On the REAL Trends 500 report, Keller Williams brokerages represented 23 percent (116 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed transactions and 24 percent (119 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed volume. The number of KW brokers ranked on the list far surpassed all other major franchise players.

Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., stated: “These results are proof that our people and their businesses are thriving. We’ve provided a strong platform and economic model that supports their productivity and profitability and they are winning in their local markets. We are so proud and honored to be in business with every agent and offices that contributed to this success.”

In addition to the overall rankings, Keller Williams offices made up more than 50 percent of the following lists: Top Firms Ranked by Closed Transactions per Office (more than 165 percent more transactions per office than its closest competitors), Top Firms Ranked by Closed Sales Volume per Office, Top Movers with Largest Percentage Increase in Volume, Top Movers with Largest Percentage Increase in Number of Transactions.

The rankings reflect a year of strong growth and forward momentum for the company in several key areas. Keller Williams Realty’s per agent productivity (in units closed) increased year over year, by 19 percent. The average gross commissions earned per agent also increased by more than 16 percent. And the company gave back more than $38 million to its associates in profit share in 2011, an 11 percent increase over the previous year.

Willis stated: “Our goal is to always be moving forward in every single key metric and we are — in agent count, agent productivity, office profitability and profit share. Just last month, our company grew by almost 1,000 associates. We’re not sure that any other company can say that in today’s market. Once again, our agents and offices are once again leading us to the top of the industry.”

“Our agents drive the success,” added Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “None of this would be possible without their dedication and tenacity in today’s market.”

Last year, Keller Williams Realty surpassed Century 21 to become the 2nd largest real estate company in the United States and also recently announced its first overseas franchise in Vietnam and plans to add 50,000 global associates over the next 10 years.

For more details, the full reports are available on the REAL Trends Website: http://www.realtrends.com.

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About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.:
Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 700 offices and almost 75,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). Information about Keller Williams Realty’s international expansion can be found at (www.kwworldwide.com).

If you would like to purchase a ticket please stop by our office at 1573 Highlands Rd in Franklin. Please know that ALL the proceeds are used LOCALLY for the children in our community. We also have bins set up at our office for food donations and we have a list of things that are needed for this program. Thank you for all of those willing to help.

We will also be selling raffle tickets for the BEST CAKE IN MACON COUNTY, the purple ribbon winner at the county fair baked by our very own Bill Thrasher. Bill’s Cake was sold for $200.00+ at the fair and we were told that it was the best cake that the buyer had ever had.

I thought you all might enjoy reading it.

Franklin named a top ten Southern Retirement Destination

By Colin McCandless

pressreporter@thefranklinpress.com

While the recession has contributed to a down year for Franklin’s crucial second home market, the news is not all bad for this Southern Appalachian gem.

Franklin was recently awarded one of the top 10 “Undiscovered Towns for Retirees” distinctions (Southern cities) by the national retiree magazine Retirement Lifestyles, a publication for and about retirees.

Places were awarded the distinction based on educational opportunities, quality of life, income and housing factors, cultural and historical offerings and other amenities attractive to current and future retirees, according to the Retirement Lifestyles news release.

Franklin was the only town in North Carolina to receive top honors from the publication.

“We are pleased so many cities and towns across the South are offering more of the lifestyles retirees want,” said Dan Owens, the magazine’s publisher and National Active Retirement Association (NARA) director.

“But these unique places were recognized for having outstanding livability factors that we are certain will turn visitors into residents.”

To request a free copy of a Retirement Lifestyles magazine visit www.retiresouth.com/.

Featured below are the top ten southern cities that made the list:

Conway, Arkansas

Meridian, Mississippi

Opelika, Alabama

Franklin, North Carolina

Lexington, South Carolina

Abingdon, Virginia

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Opelousas, Louisiana

Kerrville, Texas

Fort Pierce, Florida

Of the thousands of people that visit this area each year, some are just like you, smitten by the majestic beauty of the Western North Caorlina Mountains.   Others are enthralled with our our slower pace of life and the great mountain hospitality. Whatever the case, you have decided to make Franklin, NC or the area your home.

My specialty is helping you to realize your dream of owning a primary residence or second home in the North Carolina Mountains.   In fact, I’ve had a brand new website designed with you in mind to help you find Homes in Franklin, NC and the area.

You’ll find extensive information on Franklin NC Real Estate, our community and the area.   Franklin, of course, is known as the “Gem Capital of the World” and many gem mining operations are open to the public.  You’ll also find our brand new Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts,  a new 1,500 seat theatre that will feature nationally known performers as well as local productions.  Visit our local events page or HERE to learn more about Franklin, North Carolina.

You’ll also find answers to commonly asked NC real estate questions, a mortage calculator and other great helpful tools. I invite you to bookmark this site and make it your one source stop for Franklin, North Carolina Real Estate and visitor information.

Thank you so much for stopping by and please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have by calling 828.332.0088 or drop me an email.