East Lansing based real estate broker,
Tomie Raines, Inc., finished 2012 up 26% in sales volume from 2011, in addition to being up 27% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012. This growth, in addition to an increased staff, is welcome after years of reductions.
As to the reason behind this encouraging growth, President and CEO, Debbie Barnett offers: "Michigan’s economic recovery is well underway and Greater Lansing is leading the way. We are benefitting from this, but since housing is a primary driver of the economy we are also a participant."
Tomie Raines has over 70 agents who are independent contractors and 12 employees. Their agent base is growing and employee count is stable and plan to expand their office to accommodate that growth. Barnett says, "The most important thing, even amidst growth, is to ensure we're investing in our staff; this is what ensures sustained growth and the ability to face the recovery productively."
Barnett is positive about the future of Lansing, calling on major community assets like General Motors, insurance companies, MSU, and the State government as drivers of the positive housing trends the area is experiencing.
Source: Debbie Barnett, Tomie Raines, Inc.
Writer: Veronica Gracia-Wing, Innovation News
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