By Karen McBride
Marla Adams, the owner and broker of Flip Side Realty By Design, opened her doors a little over three years ago. What makes her brokerage firm different from others is the vast array of residential services offered. Marla wanted to create a “one stop shop” to help customers with all their real estate needs. She has been a proven industry expert regarding all aspects of real estate including and yet not limited to buying, selling, relocation, property management, and home renovation and design.
Having served in the U.S Navy for 8 years, Marla knew she wanted to help her fellow servicemen and women when it came to buying or selling a home. Her passion to assist people not only in the military led Marla and her agents to become involved in Homes for Heroes (HFH). This organization is the largest nationwide network of affiliate real estate, mortgage, and local business specialists committed to monetarily rewarding our country and community heroes. The organization was established to give back to firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military, healthcare professionals and teachers for all they do. Currently, Marla and her agents are delivering HFH boxes filled with goodies and dropping them off at schools, fire/police stations and other locations. This is an opportunity to both show their appreciation and to inform heroes about the program available to them.
Flip Side Realty By Design has been involved in a number of other community events over the past year, including the Temple Terrace Night Out, K-9 Pasco Sheriff Golf Tournament, Veterans Helping Veterans golf tournament, New Tampa Noon Rotary Cycle for Vets, just to name a few. Marla also sponsored Heat and Hops; a fundraiser last August where the proceeds went to the families of two City of Tampa Firefighters, both of whom are battling cancer.
“It is always a great opportunity to explain Homes for Heroes. At first I was surprised that a lot of people did not know about this programs available to them,” said Marla. “But then I realized that not many agents in the area participate in HFH because the money the Hero receives back comes directly out of the agent’s commission.”
In April, Flip Side Realty By Design agents will be participating in Prosthetic & Amputee Rehab and Research Foundation’s (“PARR”) 5K run. The event will be held April 5 at the Babe Zaharias Golf Course. For more information on this event, go to http://www.parrfoundation.org.
Marla is also in the process of launching a foundation “Hear to Help”. She has been hearing impaired for years but was hesitant to wear hearing aids. A few years ago, she finally gave in and began wearing them.
“What a difference it has made in my life. I just want to help others experience this as well.”
Hear to Help will offer hearing aids, sign language classes, and hearing service dogs. Medicare pays for hearing aids for the elderly, but Medicaid does not. Unfortunately, the example of the single mom or dad with a child who needs hearing aids falls in the loophole of the system. “I want Hear to Help to be that bridge for the hard working individual who just can’t get ahead but desperately has a need,” says Marla.
Whether you are looking to rent, own or sell a home or property, Flip Side Realty By Design is ready to assist. Flip Side Realty By Design is always looking for agents with like-minded goals in serving the community. For more information, go to www.FlipsideRealtybyDesign.com or call 813.335.1449.