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Dot Ivy Champion, known to many as Dottie, has had a long and impressive career in real estate in Atlanta and Highlands since 1972. Her husband Dallis has been a real estate developer for more than 60 years in Georgia and Florida. The duo now work together in the sales arena. Dot’s career began in property management, including several years wit the daunting job of operating the 900-unit Cross Creek Apartments in Buckhead. After several years Dottie decided she wanted to explore sales on Lake Lanier and the northern outskirts of Buckhead. For a number of years she found retreats for clients out of the fast-paced urban areas. However, there was a bigger calling looming on the horizon. A relatively new concept was coming to Atlanta. A unique property was being planned on West Paces Ferry Road and Dottie took on a role with what is now Paces West, handling clients’ decorator needs and assisting the broker. They set up on-site in the former Nunnally mansion, before a blade of grass was moved.
The housekeeper stayed on through the development of the property and prepared great Southern meals for the staff every day at lunch! It was an exciting time for her in this new venue for Buckhead. During this period came a meeting with Jenny Pruit, who was expanding her company from Sandy Springs into Buckhead and asked Dot to be her vice president and managing broker. The Buckhead office of Jenny Pruitt and Associates became a great success with many of Atlanta’s top agents coming on board, and Dot at the helm. There was an atmosphere of shared respect and devotion with her staff and agents. While there Dot earned the highly respected Certified Real Estate Brokerage designation. The Buckhead office was truly a highlight of her long career. Lovingly referred to as Mother Hen, her “chicks” were like family as Dot nurtured them into top producers and lifelong friends and associates. Eventually, Dottie and Dallis made a tough decision to leave Atlanta and move to Highlands, N.C., where they had a second home. Her expertise is now focused on the Highlands plateau, although she and Dallis both continue to be licensed in Georgia as well. Champion Realty has a highly regarded place in Highlands, Cashiers and surrounding areas, and Dot lists many outstanding properties offered for sale there. She also loves “the hunt,” representing many prospects as their Buyers Broker. Her outgoing personality and work ethic create lifelong close relationships with clients as well as fellow brokers. Champion Realty recently added to their already impressive listings of fine homes a magnificent one-of-a-kind property at the top of Highlands Country Club. Woody Glen is truly a classic masterpiece estate priced at $5,595,000 and can be shown by appointment with Dottie Champion. 404-310-1722.
“Kind, courteous, funny, knowledgeable, courageous, and a fierce protector of her clients… just a few words I would use to describe Dottie Champion. With many years of success as a real estate broker, she took me, a new broker, under her wing and showed me how to be the best broker in every way. She is a true “people person” and huias a loyal following because of her great reputation and the confidence clients have that they will always receive the best possible representation. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an ethical and amazing person. Dottie is truly the very best.” — Andrea Gabbard, Broker
