Premier Properties Realty, Athens, Tennessee
How did you become interested in real estate?
I was a communications major in college, and I reported for a couple of news channels. I figured out very quickly that I could not live on the salary, and it was such a cutthroat profession. I decided that was not for me, so I worked for a major insurance corporation for about a year. I knew that I could not deal with the monotony of going in and doing the same thing every day.
A friend of mine who owned a real estate company suggested that I get my license and come work for her. I went to class every weekend for a month, took my test and passed. I knew immediately that I had found my calling.
How did you become involved with RRC?
At the time, I was involved with several local, state and national associations, served as president for the River Counties Association of REALTORS® and had taken part in the NAR Leadership Academy. I was at a state event and was invited by friends of mine to attend an RRC luncheon, and it was absolutely incredible. I was so impressed with how involved everyone was. I had been thinking that one day I would get my CRS Designation but hadn’t realized the value of the education, collaboration and networking it offered. So right then and there, I said, “Here’s my fee—I want to join!”
Have you taken classes since becoming a CRS Designee?
I have taken so many classes. It’s kind of funny because I’m an educator. I believe that the more you know, the better service you can offer your clients and customers. When I renewed my membership this year, I went all-in on the webinars and all the courses that I could take. As a broker/owner, it’s important for me to know how to train my team and what’s trending. Education is everything to me, and I typically average about 50 hours of continuing education annually.
What is going on in your market?
We say “all real estate is local.” Well, it’s global, as well. We’re experiencing the same trends here with low inventory and, as I like to say, “accelerated” home prices. I don’t say “inflated” because a house is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. The community is growing, but the housing availability and affordability is like anywhere else. As a REALTOR®, I must be proactive—shaking trees, knocking on doors, asking people if they want to get the return on their home investment. The problem is, where does a seller move to? I think this is what brings out the creativity and the ingenuity of REALTORS®. When the norms are abruptly changing, you have to change the game. It’s a challenge, but I see it as an opportunity, too.
Have you had any interesting transactions?
I love helping first-time homebuyers realize their dream of owning. I had a closing recently with a young lady—it’s almost been a whole year since we started the process. Three contracts later, she got to close on her home. She’s 21 years old, but her determination and her tenacity for wanting a home drove her. That motivated me to do everything I possibly could to make that transaction easier.
What kinds of community activities are you involved in?
I am currently serving as president for Habitat for Humanity for McMinn County because I wanted to give back to the community where I was born and raised and where I live now. I serve on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce in my area. And I belong to an organization called Women United for Community Service that gives scholarships to graduating seniors to further their education. Being able to connect with those students and their aspirations for the future is awesome.
Ingrid Prather, CRS, achieved the CRS Designation in 2021. She can be reached at premierpropertiesrealty@comcast.net or 423-381-9087.
