You’ll want to dig into our blogs as we share monthly newsletters and profiles of success EXIT Southeast franchises. It’s important to dig deeper beyond a social media post to find inspiration and help to better your own business today.
Owning your own business or franchise can be challenging sometimes and EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Kenny Lynn says Fridays are the day he chooses to send his franchise owners encouragement and motivation with something now affectionately named “Fearless Fridays with Kenny.”
Every Friday morning, Kenny sends out motivational quotes to franchise owners to help them finish the week inspired. He knows how many issues a franchise owner faces and loves giving them extra support and a little motivation to end the week strong!
“I started Fearless Fridays because I feel like at the end of the week our owners have faced so many things,” Kenny said. “I wanted to take the time to send out a personal message to them Fridays to make them feel better and encourage them going into the weekend.”
If you are interested in joining an award-winning team of unstoppable professionals in Georgia, Kentucky or Tennessee, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl to find about more about investing in your own business by giving her a call today at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948).  EXIT Southeast was named #1 region in North America for EXIT Realty Corp. International as well as earned Best in Business finalist for the Nashville Business Journal in 2018.
In the real estate industry, EXIT Southeast brokers and agents are interviewed by area media on subjects from rising home costs and home buying trends to new construction. Check out these great stories.[caption id="attachment_3941" align="alignleft" width="242"]
Kendre Dolan and Josh Helton's family. The family made the decision to make the move to Lebanon after spending time in a smaller Wedgewood-Houston home.[/caption]
Homeowners today are taking their children’s needs and wishes  into the home-buying process more than ever. Millennial parents in particular seem to be a bigger part of this trend, according to a recent Tennessean article, with nearly three-quarters of them saying their kids influenced their home-buying decision.Lauren Bonavenia, part of the Bodden Sister Team at EXIT Realty Music City, helped a Nashville family find their next home in the Middle Tennessee area which needed to be kid approved, have more land a kids’ play area and more square-foot space for the family as a whole. “They want a great environment for the kids, but Nashville is a great town and they want to stay close,” Bonavenia explains about Kendre Dolan and Josh Helton’s family’s new home. The family made the decision to move from Wedgewood-Houston to Lebanon. Parents want a home that comes with a kid-friendly seal of approval. Baley Bodden, The Bodden Sisters Team at EXIT Realty Music City, noted people without children are also buying homes with their future families in mind. Two of the top aspects these buyers are interested in are outdoor yard space and an exceptional school zone.[gallery size="medium" columns="2" ids="http://exitsoutheast.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Baley-Bodden-The-Bodden-Sisters-Team-of-EXIT-Realty-Music-City-e1534533552511.jpg|Baley Bodden, The Bodden Sisters Team,http://exitsoutheast.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lauren-Bonavenia-The-Bodden-Sisters-Team-of-EXIT-Realty-Music-City-e1534533567436.jpg|Lauren Bonavenia, The Bodden Sisters Team"]Do you think your kids play a major role in home-buying decisions? To learn more, visit the article here. [caption id="attachment_3940" align="alignleft" width="368"]
Fun and functional are words one might use to describe these built-in bunk beds by Carbine & Associates highlighted in a Tennessean story.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_3939" align="alignright" width="198"]
EXIT Realtor, Laura Grzegorczyk, shares her thoughts on built-in bunk beds and their impact on resale. To read more about this story, click here.[/caption]Recently in the home buying and homebuilding process, there has been an increase in requests for built-in bunk beds as either a fun space for families or for guests. Highlighted in a recent Tennessean article, Laura Grzegorczyk, Realtor with EXIT Realty King & Associates, was asked her opinion on the functionality of bunk beds during the home buying process. Grzegorczyk says this need for built-in bunk beds varies from client to client, with an added value for the larger families.“For other buyers, it will be something they view as negative that has to be ‘fixed’ after closing,” she says. “It also depends on the layout of the home. For example, a larger more custom home that has multiple bedrooms with built-in bunk beds may be appealing as an extra, added upgrade.”This trend is fairly new and is continuing to grow. Design inspiration website Pinterest, has played a pivotal role in the home design process with buyers “pinning”  built-in bunk beds during the design process of their future homes.[caption id="attachment_3944" align="alignright" width="427"]
Adding a sliding barn door to the interior of your home can add style and a little character to your home including this pretty home built by Carbine & Associates.[/caption]
Adding a sliding barn door to the interior of your home can add style and a little character to your home. One of the most recent questions in the design world was whether or not barn doors can add value to a home during the buying process.Realtor Monte Mohr with EXIT Realty in Cool Springs, weighed in on the subject saying he agrees barn doors are unique and often artistic, but do not necessarily add value to a home. “I think barn doors fall into the category of personal enjoyment,” he says. “You have to be okay with enjoying them yourself, but I wouldn’t consider it an investment.” Others believe people have chosen to incorporate these in their homes because of the additional space these doors provide, by freeing up space a traditional door might take up. An additional bonus is the artistic touch these sliding barn doors can add to a home. To learn more, read the article here.
[caption id="attachment_3938" align="alignleft" width="231"]
Derrick Miller with EXIT Realty Garden Gate. To read more about the story, click here.[/caption]Home prices have continued to increase across the Middle Tennessee region, but Sumner County continues to remain affordable for the housing market. Derrick Miller, broker with EXIT Realty Garden Gate explains prices are slightly rising across Sumner County, but at a slower pace compared to other counties in the region, making it a great value option for homebuyers. Sumner County is located just thirty minutes outside Nashville and can save homebuyers close to $50,000 to $100,000. People don’t mind making the commute to save some money, buying houses out in Portland, White House and Gallatin.Sumner County home prices average at $319,821, while homes in Davidson County average at $406,125.
Across Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. Earning the #1 U.S. region in 2017 for EXIT Realty Corp. International, if you are looking to join an award-winning team of unstoppable professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT. (412-568-3948).
After last fall’s successful training sessions, EXIT Southeast is proud to announce September 18-20 “Work SMARTER not HARDER” sessions with Janice Petteway, EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Director of Brokerage Services. With multiple locations over three days, the session was affectionately named last year, Cannonball Run, after the famous Burt Reynolds movie. #RIPBanditHere’s more in our video announcement.
Janice Petteway is incredible knowledgeable at all levels of the real estate business say EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl.[caption id="attachment_3951" align="aligncenter" width="575"]
After last year's successful Cannonball Run fall training session, Janice Petteway returns for Cannon Ball Run II "Work SMARTER not Harder." #RIPBandit[/caption]“With a wealth of knowledge at every level, she’s able to educate and inspire agents – no matter where they are in their career,” Stacy says.  Kenny added, “This is a free training session for EXIT Southeast brokers, owners and agents to learn how to work smarter NOT harder and will focus on creating more transactions.”
Owners must RSVP for all agents to stacy@exittn.com There are several owner only receptions planned as well so look for additional information via email.Beginning in Nashville on September 18, there will be a morning session from 8:30 a.m. to noon and repeated in the afternoon from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Nashville at the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors’ office. There is a limit of 120 persons per session so follow up with your owner ASAP to secure a spot.On Wednesday, September 19, there will be a session from 1-4:30 p.m. in Knoxville at the Clarion Hotel, 5335 Central Avenue Pike, Knoxville, TN 37912.Louisville training will be held September 20 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Be sure and RSVP to your owner and the location is TBD so stay tuned.
 Last year, Janice set down with us to explain how EXIT Southeast sets the standard with support, training and technology. Here’s more.
Helping owners have a successful real estate business is the heart of EXIT Southeast’s mission. Across Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. Earning the #1 U.S. region in 2017 for EXIT Realty Corp. International, if you are looking to join an award-winning team of unstoppable professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948).
Empowering Realtors through knowledge and awareness is a priority during September’s Realtor Safety Month as EXIT Southeast continues to highlight safety concerns and shares great tips from EXIT Realty East Nashville taken from an agent safety training course.[caption id="attachment_3957" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Sheila Tidwell and her EXIT Realty East Nashville team participated in a Realtor safety session.[/caption]
Staying alert is one of the top priorities says Sheila Tidwell, owner of EXIT Realty East Nashville. Sheila and partner, Connie Williams, said the additional training has helped them all be more prepared. Here’s more on their story recently highlighted in a Tennessean article& in this helpful video below.
Hosting an open house is one of the many responsibilities of a realtor. It is essential to be alert in the case of an unsafe situation and when meeting prospective clients. Prior to hosting an open house, don’t schedule a private showing until you have met the client in person. Keep a visitor log book and have each potential client fill out a client identification form. Before heading out to your appointment, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
When meeting with prospective clients at the home, keep your personal information to a minimum, giving too much information could make you a target. Store valuable home or personal items in a safe place or hidden in your vehicle prior to the showing. While you are touring the home, always stay in the back, gesturing for your guests to go ahead of you. Keep an eye out around the home and think of possible exits if you need to get out immediately, it is always better to be prepared in these situations.
EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Stacy Strobl and Kenny Lynn encourage offices and teams to host regular safety seminars about ways to be more alert while on the job or partake in self-defense classes to boost self-confidence.[caption id="attachment_3838" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Realtor safety training and office protocol should be a priority says EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Stacy Strobl and Kenny Lynn.[/caption]Not only the month of September, but throughout the year, it is important to remind team members of these tips says Stacy.Kenny added, post ideas on your website, social media pages and emails or hand out checklists with reminders. Here's another great list of tips to consider:
Across Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. Earning the #1 U.S. region in 2017 for EXIT Realty Corp. International, if you are looking to join an award-winning team of unstoppable professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT. (412-568-3948).
With four EXIT Key Realty offices in East Tennessee, a huge heart for community outreach and a new title as first lady of Knox County, franchise owner Crystal Jacobs knows a thing or two about juggling hats, motivating people and staying focused. This week on the EXIT Southeast blog, she shares her love of EXIT and her heart for helping others.[caption id="attachment_3962" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Crystal Jacobs, with husband Glenn in photo, the new Knox County Mayor, is the owner of EXIT Key Realty with offices in Lenoir City, Knoxville, Morristown and one coming soon in Strawberry Plains.[/caption]
One of the favorite themes for this vibrant franchise with offices in Lenoir City, Knoxville, Morristown and one coming soon in Strawberry Plains is “at EXIT Key Realty, we have the key to your dream and home ownership.”  A very humble and kind leader, Crystal actually has a lot of mantras which drive her family and faith oriented business.[caption id="attachment_3963" align="aligncenter" width="1368"]
Crystal Jacobs says she has a huge heart for animals but her passion is also the 501C3 founded with husband Glenn Jacobs called Kane's Crusaders.[/caption]“What makes us different with our customers and agents is we are very family oriented.  There is a lot of love, support and it gives our agents a sense of belonging.  This carries over when our agents are taking care of their customers,” Crystal says. “When I interview agents, I say if you are uncomfortable being in an office of huggers, being told love you and texts ending in xo, xo, then you don’t need to apply here.”On a recent trip, Crystal’s granddaughter Maddison over heard several business phone calls and asked her, “Mimi, why do you tell everybody you love them.”  She laughed but shared, it may be the only love they get that day.  Everybody loves a sense of family.She also shares her business advice at monthly mixers for agents graduating from Tennessee Real Estate School. “If you are a person getting into this business to make a dollar, don’t care about the outcome for your client and if you can’t put your customers up there with your family and faith, then EXIT isn’t the right place for you. I believe in God, family and our customers as a top priority."
From birds and turtles to possums and skunks, Crystals says she’s done a lot of crazy things to help animals in need and now has only nine dogs.[caption id="attachment_3964" align="aligncenter" width="400"]
Dog rescue is one of the ways in which EXIT Key Realty owner Crystal Jacobs supports her community.[/caption]“I have a huge heart for animals but my passion is the 501C3 founded with my husband Glenn Jacobs whose wrestling alter ego is “Kane." The nonprofit is called Kane’s Crusaders and has two main events each year, Faith To End Hunger, a canned good outreach for outlining communities, and One Unforgettable Night, an annual prom for chronically ill teens at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
“As a mental health therapist for 22 years with the state of Tennessee, I helped seven counties and saw how areas outside the Knoxville area were lacking support services.  Our food drives helps them,” Crystal said.[caption id="attachment_3965" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
One Unforgettable Night, is part of the Jacobs' nonprofit, Kane Crusaders and hosts an annual prom for chronically ill teens at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.[/caption]The annual prom was started after seeing a young woman request a dance as her dying wish. This jump-started the mission which requires planning all year. They’ll be heading to a riverboat on September 9 for a glow party!  For more information on supporting this, click One Unforgettable Night.
She wears many hats and the newest one is first lady of Knox County. While her husband has been very busy taking on this important role, Crystal is looking forward to seeing how she can better serve Knox County.
“I believe we should give someone the value of their worth while they are with us.  People have been so kind to support to me and my husband during this election and I look forward to seeing how I can better serve Knox County.”
Across Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. Earning the #1 U.S. region in 2017 for EXIT Realty Corp. International, if you are looking to join an award-winning team of unstoppable professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948).
