Crye-Leike Insights

Columbia, TN. - Crye-Leike, REALTORS is proud to name Sally Woodard as the new Managing Broker of its Columbia office. Woodard will be replacing Colene Dooley who is focusing on sales growth and providing assistance with senior management.   At the Columbia office, Woodard leads a team of 27 associates who are ready to meet the real estate needs of the area. Woodard comes into this position with forty years of real estate experience.   "Every day is a joy for me to be in the office helping agents, buyers and sellers with their housing needs," said Woodard. "It is an honor for me to be named Managing Broker of the Crye-Leike Columbia office."   Woodard assists buyers and sellers in Maury, Williamson, Marshall, Lewis, Giles and Lawrence counties. She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, Tennessee Association of REALTORS, and the Southern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS. Woodard has been honored with the Career Achievement Award and the Presidents Award.   For all your real estate needs contact Broker Sally Woodard by phone at 931-698-4969 and 931-540-8400 or by email at sally.woodard@crye-leike.com.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 6th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 115 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.  

Mt. Juliet, TN. - Crye-Leike, REALTORS congratulates affiliate broker Jeff Jolly on his recent promotion to Sales Manager at their Mt. Juliet office. Jolly has been with Crye-Leike for 10 years and a member of the company's Top 25 club in his region since 2008.   "The sales manager position at Crye-Leike's Mt. Juliet office will allow me to formally share what I have learned over the last ten years in the real estate business," said Jolly. "One of the reasons I chose to affiliate with Crye-Leike was their commitment to helping their agents grow and hone their skills. My goal as sales manager is to help our agents become extraordinary client servants and higher producers."   Jolly assists buyers and sellers in Wilson, Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties. He is a member of the National Association of REALTORS?, Tennessee Association of REALTORS?, and Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS?.   For all your real estate needs, contact affiliate broker and sales manager Jeff Jolly by phone at 615-306-9910 and 615-754-8999 or by email at jeff@jollyrealtor.com.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 6th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.

Tellico Village, TN. - Crye-Leike, REALTORS is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Tellico Village. The office, located at 296B Village Square, Loudon, TN 37774, will open on October 1 and will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 21 at noon.   Crye-Leike proudly welcomes Tom Gongola as Managing Broker. Gongola received his real estate license in 2004 and his Brokers license in 2009. In 2015, Tom has closed over $4.7 million in 14 transactions and in the last 12 months, closed 20 transactions totaling over $6 million.   "The Tellico Village Office puts the large company brokerage tools, techniques, marketing resources and quality of service available to the lifestyle buyers and sellers in this beautiful lake, golf and recreation community," said Gongola. "Being located so close to the new Tellico Village Visitor Center will give home shoppers a name brand brokerage at their fingertips."   The office is currently staffed with six agents with room to grow. Personal interviews are being conducted to talk with those who are interested in excelling in the real estate industry.   "Our outstanding agent tools and resources combined with an absolutely top of the market agent commission structure is an obvious choice for successful full time agents," said Gongola.   For your real estate needs contact Broker Tom Gongola at 865-203-8800.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 6th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.  

Johns Creek, GA. - It's been ten years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike, REALTORS? expanded the company's footprint into the Atlanta metro area. Today, the third largest privately owned real estate firm in the nation opens its ninth office in Georgia at 9945 Jones Bridge Road located in Johns Creek.   Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Tammie Carter as the new Managing Broker.   The office has the capacity currently for approximately 50 agents with room to grow as needed. Its agents will serve buyers and sellers in Atlanta and the surrounding North Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Dawson, Hall and Cherokee counties.   "The Atlanta real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves," said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. "We see a lot of potential for the local market like Johns Creek and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area."   Crye-Leike's Johns Creek office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs. The office is also in the process of recruiting and interviewing agents to grow its team. It will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this summer.   Ranked as the sixth largest real estate firm in the nation, Crye-Leike, REALTORS? had a great year in 2014 achieving $5.3 billion in sales volume. Over a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold over 30,000 properties. Crye-Leike's sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market. Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/Roswell, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough Norcross, Smyrna/Vinings, and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division.   Crye-Leike is a full service company offering a wide variety of financial services such as home mortgages, insurance, and title insurance. Crye-Leike made several advances in technology support including new personalized mobile apps for agents. The company also upgraded its appointment center system to be more intuitive for home owners and agents. In 2014, Crye-Leike's Appointment Center scheduled 183,000 showings. Crye-Leike's website, www.crye-leike.com, received an award from Leading Real Estate Companies in the world for its innovation with property listings.  

Tupelo, MS. - After nearly nine months of anticipation, Crye-Leike's Tupelo office will reopen their doors at Crye-Leike Plaza. The office will celebrate its homecoming with a grand reopening ceremony and open house on March 3, 2015.   In April of 2014, a tornado bored down on 1289 N Gloster Street in Tupelo, MS. Crye-Leike Plaza experienced significant tornado damage with parts of its roof peeled off and windows shattered. Other business in the plaza including three restaurants, a liquor store and a frozen yogurt shop were also damaged.   The office was temporarily relocated to a nearby commercial center on Commonwealth Blvd. while repairs were underway at Crye-Leike Plaza.   "Although we were in cramped quarters with most of our things in storage or damaged we managed to enjoy each other's company and probably are a closer team because of it," Broker Norma Cother said. "It surely made us count our blessings, but we are glad to be back home."   The agents and staff at Crye-Leike Tupelo have greatly appreciated the support and understanding of their clients and community during this period. The entire office is looking forward to a successful 2015.   Crye-Leike Tupelo will have an open house for friends and clients from 9:30-11:00 on March 3 with light refreshments with the ribbon cutting to be held at 10.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm (3rd largest privately held) in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.  

Malvern, AR. - Young Real Estate, a family owned business since 1908, is joining Crye-Leike, REALTORS. The merger will take place on February 2.   For 26 years, Tom Young has been the Principle Broker of Young Real Estate, the company his grandfather started. With his wife Judy, they have over sixty years experience in real estate.   "I am thrilled that Tommy and Judy Young are merging their office with Crye-Leike," said Karen Crowson, Managing Broker of Crye-Leike's Benton Office. "Their many loyal clients will benefit from the marketing tools and value Crye-Leike brings. Crye-Leike will benefit from the years of practical application and service Young Real Estate has always provided to those in Hot Spring County."   With this merger, Crye-Leike will now have six agents who reside in Hot Spring County who will assist buyers and sellers in Central Arkansas, providing the hometown real estate company experience with nationally recognized resources.   Tom has been involved with the business, governance and life of Malvern for 46 years. Tom has served as director of First Federal Savings and Loan of Malvern from 1969 to 1975; served as director of The Bank of Malvern from 1975 to 1989; Alderman of the City of Malvern from 2002 to 2008; chairman of the finance committee; Co-owned and operated Young Insurance & Investment Corp.; Past President of the Malvern Board of Realtors; Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Malvern; member of the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.  

Brentwood, TN., - Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Broker Jim Wallace to its Brentwood Commercial office.   After 26 years of coaching high school basketball and 18 years of owning his own real estate business in Destin and Arkansas, Jim felt it was time to set his attention on Nashville.   "Nashville is not only the hottest real estate market, but it also home to my son and his family," said Jim. "I now have the best of both worlds between watching my son coach his teams, watching my grandsons grow and being in the best market for real estate."   Pre-construction sales are a forte for Jim Wallace as he was the broker over two condo projects in Panama City, Florida that had over $550,000,000 sales. Jim assists buyers and sellers across Middle Tennessee, specializing in land purchasing, commercial property, investment and new construction.   For all your real estate needs, contact Broker Jim Wallace by phone at 615-309-7100, 615-801-6565 and by email at jim.wallace@crye-leike.com.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.

Memphis, TN., - Crye-Leike REALTORS is excited to announce the opening of their new Midtown Memphis office and are pleased to welcome Carol Lott as the new Managing Broker.   Crye-Leike's downtown office will be converted into a boutique hotel. This office will be relocating to the midtown location at 1715 Union Avenue, about one and a half miles east of its present location.   Currently under renovation, the midtown office is anticipated to open approximately within the second week of December.   "I am honored to have been chosen as Broker of the Midtown Office," said Lott. "Crye-Leike is an outstanding organization with some of the most accomplished REALTORS in the business. The leadership team is comprised of many past local state and association presidents, committee chairs and recognized leaders in the community. I am proud to be part of the Crye-Leike family."   Carol has practiced real estate for nearly 30 years. She currently works alongside her daughter, one of the few mother daughter teams in the country. They specialize in residential and new construction for the downtown and midtown areas of Memphis.   Carol is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, the Tennessee Association of REALTORS and Memphis Area Association of REALTORS. She is very active in all these associations. Carol is currently serving as the 2015 Director for NAR and TAR Director from 2011-2014; she also served as President of MAAR in 2012. Carol also serves on Governmental Affairs committee; she is the Co-Chair of RPAC and a Benevolent Fund Trustee as well as RPAC Trustee for the state.   Carol has won several awards for her work in real estate. She won the President's award in 2009 and the REALTOR of the Year award in 2013 from MAAR.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm (3rd largest privately held) in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.  

Dickson, TN., - Broker Heather Lampley joins the Crye-Leike family at the Dickson branch office. With eleven years of real estate experience, Heather assists buyers and sellers in Dickson, Hickman, Cheatham, Williamson and Humphreys counties.   "I'm very excited about joining the Crye-Leike family," said Heather. "The broker and fellow agents are great to work with. I'm looking forward to growing as a person and as an agent at my new office."   Heather is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, Tennessee Association of REALTORS, and the Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS. She specializes in residential real estate, REO's and commercial real estate.   For all of your real estate needs, contact Crye-Leike broker Heather Lampley by phone at 615-446-8840, 615-504-3503 and by email at heather.lampley@crye-leike.com.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.        

Pigeon Forge, TN., Crye-Leike, REALTORS recently cut the ribbon on its newest branch office located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.   A grand opening ceremony was held on June 25th where company agents and leaders and members of the community came together to celebrate the beautiful new office.   Realtor Kim Goode will lead Crye-Leike's new office that will be designated as the company's Pigeon Forge-Sevierville branch located at 2519 Sand Pike Boulevard, Suite B, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.   Crye-Leike Managing Broker Kim Goode and her team of Realtors will assist home buyers and sellers in and around Sevier, Jefferson, Cocke and Blount counties. In order to better serve clients, the agents are active members of the Greater Smoky Mountain Association of Realtors, the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.   Crye-Leike's Pigeon Forge Realtors are eager to start helping local home buyers and sellers with all of their residential real estate needs. They are also looking for new agents to join their talented sales team.   "We are excited to open Crye-Leike's newest branch office in the beautiful Smoky Mountain area," said Crye-Leike Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. "The opening of this branch marks another great expansion of the offices in Crye-Leike's Tennessee Region. Over the past couple of years, we've been proud to open several thriving offices in Knoxville, and we plan to continue the growth of the company in East Tennessee."   If you would like information on real estate in and around Sevier County or would like to learn more about becoming a Realtor with Crye-Leike, contact Crye-Leike Managing Broker Kim Goode by phone at (865) 446-0126 or by e-mail at kimgoode.realtor@gmail.com. Find Kim online at http://kimgoode.crye-leike.com   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. In 2013, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $5.2 billion from selling 30,471 properties. Find more information about Crye-Leike at www.crye-leike.com.    

Laurel, Mississippi - Realtors Joey Stewart and Sue White recently earned certification as Military Relocation Professionals (MRP). They earned this real estate designation from the National Association of Realtors.   Joey and Sue completed extensive training and classroom instruction to earn the MRP designation in order to better assist current and former military members with their real estate needs. Realtors who have the MRP designation are better prepared to assist all military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and to take full advantage of military benefits and support.   "When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful," said Realtors Joey Stewart and Sue White. "It's a honor to work with the brave men and women who serve our country, and we are both excited to now have extensive knowledge that can help active duty military members and veterans achieve their real estate goals and dreams."   Joey and Sue are both licensed real estate professionals with Crye-Leike Premier Properties in Laurel, Mississippi. They assist buyers and sellers in and around Jones, Forrest, Lamar, Wayne, Jasper, Smith and Covington counties. Sue White serves as the Managing Broker and Owner of Crye-Leike Premier Properties which is one of Crye-Leike, REALTORS franchise offices.   Realtors who have the MRP designation can also help their clients relocate by reaching out to a network of other real estate professionals across the country who specialize in working with military clients.   "As a veteran myself, I'm really looking forward to helping more veterans as well as active duty military personnel realize the dream of owning their own home," said Joey.   For all of your real estate needs, contact Realtor Joey Stewart at 601-577-1029 or by e-mail at joestewart1@gmail.com. Contact Realtor Sue White by phone at 601-466-9785 or by e-mail at sue.white@crye-leike.com. Find them online at www.LaurelHomeFinder.com   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company founded in Memphis in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today it's the nation's 5th largest real estate company. Find more information about Crye-Leike at www.crye-leike.com.  

Crye-Leike, REALTORS Property Management Division continues to grow as its opening its fourteenth branch in the Southeast. Laurie Reardon has been appointed to manage and lead the new Murfreesboro division.   Crye-Leike's new Property Management office is located within its Murfreesboro sales branch located at 1139 North West Broad Street. Crye-Leike's Property Management Division assists owners successfully rent and maintain their properties and helps renters become satisfied tenants.   "Rutherford County is one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee and I am excited to have the opportunity to grow the Property Management Division in Rutherford County for Crye-Leike Property Management," said Laurie. "After living in Rutherford County for over two decades now, I can honestly say this area is a great place to call home. I'm excited to now be bringing my property management expertise to help clients in Crye-Leike's new property management division in Murfreesboro."   Laurie began her career in property management in 2008 as the Administrative Assistant to the Regional Operational Manager for Tennessee and Alabama at Gross Builders. In this position she assisted the Regional Manager with the daily operations of five multi-family communities in Tennessee and Alabama.   From 2010 to 2013, Laurie served as the Assistant Property Manager for Crye-Leike Property Management. As the primary point of contact for owners and tenants for over 200 properties, she successfully managed to build good relationships and customer satisfaction. With her vast knowledge of property management, both residential and multi-family, Laurie brings a wealth of experience to the Murfreesboro area.   Prior to joining Crye-Leike, Laurie also served as the Operations Manager for Murfreesboro Business Machines, Inc. (MBM) for over 6.5 years and as the Director of Diabetes Supplies Centers of America, owned by Healthways, for over 10 years. While with both these companies, Laurie worked her way up to management status with hard work, dedication, excellent customer service skills, and team building.   As a 23 year resident of Rutherford County, Laurie has been an active member in the community serving as the Treasurer of the Walter Hill Baseball Club, the Secretary for the Leanna Community Center and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.   For more information about Crye-Leike's Property Management Division in Murfreesboro and to learn about grand opening specials contact Laurie Reardon at 615-927-1369 or ljreardon@crye-leike.com  

CLEVELAND, TN., - In 2013, many great things happened for the real estate market including increased sales, higher home prices and less foreclosures.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS certainly had a good year achieving a $5.2 billion sales volume in 2013 which was a total 16% higher than 2012 when the company had a $4.5 billion sales volume. Crye-Leike's sales were up in 2013 by $700 million and its Realtors helped the company sell 30,471 properties.   Locally in Chattanooga, Crye-Leike agents achieved a $405 million sales volume from selling 2,737 properties in 2013.   Crye-Leike's Cleveland Realtors are celebrating the increased home sales in the local market and they were happy to hear their office had the highest sales and ranked as Crye-Leike's top producing office for the company's Chattanooga region in 2013.   Hundreds of Crye-Leike's Chattanooga Realtors and agents from the company's Cleveland branch were eager to jumpstart 2014 with high hopes for the local housing market.   At Crye-Leike's annual kick-off meeting for its Chattanooga region, Realtors from across the area met to talk about predictions for the local market in 2014. In the crystal ball segment of the program, Crye-Leike Co-founder and CEO Harold Crye offered his forecasts of what he thinks will happen this year.   "We're happy the real estate market continued to strengthen in 2013 and thankful to our agents for helping Crye-Leike surpass its sales goals for the year," said Harold Crye. "We are optimistic the market will continue to improve in 2014, but rising interest rates and home prices could create some challenges for the market. Because of those things, home affordability has already started to decline, but the good news is home affordability is still the best it has been in 5 years."   Mr. Crye adds, "With Crye-Leike selling 2,406 more properties in 2013 than it did in 2012, we are confident that 2014 will bring more increased sales for the real estate market. Homeownership is a powerful part of life and a great investment in the future, so we encourage everyone to keep striving to achieve their dream of becoming a homeowner as we expect the 2014 housing industry to once again see improvements."   Crye-Leike's Cleveland office had a lot to celebrate about their success in 2013 with several of their agents ranking on the top 125 list of Realtors for the region. Those Cleveland agents named top producers in 2013 were Cindi & Bryan Richardson, Max Phillips and Jannis Sams, Judy and Larry Allen, Philomena and Jim Davis, Eric Spencer, Johnny and Kim Lewis, Tony Young, Margie Lynch, Mike and Sheryl Domeck, Brandy Sams, Tammy Davis, Cindy Chase, Paul Guinn, Gary Silcox and Grace Johnson.   Crye-Leike's Cleveland office is starting off 2014 strong under the continued leadership of Managing Broker Jo Organ who is busy promoting the opportunities in the market right now for buyers and sellers.   "We have great faith in the Cleveland housing market this year thanks to increased sales, business and phone calls," said Organ. "We have some of the most experienced and dedicated real estate professionals in the market with us here at Crye-Leike Cleveland. I have agents who have worked in the industry for 40 years - like myself - and many more Realtors who have been successfully working in the industry for several years. There's a wealth of experience and knowledge here."   The Cleveland office has a sales force of 35 associates with many of them ranking as continuous top producers for the company. The office also had 3 licensed and accomplished Auctioneers. Crye-Leike's Cleveland Realtors are strong supporters of the River Counties Association of REALTORS (RCAR). With a hard working and dedicated sales team, Organ and her fellow associates take great pride in helping people buy and sell real estate.   With the increased sales and the strong momentum the real estate market saw in 2012 and 2013, Crye-Leike Cleveland agents say 2014 is shaping up to be another great year to buy, sell and invest in the future value of real estate. They enjoy helping clients with all of their real estate needs and they stand ready, willing and able to assist even more buyers and sellers in 2014 as they offer some helpful tips for anyone considering listing their home to sell or for anyone shopping for a home to purchase:   BUYING A HOME Select a Real Estate Professional - Selecting a Real Estate Professional to assist you with the home buying process is VERY important. Because buying a home is one of the largest and most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, you should always consult a real estate professional to assist you. Our sales associates have the expertise, experience and education to help you make good, sound home purchasing decisions. You will work together to find the right home. Your sales associate will notify you when new properties come on the market. He or She can schedule showings, advise you on the real estate process, help you write offers, negotiate terms and coordinate inspections.   Get Pre-Approved/Apply for a Loan - It's important to get a loan officer to pre-approve your mortgage before you start house hunting. A pre-approval is a guarantee that you can qualify for financing to a maximum purchase price and loan amount. This means you can write a stronger purchase offer. In a competitive market, this could mean the difference between acceptance of your offer rather than another buyer's offer. When you apply for a loan, be sure to get a good faith estimate of your closing costs.   Find the Right Home - Search the Internet for property available for sale. You and your Real Estate Agent will search for homes together. Your agent can guide you to the areas you like best. Have fun looking and shopping!   Make an Offer - Once you've found the right home, it's time to write an offer to purchase. Writing the offer is an exciting, emotional and complicated experience. You'll be glad you have an experienced Crye-Leike sales associate at your side to help you through the process.   Order a Home Inspection - A professional home inspection is essential. A professional home inspector sees beyond the cosmetics and surveys the entire house, including structure, roof, exterior and major systems (heating, plumbing, cooling, electrical, ventilation, etc.)   Attend Closing Day - Congratulations, you will soon become a homeowner! Crye-Leike's full service continues right through to the closing day. At the closing, you will settle all the financial details, the title to your new home will be conveyed and usually you will receive the keys to your new home.   SELLING A HOME Crye-Leike's one-stop-shopping concept and innovative marketing programs makes it easy for you to sell your home for the best price.   Proper Pricing: Your property will generate the most attention and showings in the first weeks it's on the market. For the best results, you should list it at a realistic price right from the beginning. If your price is too high relative to the competition, the right buyers will not even look at an otherwise attractive property - particularly during the critical stage of initial market exposure. Setting the right price before you list is critical to getting the most for your property and selling it quickly. Having a professional with experience in your neighborhood prepare a   Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) gives you the facts and insights to set the right price Showing Your Home: With a little effort, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. Here are 5 ways to show your home at its best.   First Impressions Are Lasting... The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be sure walks and steps are free from debris, snow and ice. 2. Decorate for a Quick Sale... Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how the home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends. 3. Let The Sun Shine In... Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home could be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.) 4. Fix the Faucet! Dripping water discolors the sink & suggests faulty plumbing. 5. Repairs Can Make A Big Difference... Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Home Warranties: Home warranties are very useful, whether you are buying or selling a home. A home warranty policy will pay for the cost of fixing and, if necessary, replacing many systems including heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, ovens, refrigerators, etc. The policy offers coverage against normal damage and is for a set period of time, usually one year. In some cases ceiling fans, pools and even roofs can be warranted.   Crye-Leike, Realtors Cleveland branch office is located at 4627 N Lee Highway, Cleveland Tennessee, 37312. For all of your real estate needs, please contact the office at 423-473-9545. You can also find them and locate a qualified associate on the web at www.crye-leike.com  

Nashville, TN., - Spring Hill Real Estate Agent David Miller has earned the reputation as the scariest Realtor in Middle Tennessee, and he plans to uphold that reputation this October as he gears up to open his Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods for a sixth season.   In addition to being a consistent top producing Realtor for Crye-Leike, David has built a successful side business that has people driving from all areas of Middle Tennessee to see his unique haunted woods in Columbia.   Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods has become one of the most popular haunted house attractions in the Nashville area because of the many fun and scary activities it offers. In addition to the very dark and scary haunted woods trial, people enjoy the heart-pumping music that's playing around large fire pits where jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, fire performers and ghost story tellers provide extra entertainment for adults and kids of all ages.   Another big attraction that brings people to Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods is the famous Zombie Paintball Hayride that gives people the opportunity to take an exciting hayride where they get to shoot paintball guns at attacking zombies along the ride.   "The hayride trailers allow 20 people to team up and take an old fashioned hayride with a twist," said David. "People too scared of haunted houses enjoy the hayride because the Halloween creatures aren't directly in their face. Younger kids can sit in their parent's laps while shooting paintball guns at the zombies and stay safe and clean because the zombies are unarmed."   David adds, "Teenagers love the Zombie Paintball Hayride because it's like a video game that comes to life in a dark, haunted woods setting."   Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods will open up for the 2013 haunting season on Friday, September 27th and will remain open every Friday and Saturday until November 2nd. The haunted woods will operate from 7pm until 11pm each night and will also be open to scare people on Sunday, October 20 and 27 and on Halloween night.   Located at 1431 Carters Creek Pike in Columbia, Tennessee 38401, Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods sits one mile south of the Williamson and Maury County line on the corner of Highway 246 and Highway 247.   More information and ticket prices can be found online at http://www.millersthrillers.net/index.html   "Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods prides itself on providing a clean, safe and exciting environment with lots of entertainment for kids of all ages and the parents too," said David. "We are looking forward to another Halloween season of scares during our 15 night run this year where we will create an atmosphere that's both frightening and fun with concessions, a warm burning campfire and high energy music to get everyone's heart pumping before entering the unknown creations in the woods."   David Miller is a licensed Realtor based out of Crye-Leike's Spring Hill, Tennessee branch office. He can be reached at (931) 698-1664 or at david.miller@crye-leike.com. Find him online at http://davidmiller.crye-leike.com/  

Knoxville, TN., - After opening its first branch office in Knoxville in 2011, Crye-Leike, REALTORS is planning to cut the ribbon on its second branch office in the market.   Crye-Leike's new Knoxville office recently opened its doors for business in North Knoxville and is located at 7563 Barnett Way in Powell, Tennessee. The company's West Knoxville office has been helping real estate buyers and sellers for the last two years located at 731 Campbell Station Road in Knoxville.   The office of Realtors at Crye-Leike's North Knoxville branch will assist real estate buyers and sellers in Knox, Anderson and all surrounding counties. The office specializes in all types of residential real estate sales, and Crye-Leike's new regional property management division will be housed in the new office. Crye-Leike's North Knoxville office will be led by Managing Broker Diana Traylor who has been a top producing Realtor in Knoxville and Chattanooga since 2001.   "I am thrilled with our newest office location and the growth of our company in Knoxville," said Crye-Leike Managing Broker Diana Traylor. "The office is located in a high traffic area with great visibility to provide excellent service and convenience for our clients. The North Knoxville area has a lot to offer with new subdivisions, great schools and hospitals and the area also has lots of great places to shop. Our office is designed to house 30 agents and we are excited to be growing our staff and starting to create many happy home buying and selling memories for the folks in this area."   Crye-Leike is excited to be expanding in the Knoxville housing market with the opening of its second office and plans to open more offices in the area in the near future.   "The Knoxville market has been a great place for Crye-Leike to be," said Crye-Leike's West Knoxville Office Managing Broker and Regional General Manager Melonie Carideo. "We have been thriving in this market for two years and sales are up and continuing to rise. Crye-Leike has seen the opportunity for great growth and training in Knoxville and we're planning to open two more offices soon and hopefully by the end of this year."   Carideo adds, "It's exciting to watch our East Tennessee Region grow. Crye-Leike's other regional branch and franchise offices are located in Cookeville, Crossville, Johnson City, Athens, Morristown and Maryville. Crye-Leike has been the #1 real estate company in Tennessee for many years, but with the addition of our Knoxville offices it's wonderful to now have full Tennessee coverage to create many more happy home buying and selling real estate experiences for more clients in the great state of Tennessee."   Crye-Leike's North Knoxville office is currently open for business assisting clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs. The office is also in the process of recruiting and interviewing agents to grow its team and will host a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony this summer.   "The Knoxville real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves," said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. "We see a lot of potential for the local market and are very happy to be quickly expanding and growing in and around the Knoxville area. At the start of the new year, Crye-Leike set a goal to open more offices in the Knoxville area and we're pleased to be meeting that goal with the opening of our second office in the market."   Crye adds, "With the addition of our new North Knoxville branch office, Crye-Leike is on track to meet several of the goals we set for the company this year. Crye-Leike is certainly on track to meet and probably exceed the goal we set to achieve $5 billion in sales this year. Home sales are continuing to improve like we thought and hoped they would during 2013 and opening more offices in the Knoxville area is a great way for Crye-Leike to celebrate the robust recovery of the real estate market."   For more information about Crye-Leike's new North Knoxville office and for all of your real estate needs, contact Managing Broker Diana Traylor by phone at (865) 938-7750 or by e-mail at diana.traylor@crye-leike.com   Find out how to become an agent with Crye-Leike in Knoxville by contacting Crye-Leike Broker and General Manager Melonie Carideo by phone at (423) 593-8713 or by e-mail at mcarideo@crye-leike.com   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS - Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike is the nation's 5th largest real estate company and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. In 2012, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $4.5 billion with 28,065 properties sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com        

CLEVELAND, TN., - In 2012, Crye-Leike, REALTORS saw its best year in sales since 2007. The company and its agents finished 2012 strong attaining a sales volume of $4.5 billion with Realtors companywide selling 28,065 properties.   Crye-Leike's Cleveland Realtors are celebrating the increased home sales in the local market. They were happy to hear they contributed to Crye-Leike's Chattanooga region achieving a sales volume of $404 million in 2012 which was up 28% over 2011 figures. The company's Chattanooga agents also achieved selling 2,703 properties during the year.   Hundreds of Crye-Leike's Chattanooga Realtors and agents from the company's Cleveland branch were eager to jumpstart 2013 with high hopes for the local housing market.   At Crye-Leike's annual kick-off meeting for its Chattanooga region, Realtors from across the area met to talk about predictions for the local market in 2013. In the crystal ball segment of the program, Crye-Leike Co-founder and CEO Harold Crye offered his forecasts of what he thinks will happen this year.   "We are pleased to see the smiles on our Realtor's faces as we've heard from them about market improvements and business picking up in 2012," said Crye. "We are also happy to see home sales and prices moving in the right direction and expect many great things to happen in the real estate industry during 2013 as the market continues to bounce back."   Crye adds, "The market and our Realtors have a strong momentum going again and we believe consumer confidence will rise even more this year. We also predict that the lower inventory of homes for sale will continue causing price appreciation and multiple offers on homes. New home construction should continue to pick up and REO bank-owned sales and foreclosures should continue to decline."   Crye-Leike's Cleveland office had a lot to celebrate about their success in 2012 with 12 of their agents ranking on the top 125 list of Realtors for the region. Those Cleveland agents named top producers in 2012 were Cindi & Bryan Richardson, Max Phillips and Jannis Sams, Judy and Larry Allen, Philomena and Jim Davis, Eric Spencer, Johnny and Kim Lewis, Tony Young, Margie Lynch, Mike Domeck, Brandy Sams, Tammy Davis and William Bearfield.   Crye-Leike's Cleveland office is starting off 2013 strong under the continued leadership of Managing Broker Jo Organ who is busy promoting the opportunities in the market right now for buyers and sellers. With existing-home sale reaching the highest level in five years and with the annual gain in prices being the biggest in eight years during 2012, the Cleveland Realtors are excited to see the real estate market really starting to thrive again.   "We have great faith in the Cleveland housing market this year thanks to increased sales, business and phone calls," said Organ. "We have some of the most experienced and dedicated real estate professionals in the market with us here at Crye-Leike Cleveland. I have agents who have worked in the industry for 40 years - like myself - and many more Realtors who have been successfully working in the industry for several years. There's a wealth of experience and knowledge here."   The Cleveland office has a sales force of 32 associates with many of them ranking as continuous top producers for the company. The office also had 3 licensed and accomplished Auctioneers. Crye-Leike's Cleveland Realtors are strong supporters of the River Counties Association of REALTORS (RCAR). With a hard working and dedicated sales team, Organ and her fellow associates take great pride in helping people buy and sell real estate.   "After 35 years of offering unsurpassed service to thousands of home buyers and sellers, Crye-Leike is still encouraging everyone to keep believing in their dreams of homeownership as we hope and believe the momentum that the real estate market saw in 2012 will continue rolling throughout 2013," said Organ.   Crye-Leike Cleveland agents say 2013 is shaping up to be a great year to buy, sell and invest in the future value of real estate. They enjoy helping clients with all of their real estate needs and they stand ready, willing and able to assist even more buyers and sellers in 2013 as they offer some helpful tips for anyone considering listing their home to sell or for anyone shopping for a home to purchase:   BUYING A HOME Select a Real Estate Professional - Selecting a Real Estate Professional to assist you with the home buying process is VERY important. Because buying a home is one of the largest and most important purchases you will make in your lifetime you should always consult a real estate professional to assist you. Our sales associates have the expertise, experience and education to help you make good, sound home purchasing decisions. You will work together to find the right home. Your sales associate will notify you when new properties come on the market. He or She can schedule showings, advise you on the real estate process, help you write offers, negotiate terms and coordinate inspections.   Get Pre-Approved/Apply for a Loan - It's important to get a loan officer to pre-approve your mortgage before you start house hunting. A pre-approval is a guarantee that you can qualify for financing to a maximum purchase price and loan amount. This means you can write a stronger purchase offer. In a competitive market, this could mean the difference between acceptance of your offer rather than another buyer's offer. When you apply for a loan, be sure to get a good faith estimate of your closing costs.   Find the Right Home - Search the Internet for property available for sale. You and your Real Estate Agent will search for homes together. Your agent can guide you to the areas you like best. Have fun looking and shopping!   Make an Offer - Once you've found the right home, it's time to write an offer to purchase. Writing the offer is an exciting, emotional and complicated experience. You'll be glad you have an experienced Crye-Leike sales associate at your side to help you through the process.   Order a Home Inspection - A professional home inspection is essential. A professional home inspector sees beyond the cosmetics and surveys the entire house, including structure, roof, exterior and major systems (heating, plumbing, cooling, electrical, ventilation, etc.)   Attend Closing Day - Congratulations, you will soon become a homeowner! Crye-Leike's full service continues right through to the closing day. At the closing, you will settle all the financial details, the title to your new home will be conveyed and usually you will receive the keys to your new home.   SELLING A HOME Crye-Leike's one-stop-shopping concept and innovative marketing programs makes it easy for you to sell your home for the best price.   Proper Pricing: Your property will generate the most attention and showings in the first weeks it's on the market. For the best results, you should list it at a realistic price right from the beginning. If your price is too high relative to the competition, the right buyers will not even look at an otherwise attractive property - particularly during the critical stage of initial market exposure. Setting the right price before you list is critical to getting the most for your property and selling it quickly. Having a professional with experience in your neighborhood prepare a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) gives you the facts and insights to set the right price   Showing Your Home: With a little effort, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. Here are 5 ways to show your home at its best.   1. First Impressions Are Lasting... The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be sure walks and steps are free from debris, snow and ice.   2. Decorate for a Quick Sale... Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how the home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.   3. Let The Sun Shine In... Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home could be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.)   4. Fix the Faucet! Dripping water discolors the sink & suggests faulty plumbing.   5. Repairs Can Make A Big Difference... Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.   Home Warranties: Home warranties are very useful, whether you are buying or selling a home. A home warranty policy will pay for the cost of fixing and, if necessary, replacing many systems including heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, ovens, refrigerators, etc. The policy offers coverage against normal damage and is for a set period of time, usually one year. In some cases ceiling fans, pools and even roofs can be warranted.   Crye-Leike, Realtors Cleveland branch office is located at 4627 N Lee Highway, Cleveland Tennessee, 37312. For all of your real estate needs, please contact the office at 423-473-9545. You can also find them and locate a qualified associate on the web at www.crye-leike.com    

Chattanooga, TN., - Crye-Leike Chattanooga Realtors Donna Darnes and L.D. Housley are teaming up with loan expert Becca Pool with Mortgage Investors Group to bring over 40 years of real estate knowledge together to help people prepare to participate in the great American dream of homeownership.   "We are excited to be hosting free and educational homebuyer's seminars to inform the public about the opportunities that are available for them to become a homeowner," said Crye-Leike Realtor Donna Darnes. "Many people think they cannot buy because of credit scores, previous bankruptcies, foreclosures or down payment requirements. So many people think they have to have 20% down, a 700 credit score, or wait 4 years after bankruptcy. These factors are not always the case and many people would be quite surprised at their options."   The free homebuyer seminars will be held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30pm at the El Meson Mexican restaurant located at 2204 Hamilton Place Boulevard in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The first seminar will be held on Thursday, January 24th. In addition to these seminars, people can call Crye-Leike Realtor Donna Darnes at 423-544-1906 to schedule a free, private seminar for a large group or organization.   "This is a great opportunity for undecided buyers or anyone who has been wondering if they can qualify to buy a home," said Crye-Leike Realtor L.D. Housley. "These seminars provide a free and easy way for people to find out if they can qualify to buy a home and the seminars help them with the information and necessary steps it will take to become a homeowner."   At the seminar, Darnes, Housley and Pool will go through the detailed steps of home buying starting with the pre-qualification and proceeding through the various types of financing, shopping for a home and then the paper work. The seminar will educate potential buyers on several important home buying topics including: how and where to start looking for a home, improving your credit score, how to get pre-approved for a home loan, the type of mortgages available and the importance of house inspection and homeowners insurance. Potential buyers can come ask questions and learn about the entire home buying process from searching for a home and making an offer to signing papers at the closing table.   "Buying a home is typically the largest financial transaction in a person's life, but it doesn't have to be frightening or overwhelming," said Pool. "We want to educate and equip home buyers with the knowledge they need to complete the home-buying process with confidence and ease. Working with Mortgage Investors Group, the number one THDA lender in the state, I'm happy to tell people it's still possible to buy a home with little to no money down because of THDA, Rural Housing, VA and FHA loans."   For questions about the seminar and for all of your real estate needs, contact Crye-Leike Realtor Donna Darnes at 423-544-1906 or by e-mail at donna.darnes@crye-leike.com. Find Donna on the web at www.donnadarnes.com   About Crye-Leike - Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike is the nation's 5th largest real estate company. In 2011, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $3.8 billion with 24,470 properties sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com  

Crye-Leike Broker Bill Caller Thinks The Big Buck RV Resort Will Bring In Some Big Bucks For The Seller At The Auction And For The Buyer In The Future     Hornsby, TN., - Real estate auctions have long been an effective method of selling properties to help sellers gain leverage and get the best return on their real estate investments.   In the current market, many sellers are seeing the benefit of pursing a real estate auction as the best way to get their property sold quickly. That's the hope of one land owner in Hornsby, Tennessee who has hired Crye-Leike Broker and Auctioneer Bill Caller to market and sell his popular vacation property.   On Saturday, November 10th at 10am, The Big Buck RV Resort in Hornsby, Tennessee will be auctioned off to the highest bidder above a published minimum bid of $500,000. The property will be sold "As-Is" and will be a cash sale with no contingencies within 30 days after the auction.   The resort features over 211 acres and over 17 buildings including an office, clubhouse, restaurant site, laundry, pavilions, RV sites, campground sites, two lakes, skeet range, target range and other amenities. The sale will include all land, improvements, furnishings, equipment and personal property located on the premises.   "This is an active resort with over 420 paid memberships which are due for renewal in December of 2012," said Crye-Leike Auctioneer Bill Caller. "We're hoping the Big Buck RV resort will bring in some big bucks at the auction for the seller and for the buyer in the future. This property was appraised at 2 million dollars in 2011 and is producing a positive Net Operating Income of approximately $90,000 (based on the owner's 2012 ProForma). At the published minimum bid, the property would produce a 16% return on investment."   Another property will be sold at Absolute Auction before the Big Buck Sale. The Former Sharecropper Restaurant and Convenient Store will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of price. This property auction will be a separate sale but will be done in conjunction with the Big Buck Auction. This property, located in the town of Hornsby on Hwy 64 next to City Hall is a 3,152 SF building on a .61acre lot. This property will be sold "As-Is" and will be a cash sale with no contingencies within 30 days after the auction.   "The market has forced many sellers, especially commercial real estate sellers, to seek out the option of an auction and many sellers have reaped the benefits of one of the best kept secrets about auctions as a better method of selling real estate in some situations," said Caller. In many areas across the U.S., selling real estate at auction is widely accepted and utilized to help sellers gain leverage in a tough market that is working against them.   Caller adds, "In this rocky real estate market, many sellers have realized that selling a property quickly at auction is an attractive way to take control of the process in order to move on with their lives. Buyers benefit from real estate auctions as well often times getting a steal of a deal on a property that will produce them an income and a good return on investment in the future when they desire to sell."   All potential buyers are encouraged to visit WWW.BILLCALLER.COM for complete details and for all documentation regarding the property and parcels that will be sold. Buyers are also invited to visit the property on October 25th from 11-4 PM for a visual inspection opportunity. Additional inspections are available by appointment. All Buyers at the auction will be required to provide a cashiers check or previously wired funds of $50,000 at the time of registration. A 10% Buyers premium will be added to the high bid accepted at the auction and will be added to the bid to determine the purchase price.   For more information on these two properties and other upcoming auctions, please visit WWW.BILLCALLER.COM. Call Crye-Leike Auctioneer Bill Caller at (901) 262-3440 or e-mail him at bill.caller@crye-leike.com for all of your auction and real estate questions and needs.   More About Crye-Leike Broker & Auctioneer Bill Caller   Crye-Leike Broker & Auctioneer Bill Caller is licensed as a Broker in Tennessee and has his real estate license in Arkansas, Mississippi and Florida. He has an Auctioneer license in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. Caller works with both buyers and sellers primarily in and around Shelby, DeSoto, Fayette and Tipton counties. He specializes in all types of commercial real estate brokerage and auction marketing services for all real estate segments.   Caller has been a licensed Realtor since 2005, with early success in Northeast Florida commercial real estate before relocating back to Memphis in 2006. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Tennessee Association of Realtors, and Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) serving on its Commercial Council Education Committee. Caller is also affiliated with both the National and the Tennessee Auctioneers Associations.   Caller is the Principal Broker and leader of Crye-Leike's Auction Services which specializes in helping sellers take advantage of the features and benefits that come with the auction method of selling property. Caller is based out of the Crye-Leike Commercial office in Crye-Leike's Corporate Headquarters Branch located at 6525 Quail Hollow Road in Memphis, Tennessee.   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS - Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 5th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 2,800 licensed sales associates based out of 108 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma. In 2011, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $3.8 billion with 24,470 properties sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com          

CLEVELAND, TN., - Crye-Leike, REALTORS finished strong in 2011 attaining a sales volume of $3.8 billion with 24,470 properties sold, and Crye-Leike's Cleveland Realtors are eager to continue contributing to the company's success while jumpstarting 2012 with high hopes for the local housing market this year.   At Crye-Leike's annual kick-off meeting for its Chattanooga region, Realtors from across the area met to talk about predictions for the local market in 2012. In the crystal ball segment of the program, Crye-Leike Co-founder and CEO Harold Crye offered his forecasts of what he thinks will happen this year.   "We definitely think the market is turning the corner and real estate sales will be on the upswing in 2012," said Crye. "The market is slowly stabilizing and we expect sales to increase modestly in 2012 as the economy gradually continues to recover. We expect to see more renters become buyers as rents continue to rise and mortgage rates remain at a historic low for now." Crye adds, "For the past three years we've been holding steady along the 3 billion in sales mark and expect to rise to $4 billion in sales for 2012. We feel like we've hit the bottom of the housing market as we saw a surge in sales and were up in the 4th quarter last year."   At this year's kick-off meetings, agents also helped Crye-Leike celebrate another great milestone of 35 years of business helping buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs. Agents in attendance were awarded and applauded for their service and sales achievements in 2011.   Crye-Leike's Cleveland office had a lot to celebrate about their success in 2011 with 17 of their agents ranking on the top 125 list for the region and 9 Cleveland agents ranked on the top 20 list for the region. The office won the Team Club award for their top success of supporting Crye-Leike's ancillary services encouraging clients to take advantage of the one-stop shopping opportunities and discounts the company offers with title, mortgage and insurance services.   Crye-Leike's Cleveland office is starting off 2012 strong under the continued leadership of Managing Broker Jo Organ who is busy promoting the opportunities in the market right now for buyers and sellers. With existing-home sales finishing on an uptrend in December and rising for three consecutive months at the end of 2011, the Cleveland Realtors are excited to see the market bouncing back slowly.   "We have great faith in the Cleveland housing market this year thanks to residential mortgage interest rates remaining low and an ample inventory of properties to choose from," said Organ. "We have some of the most experienced and dedicated real estate professionals in the market with us here at Crye-Leike Cleveland. I have agents who have worked in the industry for 40 years - like myself - and three with more than 30 years. There's a wealth of experience and knowledge here."   The Cleveland office boasts a sales force of more than 40 associates many of them ranking as continuous top producers for the company. Crye-Leike's Cleveland Realtors are strong supporters of the River Counties Association of REALTORS (RCAR). With a hard working and dedicated sales team, Organ and her fellow associates take great pride in helping people buy and sell real estate.   "After 35 years of offering unsurpassed service to thousands of home buyers and sellers, Crye-Leike is still encouraging everyone to keep believing in their dreams of homeownership as we hope and believe 2012 will bring better times for the housing industry," said Organ.   Crye-Leike Cleveland agents say 2012 is shaping up to be a great year to buy, sell and invest in the future value of real estate. They like helping clients with all of their real estate needs and they stand ready, willing and able to assist even more buyers and sellers in 2012 as they offer some helpful tips for anyone considering a move or purchase:   BUYING A HOME Select a Real Estate Professional - Selecting a Real Estate Professional to assist you with the home buying process is VERY important. Because buying a home is one of the largest and most important purchases you will make in your lifetime you should always consult a real estate professional to assist you. Our sales associates have the expertise, experience and education to help you make good, sound home purchasing decisions. You will work together to find the right home. Your sales associate will notify you when new properties come on the market. He/She can schedule showings, advise you on the real estate process, help you write offers, negotiate terms and coordinate inspections.   Get Pre-Approved/Apply for a Loan - It's important to get a loan officer to pre-approve your mortgage before you start house hunting. A pre-approval is a guarantee that you can qualify for financing to a maximum purchase price and loan amount. This means you can write a stronger purchase offer. In a competitive market, this could mean the difference between acceptance of your offer rather than another buyer's offer. When you apply for a loan, be sure to get a good faith estimate of your closing costs.   Find the Right Home - Search the Internet for property available for sale. You and your Real Estate Agent will search for homes together. Your agent can guide you to the areas you like best. Have fun looking and shopping!   Make an Offer - Once you've found the right home, it's time to write an offer to purchase. Writing the offer is an exciting, emotional and complicated experience. You'll be glad you have an experienced Crye-Leike sales associate at your side to help you through the process. Order a Home Inspection - A professional home inspection is essential. A professional home inspector sees beyond the cosmetics and surveys the entire house, including structure, roof, exterior and major systems (heating, plumbing, cooling, electrical, ventilation, etc.)   Attend Closing Day - Congratulations, you will soon become a homeowner! Crye-Leike's full service continues right through to the closing day. At the closing, you will settle all the financial details, the title to your new home will be conveyed and usually you will receive the keys to your new home.   SELLING A HOME Crye-Leike's one-stop-shopping concept and innovative marketing programs makes it easy for you to sell your home for the best price.   Proper Pricing: Your property will generate the most attention and showings in the first weeks it's on the market. For the best results, you should list it at a realistic price right from the beginning. If your price is too high relative to the competition, the right buyers will not even look at an otherwise attractive property - particularly during the critical stage of initial market exposure. Setting the right price before you list is critical to getting the most for your property and selling it quickly. Having a professional with experience in your neighborhood prepare a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) gives you the facts and insights to set the right price   Showing Your Home: With a little effort, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. Here are 5 ways to show your home at it's best. First Impressions Are Lasting... The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be sure walks and steps are free from debris, snow and ice. 2. Decorate for a Quick Sale... Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how the home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends. 3. Let The Sun Shine In... Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home could be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.) 4. Fix the Faucet! Dripping water discolors the sink & suggests faulty plumbing. 5. Repairs Can Make A Big Difference... Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Home Warranties: Home warranties are very useful, whether you are buying or selling a home. A home warranty policy will pay for the cost of fixing and, if necessary, replacing many systems including heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, ovens, refrigerators, etc. The policy offers coverage against normal damage and is for a set period of time, usually one year. In some cases ceiling fans, pools and even roofs can be warranted. Crye-Leike, Realtors Cleveland branch office is located at 4627 N Lee Highway, Cleveland Tennessee, 37312. For all of your real estate needs, please contact the office at 423-473-9545. You can also find them and locate a qualified associate on the web at www.crye-leike.com.  

Memphis, Tenn., - Great real estate leaders have one thing in common - they know when it's the right time to make a move to better serve their business and their clients. That's the idea French & Company founder Nick French recently had when he decided to join forces with Crye-Leike, REALTORS, Inc.   Two historic real estate firms will merge in Memphis on May 16, 2011 as French & Company, Realtors, will be joined into Crye-Leike, REALTORS of East Memphis.   Gail and Nick French founded French & Company in 1977 - the same year Crye-Leike opened its first office and was founded in Memphis. The French & Company's East Memphis firm is known for representing buyers and sellers of fine properties from Downtown to East Memphis. The French team will operate The French Connection at Crye-Leike and Nick French will join Crye-Leike as a Vice President.   They are both Life Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Club of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors. Their unique marketing has been recognized nationally with several awards from the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of REALTORS. They have been featured on the covers of both the Residential Council magazine and the Brokerage Council magazine. Together they hold nine professional designations.   "The merger is extremely attractive because it enables us to provide Crye-Leike's superior technology, tools, marketing and web presence along with one-stop-service to serve our buyers and sellers," said Nick French. "Enhanced service; that's what it's all about."   Nick French has been Realtor of the Year for both the Memphis and Tennessee Association of Realtors. He served as President of the Tennessee Association in 1997 and the New Mexico Association in 2007. In addition to local and state offices Nick has been on the Executive Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee of the National Association of REALTORS. While in New Mexico, French was Vice President and Manager of Sotheby's International Realty in Santa Fe.   Gail French has been active in the Women's Council of Realtors serving as President of the Memphis Chapter and the Tennessee Chapter and Governor for WCR of the Provence of Tennessee. She has been recognized as Member of the Year in both Memphis and Tennessee. Nationally, she was Regional Vice-President and served multiple terms on the Executive Committee, Nominating Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. She has been on the Board of Directors of the Memphis and Tennessee Associations of Realtors.   The company is known for upper end, luxury, niche marketing of houses and condominiums throughout the Memphis area. They were part of the development team for Massey Hill and have sold over sixty homes in the luxury garden condominiums known as The Woodlands at Poplar and Goodlett.   French and Company has been privileged to have professional associates who distinguished themselves as Life Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, by earning industry designations, and by being very involved in the community.   "We welcome French and Company and their many loyal clients. They bring national credentials and special skill sets to our East Memphis office. We're excited about their arrival. In the market we're in now, the cream rises to the top. We expect to see more consolidation of firms as we all seek to become more efficient and provide better services to our customers " Steve Brown, Memphis area GM at Crye Leike.   "French & Company and Crye-Leike opened our businesses the same year. We have worked together on various committees throughout the years such as bringing the computerized Multiple Listing System to the Memphis Area Association of Realtors. I have always had the highest respect for Nick and Gail and am proud that we are bringing our companies together, even if it took 34 years," said Dick Leike, Co-Founder and President of Crye-Leike   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,200 licensed sales associates based out of 113 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2010, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $3.85 billion with 24,260 homes sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com.      

Memphis, Tenn., - Even after the kids are grown and moved into their own home, their parents deserve to live in a place that truly feels like home without the hassles of maintaining a big house.   That was exactly the feeling Kemmons Wilson Communities wanted their buyers to have when they designed their ranch-condominium communities targeted to attract and meet the needs of active empty nesters, age 50 and over Boomers and seniors in their older generation.   Kemmons Wilson Companies has recently built new, unique communities in the Memphis area and reached out to Crye-Leike, REALTORS to be the exclusive real estate company to list and market their condo communities.   "Our new strategic alliance with Crye-Leike makes so much sense," said McLean Wilson, Vice President for Kemmons Wilson Companies. "Their mission is a passionate commitment to unsurpassed service - a mission the Kemmons Wilson Communities is dedicated to offering our customers and constituents on a daily basis. The combination of the expertise of our two businesses will provide our new owners with a seamless transition into a new home and into their new life style."   Upon the start of this new partnership with Crye-Leike, Kemmons Wilson Communities has closed over a total of 400 homes and they've been in the home building business since before the inception of their parent company, Kemmons Wilson, Inc. in 1948.   "Kemmons Wilson Communities really are unique as they resonate with active adults looking for time to do what they want to do," said McLean Wilson. "Maintenance-free exteriors and landscaping, one-story architecture and value pricing combine to provide the small-scale, intimate community our owners find so appealing." McLean adds, "Whether it's time to travel, spend time with family and grandchildren, to play golf or bridge, our communities provide the opportunity for our owners to do what they want with their time. The ability to ?lock and leave' gives them freedom they've never know before." While some describe Kemmons Wilson Communities as a retirement area, Kemmons Wilson Companies describe their condo communities as the exact opposite of a retirement area.   "Our communities are more intimate, walkable communities that have fitness centers and pools but at costs way below what retirement communities offer," said McLean. "We describe our market as people most likely living in the home in which they raised their children but who are now that key descriptive ?empty nester' and probably not actively in the market for a new home." McLean adds, "Our target market includes clients who live in a home that has multi-level stairs, basement stairs and a yard that requires their attention and maintenance on a regular basis. In addition, these folks have the ongoing responsibility for the exterior maintenance of the home itself."   Kemmons Wilson Communities have seen their target demographic undergo a big change in the number of people that are in and will be entering the ?empty nester' age range over the next twenty years, and they believe their customers no longer fit into a unique niche of buyers but are now a significant market segment.   "This demographic of empty nesters is currently the largest growing segment of our local population and will significantly alter the pattern of homebuilding in the next several decades," said McLean. "Our experience has confirmed this segment's response to and acceptance of our unique communities and concept."   Several Crye-Leike agents from the company's Cordova, Forrest-Hill Irene and Olive Branch offices will be assisting buyers with all of their real estate needs in three of Kemmons Wilson's condo communities: The Oaks at Woodchase in Cordova, TN, The Oaks at Parkview in Olive Branch, MS and The Village at Schilling in Collierville, TN. Crye-Leike's Cordova Managing Broker Hank Hogue will be the sales coordinator for Crye-Leike's new partnership with Kemmons Wilson Communities. Crye-Leike's sales agents will staff the three condo communities every Thursday through Sunday afternoon and other times by appointment. The Oaks At Woodchase will be staffed by Realtors Selina Smith and Mitch Goldberg from Crye-Leike's Cordova office. The Village at Schilling will be staffed by Realtors Barb Acree and Mike Wooten from Crye-Leike's Forrest Hill Irene office in Germantown. And, The Oaks at Parkview will be staffed by Realtor Liz Batkie from the Crye-Leike Olive Branch office.   "As our population continues to age at an ever quickening pace, I feel that these unique communities like the ones designed by Kemmons Wilson Companies will offer a pleasant alternative to living in homes with lots of empty space for many seniors," said Hogue. "Kemmons Wilson Companies and Crye-Leike are business icons in the community and to have these two entities working together is a rare opportunity we believe is going to be a huge success."   For questions, more information and for all of your real estate needs, please contact Crye-Leike, REALTORS Broker Hank Hogue directly by phone at 901-756-8100 or 901-870-3020 or by e-mail at hhogue@crye-leike.com.   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,200 licensed sales associates based out of 113 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2010, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $3.85 billion with 24,260 homes sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com.   More Information About Kemmons Wilson Companies is available at:   http://www.kwilson.com      

Memphis, Tenn., - As the auction market in Memphis continues to catch on as an effective mechanism to help sellers gain leverage and get the best return on their real estate investments, Crye-Leike, REALTORS has launched an auction division in the region it first called home.   Crye-Leike's Auction Services (TN-#5682) is led by Real Estate Broker and Principal Auctioneer Bill Caller (TN-#6322), specializing in helping sellers take advantage of the features and benefits that come with the auction method of selling property.   "In many areas across the U.S. and very close to home in Middle Tennessee, selling real estate at auction is widely accepted and utilized to help sellers take control of the process and gain leverage in the current market that is heavily weighted against them," said Caller. "Crye-Leike recognized the potential and the need to offer a Full-Service Auction Marketing resource to both internal and external clients as another option in the company's host of services to provide a solution to a problem or need that is specific to each individual seller."   Caller adds, "Our goal is to become the premier real estate company in the region for marketing and selling properties using the auction method of sale."   Crye-Leike's new auction services division in Memphis officially opened in November 2010 and hopes to have the luck of the Irish for its first auction.   "We have secured our first auction for Thursday, March 17th, 2011 on St. Patrick's Day and it's an outstanding income producing property." said Caller. "It is a 31,250 square foot office building located at 1124 Whitehall Street in Jackson, Tennessee with a lot of potential for an investor or owner-tenant plus four ready-to-develop commercial out parcels."   Crye-Leike Auction Services can auction all types of real estate from residential and commercial to tracts of land. It will focus on Tennessee, Arkansas and in the future, Mississippi, but will have the ability to perform auctions in other markets through its affiliation with the National Auctioneers Association.   "In this difficult market, many sellers have realized that selling a property quickly is attractive as well as eliminating holding costs and actually taking control of the process in order to move on with their lives," said Caller. "The market has forced many sellers, especially commercial sellers, to seek out the option of an auction and many have reaped the benefits of one of the best kept secrets about auctions as a better method of selling real estate in some situations."   Having the ability to generate sales with just the sound of his voice and a name that in some ways compliments his profession, Broker and Auctioneer Bill Caller first joined Crye-Leike over a year ago with the vision to give the company's commercial division a new addition to its portfolio as another resource to help Crye-Leike's clients achieve their goals.   "I chose Crye-Leike because the marketing power of an auction firm is very critical and carries the most value to a seller who has a specific need to sell in a defined time period," said Caller. "As the market leader in the Mid-South, Crye-Leike offers the trusted brand, name recognition, market saturation and buying power that is far above that of other similar companies. Because of these benefits, Crye-Leike Auction Services will be well positioned to help sellers achieve their goals and putting their properties in the spotlight."   More About Crye-Leike Broker & Auctioneer Bill Caller Crye-Leike Broker & Auctioneer Bill Caller is licensed as a Broker in Tennessee and has his real estate license in Arkansas, Mississippi and Florida. He has an Auctioneer license in Tennessee and Arkansas and will be obtaining his Mississippi auction license in the near future. Caller works with both buyers and sellers primarily in and around Shelby, DeSoto, Fayette and Tipton counties. He specializes in all types of commercial real estate brokerage and auction marketing services for all real estate segments.   Caller has been a licensed Realtor since 2005, with early success in Northeast Florida commercial real estate before relocated back to Memphis in 2006. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Tennessee Association of Realtors, and Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) serving on its Commercial Council Education Committee. Caller is also affiliated with both the National and the Tennessee Auctioneers Associations.   For all your commercial real estate or auction needs, you can contact Broker and Auctioneer Bill Caller directly by phone at 901-262-3440 and you can email him at bill.caller@crye-leike.com. Caller is based out of the Crye-Leike Commercial corporate headquarters located at 6525 Quail Hollow, Suite 401. Find Caller on the web at http://billcaller.crye-leike.com/.   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,200 licensed sales associates based out of 113 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2010, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $3.85 billion with 24,260 homes sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com.    

Crye-Leike, REALTORS, the nation's sixth largest real estate company, is making a move into the Knoxville market.   The company's first Knoxville branch, its new Farragut office, will be located at 731 Campbell Station Road.   "After 34 years of being in business, Crye-Leike is proud to be opening its doors in Knoxville for the very first time," said Managing Broker Melonie Carideo. "Our President and CEO Harold Crye has been wanting to break into the market for over 15 years now. Our new office in Farragut is already all fired up with a half-dozen agents and we're currently conducting interviews looking to grow our agent count."   Crye-Leike's Farragut office will host a grand opening that's being planned for late March or early April. The office's Managing Broker Melonie Carideo, Office Administrator Cassie Riconoscuito, and agents Vikki Felts, Marie Gerrick, Cathy Swafford and Jamie Seals are already eagerly assisting buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs.   "We are happy to be moving into Knoxville and the town of Farragut is already starting to feel like home," said Carideo.   "Crye-Leike is considered as a #1 powerhouse in many of our markets ranking as the #1 real estate firm in Tennessee and known as the #1 Mid-South Leader," said Crye-Leike President and CEO Harold Crye. "We look forward to growing our sales successes in this new region as we are planning to open many other offices in the Knoxville area."   For more information about any of the agents' listings currently being advertised or for questions about how to become an agent with Crye-Leike's new Farragut office, please contact the office at (865) 671-3333. Crye-Leike's Farragut Managing Broker Melonie Carideo can be reached by phone at 423-593-8713 or by e-mail at mcarideo@crye-leike.com.   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,200 licensed sales associates based out of 113 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2010, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume of $3.85 billion with 24,260 homes sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com.  

MEMPHIS, TN, - With an ever growing number of homes headed for foreclosure, Realtors feel more compelled to change their approach to business in order to meet the demands of the new ?traditional' real estate market and help struggling property owners avoid the experience of a foreclosure.   That's exactly the goal and mission for many Crye-Leike Realtors in Little Rock and Memphis who have already been helping many struggling homeowners by assisting them with a short sale.   While assistance with buying foreclosures is important to home buyers, sellers can also benefit when their listing agent understands the short sale process, foreclosure prevention methods and creative financing options to open up the market to more buyers who can qualify for the purchase.   Many struggling homeowners have never heard about the benefits of a short sale and assume that foreclosure is their only option.   Crye-Leike Realtors in Little Rock and Memphis are reaching out to those homeowners and are empowered to assist them now more than ever before with Crye-Leike's new partnership with Insight Short Sales.   "In today's market about 30 to 40 percent of all home sales are foreclosures and a significant number of those are short sales," said Crye-Leike General Manager Steve Brown. "Many of our agents have the training and expertise to handle short sales and we encourage them to continue doing that. Our new partnership with Insight Short Sales will give those agents who have not been trained or would prefer to allocate their time in other areas access to the software, tools and guidance from an expert company whose associates deal with the short sale process on a daily basis."   Crye-Leike's arrangement with Insight is exclusive in Tennessee and the partnership in the state will be kicking off first in Memphis; however, many of Crye-Leike agents in Arkansas have already had great success in closing short sales with Insight while helping sellers save their home from foreclosure and helping buyers purchase a nice house below market price.   "After using Insight Short Sales to coordinate for me, I know they are an agent's very best chance for a successful short sale. They are true experts in the short sale process and they've never failed to close a short sale for my sellers," said Crye-Leike Little Rock Realtor Mary Trent. "When you can turn a seller's potential of financial ruin into a bump in the road, that is a real feeling of accomplishment and satisfac?tion that you won't feel in a usual real estate transaction."   Insight Short Sales has been glad to assist many Crye-Leike Agents in Little Rock with a successful short sale. Co-founder and Senior Partner Mark Hill attributes Insight's success to its associates having a unique depth of experience and a combined total of 12 years working with short sales and coordinating with lenders.   "We are excited to be moving Insight into Tennessee in a joint effort with Crye-Leike, REALTORS," said Hill. "We'll be focusing on the Memphis market first and working together to save as many homeowners from foreclosure as possible. We are in a great position to combine our talents and help many homeowners."   Hill believes Crye-Leike Agents in Memphis will be able to reach out to help many struggling homeowners who don't understand foreclosure is not their only option and will secure more listings with Crye-Leike's exclusive deal with Insight.   "At Insight, we believe that a vast majority of homeowners facing foreclosure will find their best solution to their problems by seeking the help of a licensed real estate agent to guide them through their options," said Hill. "We help those agents help their homeowners by taking the burden of communicating with the lenders on average a total of 38 contacts seeking approval for a short sale."   Hill also explains that Crye-Leike's Agents will benefit from Insight's newly improved Resource Center where they will find educational tutorials and learning modules, documents to complete a short sale and all the help and guidance they'll need to be successful.   "Our Resource Center also allows agents and their homeowners to be updated on every aspect of what's happening with their short sale," said Hill. "Agents will be notified on every effort that's being made to facilitate the short sale with the lenders and will receive updates on the progression of their sale immediately as they happen."   Although Crye-Leike's partnership with Insight currently only exists for its Memphis and Little Rock agents, Crye-Leike hopes to make Insight's expertise and benefits available to its other agents soon.   "We are pleased to have a new exclusive arrangement with Insight in Memphis, Tennessee since we know our Little Rock agents have had great success working with Insight for many months now." said Brown. "We look forward to working with Insight in most of our other regions in the near future."   More About Insight Short Sales Mark Hill and Steve Childress founded Insight Short Sales in Little Rock, Arkansas during 2009. Insight Short Sales actively engages and coordinates short sales with all the major lending institutions on behalf of the homeowner and listing agent. Their team brings a wealth of experience together with an impressive track record of successfully coordinating short sales with the nation's leading lending institutions. Through applied knowledge and working in partnership with attorneys, Realtors and title companies, Insight leaves no stone unturned to secure the lender's approval for a short sale. More information is available at http://insightshortsales.com   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com  

MEMPHIS, TN., - There's a saying that Singers aren't made, they are Born! That being the case? Crye-Leike, REALTORS Broker Mary W. Sharp believes she has experienced a ?self-made' journey in being chosen as one of 6 Finalists in the NAR "REALTORS' GOT TALENT CONTEST." Mary and five other contestants from the U.S. opened for the Earth, Wind, and Fire Concert and competed as contestants prior to the main entertainers performance.   "This experience was a dream come true, in that all of my life, I have dreamed of performing in front of a large audience," said Sharp. "Although I have sung for Realtor Functions, Hamilton Class of 64 High School Reunions, Retirement Parties, and even for Katrina Survivors at New Sardis MBC, this was my largest audience ever of 6,000+ REALTORS, COHORTS AND FRIENDS."   Sharp sent in her video tape of her singing Last Dance, together with a 2-minute introduction, and was chosen as a Finalist on September 15, 2010 to open for EARTH WIND AND FIRE and be a contestant for the "Realtors' Got Talent" Show on November 7th.   For more than 25 years, Sharp has been assisting buyers and sellers in real estate transactions and loves helping people with their most prized American Dream - buying or selling a new Home. She maintains friendship with her clients, and has been referred over and over again.   However, Sharp has had this dream of being a "Shining Star" in the entertainment industry, and hasn't been able to pursue this dream due to family and work obligations. Well, persistence paid off when she won third place in this "REALTOR'S GOT TALENT CONTEST" and she still maintains her singing dreams.   "It Ain't Over Til the Fat Lady Sings," said Mary. "I'm still trying to have a singing career."   More About Crye-Leike Broker Mary W. Sharp Crye-leike Broker Mary W. Sharp is a licensed Realtor in Tennessee and Mississippi assisting buyers and sellers primarily in and around Shelby, Fayette and North Desoto counties. She specializes in all types of residential and land sales with a focus on first time homebuyers, mover uppers, relocation, investment properties and new construction.   Her performance can bee seen on YOUTUBE.COM (search Mary Sharp)  

Spring Hill, TN., - Spring Hill Real Estate Agent David Miller has earned the reputation as the scariest Realtor in Middle Tennessee, and he plans to uphold that reputation this Halloween as he gears up to open his Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods for a third season.   This October, Miller will remain a Realtor by day but will scare up a very different kind of business when the sun goes down.   "Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods is geared up for another Halloween season of scares, and we're very excited about opening night!" said Miller. "During our 12 night run, we will create an atmosphere that's both frightening and fun with concessions, a warm burning campfire and high energy music to get everyone's heart pumping before entering the unknown creations in the woods."   Last year, Millers Thrillers had over 2,900 customers visit the haunted woods including locals and hundreds of others driving in from Nashville and surrounding cities.   "We had a successful turnout last year with lots of great customer feedback," said Miller. "We gave locals a reason not to drive to Nashville for a good spook and had many folks drive in from Nashville. This year, we've heard even more people talking about driving in from Nashville and other areas because they've heard about our unique experience."   Miller says he's ready for business and has invested time and money to become far more experienced and knowledgeable about how to scare people out of their wits. The same kind of hard work and dedication Miller puts into his daily real estate business has also been invested into his Haunted Woods.   "Once again this March, my team attended the International Haunt Convention in St. Louis where we took classes, spent time with vendors and got to visit with other haunted house owners," said Miller. "People were excited to share the latest tricks and what works for their haunted homes, and we'll be showcasing several of those new ideas in this year's haunt."   Miller adds, "I hate to ruin the surprise in our new scenes, but I can promise it will be things people have never seen at any other Middle Tennessee haunts!"   The main haunt leads people on an unguided outdoor trial through woods and swampland. After a while, thrill seekers will enter a maze of trails with several of them making circles or having a dead end. People will then come to a giant maze made of plastic walls that they can actually walk through.   "It's all kind of tough to describe, but there will be lots of new treats for our customers this year," said David. "If they make it through to the end of the maze; they'll enter the barn of terror. Words can't really describe what you're in store for - you just have to come out and be ready to be terrified."   More About Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods will open up for the 2010 haunting season on Friday, October 1st and will be open every Friday and Saturday in October and on Sunday, October 24th and Sunday, October 31st. The haunted woods will operate from 7pm until 11pm each night.   Admission to the haunted woods is only $10 and the entire experience can last between 30-45 minutes. Free tickets will be given away on several Nashville radio stations including the Big 98, 101.1 the beat, 107.5 the river and 105.9 the rock. Most every customer who attends Millers Thrillers will receive a coupon for free or discounted food from Buffalo Wild Wings of Spring Hill.   On October 23rd and 30th from 6-7pm, Millers Thrillers will have a special kids night. Parents may bring their children for a less spooky trail experience for younger kids before it gets dark. Each parent who brings a young child can get a ticket for themselves at half price.   On October 24th from 7-10pm, Millers Thrillers will have a group discount night. Church groups and any other group of 10 or more people will receive tickets at a good discount.   Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods is located off Highway 31 at 2499 Greens Mill Road in North Columbia. The woods are just south of Spring Hill High School and 5 miles north of Columbia.   Visit Millers Thrillers Facebook page and become a fan for updates on discounts, rain delays and all news from the haunted woods.   For rules, frequently asked questions, to contact Miller's Thrillers and for more information go to http://www.millersthrillers.net.   More About Crye-Leike Agent David Miller Real Estate Agent David Miller is a licensed Realtor in Tennessee based out of Crye-Leike's Spring Hill office located at 5407 Main Street. He works with buyers and sellers in and around Maury and Williamson counties specializing in all types of residential real estate sales.   Miller has his professional real estate designation as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), and he is a member of the Williamson County Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.   In 2009, Miller ranked in the top 30 agents of all Crye-Leike's Middle Tennessee Realtors. He was also named the 2009 top agent for Crye-Leike's Spring Hill office and currently remains in that spot for 2010. Miller lives in the Spring Hill area and is currently serving a three year term on the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.   For all your real estate needs or personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Agent David Miller directly by phone at 931-698-1664 and you can email him at david.miller@crye-leike.com. Find David on the web at www.thedavidmiller.com.   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold. More information is available at http://www.crye-leike.com.  

BRENTWOOD, TN., - While he may still consider himself a newcomer to real estate sales, Don McConnell is behaving more like a veteran. He's become a student of the industry - striving to advance himself and his clients through education.   "Since I am relatively new in real estate I'm seeking to expand my knowledge of the industry through various education programs to broaden my ability to attract new clients," said McConnell. "By sharpening my skills, I can better serve my clients in buying or selling their home while minimizing the impact on them."   McConnell has been assisting clients as a licensed Realtor for the past three years - arguably in the midst of one of the most challenging economies and real estate markets in modern history.   With a ?can do' attitude - the former Healthways Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer is advancing on a steep learning curve.   After earning his Realtor Internet Professional e-PRO certification to gain more expertise about Internet business principles, McConnell set his sights on the Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) certification. The National Realtor Association GRI program includes 90 hours of coursework on various topics such as marketing, servicing listed properties and real estate law.   "The education is particularly beneficial to me in a distressed sale situation, which we see more and more frequently now," said McConnell. "Our skills as Realtors are paramount in leading our clients through the process with as little emotional and financial impact as possible."   With his GRI, McConnell feels he's gaining the necessary awareness critical to anyone buying or selling in this challenging market. The rapidly evolving and changing standards and legal ramifications of every transaction have clearly given him the confidence to better serve his clients and customers.   "When any of us buy or sell our house, it is an emotional rollercoaster," said McConnell. "We have to position ourselves in such a way as not to add to the stress already present in a real estate transaction."   More about Crye-Leike Realtor Don McConnell Crye-Leike Realtor Don McConnell is a licensed Realtor in Tennessee, assisting buyers and sellers primarily in and around Davidson and Williamson counties. He specializes in all types of residential real estate sales with a special focus on relocation. He is a member of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Tennessee Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.   McConnell lives in Nashville and is based out of the Crye-Leike Brentwood - Old Hickory Blvd branch office located at 1187 Old Hickory Blvd., Suite 200 in Brentwood, Tennessee.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals you can contact Crye-Leike Realtor Don McConnell directly by phone at 615-594-6002, email: dm@donmcconnell.com and on the web at http://www.DonMcConnell.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

BEAVER LAKE - ROGERS, AR., - Recognized as one of the finest striped bass fisheries in the country, Beaver Lake has been attracting fishing enthusiasts from all over the U.S. for decades. The lure of the Rogers lake resort area has netted another big fish of sorts. Crye-Leike, REALTORS recently purchased a small retail center on Highway 12 East in Rogers as its new Beaver Lake location.   "Moving into our new Beaver Lake Office has been like a breath of fresh air," said Chuck Gay, Crye-Leike's newly named Beaver Lake Managing Broker. "The lake community is very special and even through the recession, demand for lake homes and real estate sales have remained fairly stable."   Chuck Gay and six other associates, all previously affiliated with Harris McHaney Realtors, have come onboard to make up the new Beaver Lake team. They've all been specializing in lake property sales for many years. Chuck considers Crye-Leike's recent expansion and acquisition as a clear indication of a market and region on the upswing.   "We have many out of state buyers looking for second homes around the lake," said Chuck. "The only problem we are experiencing is a shortage of lake homes to sell. This of course creates a great opportunity for sellers, as most of the lake homes do not remain on the market for a long period of time."   Beaver Lake now represents Crye-Leike's 8th company owned sales center in Northwest Arkansas. Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye looks to a bright future for real estate sales in the area based on a strong economic engine he sees primarily fueled by Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Trucking and the University of Arkansas.   "The real estate market is healthy, sales and new construction are picking up," said Crye. "We've seen phenomenal growth and sales that have exceeded our expectations since opening our first offices in the region just three years ago."   With its recent Beaver Lake addition - Crye predicts the company is on track to finish 2010 as the largest real estate firm in Northwest Arkansas based on both the number of homes sold and gross sales volume.   "Myself and the sales associates joining me are Beaver Lake Specialists," said Chuck. "We've all worked at the lake for many years and have worked together like a family for a long time. We have Harold Crye and his team to thank for keeping our family together and giving us a new home at Beaver Lake."   More About Crye-Leike Beaver Lake and Managing Broker Chuck Gay The Crye-Leike Beaver Lake sales team includes Managing Broker Chuck Gay and his wife Patti, Vice President, Realtor Candice Martin, the husband and wife Realtor team of Broker Jim and Bea Keller and Realtor Peggy Arnold.   In addition to serving the Beaver Lake Community, the team also assists buyers and sellers in and around Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties. They specialize in all types of real estate sales with a special focus on lake properties, residential, lots and commercial properties.   Managing Broker Chuck Gay is a licensed Executive Broker in Missouri and Arkansas, Vice President and an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) active in real estate sales for the past 42 years. He is a member of RELO and is a certified RELO agent for Wal-Mart. Since 1986, Chuck has been active in Rotary International and works as the "The Cabernet Team" with his wife Patti and Candice Martin.   Crye-Leike Beaver Lake is located at 14566 Highway 12 East in Rogers. A formal Grand Opening celebration will be coordinated with the Rogers Chamber of Commerce. For all your real estate needs and personal referrals you can contact Crye-Leike Beaver Lake Managing Broker Chuck Gay directly by phone at 479-544-2712, in the Beaver Lake office at 479-925-1313 and you can email him at chuck.gay@crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

SMYRNA, TN., - Even though the housing tax credits that stimulated the market for months are gone, a buyer's market still exists. With interest rates still at a historical low and with a good selection of homes on the market to choose from, Crye-Leike Smyrna Realtor Heather Karl is working hard to show buyers why now is still a great time to purchase a home.   Last year Karl hosted an educational workshop helping many homebuyers understand everything that's involved in the home buying process - and this year she is still dedicated to educating buyers.   "It's important for the community to be knowledgeable about what's involved in the home buying process," said Karl. "I encourage people to come to the workshop and discover their best options for buying in this market. This is a wonderful time to stop throwing money away on rent and start investing in your future."   The workshop will educate buyers on several important home buying topics including: how and where to start looking for a home, successful budgeting, improving your credit score, how to get pre-approved for a home loan and how to receive 100% financing.   Potential buyers are encouraged to come ask questions and learn about the entire home buying process from searching for a home and making an offer to signing papers at the closing table.   Magna Bank Loan Specialist Michele Ballard will be at the workshop answering buyers financing questions and providing help with getting pre-approved for a home loan. Real Estate Experts Paige Mayercik of Realty Title and John Richardson of AXA Advisors will also be at the workshop answering buyers questions.   "I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is even considering buying a home right now," said Karl. "Super low interest rates, rock bottom home prices combined with a great inventory of homes up for sale makes this buyer's market the best time to purchase a home. Sellers are also welcome to come ask questions and find out about what's happening in their local market verses what they hear in national media reports."   Karl adds, "Members of the military and certain other federal employees have an extra incentive to buy right now as they have an extra year to buy a home and qualify for the homebuyer's tax credit through April 30, 2011."   More About The Crye-Leike Smyrna Homebuyer's Workshop The workshop will be held at Crye-Leike, REALTORS Smyrna branch office located at 599 Sam Ridley Parkway on Thursday, June 10th, 2010 starting at 6:15pm. The event is free but an RSVP is encouraged to ensure there will be enough informational packets and refreshments for everyone.   Attendees will receive a free informational packet with important home buying tips and budgeting plans and can sign up to receive new home listings e-mailed to them daily making their house hunting much easier and quicker.   To RSVP for the workshop or for more information call Crye-Leike Realtor Heather Karl at 615-613-2599 or e-mail her at heather.karl@crye-leike. Find Karl on the web at http://heatherkarl.crye-leike.com/.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.      

The Realtors in Crye-Leike's Hendersonville office recently put business on hold for a few hours and transformed the sales center into a Chapel of Love.   Crye-Leike Hendersonville Assistant Office Administrator Diane Simpson married David Curtis a high school classmate from the Maplewood High School class of 1964.   The two had not seen each other since graduating high school in 1964 until they met up 45 years later at a monthly Class of 64 dinner and gathering on July 17, 2009.   Diane and David had originally opted for a simple wedding at a local county office. When word spread of their intent they were encouraged and inspired to have the ceremony at the Crye-Leike office where Diane has worked for the past six years.   It was truly a Crye-Leike Wedding with Hendersonville Realtor and Sumner County Commissioner Jim Vaughn marrying the two classmates turned soulmates on April 23, 2010.   "We feel like kids again," said Diane & David.   Crye-Leike offers its sincere congratulations to newlyweds Diane and David as they embark on a new journey together celebrating with a honeymoon in Gatlinburg.  

COOKEVILLE, TN., - While the global recession has caused many to rethink or ?put off' a major move, the business of relocating individuals and a company's entire workforce still requires large and small firms to move talent around the corner or across the globe.   Mindful of the opportunities as well as the challenges of capturing the available relocation business is Crye-Leike Cookeville Broker Judd-Christian Dyle recipient of an ?Exceptional Performance Sales Award' from the Realty Alliance.   "I am honored to be included in a group that represents some of the most successful Realtors in the business," said Dyle. "The Realty Alliance is a huge network of Realtors and firms from all across North America, networking and working together to achieve the goals of their clients."   For Dyle that means assisting buyers and sellers relocating to practically anywhere in the country? helping them realize a seamless relocation process through the combined efforts of Broker members of the Realty Alliance.   "In the current challenging market, today's relocating customer needs a team of people who can educate them on the market they are in as well as the market they are moving to," said Dyle. "Although all markets are different, we are seeing statistically that the indexes for home sales and pending sales continue to rise over previous years' numbers."   Additionally Dyle says record low interest rates and incentives like the first time and move-up buyer tax credits along with very competitive home prices continue to fuel the ongoing ?buyer driven' market.   "As sales continue to rise we will see this window begin to close as incentives are phased out, interest rates rise and we move back into an appreciation cycle," said Dyle. "Real estate investments like all investments are cyclical and buyers purchasing now will be getting the best prices and can enjoy the rise in values in the coming years."   More About Crye-Leike Broker Judd-Christian Dyle Crye-Leike Broker Judd-Christian Dyle is a licensed Broker in Tennessee based out of the company's Cookeville branch office located at 1400 Neal Street. He assists buyers and sellers in and around Putnam, Overton, White, Jackson, Cumberland and Dekalb counties - specializing in all types of residential real estate sales with a special focus on relocation and bank owned properties.   Dyle is a Short Sale & Foreclosure (SFR) certified Realtor by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a member of NAR and is an active member of the Upper Cumberland Association of Realtors (UCAR) in which he serves on the Education Committee.   When he's not assisting clients, Dyle is active in the Upper Cumberland Wish Makers Association in which he serves as its Board President - working closely with the national ?Make A Wish' Foundation.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Broker Judd-Christian Dyle directly by phone at 931-261-7620, email: judd@gojudd.com and you can find him on the web at http://www.JuddTheRealtor.com.   More About The Realty Alliance The Realty Alliance is a network of North America's elite real estate firms. Members serve most every major market on the continent. Through The Realty Alliance its members access the best and latest ideas and solutions to make them among the most qualified to provide expert analysis and guidance to their clients.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

Little Rock, AR., - Many first-time homebuyers have already taken advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that began stimulating the struggling housing market in 2009. For those first-time buyers who waited and for current homeowners looking to buy in this challenging market, there is new hope in 2010 with the extension and expansion of the tax credit.   "As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress passed new legislation that will extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit until April 30, 2010," said Crye-Leike Executive Broker Allison Harper. "The new legislation also expands the credit granting up to $6,500 to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7th, 2009 and April 30th, 2010."   In order to help potential buyers learn how they can take advantage of the tax credits, Crye-Leike, REALTORS Little Rock Baseline Road branch office is hosting a free homebuyers' seminar to educate buyers on how the tax credits will work for them.   "With the tax credits that are being offered to those who qualify, this is the perfect time to educate the public on how their lives and their biggest assets can be impacted by the legislation that is now in effect to benefit them and our economy." said Harper. "Our office is hosting this seminar to explain the process of buying a home from start to finish and we will discuss all the important details including contracts, negotiating, inspections, financing and insurance."   The buyers' seminar will explain both the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and the new $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing a new or existing home. Topics that will be discussed include: who qualifies for the tax credits, how each credit works and all the rules that apply, the deadline for the tax credits, how to apply for the credits and also how to get pre-approved for a home loan.   "We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is even considering buying a home right now," said Harper. "With the tax credits available, with interest rates still at a historical low and with a good selection of homes on the market to choose from, now is a great time for anyone to purchase a home. At the seminar we will talk with the public about all of the steps, all of the people who are involved, and what to expect on their journey in purchasing a home and we'll illustrate to them how their dreams of homeownership can become a reality."   Crye-Leike's Little Rock Baseline Road office will also conduct a free sellers seminar later that day. The purpose of this seminar is to educate anyone selling a home on what things they can do to sell their home faster at a top dollar sales price. The Realtors will educate sellers on topics including home staging, financing, home inspections, energy audits and the home appraisal process.   "The process of buying or selling a home can be extremely stressful and Education is the key to the successful purchase or sale of your home," said Harper. "Without the knowledge and help from real estate professionals, many buyers and sellers flounder making costly mistakes and bad decisions due to their lack of information."   Harper adds, "As a real estate professional, I take great pride in the ability to educate others about the real estate market and how they are affected by it in their daily lives. We encourage the public to come ask questions and learn about the great opportunities available in this current housing market and discover their best options for this challenging market."   More About Crye-Leike's Homebuyers/Sellers Seminars   Crye-Leike, Realtors in the company's Little Rock / Baseline Road office will host a Free Homebuyers' Seminar answering buyers questions on the homebuyer tax credits currently available on Saturday, March 6 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.   The second part of the day, the Realtors will be conducting a free seminar for anyone selling or considering selling their home in this challenging market. The home sellers seminar will be from 2pm to 4pm.   The Realtors invite the public to come and get all the answers from the local experts. In addition to the agents from Crye-Leike's Baseline Road office, guest speakers, real estate loan specialists and other professionals will be at the seminar answering all of buyers and sellers questions on home financing and more.   Both seminars will be held at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at 100 Main Street in North Little Rock AR.   For more information on the seminars and to register call 501-975-2228.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

BENTONVILLE, AR., - Despite a global recession and falling home prices, many Crye-Leike agents saw their fortunes rise in 2009. At the company's annual Kick-Off meeting, held Wednesday, February 3 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Crye-Leike Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye celebrated the company's top producing agents with hopes for a ?less worse' economy in 2010.   "The best thing we can say about 2009, is thank goodness it's over," said Crye. "We're all due for a better year and even though sales are down from where they were just a few years ago, there's lemonade to be made."   In 2009, Crye-Leike agents in the company's Northwest Arkansas Region sold nearly $182-million dollars in real estate. It represents an increase over sales the previous year by more than $50-million dollars.   "Crye-Leike Northwest Arkansas continues to be a market on the move for us as we are nearing an agent count in the region of 200 licensed sales associates in 2010," said Crye. "We started 2009 with 144 agents and are pleased to welcome agents transferring from other companies and those just getting into the business."   Crye addressed the region's sales associates during a two hour ?Kick-Off' meeting and celebration in Bentonville. As much as the gathering was about alerting agents to the realities of the current home sales market - it was also a time to celebrate those who had the highest sales in 2009.   "Many of our agents experienced their best year in real estate in 2009 as more licensed Realtors either retired or have taken other full-time employment," said Crye. "The pie has shrunk and those who remain active Realtors are proof that persistence pays off."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS, and many other established real estate firms, has a level of home sales business today as it did between 1996 and 1998. Aided by historically lower interest rates, reduced home prices and the federal homebuyer tax credit - some agents actually saw their business grow in 2009.   "This past year, we continued to enhance the crye-leike.com website and offer more visibility for our homes for sale through multiple online websites," said Crye. "Our agents have also embraced social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Active Rain and Twitter to further connect and stay in touch with past clients, colleagues, friends and family."   Crye and other company managers are accepting that this current market is the ?New Normal' - and that there are still many opportunities to help sellers and buyers make the most of it. The company's Cofounder has been tracking month-to-month sales increases since mid 2009. Crye says the key to knowing the market is bouncing back is when the company sees year-over-year increases.   "The bottom line is we have to take care of the customer," said Crye. "If we do that our share of the business will respond accordingly and grow."   Crye-Leike Northwest Arkansas 2010 Goals & Highlights $200 Million In Sales Volume (10% Increase over 2009) Open New Crye-Leike Bentonville Office Building Grow Residential Property Management Services Greater Agent Technology & Online Marketing Usage Grow Agent Usage of company's Title, Mortgage and Insurance services 100% Customer Satisfaction   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Kick-Off Crye-Leike, REALTORS annual ?first of the year' Kick-Off meeting is held in each of the company's key regional hubs that include: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In each region Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye conveys the past year's goals and achievements and lays out goals for the New Year.   In 2010 Crye has set ?A Return To Profitability' as a top priority for the company.   The meetings are also an opportunity for the owners and managers to recognize the Top 25 Sales Producers and Top Producers for each branch office from the previous year. Those honored achieved the highest volume of home sales for the company.   In addition to motivating testimonials and recognition, Harold Crye and company managers also take time to honor a select group of company agents with Crye-Leike's most prestigious award, the Diamond Circle of Excellence Award.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Circle of Excellence, founded in 1987, is one of the highest levels of professional and personal achievement in the U.S. real estate industry. Sales associates who have been tapped into Crye-Leike's elite Circle of Excellence are awarded the honorary title, Vice President of Crye-Leike. In order to receive this honor, each real estate professional must meet stringent requirements of the program, showing exemplary performance in the areas of advanced education, ethics, loyalty, sales volume and service to the community and real estate profession.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.        

LITTLE ROCK, AR., - Despite a global recession and falling home prices, many Crye-Leike agents saw their fortunes rise in 2009. At the company's annual Kick-Off meeting, held Tuesday, February 2 at the Embassy Suites, Crye-Leike Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye celebrated the company's top producing agents with hopes for a ?less worse' economy in 2010.   "The best thing we can say about 2009, is thank goodness it's over," said Crye. "We're all due for a better year and even though sales are down from where they were just a few years ago, there's lemonade to be made."   In 2009, Crye-Leike agents in the company's Central Arkansas Region sold more than $666-million dollars in real estate, a slight increase over sales in 2008 by approximately six million dollars.   "Crye-Leike Central Arkansas continues to be the market leader helping more buyers and sellers than any other real estate agency in the region," said Crye.   Crye addressed more than 300 of the firm's sales associates during the two hour ?Kick-Off' meeting and celebration in Little Rock. As much as the gathering was about alerting agents to the realities of the current home sales market - it was also a time to celebrate those who had the highest sales in 2009.   "Many of our agents experienced their best year in real estate in 2009 as more licensed Realtors either retired or have taken other full-time employment," said Crye. "The pie has shrunk and those who remain active Realtors are proof that persistence pays off."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS, and many other established real estate firms, has a level of home sales business today as it did between 1996 and 1998. Aided by historically lower interest rates, reduced home prices and the federal homebuyer tax credit -some agents actually saw their business grow in 2009.   "This past year, we continued to enhance the crye-leike.com website and offer more visibility for our homes for sale through multiple online websites," said Crye. "Our agents have also embraced social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Active Rain and Twitter to further connect and stay in touch with past clients, colleagues, friends and family."   Crye and other company managers are accepting that this current market is the ?New Normal' - and that there are still many opportunities to help sellers and buyers make the most of it.   Crye-Leike has been tracking month-to-month sales increases since mid 2009. Crye says the key to knowing the market is bouncing back is when the company sees year-over-year increases.   "The bottom line is we have to take care of the customer," said Crye. "If we do that our share of the business will respond accordingly and grow."   Crye-Leike Central Arkansas 2010 Goals & Highlights $700-Million in Sales Volume Grow Residential Property Management Greater Agent Technology & Online Marketing Usage Grow Agent Usage of company's Title, Mortgage and Insurance services Grow Commercial Sales Division 100% Customer Satisfaction   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Kick-Off Crye-Leike, REALTORS annual ?first of the year' Kick-Off meeting is held in each of the company's key regional hubs that include: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In each region Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye conveys the past year's goals and achievements and lays out goals for the New Year.   In 2010 Crye has set ?A Return To Profitability' as a top priority for the company.   The meetings are also an opportunity for the owners and managers to recognize the Top 25 Sales Producers and Top Producers for each branch office from the previous year. Those honored achieved the highest volume of home sales for the company.   In addition to motivating testimonials and recognition, Harold Crye and company managers also take time to honor a select group of company agents with Crye-Leike's most prestigious award, the Diamond Circle of Excellence Award.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Circle of Excellence, founded in 1987, is one of the highest levels of professional and personal achievement in the U.S. real estate industry. Sales associates who have been tapped into Crye-Leike's elite Circle of Excellence are awarded the honorary title, Vice President of Crye-Leike. In order to receive this honor, each real estate professional must meet stringent requirements of the program, showing exemplary performance in the areas of advanced education, ethics, loyalty, sales volume and service to the community and real estate profession.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.        

MEMPHIS, TN., - There's a saying that leaders aren't born - they're made. That being the case? Crye-Leike, REALTORS Broker Mary W. Sharp believes she has experienced a ?self-made' journey in discovering the leader within, as she has become a recent graduate of the Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors (NWMAR) Leadership Class of 2009.   "This experience has made me more aware of a ?wide range' of leadership components within me and helped me in recognizing my strengths as well as my weaknesses," said Sharp. "I feel the training has equipped me with the necessary expertise to be a more effective leader and participate in more leadership roles."   Helping Mary W. Sharp land a spot in the Class of 2009 was her Managing Broker, Realtor Sue Stinson Turner from Crye-Leike's Forest Hill Irene Germantown branch office. Sharp says she's very grateful for the support and encouragement.   Sharp believes the year-long leadership program experience has given her renewed self confidence. She says she's better at handling most situations - good or bad - in all aspects of her life? from her volunteer work, professional real estate sales transactions, business matters and personal endeavors.   "It has instilled me with the importance of self discipline and vision," said Sharp. "As a Realtor my leadership skills are with me at all times? from my work with colleagues through our sales transactions and professional association work together to my dealings with my buyers and sellers. I'm equipped now to be a better listener and coach and with some ?new found' skills to bring everyone together toward a mutual and ethical goal."   For more than 25 years Sharp has been assisting buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. And today - with more than a quarter of a decade dedicated to her life's work, she says this most recent leadership training experience has in many ways left her feeling renewed like never before - and with a refreshed level of excitement in her personal life as well as her life's work.   "This will help me going forward to be a more effective communicator, friend and colleague with everyone I encounter - no matter the situation or the stress involved," said Sharp. "What I have learned through the NWMAR leadership training is proof to myself and everyone that we all need to be open to new opportunities to sharpen our skills to better serve our dearest friends, colleagues and communities."   More About Crye-Leike Broker Mary W. Sharp Crye-leike Broker Mary W. Sharp is a licensed Realtor in Tennessee and Mississippi assisting buyers and sellers primarily in and around Shelby, Fayette and North Desoto counties. She specializes in all types of residential and land sales with a focus on first time homebuyers, mover uppers, relocation, investment properties and new construction.   Sharp is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Real Estate Broker (CRB), Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and certified through the Welcome Home Memphis Affordable Housing program (WHM) and as a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR).   Sharp is a member of the Mississippi Association of Realtors (MAR), Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors (NWMAR) and Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR). With MAAR she serves as the Chairperson of the Fair/Affordable Housing Committee and is a member of the Budget and Finance Committee. She was also the recipient of MAAR'S President's Award for the years 1996, 2003, and 2004.   Sharp is a member of the Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) and a Graduate of its 2003 Leadership Class. Also at TAR she serves as a Trustee on the Tennessee Real Estate Education Foundation (TREEF) since 2008. Sharp is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).   Prior to her career in real estate sales, Sharp was employed by the Federal Government in a variety of capacities from 1966 until 1973 when she joined the ranks of the United State Postal Service (USPS). She served with the USPS until 1992 when she opted to take an early retirement. Since 2004 Sharp has served on the Center City Commission/Downtown Parking Authority and the Memphis Land Use Control Board since 2008. She was appointed in 2009 to a board appointment with United Housing.   Sharp first joined Crye-Leike in 1986. After a brief break with the company in 2001 - she returned again in 2006 and is based out of the company's Germantown branch office located at 3030 Forest Hill Irene.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals you can contact Crye-Leike Broker Mary W. Sharp directly by phone at 901-830-7572, email: mary.sharp@crye-leike.com and you can find her on the web at: http://www.sharphomes4u.crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.      

BRENTWOOD, TN., - In the six years since Broker Susan Diebolt obtained her first license to buy and sell real estate - she and every other professional in the industry has seen a revolution of epic proportions in the way property is listed, looked at, bought and sold.   "Oh my gosh, if you blink in this business now - you might have missed something big," said Susan Diebolt, a Broker with Crye-Leike, REALTORS in the company's Brentwood West branch office. "The use of internet technology as well as social media is the norm now for finding properties and for assisting our clients in their purchases and property sales, and you better know it if you want to succeed."   Motivated by the rapid changes in the market, Diebolt embarked on a journey to discover all things in real estate technology along with earning her Broker license in Alabama and Florida to go along with the Tennessee Broker license she already held. So far Diebolt believes she's keeping up with the technology curve as she further enhances her credentials. As part of ongoing Broker licensing requirements she has completed three courses recently on: Professional Property Management, Inside Commercial Real Estate and Advanced Technology in Real Estate.   "I'm finding in today's market that many people are in need of either renting their own property or prospective clients need to rent for a variety of reasons, so the Professional Property Management course has been most helpful," said Diebolt. "Inside Commercial Real Estate" is something of great interest to me in my business. While I concentrate predominantly on the residential side, I have had the opportunity to work with developers on commercial projects and the course has proven invaluable to me and to my clients."   In addition to being a licensed Broker in three states, Diebolt is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Realtor Internet Marketing Professional (e-PRO) and Graduate of the REALTOR Institute (GRI).   "I don't think we as Realtors can ever know too much and education changes as quickly as the market," said Diebolt. "I feel great about staying abreast of current trends and utilizing those skills to the betterment and advantage of my clients. I love helping people realize their dreams."   More About Crye-Leike Broker Susan Diebolt As a licensed Crye-Leike Real Estate Broker in Tennessee, Alabama and Florida, Susan Diebolt is currently focusing on assisting buyers and sellers primarily in and around Davidson and Williamson counties in Tennessee. She specializes in all types of residential and commercial real estate sales with a focus on investment properties, first-time homebuyers, relocation, new home construction, condominiums and townhomes. Diebolt has the ability to refer business and find a top quality, professional real estate agent in any area outside her licensing area and has access to over 700 brokers in the US and 35 International countries.   Diebolt is a member of the Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR), Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) and National Association of Realtors (NAR). Prior to her career in real estate sales she was the co-owner of Under the Rock Music Group, a music publishing company she owned and operated for 15 years and of which she still has an interest.   Diebolt lives in the City of Brentwood and is based out of the company's Brentwood West, Regional Corporate Headquarters Sales Office located at 5111 Maryland Way.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals you can contact Crye-Leike Broker Susan Diebolt directly by phone at 615-497-4344, email: susan@thedieboltgroup.com and you can find her on the web at http://www.thedieboltgroup.com. You can also send her a message via Facebook and she will be prompt to respond.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,600 licensed sales associates based out of 130 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

HENDERSONVILLE, TN., - In business as well as in your personal life, there's a belief held by many that to build trust and succeed you should begin by always making a great first impression. In the business of real estate sales - many Realtors say that frame of mind is now more important than ever.   "The softening real estate market is putting great demands on Realtors to bring sellers a profit in the sale of their home," said Julie Gant, a Realtor with Crye-Leike, REALTORS in Hendersonville. "That being said, you can't just assume you will have all the knowledge to make that happen, which is why I and several of my colleagues looked to advance our home sales know-how."   Gant, along with Crye-Leike Realtors Sharon Morelli, Marion Roeger and Faye Sesler joined together to take a specialized course in home staging to receive the ASP Home Staging Accredited Staging Professional designation. They all saw the edge and the advantage of having a well prepared home for sale from the get go.   "You must properly clean, declutter and prepare a house before it's listed? before the first prospective buyer ever walks through the door," said Morelli. "When you do all those things you have a better chance of selling a home faster and at or above the list price."   In a recent study conducted by Stagedhomes.com, of over 1000 homes (55% vacant, 45% occupied) across the United States and Canada, it showed that homes that were prepared for sale by an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) were on the market 80% less time before selling than a non ASP Staged Home.   "Depending on the price range, a home staged by an ASP accredited Realtor sells for anywhere from 7.9% to 25% or more," said Roeger. "Less time on the market and more money in a sellers pocket ? you can't ask for more than that, especially in the current real estate market we're in."   The network of ASP Home Staging Realtors has mushroomed in recent years. There are now more than 21-thousand with the advanced education worldwide.   "I know when I meet with a potential seller in the current slow real estate market, I need to come armed with the knowledge and tools to give their home the best chance of selling fast and for more money than the competition," said Sesler. "The hands on instructions were the real key for me in knowing I can give my clients a service beyond just showing their home as is."   To successfully complete the ASP course Gant, Morelli, Roeger and Sesler were required to demonstrate their knowledge and ability by staging a home they currently have listed on the market.   More About Realtors Julie Gant, Sharon Morelli, Marion Roeger, Faye Sesler Crye-Leike Realtors Julie Gant, Sharon Morelli, Marion Roeger and Faye Sesler are licensed Affiliate Brokers in Tennessee based out of the company's Hendersonville branch office located at 383 Johnny Cash Parkway. They assist buyers and sellers in and around Sumner, Davidson, Robertson and Wilson counties specializing in all types of residential real estate sales with a focus on first-time homebuyers and relocation. Faye Sesler and Sharon Morelli also work with investors.   In addition to their ASP designations, Julie Gant and Marion Roeger are Accredited Buyer Representatives (ABR) and served on the Sumner Association of Realtors (SAR) Service Committee. Additionally Faye Sesler is an ABR and a Senior Real Estate specialist (SRES), e-PRO Realtor Internet Marketing Professional and member of the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce. Gant, Morelli, Roeger and Sesler are all members of the Sumner Association of Realtors (SAR), Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) and National Association of Realtors (NAR).   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Realtor Julie Gant at 615-430-2304, email: julie.gant@crye-leike.com; Realtor Sharon Morelli at 615-406-2997, email: sharon.morelli@crye-leike.com; Realtor Marion Roeger at 615-887-6138, email: marion.roeger@crye-leike.com; and Realtor Faye Sesler at 615-456-9383, email: fsesler@realtracs.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the Nations 6th Largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of more than 141 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

MEMPHIS, TN., - More and more real estate sales involve buyers and sellers dealing with properties heading for foreclosure or already foreclosed on by the bank. In response, licensed Realtors like Crye-Leike Broker Fosta Brown feel more compelled than ever to ?change their approach' to real estate to meet the demands of the current new ?traditional' real estate market.   "I have practiced real estate for nearly 27 years and during that time I've seen a lot of changes both positive and negative," said Brown. "The most negative change has been the recent wave of foreclosures and loss of equity in quite a few markets. Even though rates remain low there's still the problem of adjustable rates coupled with high unemployment causing a record number of foreclosures."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Memphis Broker Fosta Brown recently completed a new Short Sale & Foreclosure course offered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). She now feels better equipped with both the tools and ?know how' to help sellers maneuver and negotiate the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.   "Getting this certification will definitely help me to continue to provide superior customer service to my past, present and future clients," said Brown. "I believe as a Realtor it is my duty to help homeowners keep their homes if possible or help them sell on short sales. In addition I am qualified to market and sell bank-owned properties to help prevent neighborhood decline from boarded-up and vacant homes."   Armed with her new Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Brown is NAR certified to qualify sellers, negotiate with lenders, limit risks and protect buyers.   "I can help them wade through the short sale process, discuss loan modification, help them understand the options that they have when they become unable to make their mortgage payments or just need to sell due to a relocation," said Brown. "I can also help investors and everyday buyers work through the process of buying foreclosed properties, advise them of the risks and pitfalls and tell them how to construct a winning offer."   As a SFR Certified Realtor, Brown has successfully completed all the required prerequisite and program course work to become a National Association of Realtors qualified Short Sale & Foreclosure (SFR) Specialist.   More About Crye-Leike Broker Fosta Brown Crye-Leike Broker Fosta Brown is a licensed Broker in Tennessee and Mississippi based out of the company's Corporate Headquarters sales office in Memphis, located at 6525 Quail Hollow Road. She assists buyers and sellers in and around Shelby County in Tennessee and Desoto County in Mississippi and specializes in all types of residential real estate sales with a focus on bank owned properties and new homes.   Brown is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR), Mississippi Association of Realtors (MAR), Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors (NWMAR) and Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR). With MAAR she serves on the Professional Standards Committee.   As a member of the prestigious Crye-Leike ?Circle of Excellence' Brown is a Vice President based on her years of commitment to the company, her community and the Realtor profession. With Crye-leike, she is a Certified Relocation Associate (CRA), Certified Builder Specialist (CBS) and Life member of the Multi Million Dollar Club. Brown is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Graduate of the REALTOR Institute (GRI).   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Broker Fosta Brown directly by phone at 901-482-4452, email: fbrown@crye-leike.com and on the web you can find her at http://fostabrown.crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the Nations 6th Largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of more than 141 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

ATLANTA, GA., - Despite a global recession and falling home prices, many Crye-Leike agents saw their fortunes rise in 2009. At the company's annual Kick-Off meeting, held Wednesday, January 27 at the Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Blvd.; in Atlanta, Crye-Leike Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye celebrated the company's top producing agents with hopes for a ?less worse' economy in 2010.   "The best thing we can say about 2009, is thank goodness it's over," said Harold Crye. "We're all due for a better year and even though sales are down from where they were just a few years ago, there's lemonade to be made."   Crye addressed more than 100 of the company's Atlanta region brokers and associates at the annual New Year ?Kick-Off' event. At times the gathering resembled a ?pep rally' as agents looked back at their success in the face of one of the toughest times for homes sales.   "The number of agents competing with us in our markets has been greatly reduced in this recession," said Crye. "So consider those still in the business as the real pros working hard to make sales."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS, and many other established real estate firms, has a level of home sales business today as it did ten years ago. Aided by historically lower interest rates, reduced home prices and the federal homebuyer tax credit - some agents actually saw their business grow in 2009.   "I've talked to many agents who say their business in 2009 was better than 2008," said Crye. "There's always somebody out there with record breaking sales and many of our agents are among them. And while inventory has decreased in just about every market, it is still a buyer's market."   Crye and other company managers are accepting that this current market is the ?New Normal' - and that there are still many opportunities to help sellers and buyers make the most of it.   "This recovery has been tougher than anyone has anticipated so far," said Crye. ?Things are starting to break loose and I see 2010 as a recovery year. And buckle your seatbelts for what may be an up and down time as we slowly move toward a more stable housing market."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS has been tracking month-to-month sales increases since mid 2009. Crye says the key to knowing the market is bouncing back is when the company sees year-over-year increases.   "The bottom line is we have to take care of the customer," said Crye. "If we do that our share of the business will respond accordingly and grow."   Crye-Leike currently operates ten retail branch sales centers in the Greater Atlanta Metro area with more than 150 licensed sales associates serving buyers and sellers.   Crye-Leike Atlanta 2010 Goals & Highlights $150-Million In Gross Sales Volume Grow Relocation Services, Residential & Commercial Property Mgmt. Open Southern Crescent Office (McDonough, GA) Now Open Increase ?Online' Marketing through Quantum Digital Open Gainesville & Cartersville Offices ?Right Size' existing office space Increase Agent Count 100% Customer Satisfaction     More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Kick-Off Crye-Leike, REALTORS annual ?first of the year' Kick-Off meeting is held in each of the company's key regional hubs that include: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In each region Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye conveys the past year's goals and achievements and lays out goals for the New Year.   In 2010 Crye has set ?A Return To Profitability' as a top priority for the company.   The meetings are also an opportunity for the owners and managers to recognize the Top 10 Sales Producers and Top Producers for each branch office from the previous year. Those honored achieved the highest volume of home sales for the company.   In addition to motivating testimonials and recognition, Harold Crye and company managers also take time to honor a select group of company agents with Crye-Leike's most prestigious award, the Diamond Circle of Excellence Award.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Circle of Excellence, founded in 1987, is one of the highest levels of professional and personal achievement in the U.S. real estate industry. Sales associates who have been tapped into Crye-Leike's elite Circle of Excellence are awarded the honorary title, Vice President of Crye-Leike. In order to receive this honor, each real estate professional must meet stringent requirements of the program, showing exemplary performance in the areas of advanced education, ethics, loyalty, sales volume and service to the community and real estate profession.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of 141 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

CHATTANOOGA, TN., - Despite a global recession and falling home prices, many Crye-Leike agents saw their fortunes rise in 2009. At the company's annual Kick-Off meeting, held Tuesday, January 26 at the Chattanooga Golf & Country Club, Crye-Leike Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye celebrated the company's top producing agents with hopes for a ?less worse' economy in 2010.   "The best thing we can say about 2009, is thank goodness it's over," said Harold Crye. "We're all due for a better year and even though sales are down from where they were just a few years ago, there's lemonade to be made."   In 2009, Crye-Leike agents in the company's Chattanooga Region sold more than $530 million dollars in real estate, a figure that keeps the company #1 in Greater Chattanooga with a 17% market share.   "Crye-Leike Chattanooga continues to be the market leader helping more buyers and sellers than any other real estate agency in the greater Chattanooga region," said Crye-Leike's Rob Hatchett.   Hatchett is the former Vice President and General Manager of Crye-Leike's Chattanooga Region, now serving as the company's President of Franchise Sales. Crye-Leike Ooltewah Managing Broker Dan Griess has been named to the Chattanooga General Manager post.   Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye, joined by Griess and Hatchett, addressed more than 250 agents in a packed meeting room at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. As much as the ?Kick-Off" gathering was about alerting agents to the realities of the current home sales market - it was also a time to celebrate those who had the highest sales in 2009.   "Many of our agents experienced their best year in real estate in 2009 as more licensed Realtors either retired or have taken other full-time employment," said Hatchett. "The pie has shrunk and those who remain active Realtors are proof that persistence pays off."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS, and many other established real estate firms, has a level of home sales business today as it did between 1996 and 1998. Aided by historically lower interest rates, reduced home prices and the federal homebuyer tax credit -some agents actually saw their business grow in 2009.   "This past year, we continued to enhance the crye-leike.com website and offer more visibility for our homes for sale through multiple online websites," said Dan Griess. "Our agents have also embraced social media - from Facebook to LinkedIn and Twitter to further connect and stay in touch with past clients, friends and family."   Crye and other company managers are accepting that this current market is the ?New Normal' - and that there are still many opportunities to help sellers and buyers make the most of it.   Crye-Leike has been tracking month-to-month sales increases since mid 2009. Crye says the key to knowing the market is bouncing back is when the company sees year-over-year increases.   "The bottom line is we have to take care of the customer," said Crye. "If we do that our share of the business will respond accordingly and grow."     Crye-Leike Chattanooga 2010 Goals & Highlights Increase Sales over 2009 by 5% Update Downtown Office Grow the company's market share Increase Internet Marketing & Social Media Networking Focus on ?online' services Increase Community Outreach 100% Customer Satisfaction     More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Kick-Off Crye-Leike, REALTORS annual ?first of the year' Kick-Off meeting is held in each of the company's key regional hubs that include: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In each region Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye conveys the past year's goals and achievements and lays out goals for the New Year.   In 2010 Crye has set ?A Return To Profitability' as a top priority for the company.   The meetings are also an opportunity for the owners and managers to recognize the Top 25 Sales Producers and Top Producers for each branch office from the previous year. Those honored achieved the highest volume of home sales for the company.   In addition to motivating testimonials and recognition, Harold Crye and company managers also take time to honor a select group of company agents with Crye-Leike's most prestigious award, the Diamond Circle of Excellence Award.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Circle of Excellence, founded in 1987, is one of the highest levels of professional and personal achievement in the U.S. real estate industry. Sales associates who have been tapped into Crye-Leike's elite Circle of Excellence are awarded the honorary title, Vice President of Crye-Leike. In order to receive this honor, each real estate professional must meet stringent requirements of the program, showing exemplary performance in the areas of advanced education, ethics, loyalty, sales volume and service to the community and real estate profession.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of 141 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

Little Rock, AR., - Many first-time homebuyers have already taken advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that began stimulating the struggling housing market in 2009. For those first-time buyers who waited and for current homeowners looking to buy in this challenging market, there is new hope in 2010 with the extension and expansion of the tax credit.   "As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress passed new legislation that will extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit until April 30, 2010," said Crye-Leike Executive Broker Allison Harper. "The new legislation also expands the credit granting up to $6,500 to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7th, 2009 and April 30th, 2010."   In order to help potential buyers learn how they can take advantage of the tax credits, Crye-Leike, REALTORS Little Rock Baseline Road branch office is hosting a free homebuyer's seminar to educate buyers on how the tax credits will work for them.   "With the tax credits that are being offered to those who qualify, this is the perfect time to educate the public on how their lives and their biggest assets can be impacted by the legislation that is now in effect to benefit them and our economy." said Harper. "Our office is hosting this seminar to explain the process of buying a home from start to finish and we will discuss all the important details including contracts, negotiating, inspections, financing and insurance."   The buyers' seminar will explain both the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and the new $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing a new or existing home. Topics that will be discussed include: who qualifies for the tax credits, how each credit works and all the rules that apply, the deadline for the tax credits, how to apply for the credits and also how to get pre-approved for a home loan.   "We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is even considering buying a home right now," said Harper. "With the tax credits available, with interest rates still at a historical low and with a good selection of homes on the market to choose from, now is a great time for anyone to purchase a home. At the seminar we will talk with the public about all of the steps, all of the people who are involved, and what to expect on their journey in purchasing a home and we'll illustrate to them how their dreams of homeownership can become a reality."   Crye-Leike's Little Rock Baseline Road office will also conduct a free sellers seminar later that day. The purpose of this seminar is to educate anyone selling a home on what things they can do to sell their home faster at a top dollar sales price. The Realtors will educate sellers on topics including home staging, financing, home inspections, energy audits and the home appraisal process.   "The process of buying or selling a home can be extremely stressful and Education is the key to the successful purchase or sale of your home," said Harper. "Without the knowledge and help from real estate professionals, many buyers and sellers flounder making costly mistakes and bad decisions due to their lack of information."   Harper adds, "As a real estate professional, I take great pride in the ability to educate others about the real estate market and how they are affected by it in their daily lives. We encourage the public to come ask questions and learn about the great opportunities available in this current housing market and discover their best options for this challenging market."   More About Crye-Leike's Homebuyer Tax Credit Seminar   Crye-Leike, Realtors in the company's Little Rock - Baseline Road office will host a Free Homebuyer Tax Credit Seminar answering buyers questions on the homebuyer tax credits currently available on Saturday, January 23rd from 10:00am to 12:00pm.   The second part of the day, the Realtors will be conducting a free seminar for anyone selling or considering selling their home in this challenging market. The home sellers seminar will be from 2pm to 4pm.   The Realtors invite the public to come and get all the answers from the local experts. In addition to the agents from Crye-Leike's Baseline Road office, guest speakers, real estate loan specialists and other professionals will be at the seminar answering all of buyers and sellers questions on home financing and more.   Both seminars will be held at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at 100 Main Street in North Little Rock AR.   The office is planning another day of homebuyers and sellers seminars again on March 6th, 2010.   For more information on the Homebuyer's Tax Credit Seminar, please contact Crye-Leike, REALTOR Allison Harper at 501-658-6675 or e-mail her at allison.harper@crye-leike.com. Find Allison on the web at http://allisonharper.crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of 141 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.            

MEMPHIS, TN., - Despite a global recession and falling home prices, many MidSouth Crye-Leike agents saw their fortunes rise in 2009. At the company's annual Kick-Off meeting, held Tuesday, January 19 at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis, company Cofounders Harold Crye and Dick Leike celebrated their top producing agents with hopes for a ?less worse' economy in 2010.   "The best thing we can say about 2009, is thank goodness it's over," said Harold Crye. "We're all due for a better year and even though sales are down from where they were just a few years ago, there's lemonade to be made."   In 2009 Crye-Leike agents across the MidSouth sold more than $1.23 billion dollars in real estate, which equates to more than 8,000 homes sold. Out of the more than 20 Crye-Leike sales centers across the region, six of the retail offices experienced more business in 09' compared to 08'.   "It's not what happens to you," said Dick Leike. "It's how you respond."   Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye, joined by his Cofounder and company president Dick Leike, addressed more than 400 agents in a packed Memphis hotel conference center ballroom. As much as the meeting was about alerting agents to the realities of the current home sales market - it was also a time to celebrate those who had the highest sales in 2009.   "It's been a character building economy," said Leike. "We're not seeing the sales and may never see the sales we had in the ?hay days' of 2005 & 2006. From low rates to tax credits? there is plenty of opportunity here for us to be successful."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS, and many other established real estate firms, has a level of home sales business today as it did between 1996 and 1998. Aided by historically lower interest rates, reduced home prices and the federal homebuyer tax credit - some agents actually saw their business grow in 2009.   "More than 80-percent of the agents in the region had more sales in 2009 than they had the year before," said Leike. "In fact, there is always somebody out there with record breaking sales and many of our agents are among them."   Crye and Leike are accepting that this current market is the ?New Normal' - and that there are still many opportunities to help sellers and buyers make the most of it.   "The number of agents competing with us in our markets has been greatly reduced in this recession," said Crye. "So consider those still in the business as the real pros working hard to make sales."   Leike says since mid 2009 the company has been tracking month-to-month sales increases. He says the key to knowing the market is bouncing back is when they see year-over-year increases.   "The bottom line is we have to take care of the customer," said Leike. "If we do that our share of the business will respond accordingly and grow."   Crye-Leike 2010 Goals & Highlights Increase Sales over 2009 by 5% Relocate Midtown Sales Center Start Construction on a NEW office in Oakland Increase Internet Marketing & Social Media Networking Reduce Print & Newspaper Advertising Redesign http://www.Crye-Leike.com Upgrade Realtor training 100% Customer Satisfaction   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Kick-Off Crye-Leike, REALTORS annual ?first of the year' Kick-Off meeting is held in each of the company's key regional hubs that include: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In each region Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye conveys the past year's goals and achievements and lays out goals for the New Year.   In 2010 Crye has set ?A Return To Profitability' as a top priority for the company.   The meetings are also an opportunity for the owners and managers to recognize the Top 25 Sales Producers and Top Producers for each branch office from the previous year. Those honored achieved the highest volume of home sales for the company.   In addition to motivating testimonials and recognition, Harold Crye & Dick Leike also take time to honor a select group of company agents with Crye-Leike's most prestigious award, the Diamond Circle of Excellence Award.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Circle of Excellence, founded in 1987, is one of the highest levels of professional and personal achievement in the U.S. real estate industry. Sales associates who have been tapped into Crye-Leike's elite Circle of Excellence are awarded the honorary title, Vice President of Crye-Leike. In order to receive this honor, each real estate professional must meet stringent requirements of the program, showing exemplary performance in the areas of advanced education, ethics, loyalty, sales volume and service to the community and real estate profession.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of 141 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

CHATTANOOGA, TN., - Many first-time homebuyers have already taken advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that began stimulating the struggling housing market in 2009. For those first-time buyers who waited and for current homeowners looking to buy in this challenging market there is new hope in 2010 with the extension and expansion of the tax credit.   "As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress passed new legislation that will extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit until April 30, 2010," said Crye-Leike Hixson Managing Broker Kathy Tucker. "The new legislation also expands the credit granting up to $6,500 to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7th, 2009 and April 30th, 2010."   In order to help potential buyers learn how they can take advantage of the tax credits, Crye-Leike Realtors in Hixson, Tennessee are hosting a free seminar to educate buyers on how the tax credits will work for them.   The seminar will explain both the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and the new $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing a new or existing home. Topics to be discussed include: who qualifies for the tax credits, how each credit works and all the rules that apply, the deadline for the tax credits, how to apply for the credits and also how to get pre-approved for a home loan.   "We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is even considering buying a home right now," said Tucker. "With the tax credits available, with interest rates still at a historical low and with a good selection of homes on the market to choose from, now is a great time for anyone to purchase a home."   Despite the troubled economy, Tucker truly believes that now is the perfect time for first-time homebuyers to make their move. "There are a lot of opportunities available to buyers right now and we are hosting this seminar to help buyers learn about their best options. We encourage buyers to come ask questions and find out why now is a great time to buy a home," said Tucker. "The average amount of days a home in Chattanooga is on the market has dropped and home sales have really increased over this time last year. We are very lucky to have the stable market that we do."   More About Crye-Leike's Hixson Homebuyer Tax Credit Seminar   Crye-Leike, Realtors in Hixson will host a Free Homebuyer Tax Credit Seminar answering buyers questions on the homebuyer tax credits available now on Thursday, January 21st from 5:30 to 7pm.   The Realtors invite the public to come and get all the answers from the experts. A local CPA specialist will be the guest speaker and representatives and loan specialists from Magna Bank and Realty Title will be at the seminar answering buyers' questions on home financing and more.   Free pizza, desserts and drinks will be served during the seminar which will be held at Crye-Leike, REALTORS Hixson Sales Center located at 5870 Highway 153.   For more information on the Homebuyer's Tax Credit Seminar, please contact Crye-Leike, REALTORS Hixson sales office at (423) 870-5202.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.    

NASHVILLE, TN., - Despite a global recession and falling home prices, many Crye-leike agents saw their fortunes rise in 2009. At the company's annual Kick-Off meeting, held Tuesday, January 12 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, company Cofounders Harold Crye and Dick Leike celebrated their top producing agents with hopes for a ?less worse' economy in 2010.   "The best thing we can say about 2009, is thank goodness it's over," said Harold Crye. "We're all due for a better year and even though sales are down from where they were just a few years ago, there's lemonade to be made."   Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye, joined by his Cofounder and company president Dick Leike, addressed more than 400 agents in a packed Nashville hotel conference center ballroom. As much as the meeting was about alerting agents to the realities of the current home sales market - it was also a time to celebrate top selling associates.   "I've talked to many agents who say their business in 2009 was better than 2008," said Leike. "There's always somebody out there with record breaking sales and many of our agents are among them."   Crye-Leike, REALTORS, and many other established real estate firms, has a level of home sales business today as it did ten years ago. Aided by historically lower interest rates, reduced home prices and the federal homebuyer tax credit - some agents actually saw their business grow in 2009.   "The number of agents competing with us in our markets has been greatly reduced in this recession," said Crye. "So consider those still in the business as the real pros working hard to make sales."   Crye and Leike are accepting that this current market is the ?New Normal' - and that there are still many opportunities to help sellers and buyers make the most of it.   "It's been a character building economy," said Leike. "We're not seeing the sales and may never see the sales we had in the ?hay days' of 2005 & 2006. From low rates to tax credits? there is plenty here for us to be successful."   Leike says since mid 2009 the company has been tracking month-to-month sales increases. He says the key to knowing the market is bouncing back is when they see year-over-year increases.   "The bottom line is we have to take care of the customer," said Leike. "If we do that our share of the business will respond accordingly and grow."   More About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Kick-Off Crye-Leike, REALTORS annual ?first of the year' Kick-Off meeting is held in each of the company's key regional hubs that include: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In each region Cofounder & CEO Harold Crye conveys the past year's goals and achievements and lays out goals for the New Year. In 2010 Crye has set ?A Return To Profitability' as a top priority for the company.   The meetings are also an opportunity for the owners and managers to recognize the Top 25 Sales Producers and Top Producers for each branch office from the previous year. Those honored achieved the highest volume of home sales for the company.   In addition to motivating testimonials and recognition, Harold Crye & Dick Leike also take time to honor a select group of company agents with Crye-Leike's most prestigious award, the Diamond Circle of Excellence Award.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Circle of Excellence, founded in 1987, is one of the highest levels of professional and personal achievement in the U.S. real estate industry. Sales associates who have been tapped into Crye-Leike's elite Circle of Excellence are awarded the honorary title, Vice President of Crye-Leike. In order to receive this honor, each real estate professional must meet stringent requirements of the program, showing exemplary performance in the areas of advanced education, ethics, loyalty, sales volume and service to the community and real estate profession.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of 124 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential and commercial sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2009, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $3.9 billion with 24,983 homes sold.  

ATHENS, AL., - Before the clock runs out on 2009, more than two dozen real estate agents in North Alabama will have transitioned their property listings and homebuyers to Crye-Leike, REALTORS. In December the company acquired the real estate sales operations of Alabama Realty Group and its sales center locations in Athens and Ardmore Alabama.   "When we first started studying the Greater Huntsville market two years ago, we knew we wanted to open an office in the Athens/Ardmore area because of its great growth potential," said Harold Crye, Crye-Leike, REALTORS Cofounder & CEO. "To be able to partner with a great company like Alabama Realty Group is very exciting to us."   With the office acquisition, more than two-dozen agents are making the transition to Crye-Leike. Former Alabama Realty Group owner Joe Stovall will stay on as an agent and plans to "hit the road selling". Kim Hodges will remain the Managing Broker at the new Crye-Leike Athens location and Broker Gary Neeley will continue to manage the new Crye-Leike Ardmore sales center.   "I am very excited about what the future holds for us all with Crye-Leike," said Stovall. "The proven tools and methods that Crye-Leike brings to our agents will take us all to the next level in our ability to provide professional service to buyers and sellers."   "Our goal is simple, to make the buying and selling process easier for our agents and their clients," said Rob Hatchett, Crye-leike, REALTORS Regional Vice President. "We have a great group of local agents now and we just want to put our unique marketing tools in their hands to serve the people of Athens and Ardmore."   The former Alabama Realty Group has been a real estate sales leader in its respective communities. The Alabama licensed agents - now joining Crye-Leike - assist buyers and sellers in and around in Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.   "The Agents here have proven over the years to be great citizens and contributors of this community and throughout the South," said Crye. "Joe Stovall has led this company well in serving this community for many years and we are looking forward to being on the same team now with him. We know Kim Hodges and Gary Neely will do a fantastic job leading our new offices."   Crye-Leike Athens is located at 1260 U.S. Highway 72 East, Suite A in Athens, Alabama. Managing Broker Kim Hodges can be reached directly by phone at 256-230-2589 and by email at kim.hodges@crye-leike.com.   Crye-Leike Ardmore is located at 26626 Main Street in Ardmore, Alabama. Managing Broker Gary Neeley can be reached directly by phone at 256-423-5454 and by email at gary.neeley@crye-leike.com.   More About Joe Stovall And The former Alabama Realty Group   Joe Stovall and Kim Hodges started Alabama Realty Group in January 2003 with four offices in Athens, Ardmore, Madison and Decatur. The company specialized in residential, commercial and foreclosure properties.   Joe is a lifelong resident of Limestone County. Prior to his career in real estate he served more than 23 years in the U.S. Army and Navy. He is a Mason, part of the 32nd degree Scottish Rite and a Shriner devoted to helping crippled and burned children. Joe is a graduate of Calhoun Community College and has owned and operated several successful businesses in the region since his retirement from military service.   More About Crye-Leike Greater Huntsville And North Alabama   In the Spring of 2008 Crye-Leike, REALTORS entered Greater Huntsville with its first office located in the suburb of Madison, Alabama. A year later the company joined in a venture with the former owners of Coldwell Banker Premier located at 4092 Memorial Parkway South, Suite 200 and simultaneously opened a new sales center at 2745 Bob Wallace Avenue, Suite F in Huntsville. Also in 2009, the company acquired Red Rocket Realty in Huntsville.   Through its mergers and acquisitions in 2009, Crye-Leike, REALTORS is nearing 100 licensed sales associates in the region - and now ranks as the 3rd largest real estate firm in North Alabama based on recent monthly sales volume.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS   Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the Nations 6th Largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.

OLIVE BRANCH, MS., - After assisting real estate buyers and sellers for the past eight years, Olive Branch Realtor Chris Peaks has learned the importance of keeping his education of the market current and up-to-date.   In order to help his clients make smart decisions, Chris recently completed training to earn his professional real estate designation as a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).   "With the challenges buyers and sellers face in the market today, it is very important for Realtors to continue their education and be knowledgeable about everything happening in the current market," said Crye-Leike Realtor Chris Peaks. "With CRS training, agents learn about potential pitfalls and opportunities that can be identified up front making the home buying or selling experience a success."   Chris joins a select few realtors with the CRS credential. The CRS designation gives buyers and sellers who work with Chris the confidence to know they are working with a professional who subscribes to a strict realtor code of ethics, has access to the latest technology and specializes in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.   To obtain the CRS designation, Chris successfully completed advanced courses and demonstrated personal expertise in the field of residential real estate. Less than four percent of Realtors nationwide have earned the CRS designation and every Realtor who earns the title must have a significant mix of education, experience, and number of real estate transactions.   "The educational courses required in earning the CRS designation taught me how to effectively represent buyers and sellers in every aspect of the real estate transaction," said Chris. "It is my responsibility as a Realtor to have as much knowledge as possible to share with my clients so they can make the decisions that's best for them."   Chris strives to keep learning and keep current on what's happening in the local real estate market. In addition to being a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Chris is as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), a Certified Relocation Associate (CRA), a Certified Premier Property Specialist (CPPS) and Graduate REALTORS Institute (GRI).   More About Crye-Leike Realtor Chris Peaks   Since 2001, Chris has been a licensed Realtor in Tennessee and Mississippi assisting buyers and sellers in and around Desoto, Shelby, Marshall and Fayette counties. He is a Sales Associate based out of Crye-Leike, REALTORS Olive Branch office located at 6397 Goodman Road.   Chris specializes in residential real estate focusing on first-time homebuyers, new home construction, relocation, and foreclosure properties. He is a lifetime member of Crye-Leike's Multi-Million Dollar Club.   In order to stay current on what is happening in local and national real estate markets, Chris is a member of the Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors, the Mississippi Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Realtor Chris Peaks by phone at 901-849-1607 or by e-mail at chris.peaks@crye-leike.com. Find Chris on the web at http://chrispeaks.crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.    

MEMPHIS, TN., - In the midst of an economic recession and a real estate sales market some call the worst ever - Crye-Leike Commercial Memphis is set to record its 3rd Best Sales & Lease Quarter Ever. Pushing the company's commercial division to this achievement by most accounts is a single purchase transaction representing the Conwood Company, LLC of Memphis valued in excess of $19-million.   "This has been months in the making," said Mack Browder, Senior Broker with Crye-Leike Commercial in Memphis. "The Conwood Company had been looking to acquire a large industrial property and I was thrilled to help company officials find and negotiate the purchase of a new facility at the Chickasaw Industrial Park in Memphis."   The 787,500 square foot Chickasaw facility was owned by an affiliate of JP Morgan Bank and was previously leased to Hewlett Packard. The purchase represents a continued commitment in the MidSouth by the Conwood Company - which has had a presence in Memphis for more than 200 years.   "I am pleased to be engaged by a large international corporation as its exclusive agent in locating this facility," said Browder. "This deal ranks in the top 10 real estate transactions I have completed. Working with large, well-known law firms and large nationally known real estate firms is always interesting and rewarding."   About Senior Broker Mack Browder Crye-Leike Sales Associate Mack Browder has specialized in commercial investment properties for more than 24 years. He is a licensed Broker in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. Browder is a member of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR), Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) and National Association of Realtors (NAR).   Browder joined Crye-Leike Commercial in April 1994 and he is based out of the division's office located at the Crye-Leike, REALTORS Corporate Headquarters, 6525 Quail Hollow Road, Suite 401, Memphis, Tennessee.   For all your commercial real estate needs and personal referrals, contact Senior Broker Mack Browder directly by phone at 901-568-4444 and email: mack@mackbiz.com.   About Crye-Leike Commercial Memphis Crye-Leike Commercial is a division of Crye-Leike, REALTORS. The full service Memphis commercial real estate company assists clients in finding commercial property for sale in the Greater Memphis, Tennessee region.   Associates work with buyers, sellers, investors, developers and landlords. The Memphis Commercial Property Services include everything from helping clients find Memphis commercial office space for lease, to listing and marketing your commercial real estate in Memphis, Tennessee, to helping sell or buy an existing business, to full property management services.   Crye-Leike Commercial has 16 commercial brokers in the Memphis office and more than 50 commercial brokers in our Nashville, Chattanooga, Little Rock, Jackson, MS and Atlanta Commercial branch offices.   About The Conwood Company, LLC Conwood Company, LLC is a part of a tradition that has been providing quality smokeless tobacco products for over 200 years. The company is committed to providing adult tobacco consumers with the highest quality and best tasting smokeless tobacco products available and being identified by our customers as a responsive, innovative, and efficient business partner.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the Nations 6th Largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.  

FRANKLIN, TN., - After working with real estate buyers and sellers for the last three years, Franklin Realtor Scott Kelley knows the importance of keeping his education and knowledge of the market up-to-date.   "It's important in today's market that we as agents continue our education and earn designations in order to help our clients navigate through this challenging housing market," said Crye-Leike Realtor Scott Kelley. "It is our responsibility to have as much knowledge as possible to share with our clients so they can make the decisions that's best for them."   In order to better assist his clients, Scott completed training to earn his professional real estate designation as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). The designation is awarded to agents who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.   To obtain the ABR designation Scott successfully completed a comprehensive course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on a buyer representation specialty.   "These courses provide the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of how to best represent the buyer in real estate transactions," said Scott. "Earning designations like the ABR combined with being involved in local realtor associations and keeping current on what is happening in our local market helps me be more qualified to meet all my clients' needs."   Scott is a licensed Realtor in Tennessee assisting buyers and sellers in and around Williamson, Davidson, Maury and Rutherford counties. He specializes in all types of residential real estate focusing on relocation, first-time buyers and buyers who haven't bought property in a few years.   "I really enjoy working with clients that are relocating," said Scott. "I have relocated several times to unfamiliar areas and knowing the difficulties in doing so gives me the edge in helping clients new to Middle Tennessee."   Scott is a member of the Williamson County Association of Realtors, the Tennessee Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.   "I pride myself in being a focused Realtor," said Scott. "My clients receive the attention that they expect and deserve before, during, and after the transaction. Being part of Crye-Leike, REALTORS, my clients feel confident knowing that they are working with the number one real estate company in Middle Tennessee."   Realtor Scott Kelley is based out of Crye-Leike, REALTORS Franklin, Tennessee branch office located at 206A Cool Springs Boulevard.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals contact Crye-Leike Realtor Scott Kelley directly by phone at 615-715-3232 or by e-mail at scott.kelley@crye-leike.com. Find Scott on the web at http://scottkelley.crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.  

FAIRVIEW, TN., - As more and more real estate sales involve buyers and sellers dealing with properties heading for foreclosure or already foreclosed on by the bank - many licensed Realtors have been forced to ?change their game' and approach in order to adapt to this new ?traditional' real estate transaction.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS Fairview Agent Teresa Lampley recently completed a new Short Sale & Foreclosure course being offered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). She now feels better equipped with both the tools and ?know how' to help sellers maneuver and negotiate the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.   "I sought to achieve this designation in order to better serve those clients who are currently upside down in their homes and wanting to sell," said Lampley. "Often times people want to get out from under a mortgage that has become too difficult to manage with mounting and unforeseen expenses due to job loss, illness or some other life event."   Now armed with her new Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) designation from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Lampley is NAR certified to qualify sellers, negotiate with lenders, limit risks and protect buyers.   "Often times it just comes down to great communication and knowing how to deal with bank representatives and others involved in a short sale or foreclosure transaction," said Lampley. "These situations can often go from bad to worse for either a seller trying to get out from under their mortgage burden or a buyer trying to get an amazing opportunity. It's my goal to help people on both sides achieve their goals by selling a home that gives everyone in the transaction a fresh start."   As a SFR certified Realtor - Teresa has successfully completed all the required prerequisite and program course work to become a National Association of Realtors qualified Short Sales & Foreclosures (SFR) specialist.   More About Crye-Leike Realtor Teresa Lampley Crye-Leike's Teresa Lampley is a licensed Affiliate Broker in Tennessee assisting buyers and sellers in and around Williamson, Hickman, Dickson, Davidson, Maury and Cheatham counties. She lives in the Fairview community and specializes in all types of residential real estate sales with a focus on: commercial and investment properties, first time home buyers, relocation, new home construction, farm and land, condominiums and town homes.   Teresa is a Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI), Rookie of the Year and member of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors (GNAR), the Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals contact Crye-Leike Realtor Teresa Lampley directly by phone at 615-268-5737, email: teresa.scottlampley@crye-leike.com and you can find her on the web at http://www.teresasellshouses.crye-leike.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the Nations 6th Largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.  

SPRING HILL, TN., Few people would argue with a homeowner trying to sell in the current real estate market that it's enough to drive even the most sane person a little crazy. In Spring Hill, Tennessee - a community that's home to an idle General Motors auto plant - home sales are especially slow and sellers grow more anxious by the day.   Crye-Leike, REALTORS agent Trish Butler realized recently she needed to do something a bit drastic if she was going to help one of her current sellers in Spring Hill - really stand out in the crowd.   "I came up with the idea of having a Crazy Offer Day," said Trish. "My client has relocated for his job to Pennsylvania and hasn't had a ?workable' offer on the house - which has been on the market now for quite some time."   Trish says the current sales price has been reduced to less than what the home was purchased for two and a half years ago. And with a backdrop of growing economic uncertainty, unemployment and an idle car plant a ?Crazy Offer Day" actually sounds like a pretty reasonable approach.   "When GM announced the plant's idle status, showings came to an abrupt halt," said Trish. "All we're looking for is a workable offer."   The Crazy Offer Day is set for Sunday, October 11, 2009 - with a preview day on Saturday the 10th. The buyer must be pre-qualified with a ?reputable lender' and sign ?relocation addendums.'   "This would be a great home for a first time homebuyer," said Trish. "And if that's the case the clock is ticking since the buyer would need to close no later than Monday, November 30, 2009 in order to qualify for the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit."   The home, located at 1184 Cynthia Lane in Spring Hill, Tennessee, has been on the market for ten months and the original list price of $254,500 has been reduced to $249,500. The seller will entertain all reasonable offers "crazy or not".   More About Realtor Trish Butler Realtor Trish Butler is a licensed Affiliate Broker in Tennessee assisting buyers and sellers in and around Spring Hill, Maury and Williamson counties. She specializes in all types of residential real estate sales with a focus on first time homebuyer, relocation and new construction.   Trish is a REALTOR Institute Graduate (GRI) Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) A top 125 Crye-Leike Associate in Middle Tennessee and Crye-Leike Multi Million Dollar Club member. She is a member of the Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR) and National Association of Realtors (NAR). Trish is based out of the company's Franklin/Cool Springs branch office located at 206 Cool Springs Blvd.   For all your real estate needs and personal referrals you can contact Crye-Leike, REALTORS Affiliate Broker Trish Butler directly by phone at 615-812-9914 and 615-771-6620 ext. 1113, email trish@trishbutler.com and you can find her on the web at http://www.trishbutler.com.   About Crye-Leike, REALTORS Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the nine-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oklahoma.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.