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.
In EXIT Southeast's latest newsletter, Regional Owners' Stacy Strobl and Kenny Lynn share what's coming up with their role as Regional Directors of Texas as well as the latest rankings throughout Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee.EXIT U.S. President Craig Witt digs into preparation, effort and attitude with great insight on all. EXIT Realty N.F.I. Owner/Broker Ranae Stewart is candid about what radically change the way in which her business operates as well as great tips for agents and anyone thinking of buying a franchise. EXIT Realty Mind Set Trainer Michael McCarron shares EXIT’s True VALUE Proposition.Click here or the image below for the full newsletter!
From real estate assistance to closing, EXIT Realty N.F.I. is setting themselves apart with their one stop shop while helping change lives 
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Ranae Stewart, EXIT Realty N.F.I.[/caption]
EXIT Realty N.F.I. Owner/Broker Ranae Stewart, based in Pensacola, said her business is unique because they have all aspects of real estate under one roof from residential and commercial assistance and a title company, which she owns, to an in-house lender as well as property and HOA management.
“A new agent can get the support and help they need from a broker, title company and lender so this gives them a big advantage in the market for their clients and the service they can provide,” Ranae explains. “For me, our business is special because it is about personal growth and helping others. This is what drives me at the end of the day.”
With 21 years of experience with EXIT, Ranae has seen a lot of highs and lows in the real estate business. When she bought in 2000, it was a good opportunity to grow quickly. And, she did, previously owning regional rights to the state of Georgia growing from three agents to 200! Today, she is sharing candor and honesty which can definitely help others grow their business.
I’ve had a lot of success and was good in real estate but was not a good human. I wasn’t able to show I really cared. I took a six-month sabbatical in 2016, and, through prayer based on praise, gratitude and love, changed my heart.
“Today, it is no longer about real estate. It is about helping people,” Ranae reflects. “The last five years, with a change of heart, has definitely changed my business. The bonds and relationships developed are because people know I care. The word gets around when people know you genuinely care.”
Culture and career opportunity are why she believes in EXIT 21 years later.
“Our competition is all about ego and which team member is doing the best,” Ranae says. “We’ve created a culture that is good for everyone – agents and clients. In EXIT, a rising tide lifts all boats! Why would anyone get into a profession where you don’t have career, where there is no future or retirement benefits or where you won’t grow by not sharing with other people?”
Previously, Ranae says she was in a profession where it was “all about me.” Ranae worked with a doctor on multi-level marketing and was attracted to EXIT because it of its single-level residuals and the philosophy of people helping people.
In real estate, usually you are as good as your last deal reflects Ranae and this is where EXIT Realty is unique.
“When I am recruiting people, I am actually offering them a career. Today, with EXIT you can help someone grow and you don’t care if they get ahead of you. Embracing the philosophy of EXIT, you will find a different level of living and it is important to have the right leaders like Tami (Bonnell) and Janice (Petteway),” she said.
And, the residual system is an important difference with EXIT but so is helping people understand you care and are available she says. “This starts at the top. Corporate is always there when I need them and so are Kenny and Stacy (Regional Owners). This is a huge support system.“
Click to learn more about the EXIT Realty residual system.
If you are considering buying a franchise, don’t do it alone she advises.
“There is a reason some people don’t make it in corporate America in the first couple of years. Within EXIT, there is opportunity and support, more than I’ve had at any other time in my life. Working with our founder/chairman Steve Morris and CEO Tami Bonnell is so enriching, They do care about you. Kenny and Stacy are there when you need them but no one is micromanaging and I love that.”
Most people won’t share secrets or give advice which is a huge difference for EXIT, we are allowed to share and care, Ranae says, and she could never go back to a traditional real estate company.
“My best advice for new agents to be successful is meet strangers, make cold calls and get out of your comfort zone,” she says. “Always begin with the end in mind. What do you want your future to look like. Be a listing machine.”
And, Ranae’s agents are successful. Commercial broker Gary Watson was recognized in February as top sales broker for CoStar, the largest commercial real estate information and analytics provider in the country which tracks all sales and leases nationwide. His work also earned top sales firm status for EXIT Realty N.F.I.
Supporting community is important to Ranae and her team with Habitat for Humanity being one of their annual worthy causes which they support with a golf tournament. Previously, they have raised around $35 to $37,000 which corporate has matched.
Ultimately, Ranae says perseverance and emotional resilience have worked for her
“With all of my years in real estate, the EXIT system works but you also have to believe. I grew so fast from before the market crashed it was incredible. I’ve always believed EXIT is a better system. The opportunities are endless and amazing. You can’t even imagine. Once you get it, it is definitely a wow moment.”
Connect with Ranae and EXIT Realty N.F.I. at ranaestewart@exitnfi.com or their Facebook page today.
EXIT Southeast most recently earned #1 Region and #1 in Franchise sales again for EXIT Realty Corp. International, after breaking the all-time corporate record for sales in 2019.  The award-winning region was also just named a 2021 Nashville Business Journal Best in Business finalist! Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and now Texas as Regional Directors, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning team of professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948) today!
Starting a business during a recession takes grit, determination and a special formula to survive and Ed and Janie Andrews had all of this when launching their EXIT Real Estate Solutions franchise in November 2007, which they say was a labor of love. 
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Janie and Ed Andrews, EXIT Real Estate Solutions.[/caption]
With over 60 years of combined real estate experience, the Andrews have a very unique perspective of the industry with EXIT Real Estate Solutions. 
“In the mid 2000s, our business was primarily new construction working with nine different builders, selling new homes and selling clients’ existing homes. We saw the slow down and knew we needed to redefine ourselves. I had actually bought into a KW previously in Hendersonville but we became disillusioned with franchises and ownership,” Ed said.
You know the saying, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Ed and Janie said this was their experience and it took the third time being exposed to the EXIT formula before it resonated!
“Hearing (EXIT Founder/Chairman) Steve Morris speak at an event in Nashville was what we needed. Steve explained EXIT and how it could impact not only our future in real estate but our lives,” Janie said.
Janie originally entered real estate in 1985 and was given one week of training, a desk and the broker saying let me know if you need me.
“We knew we wanted something completely different. Today, our EXIT business is agent focused with us helping them be the best they can be. We take advantage of EXIT training and technology and we really work the 5 Pillars,” she explained.
The duo says working the EXIT Realty’s 5 Pillars of Success have made the difference in their business which includes training, branding, technology, culture, and financial security. Click here to learn more.
Life-changer in two ways is how the Andrews describe the unique EXIT sponsoring system.
“Residuals have helped us recruit new agents but also helped us off set expenses during the beginning as we established our business. It’s helped us invest in our franchise and real estate. We tell our agents to use this to build your portfolio,” Ed said.
It’s definitely changed the Andrews lives says Janie. “It’s been a great recruiting tool for agents. We teach them how to be awesome Realtors and create that additional stream of income. You can make money with listings, selling and helping people realize the EXIT dream.”
A positive mental attitude, incredible staff, while putting God first in life, home and business has been the secret to the Andrews success.
“Honestly, we built our office on a field of dreams – working the 5 Pillars and believing. We built it and they came,” Ed said. “From day one, we said the agents are our clients and you will be first. We started with six and grew to 93 today. Hopefully, each of our agents would say we treat them like our clients when it comes to helping them, and like a family member. No one is treated like a number or taken for granted. Our agents know this and that we are all in for EXIT – 100%. We talk the talk and walk the walk!”
Don’t live by accident. Live on purpose with no regrets and have definitive goals and dreams. They aren’t always the same the Andrews says.
“Our advice for agents is be sure you have a balanced home life, personal life and be focused. When a new agent joins us, we put together a business plan and determine their goals and dreams,” Ed said.
Each year the franchise owners and agents choose a word and in 2021 it has been FOCUS. “This is something we think about daily and even have it on our email signature. Being focused definitely helps everything else fall in line. It also takes teamwork to make the dream work,” he shared.
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EXIT Real Estate Solutions' support and leadership.[/caption]
It takes years to build a company and you have to build it right says Janie.
“First and foremost, be prepared mentally, financially and be committed to doing it right,” she said. “It is definitely like building a house. You have to have the right foundation, from location to people, so you can put the 5 pillars in place. Start with the right attitude, doing it for the right reasons, and the agents will come.”
You couldn't pick a better company or better region to join says Ed. “This is a tried and true formula and you will be a success if you follow the model and follow the leadership. We’ve had an incredible support system from corporate to regional leadership to mentors like Bob McKinnon and Bob Lamb. It is a collaborative effort with an incredible support system.”
Incomparable is how Ed describes the support they have received!
“We can pick up the phone any time and it starts at the top and it is genuine from Steve, Tami and Erika to Kenny and Stacy. It mirrors the EXIT culture. I’ve been involved with multiple franchise businesses and never seen anything like it – the support is unparalleled and it is a life-changer,” Ed said.
Community outreach is a priority company-wide and EXIT Real Estate Solutions has a community involvement committee to set priorities.
In addition to sponsoring Habitat builds, the office hosts a monthly breakfast for the local V.F.W., furnishing a hot breakfast. This led to them in 2021 to supporting K9’s for Warriors with a golf tournament. Under Realtor Beth Ortel’s leadership, the proceeds are helping pair rescue dogs with veterans helping save a canine and a veteran at the same time which was recently featured in the Nashville daily newspaper, The Tennessean. Click here for story.
Through the Spirit of EXIT, dollar-for-dollar matching program, a donation was also made. A portion of every transaction fee is ear-marked for this charitable fund which has given more than $5.5 million to date.
You can connect with Ed and Janie Andrews today by email Ed@EXITRealEstateSolutions.com or office 615-826-0001.
EXIT Southeast most recently earned #1 Region and #1 in Franchise sales again for EXIT Realty Corp. International, after breaking the all-time corporate record for sales in 2019.  The award-winning region was also just named a 2021 Nashville Business Journal Best in Business finalist! Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and now Texas as Regional Directors, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning team of professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948) today!
In May EXIT Southeast news, we share October rally details in Orlando in the Regional Owners' Column, latest rankings and new agents as well as a profile of EXIT Real Estate Solutions Owners Ed & Jane Andrews, share a national feature on EXIT Realty Elite Owner Kel Williams and a fascinating column by EXIT COO Erika Gileo.Click here or the image below to see the newsletter!
EXIT Southeast most recently earned #1 Region and #1 in Franchise sales again for EXIT Realty Corp. International, after breaking the all-time corporate record for sales in 2019.  The award-winning region was also just named a 2021 Nashville Business Journal Best in Business finalist! Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and now Texas as Regional Directors, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning team of professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948) today!
The latest EXIT Southeast newsletter has a great new look!  Check out the latest edition for June which includes the incredible rankings, latest Rally news from Kenny and Stacy as well as an inspiring profile of EXIT Realty Heartland owner Vickie Grimes who just celebrated successfully inviting her 100th agent!  We also included some interesting articles from our corporate leaders you will want to read!Click here to see the latest newsletter or the image below.
EXIT Southeast most recently earned #1 Region and #1 in Franchise sales again for EXIT Realty Corp. International, after breaking the all-time corporate record for sales in 2019.  The award-winning region was also just named a 2021 Nashville Business Journal Best in Business finalist! Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and now Texas as Regional Directors, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning team of professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at info@EXITSoutheast.com.
