Realtor Dixie Kelly of Greenwood is now hanging her shingle with Flanagan Realty.
The former DuBard Realty agent said she is excited about this new business opportunity but also wants to give back to the Greenwood community, where she grew up.
She will be taking over for broker Sara Flanagan, who opened the agency in February 2008. Flanagan is moving to Indiana, where her husband will work at Balkamp. Balkamp closed its Greenwood plant in 2009.
“With the market and economy the way it is now, I thought more closely about the decision than I would have a few years ago,” Kelly said. “But neither of us wanted to see another business close.”
After hearing in September that the Balkamp plant would close, Flanagan and her husband decided in December to make the move. Flanagan, a Greenwood native, said the process all happened fairly quickly for them.
Still, she said, having Kelly take the reins was a natural progression and a good thing for the agency.
“We had an excellent working relationship while we were with DuBard and have stayed close over the years,” said Flanagan. “She is at the point where she wants to grow her business, and this is a great way.”
In order to do that, Kelly must pass the broker’s licensing exam while continuing as a Realtor.
“I am really up against some deadlines,” said Kelly.
Flanagan will stay through August while Kelly finishes her online courses and prepares to sit for the exam.
At least she will not be starting from scratch.
“It’s really a luxury that she has laid the foundation for me,” Kelly said. “I look forward to learning from her. She’s a good businesswoman.”
Kelly said she will also draw on years of guidance and friendship from DuBard to help her find success at Flanagan.
“They have helped me get to this point, and I am so thankful for that,” said Kelly.
Despite the current economy she is looking forward to the new experience.
Existing home sales have jumped, nationally and locally. In Greenwood, the number of existing home sales for the first five months of this year is up over the same period in 2009 as well as the last five months of 2009, Kelly said.
Also interest rates are low, the average selling price for existing homes is up and the average selling price versus listing price is up.
“There will always be land and property to buy. It’s the one constant and a great investment,” she said. “The American dream is still to own your own home.”
Kelly just hopes people will want that home to be in the place she was born and raised — Greenwood.
