thank you, Beautiful Creations by Chanel, for your leadership, your passion, and for making it easy for our members to give back. Together, we’re investing in our community and our future—one child at a time. 💜

We are incredibly grateful for our amazing partnership with the Valdosta Board of Realtors! 💜

Their unwavering commitment to our community has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have raised funds, collected and donated school supplies, organized a community blood drive with a grant opportunity, and continuously invested in the success of our 18th Annual Tools for School initiative.

Because of partners like the Valdosta Board of Realtors, hundreds of children will begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Their generosity, leadership, and heart for service remind us that when organizations come together with a shared purpose, lives are changed.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us ensure that every child has the opportunity to start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. We are honored to call you a valued community partner and look forward to continuing to make a lasting impact together.

💜 Together, we are building a stronger community—one child, one backpack, and one act of kindness at a time.