About Home Towne Realty

Home Towne Realty is an independently owned and operated real estate company formed in 1980. The primary focus is on residential properties, new and used, as well as condominiums, vacant land and some commercial properties.

Helen Ruffing has been with the company since the beginning and was a leading sales agent, she bought the business in 1997. Helen received a Bachelor's Degree from Mt. Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She worked with the American Red Cross overseas and did social work in the states. While raising 4 children Helen felt that the flexible hours in real estate seemed like a logical choice for a new career. It soon grew into a full-time occupation and has become a very satisfying decision. The many changes in the real estate industry offer challenges and rewards that make everyday interesting and of course the variety of inventory and creative means for acquiring property keeps the business exciting. As managing broker Helen continues to list and sell with the help of a capable staff.

Joyce Beauchamp is a top producer and real estate asset to Home Towne Realty. She has been with the Company since 1989. Education is important to Joyce. In addition to a BA degree from the College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, N.Y., graduate classes at the University of Michigan, she has earned a Broker's liscense with the State of Michigan, the Graduate Realtor designation, and the Buyer's Agency designation. Joyce has also held a Real Estate Appraisal License (Valuation Specialist) for eight years and owned a real estate company, Murray Realty, on Mackinac Island, MI for four years. Joyce and her husand, Norm, have raised ten children in this community and have been involved in numerous professional associations in the Blue Water Area such as AAUW, St. Mary's church and School, Salvation Army, Boys Scouts, Port Huron Hockey Association, Port Huron Figure Skating Association and Holy Cross High School, Marine City. Her goals are to find that dream home for buyers and to sell listings in the shortest amount of time at the best possible price!

Erich Harris has been a part of the Port Huron community his entire life. He has a wide range of knowledge in the construction and real estate business. He has been involved in the local Landlords and Tenants Association and has a comprehensive knowledge of the commercial real estate market. Erich graduated from Northwood university with a marketing degree. His familiarity with the area and his involvement with Downtown Port Huron, Inc. are an asset to the Home Towne office and to the people he serves in the real estate market.

Kristi E. Hazard is a 2004 addition to the Home Towne Team. As a graduate of the MCAR School of Real Estate, she found a new career and loves it. Kristi is a graduate of Northwood University with degrees in Advertising, Marketing, Retail and Management. You may know Kristi from her experience with Port Huron's local Mainstreet Program. She began the program and served as its program manager for nine years. She is involved as a volunteer with the Port Huron Museum, Quota Club International and the Michigan Lighthouse Fund. Originally from Long Island, NY, Kristi lives in Port Huron. When she is not gardening, collecting Antiques or Vintage Barbie's, Real Estate is her passion.

Frank Locricchio joined the Home Towne Realty Staff in 2002. He currently lives in the Fort Gratiot area with his wife Melissa and daughter Isabella. He has relocated from the Shelby Utica area, where he was the Building Superintendent for his families construction company. Frank's 14 years in the residential building trade gives him a broad view and extensive knowledge in the local real estate market. His goal is putting buyers and sellers together for a winning transaction.

Ava Gardella has joined Home Towne Realty as a Realtor Associate in 2004. She has worked with the public for over 20 years. Ava has been involved with and chaired many school and church fundraisers. She has a warm and friendly attitude and willingness to help others. She resides in Grant Township with her family. Ava is ready to assist with your housing needs, whether successfully marketing your present home or helping you find a new one, you can count on Ava to devote 100% into the process.

Becky Brougham is one of Home Towne Realty's Multi-Million Dollar Producers. She received her ABR designation in 2003 and holds a Criminal Justice Degree from SC4. Becky has been a resident of St. Clair County all of her life and now lives in the Marysville area with her husband Jeff and daughter Kayla. Becky believes in serving her clients with the utmost respect and care when purchasing a home. She also is familiar with HUD Housing, Bank Foreclosures and is part of the RELO relocation connection through Home Towne Realty. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life and Becky will be with you every step of the way!

Brett VanDrew received his license at the Michigan Institute of Real Estate and joined our office in 2001. He received his Bachelors in Education at the University of Toledo and his Masters in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State. Brett is an 8th grade Basketball and 7/8 grade track coach at Central Middle School. Brett married Dana in 2005 where she practices law at Lord, Damon and VanDrew. His contacts in the educational profession is an asset to assist buyers and sellers with all their housing needs.

After being in the construction industry for 8 years and buying and selling several real estate properties personally, Matt Thompson began to find that he really had a passion for real estate and pursued the necessary educational requirements to attain his real estate license. Matt is also very familiar with the financial side of the real estate transaction and eager to assist buyers and sellers. Matt is a Port Huron native and quite familiar with all aspects of the local community and especially the real estate market. Call Matt when planning your next move and allow him to share his knowledge and experience and make your real estate transaction a pleasant experience too!

Dale Cole joined Home Towne Realty in 2006. He is an associate broker who has been a realtor for the past 21 years. Dale served on the Board of Directors for Upper Thumb Realty Board, St. Clair County Board of Realtors and the Eastern Thumb Association of Realtor multi listing service. Dale is a life long resident of St. Clair County, father of 4 resides in Yale with his wife Carole. Dale’s reliable and honest service is available to you, for your buying and selling needs. Serving St. Clair and Sanilac Counties.

Our office manager is Soni Perod. She started working partime for Home Towne Realty in May of 2001 and by October of that year had become a full time asset. Soni is the first voice most people hear when contacting Home Towne and we are all proud of her capabilities and multi-task efficiency. No two days are the same in a real estate office so we are lucky to have Soni who enjoys the constant change and variety that are part of her job. In addition to managing the office and assisting the agents Soni is a full time mom to 3 teenagers.

Home Towne Realty and its agents are committed to doing everything possible to make sure the purchase or sale of your property is a pleasant and rewarding experience. Even with all the new technology available today we still believe that buying or selling a home is a transaction that is as much about the people involved as the product itself.

Please contact us to help you with your real estate needs.