Local real estate team ranked 26th nationally in sales

BURTON Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate announced that the Fort Myers Kevin Burton Team ranked in the top 100 teams nationwide in closed transactions in 2008, according to the fourth annual "Real Estate Top 400," a national sales

ranking sponsored by The Wall Street

Journal and LORE magazine. Specializing in residential, bank owned and luxury home property sales, the team ranked 26th in the U.S. with 419 closed transactions. Many of the team's sales were to first-time homebuyers who acquired Federal Housing Administration finance.

"What sets our team apart from other foreclosure specialists is my eight years of experience in handling the disposition of hundreds of assets and our ability to coordinate the necessary repairs required to get a home into good FHA condition," said Mr. Burton, team leader. In 2008, the team rehabilitated more than 85 homes for first-time homebuyers. He plans to double that figure in 2009.

Before a property goes on the market, Mr. Burton determines the most likely purchaser depending on location, condition of the property and cost of repairs.

"A good foreclosure specialist raises the standards in the communities hit hardest by vacant foreclosure properties and helps first-time homebuyers find their dream homes at a great price," Mr. Burton said.

"I am very proud of the Kevin Burton Team for their effort and dedication to our customers that garnered a spot in this impressive national ranking. Ranking among the nation's top real estate professionals is a true testament to their commitment to providing their customers with great value through their hard work and dedication combined with Coldwell Banker's vast array of services," said Sue Wolverton, regional senior vice president, Southwest Florida, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.