How One Tennessee Real Estate Firm Turned Fear Into Optimism

In March 2024, the real estate industry faced a big shift as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a landmark settlement in the Sitzer/Burnett case.

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 3rd Jan 2025 – The settlement introduced many changes, including the removal of cooperative commissions from the MLS and a mandate for Buyer Representation Forms. While Tennessee already had this form, the change still stirred uncertainty among agents and clients alike.

“We don’t believe in amplifying fear or anxiety,” stated Justin Bailey, CEO of Realty Executives Associates (REA). “We believe in keeping our agents informed while helping them adapt to change. Change is inevitable in the real estate industry.”

Determined to face these challenges head-on, REA developed a multi-pronged strategy to turn uncertainty into an opportunity for growth and innovation.

One of the cornerstones of REA’s approach was consistent, transparent communication. Beginning in March, CEO Justin Bailey initiated weekly updates to the firm’s agents. These updates provided a comprehensive recap of industry changes, offering clarity and context during a time of significant flux.

“If I can keep our agents informed and educated, they can keep their clients and the general public better informed as well,” Bailey explained. By prioritizing internal communication, REA ensured that its agents remained confident, knowledgeable, and prepared to address clients’ concerns effectively.

In tandem with these updates, REA ramped up its training initiatives. Recognizing the need for agents to fully understand the implications of the Buyer Representation Form, the company hosted weekly training sessions led by COO Pat McGill, who brings over four decades of real estate experience to the table.

“Training is nothing new at Realty Executives Associates,” McGill shared. “We strongly value education. We’ve weathered countless changes in real estate over the years, and the changes in 2024 were just another challenge we adapted to.”

In addition to Buyer Representation Form workshops, REA hosted town hall meetings and invited special guest trainers to provide insights and guidance. These efforts equipped agents with the tools they needed to thrive in an evolving landscape.

Beyond internal measures, REA also sought to reassure and educate the public about the value of working with a REALTOR. Through a mix of paid advertising and earned media coverage, the firm launched a campaign to highlight the expertise, advantages, and value REALTORS bring to the table.

Realty Executives Associates proactive response serves as a blueprint for turning fear into optimism, a lesson that resonates far beyond the real estate sector.

“Our agents are resilient, and so is our company,” Bailey reflected. “Together, we’ve shown that change is not something to fear but something to embrace and overcome.”


Media Contact

Organization: Realty Executives Associates

Contact Person: Kyle Basila

Website: https://realtyexecutives.com/

Email: Send Email

City: Knoxville

State: Tennessee

Country: United States

Release Id: 03012522169