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Stewart Halcomb currently serves on the Realtracs Advisory Council, where he helps bridge the gap between local Associations and Realtracs by sharing feedback and shaping future initiatives. With over eight years in the real estate industry, Stewart brings a passion for collaboration, advocacy, and creating a better experience for agents, brokers, and clients alike. Read the full spotlight below.

Kicked off the morning at the Hendersonville State of the City with Mayor Jamie Clary!

CEO Jeff Hebb attended the NAR AEI in Denver, CO April 1 through April 4

How long have you been working in the real estate industry? I’ve been in real estate for just over 11 years. How did you get into real estate? I started out in property management. While working there, they encouraged me to get my real estate license. I ended up loving that side of the industry so much that I switched to it permanently. What inspired you to join Sumner REALTORS®? My broker at the time recommended Sumner REALTORS®, and I’ve stayed ever since. What goals or metrics would you like to help Sumner REALTORS® achieve in 2025? I’d love to see increased member involvement. Through efforts like coffee YPN Roast and Real Estate and member gatherings, we want to get everyone in the same room, collaborating and contributing. What is one key lesson or insight you’ve learned over the years in the real estate industry? No two deals are ever exactly the same. Whether you’re working with an agent who’s been in the business for decades or just a few months, staying open-minded and committed to doing the right thing is crucial. What’s one thing you’re particularly excited about in 2025? I’m excited that it’s not 2024! We made it through the spike in interest rates, the NAR settlement, and the election! I’m optimistic it’ll be a fantastic year. How do you see Sumner REALTORS® making a difference in the community or industry you are in? Sumner REALTORS® already makes a positive impact through initiatives like blood drives and gathering candy and eggs for kids for Easter. There’s potential to do even more for the community—after all, if the community is struggling, our businesses and associations suffer too. I believe we can continue improving and making a real difference. What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone aspiring to join the Board or take on a leadership role? Simply go for it—and hold yourself true to your own convictions. Lead because it’s the right thing to do, not just because “that’s how it’s always been done.” Don’t be afraid to make a difference and propose new ideas. How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work? I have two kids, and I’m active in my church. Beyond that, I love hosting people at my house—playing games and watching movies or football together. What is something that most people might not know about you? I own a coffee farm in Uganda! I founded a nonprofit that uses proceeds from coffee farms to benefit underprivileged schools in developing countries.

There's no fooling here! Realtracs provides all tools you need to succeed.

The Tennessee REALTORS® Road Show kicked off this past week visiting Associations in West Tennessee! Their leadership team enjoyed visiting with members at the Central West Tennessee Association of REALTORS® and the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® on Monday, where they heard the latest updates from their associations. They shared a presentation on our advocacy efforts, RPAC, continued educational opportunities, upcoming conferences, and networking events. On Tuesday, the team continued the Road Show and met with members and staff of Reelfoot Regional Association of REALTORS®. They also visited the Tennessee Valley Association of REALTORS® before wrapping up the West Tennessee portion of the Road Show. Next up, we will be traveling to the East Tennessee associations on April 23-25, then to Middle Tennessee associations on August 4-6. So, mark your calendars and plan to join them for an informative presentation, engaging conversations, and networking with colleagues and leadership from across the state.

SB909 by Haile/ HB781 by G. Martin The Governor has signed into law legislation brought by Tennessee REALTORS® which requires a buyer engaged in wholesaling real property to disclose certain information to the seller and a subsequent purchaser. What is “wholesaling”?: The legislation defines this as a real estate transaction where a buyer enters into a contract with a seller to purchase real property and then assigns the buyer’s equitable interest in the real property to a subsequent purchaser for a higher price than the buyer paid for the real property. For buyers engaging in this activity, the following disclosures will be required: a. The nature of the buyer’s equitable interest to subsequent purchasers (letting subsequent purchasers know they are not the actual owner of the property); b. The buyer’s intent to market its equitable interest prior to the execution of the contract; and c. The effective date of any assignment of the buyer’s interest at least three business days prior to the effective date of any assignment. Why is this legislation needed? Disclosures are essential in the context of wholesaling real property to ensure that consumers—whether they are buyers or sellers—have the necessary information to make informed decisions. Real estate transactions, especially wholesaling, can attract unscrupulous practices if transparency is lacking. Requiring these disclosures will help prevent fraud or deceptive practices by ensuring that both parties are fully aware of the wholesaler’s legal standing and intent. There is a two year statute of limitations included in the bill. Tennessee REALTORS® is working on making these disclosures available in our forms library.

CEO Jeff Hebb and President Brian Stewart have been prioritizing office visits for 2025. See more below!

Platinum Preferred Partner Spotlight: Smith Sholar Milliken Matthews