Noise, Speed... Sunburn...
Lane Bailey is an Atlanta area REALTOR®, auto enthusiast, 4×4 builder and former sports car racer. He specializes in properties for other auto and hobby enthusiasts. Lane is also a husband and dad. Lastly, he is a guy that enjoys tools, technology and working with his hands.
“Having lunch with my sons is a joy (ok, it can be a challenge, too, they’re still only three and seven), and I am glad to have the opportunity to enjoy those special times. Luckily, they aren’t a rare treat. Of course, there is a trade off. You might get an email from me at 1:00am, or catch me on Yahoo IM at odd hours, but it is worth it.”
In April of 2004, Lane had a life changing experience. It was a boy. Prior to that, Lane had begun to prepare. Part of that preparation involved getting a real estate license. “I wanted to have more control over my schedule than my previous career allowed, ” said Lane. “Photography and the photography business had been very good to me. I was able to make a living doing something I absolutely loved. First, in retail photofinishing, then as an Assistant Photographer, and later as a Commercial Photographer, and finally in photo retail management, I was able to work in a career path that I really enjoyed. But, it was a lot of hard work. Vacations were tough to schedule, days could be very long, and the schedule was more in control of me than I was of it.” While he sees the work of being a REALTOR® and real estate agent as challenging, and it isn’t quick or easy, it does allow a bit more flexibility in scheduling. Lane wanted to be able to go to the park on a Tuesday afternoon with one of his sons, or visit the Georgia Aquarium with his family when it was easy for them to go. He knew that was a change he wanted to make. “Having lunch with my sons is a joy (ok, it can be a challenge, too, they’re still only three and seven), and I am glad to have the opportunity to enjoy those special times. Luckily, they aren’t a rare treat. Of course, there is a trade off. You might get an email from me at 1:00am, or catch me on Yahoo IM at odd hours, but it is worth it.”
“I know how other enthusiasts will see a garage, as well as what we want to find when looking at a new garage (with a house attached),”
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Being one that has been able to enjoy his work for most of his life, Lane wasn’t ready to let go of the things he enjoyed. “I knew that there were people like me, Car People, that didn’t have someone that understood their needs when it was time to buy a home. There are Golf Specialists, Horse Specialists, and Garden Specialists, why not a Garage Specialist? Have you ever asked the average real estate agent if there were 220V outlets in the garage? Did they even know what you were talking about, much less why you might want a couple of them?” Lane once tried to explain to a real estate agent (before he was in the business) that the garage was more than just a place to park a car… without much success. As an enthusiast, he doesn’t have trouble understanding how people use their garages, whether for building or restoring vehicles, maintenance, or display. “I know how other enthusiasts will see a garage, as well as what we want to find when looking at a new garage (with a house attached),” says Lane. “I also understand why a 3-car, 4-car, 5-car or 6-car garage might not be enough. And why you still might want some place else to park the lawnmower!” If you have been bitten by the same type of bug that Lane has, he may be the best person to call to help you find a home for the family AND the toys.
Lane is a member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS®, Georgia Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®. He is also a member of the Diamond Dwellings Realty group in Dacula, GA, a past Chairman of the REALTOR® Political Action Committee, and Past President of his 4 wheel drive club, GBR4WD. He recently ran a committee that staged an annual blood drive with the off-road community.