Murney Associates celebrates 5th anniversary with merger

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Murney Associates continues to grow as it celebrates its fifth anniversary in business this year. The residential real estate company has experienced dramatic growth since it was formed with seven employees in 1997. |ret||ret||tab|

Murney Associates' sales volume grew from $21.5 million in 1997 to more than $325 million in 2001. |ret||ret||tab|

"It's been a steady growth," founder Patrick Murney said. "We've seen a 30 percent increase in sales in both of the last two years." |ret||ret||tab|

With the recent merger with Billy Long Inc. (formerly Billy Long Keller Williams Realty), the company became Murney Associates LLC. Its number of agents increased to 338, and 2003 sales are projected to be $600 million to $700 million. |ret||ret||tab|

"I think it's going to be a good mix to have different ideas from both companies," Murney said. |ret||ret||tab|

Twila Hillme, Murney Associates' chief of operations, said joining forces with Billy Long Inc. is a positive step. Additional training options will be available to agents, and the extra office space at 620 W. Republic Road will help accommodate continued growth, she said. |ret||ret||tab|

"They've got great agents, too. It's just a good fit for us," Hillme said.|ret||ret||tab|

Murney Associates main office is at 1625 E. Primrose St. in Springfield, with other locations at Highland Springs, Nixa and Ozark. |ret||ret||tab|

Hillme added that although Murney Associates is a large company, each agent is treated as an individual.|ret||ret||tab|

"We've always said we never started out to be the biggest, just the best, and that's still our goal," she said.|ret||ret||tab|

Murney described the company as "cohesive" and said the agents and staff members pull together and make a commitment to forming an excellent company. |ret||ret||tab|

Providing good customer service and an atmosphere conducive to a first-class real estate service are two reasons for their success, he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Murney stressed that the agents have made Murney Associates what it is. "We really do have the philosophy that everyone in this company is equal," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Murney noted the company has had limited turnover during its five years in business. |ret||ret||tab|

"We hope to have continued growth and keep the same philosophies we've had all along."|ret||ret||tab|

However, the company has not been without its share of growing pains. It is challenging at times to keep the customer first while still managing tremendous growth, Murney said. |ret||ret||tab|

Daily changes are required to handle high volumes of business. The agents and staff have to work together to keep the office rolling and stay ahead of the competition, he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Hillme said just the volume of paperwork and data processing can be overwhelming. |ret||ret||tab|

"But we have a great staff. They're always willing to step up and do whatever is needed," she said. |ret||ret||tab|

When new agents join the company, Murney said he advises them to be patient, because it usually takes a while to learn the real estate business and build up their income. |ret||ret||tab|

Jack Rhoads, a broker with Murney Associates, provides specialized marketing training programs for real estate agents. |ret||ret||tab|

"Even with seasoned agents, there is a transition period," Rhoads said. "We try to help them in that direction." |ret||ret||tab|

Rhoads trains new agents in several areas, including listing and showing property, financing, and writing contracts. There are plenty of details to consider in every real estate transaction, he said. |ret||ret||tab|

"Beyond selling is property inspections and finalization of the 17-page contract that we are involved in with every deal," Rhoads said. |ret||ret||tab|

Murney said agents are constantly learning new things because of changes in the economy and the real estate industry.|ret||ret||tab|

"That's the fun part of selling real estate. |ret||ret||tab|

"You can't be bored; you learn something new every day. You have to be willing to change," Rhoads said. |ret||ret||tab|

When buying or selling a home, Hillme said, consumers should choose a real estate agent with whom they can communicate. Murney added that the agent should be knowledgeable and someone they can trust. |ret||ret||tab|

Murney and Rhoads agreed that listening to the consumer is vital.|ret||ret||tab|

"A real estate transaction is a very emotional transaction, because it's their home," Murney said.|ret||ret||tab|

"We try to keep that in the forefront of our thoughts."|ret||ret||tab|

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