for more because the market crashed. Appraisers made a lot of money by appraising homes for more and taking money from sellers. The market crash helped to clean that up. The appurtenance of the agents is now much better as well. The industry is also now fully computerized, and there are classes for learning computer systems. Realtors also have to be more transparent about houses. For example, if I sell a house and the carpet has been used and dirty, I say I will clean the carpet for the client out of my pocket because I want their business. I tell people that I will buy them a home warranty for the house for one year. I want them to know they are getting a good house from me. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? In motel sales, a lot of times the property that is presented is not what it seems. I went to a property in Kingsport, Tennessee, and a man highlighted his property as if it was the Taj Mahal. When I walked into the rooms, the odor was so strong that I walked right out. I have gone to hotels and told them what they need to repair or how to improve. If you shoot people straight and tell them why something didn’t sell, it always comes back to praise you or haunt you. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? It is easier for agents to sell properties and for the buyers to know what they are buying. Buyers have also become more educated about how they examine houses. I tell them everything, but a lot of people still don’t check the computer, so I also tell them to have their house inspected after buying it. That way, everything gets checked out, which makes the industry better. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Computers have really revolutionized the real estate business. When I started in the industry, we had a book that came out once a week and had ten houses on a page. Since the computer came on the scene, those books went out the window, and we have to do everything online. You meet a lot of nice people — 90% of the people in real estate are really pleasant, and the other 10% are crooks. What excites you the most about your industry? I am a fanatic for physical fitness — I do everything from running to lifting weights, and I’ve entered the Senior Olympics so many times. I am also writing a book about how to live up to 200 years old since I know a lot about conditioning and about what and what not to eat. I have a degree in physical fitness from college, and I have been very lucky to work in a groove where physical fitness is important. I also love real estate — it’s competitive but also a lot of fun, and it lets you meet a lot of good people. I found a niche in that industry where I am successfully selling motels, but I love residential sales as well. I got lucky and sold my first motel one month before the World’s Fair Park opened up in Knoxville, Tennessee, not really knowing what I was doing. Fifth Edition Marquis Who’s Who INSIGHT 15 INSIGHT MARQUIS WHO′S WHO FIFTH EDITION
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ5NDA2