Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Real Estate Association in Knoxville, TN
Founded in 1912, East Tennessee REALTORS has served the real estate interests of our members and the public for over 100 years. With more than 5,000 active members specializing in residential, commercial, property management, and appraisal services, we provide comprehensive support to real estate professionals across 12 counties. Our mission is to unite and serve members by enhancing their ability to conduct business ethically, professionally, and successfully while promoting the preservation of property rights. We offer continuing education programs, advocacy at local, state, and national levels, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to facilitate efficient real estate transactions. Our commitment to community involvement is demonstrated through initiatives like the Benevolent Fund, which assists members facing financial hardship. As a trusted voice in real estate, we collaborate with affiliated industries such as mortgage banking, title services, and insurance to strengthen the housing market.Our timeline reflects growth from the Real Estate Board of Knoxville to a regional association representing 12 East Tennessee counties. We maintain strict adherence to the National Association of REALTORS' Code of Ethics, ensuring our members uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Through partnerships like FOREWARN, we provide cutting-edge tools for real estate professionals to verify client information and conduct due diligence. Our Government Affairs department actively shapes policy to protect members' interests, while our educational programs equip professionals with critical designations that significantly increase earning potential. By fostering strategic partnerships and advocating for sustainable community development, we continue to lead as a cornerstone of East Tennessee's real estate industry.
Services
Real Estate Education
Advocacy Services
MLS Access
Professional Development
Community Involvement
Designation Training
Policy Analysis
Member Networking
Market Research
Ethics Compliance
Details
- Year established: 1912
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience supporting real estate professionals in East Tennessee
- Our 5,000+ members represent all aspects of the real estate industry across 12 counties
- We provide exclusive access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and advanced analytics tools
- Our advocacy department actively protects members' interests through policy influence
- We offer specialized education programs that significantly increase professional earning potential
Services
Real Estate Education
We provide comprehensive continuing education programs for real estate professionals, including mandatory TREC Core Courses and elective classes. Our offerings combine in-person and virtual instruction to accommodate busy schedules. These programs help members maintain licensing requirements while enhancing their professional skills and market competitiveness.
Advocacy Services
Our dedicated Government Affairs department advocates for real estate professionals at all government levels. We influence policy decisions affecting property rights, zoning regulations, and industry standards. Through strategic partnerships and grassroots initiatives, we protect members' business interests while promoting sustainable community development across East Tennessee.
MLS Access
We offer access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platform that facilitates property information sharing among real estate professionals. This system enables efficient transaction processes through cooperative brokerage relationships. Our MLS also integrates with regional data-sharing partnerships to expand market coverage and improve client service capabilities.
Professional Development
Our professional development programs include designation training that significantly increases earning potential for REALTORS. These specialized courses cover various real estate niches and have been shown to boost median incomes by over $27,000 annually. We also provide networking opportunities and industry resources to support career advancement.
Community Involvement
Through initiatives like the Benevolent Fund, we provide assistance to members facing financial hardship. Our community engagement extends to policy advocacy for affordable housing and sustainable development. We also facilitate partnerships between real estate professionals and local organizations to strengthen East Tennessee communities.
People
Lyle Irish
Chief Executive Officer
Lyle Irish leads East Tennessee REALTORS as CEO with extensive industry experience and certifications including CAE and RCE. He oversees strategic operations and organizational leadership.
Steve Lawson
Chief Financial Officer
Steve Lawson manages financial operations as Chief Financial Officer with expertise in accounting and real estate industry management. He holds CPA and C2EX certifications.
Donna Roach
Chief MLS Staff Executive
Donna Roach directs MLS operations with multiple real estate certifications including GRI, ABR, and e-Pro. She manages technology systems and data management services.
Jared Hencke
MLS Director
Jared Hencke oversees MLS operations with expertise in real estate technology and data systems. He holds e-Pro and CMLX certifications and manages training programs.
Teresa Tillery
Membership Director
Teresa Tillery manages membership services and engagement initiatives. With e-Pro certification, she focuses on member recruitment and retention strategies.
Questions
What services does East Tennessee REALTORS provide to members?
We offer MLS access, continuing education programs, advocacy services, market research, and professional development opportunities to enhance real estate careers.
How can I join East Tennessee REALTORS?
Real estate professionals can join through our membership application process, which grants access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and industry tools.
What counties does East Tennessee REALTORS serve?
We represent real estate professionals across 12 East Tennessee counties including Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Roane.
Does East Tennessee REALTORS offer continuing education?
Yes, we provide state-approved continuing education courses including mandatory core classes and elective options both in-person and online.
What advocacy efforts does the association support?
Our Government Affairs department advocates for real estate policy reforms at local, state, and national levels while protecting members' business interests.
How does the organization support professional development?
We offer designation training programs that have been shown to increase REALTORS' median income by over $27,000 annually.
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