Fore Properties Realty Inc. is commemorating the first anniversary of its purchase of Old South Realty by honoring former owners, Jim and Sally Thomas, with Ute Sole's watercolor rendition of the office building sold to Fore Properties last October.

"Ute Soles and I spoke about four months ago in planning this watercolor," said Bill Sahadi, broker/owner of Fore Properties. "Ute and Doug Soles have been friends of mine since they purchased a home from me about six years ago. Ute has a great gift. She's done some beautiful home water colors for family and friends, and they instantly become keepsakes."

Sahadi went on to say, "By every barometer, our first 12 months of business have been very successful. Sally is everyone's favorite broker. She is such a great influence on all our agents."

Sahadi said he owes all of Fore Properties success to the agents.

"Alison McCormack, Lisa Stafford, Dan Askins, Hamp, Jim and Sally Thomas, and David Ward are wonderful examples of people with a passion for their business, a commitment to their clients, and a consistent adherence to ethics in every part of their lives," he said.

They are all brought together by Dee Shaw, the company's administrator, he said.

"Dee is the glue," Sahadi said. "I can't think of a better administrator or more dedicated professional to work with."

Shaw added, "Working for Fore Properties has become the job of a lifetime. I can't imagine working with a finer group of people."

Sahadi said Fore Properties is a company built on relationships and experience, and for that reason, it is very selective when interviewing prospective agents from other companies. That formula has helped to make Fore Properties the second-highest producing independent real estate office in Moore County this year, the company said in a news release.

It enjoys strong relationships with The Stafford Land Co., Tomanelli Homes, as well as many of the area attorney's appraisers, lenders and inspectors.

"The past year has gone by in almost the blink of an eye since I became associated with Bill Sahadi and Fore Properties," Sally Thomas said. "Needless to say, I have enjoyed our relationship and working with the other fine agents here. Bill Sahadi is not only a good leader and business partner, but also one of the most ethical people I have ever worked with. We are a growing company and I look forward to the upcoming year being the best in my 30-plus-year career."

The Thomases started Old South Realty in 1980, and both have been active in the real estate and civic community during the past 25 years.

The original water color now hangs in the Fore Properties office, but a framed print with the original Old South logo is in the Thomas home.

"Jim and Sally have started something special here," Sahadi said. "With a year marked by tremendous growth and good fellowship, we are committed to honoring the standard they have set."

Fore Properties is at 1140 Old U.S. 1 South in Southern Pines.