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F.C. Tucker Emge and The Realty Group Merge EVANSVILLE, IN – F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® and The Realty Group today announced an agreement to join forces. The combined companies will operate as F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS®. The company will have over 230 agents housed in eight offices in Southwestern Indiana and Northwestern Kentucky. "The real estate industry is rapidly consolidating and large independent companies, like F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS®, offer the competitive mass, as well as a full array of real estate services, including commercial real estate, property management, relocation and auction services," stated Wayne Ellis, partner in The Realty Group. "For me, this decision was a simple one: align with the strongest company so our agents and our clients get the most resources to make their real estate transactions successful." "As F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® enters its 99th year of operation, the merger with The Realty Group further enhances our strong position in the real estate market," commented Kathy Briscoe, co-owner of F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS®. "With a combined market share of 33.4%, our new group represented more than 2,500 families last year alone and is the dominant market leader in our area." "This merger brings together the two most respected, professional companies in the area," added Kevin Eastridge, co-owner of F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS®. "Our combined operation, with well over $400 Million in annual residential and commercial transactions, further strengthens us for success in a real estate market increasingly populated by national franchises." Eight Local Offices The merger creates synergies for both companies, allowing consolidation of offices and the company's support staff. The two companies will merge offices in Henderson, Newburgh and on Evansville’s west side. Agents currently working from The Realty Group E. Columbia office will move to the Eagle Crest or Virginia Street offices. This will give F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® a total of eight offices in the area. "Henderson continues to be an important market for both companies and we are thrilled to join forces there," said Bob Legate, partner in The Realty Group. "The combined organization gives us more resources to serve our clients on both sides of the river." "Today's business environment requires companies to find ways to consolidate resources while still offering clients and agents superior services," commented Ellis. "This merger will give Realty Group agents the tools they must provide in today’s real estate market. In addition, our consolidation of offices allows F.C. Tucker Emge to run a successful, prosperous real estate company positioned to serve our area for years to come." Housing Market Poised for Recovery "As the news media has clearly stated, some areas of the United States have experienced dramatic decreases in home sales and home values in the last two years," added Eastridge. "While 2008 was slower than the previous year, we have remained isolated from the extreme highs and lows that California, Nevada, Florida and Arizona have seen. We are optimistic that 2009 will bring a recovery to not only the national real estate market, but also return our area to normal, sustainable levels of growth." The Evansville area experienced over a 19% decline in home sales in 2008. F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® and The Realty Group both faired better than the local market as a whole this past year, with each company increasing market share 2008. "With interest rates continuing to decline to historically low levels and a considerable inventory of well priced homes available, now is the time to buy," stated Briscoe. "For the start of 2009, this will remain a buyers market, but time is running out. We encourage all of our buyers to take advantage of this excellent market and make an offer quickly! 2009 will once again see the pendulum swing in the direction of sellers." "The timing couldn't be better,® commented Ellis. "The combined efforts of an exceptional group of real estate professionals will generate record sales achievements this year and in years to come!" F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors Management Team F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® will retain its strong sales management team. Linda Jowers and Ken Haynie will continue to lead the company's Newburgh office. John Briscoe and Carolyn Draper will manage the Eagle Crest office. Harris Howerton will assume responsibility for the company's new West Side office. Kathy Briscoe and Kevin Eastridge will serve as sales managers for the Virginia Street office. Wayne Ellis will join the management team as the company's Top Producer Coach. "Wayne clearly brings a tremendous amount of experience and success to the Tucker management team," added Eastridge. "We are thrilled he has agreed to serve as a coach and mentor for our most successful agents, giving them the tools and continued training they need to be the best in our area." "One of the most exciting aspects of this merger is our ability to take the best from both organizations and use it to enhance all we offer agents," said Jerrod Eagleson, partner in The Realty Group. "The F.C. Tucker Emge training program is one of the best in our area and we look forward to sharing it across the company." # # # F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors, an Indiana born and raised company, traces its Evansville roots back to 1910. Approaching 100 years of service to southwestern Indiana, the company operates 9 offices across the area. With 230 agents, F. C. Tucker Emge Realtors takes pride in providing efficient, professional real estate service using the latest in technology with a dedicated, experienced staff. |