Pedal to Properties to Open Sonoma Franchise

Date AddedApril 23, 2010 01:55:01 AM

SONOMA, Calif.-APRIL. 22ND, 2010- Pedal to Properties, a full-service real estate firm that incorporates sophisticated technology, green practices and optional bike tours, announced it will open a franchise in Sonoma, Calif., in May. Owner Jeanne Wailes and Managing Broker Nella Papadin, two longtime Sonoma real estate professionals, will operate the franchise and bring Pedal to Properties' unique model to the wine country.

Pedal to Properties gives clients the option of seeing homes and neighborhoods while riding distinctive cruiser bikes. The Pedal to Properties formula also includes sophisticated yet easy-to-use web tools for consumers and agents, green office practices, and social networking platforms.

"We're thrilled that Jeanne and Nella see the beauty behind our approach to real estate, and we think it's going to work fabulously in Sonoma," said Tim Majors, President of U.S. Operations for Pedal to Properties. "Pedal to Properties is a great fit for buyers with active, healthy lifestyles, and that fits the description of many of their clients."

Wailes is an avid cyclist and member of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. She and Papadin are also becoming certified EcoBrokers, meaning they'll be knowledgeable about green construction, energy-efficient homes and walkable neighborhoods. Wailes is also involved with Sonoma Valley Safe Routes to School, Sonoma Valley Cyclists, the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Bicycle Charity Ride and local Bike to Work Day activities.

Papadin, originally from England, previously the owner of Artemis Real Estate loves the biking element of Pedal to Properties because "it slows people down and takes off stress - two things that are important to a satisfying home-buying process." ("it also reminds me of my student days in Cambridge!")

Wailes and Papadin have worked together for years, selling homes in Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Boyes Hot Springs and other wine country locales. "As part of Pedal to Properties, I feel like we're making real estate more fun and eco-friendly, As an avid cyclist, it will be great to get more people noticing the neighborhoods and town on a bike instead of in a car," Wailes said.

Pedal to Properties Sonoma will be located at 645 First Street West, Suite A, in downtown Sonoma.

The Pedal to Properties concept has been massively successful in Boulder, Colo., where founder Matt Kolb launched the company in 2006 and saw sales grow 200 percent in two years. to Properties was dubbed "most creative idea" by Real Estate Weekly at the National Association
of Realtors conference in November, and the Boulder flagship office has added many top real estate agents in recent months. A Northampton, Mass., franchise - headed by a long-time Rails to Trails Conservancy advocate - opened earlier this year.

A Pedal to Properties franchise uses unique marketing tools, know-how and services tailored to health-conscious buyers and sellers interested in the pedestrian lifestyle. The Pedal to Properties approach offers buyers the option of a fun, relaxed bike ride that lets them see homes while getting to know local shops, restaurants, parks and schools. The company's Web site, www.pedaltoproperties.com, lets agents, franchisees and consumers search, review or post comments about their favorite neighborhoods and homes.

About Pedal to Properties (www.pedaltoproperties.com)
Based in Boulder, Colo., Pedal to Properties was founded by Matt Kolb as a full-service realty firm that provides a unique experience for home buyers. Pedal to Properties realtors focus on assisting clients with buying and selling homes through an optional service to view properties and homes from signature bikes. Former Australian businessman Tim Majors joined Kolb in May to help take Pedal to Properties national through franchising.