Family Affair, Parents, Children Join Forces in the Real Estate Profession

By Karen Lane, Staff Writer, The Brunswick News

     It is human nature for children to "push away" from their parents, often rejecting the elders' lifestyle, as a way of establishing their own identities.  it may be a rite of passage to maturity and a necessary step in discovering their strengths, but many of these young adults come full circle and eventually share the ideals and priorities of their parents.
     At Signature Properties Group on St. Simons Island, two seasoned real estate professionals, Phoebe Hoaster and M.G. Whittle are proud that their children have chosen to pursue real estate careers and joined them in the business they love.
   
     Around the World and Back: Ms. Hoaster's own mother got her interested in selling real estate in Marietta when she was pregnant with her son, Jon Bramlett.  He literally grew up around the business, accompanying his mother when she showed homes and learning proper phone etiquette by the age of six.
     Bramlett, over saturated by the business, vowed that he would never get involved in real estate.  He went onto college and took an interest in several areas of study, including exploring the world.  With travel high on his list of priorities, Bramlett took a 65-day course during the summer of 2000 aboard a cruise ship adapted to serve as a college campus.  "We visited 10 countried, studying the culture, customs, language and geography of each before arriving," he said.
     Bramlett eventually found his niche, attended school year-round for four straight years and graduated from the University of Florida in May of 2004 with a strong law background and intentions of beginning law school.
     After marrying his sweetheart, Amy Houston, in June the couple made some changes in plans.  Bramlett said his wife delated her master's program and together, they decided to return to the Golden Isles.  Bramlett naturally gravitated toward the rea estate business, joining his mother and stepfather, Gene Hoaster, at Signature Properties Group. "He went on every listing and sales appointment for four months, Ms. Hoaster said.
     Bramlett learned quickly.  He completed his course requirements and earned his real estate license 60 days ago and has already had a closing. "He's going to be very good at this," Ms. Hoaster said.  "Jon has drive and great people skills.  He's got lots of energy and loves to help people."
     Ms. Hoaster has found that she has much to learn from her son as well.  "Jon has computer skills and is tech savvy.  His new ideas will help us and are an asset to the company."

         



    
      
   

* * * * * * * * 
Signature Properties Group, Inc. is a full-service real estate sales compnay specializing in residential, investment and commercial properties serving St. Simons Island, Brunswick and all of the Golden Isles with sales through 2003 of over $32 million.