Statesboro realtor Pat Hirsch has had a busy year. But what's new?

            The hardworking lady averages about 100 properties sold annually, and recently achieved the 2007 Top Broker Award for the state of Georgia. She was also a finalist for the 2007 Top-All Around Broker for ERA Franchise, Inc., finishing as #2 in the  top three in the country.

            "This award is one of the greatest honors that can be achieved by ERA selling brokers who have reached the highest level of success," said Lee Ann Roughton, a business consultant with Southern Region ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.

            Hirsch was honored recently at the International Business Conference in Orlando, Fla., for outstanding performance in the real estate field. 

            "Pat is a valuable asset to the ERA Real Estate family and this award is well deserved," Roughton said. "We recognize her dedication to her clients and her success is evident."

            Hirsch started in real estate in 1992 and holds licenses in both Florida and Georgia. Originally involved in real estate for her own investment reasons, she joined ERA in 2000 and " I just loved it, so I stayed," she said. "It's a fun business and I like people."

            Her love for people and friendly personality Hirsch believes helped reach her goals. While the award is based upon sales, other things figure into the mix as well.

            "The award is granted to those selling brokers who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in every facet of the real estate business," Roughton said. "Rankings are based on criteria including total transactions closed, customer satisfaction, closings with the ERA Home Protection Plan, and participation in such programs as ERA Select Services and ERA Mortgage" are also taken into consideration.

            But most important is "volume sold," Hirsch said. In her career she has sold more than 1,000 properties. " I average about 100  a year," she said.

            What do people want?

            Most want four bedroom homes with some space – a little bit of acreage," she said. "Many use one bedroom  for an office, and if they have children, then they want a five-bedroom home."

            As her prize, Hirsch will visit the Bahamas in July.

            What some may not know about Hirsch is her involvement with local charities. She works with ERA as well to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and helps send children to camp in Rincon every year. "They're so appreciative," she said.

            When a local ERA representative sells a property, one percent of each commission is placed in a fund that goes towards the efforts. Hirsch is also involved with several local charities, including Joseph's Home for Boys, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, and the American Heart Association.

            "We support pretty much anything United Way is associated with," she said.

            She is married to former Georgia Southern radio announcer Nate Hirsch.