The Homesteaders Real Estate Company (originally named Russell Bates Agency) began doing business in 1964 at a desk in the corner of a feed store in Noble. Shortly thereafter, Russell and Maxine Bates moved to a home on West Eufaula in Norman, converted the single car garage into an office and joined the Norman Board of REALTORS. They were soon joined by Barbara Canfield and Ruth Kelso. Russell, Maxine, Barbara & Ruth quickly learned what it took to be successful REALTORS…market knowledge and a true desire to help their customers.
Success and growth led the foursome to the next step which was acquiring a building across from the courthouse on East Eufaula, changing the name to The Homesteaders and welcoming more sales people. For many years, Homesteaders agents led the Norman market as the top producing firm in town with many outstanding REALTORS learning and practicing their craft with Russell and Maxine Bates. After Russell’s death in 1992, Maxine continued in the business, but as a single individual operating as Bates Agency.
In November of 2006, Barbara Canfield, Dee Womack and Tracey Veal, all original Homesteader agents, approached Maxine and encouraged her to convert Bates Agency back to The Homesteaders with them working together again. The group opened an office at 210 36 th Avenue, SW (next to Kinkos) and were soon joined by Joanna Floyd, another original Homesteader. A short time later, Sylvia Marley an experienced REALTOR the group had worked with throughout the years joined the firm.
The new growth and excitement for this year is the announcement of three additional successful and experienced agents joining The Homesteaders, swelling the ranks to nine top agents whose combined knowledge and experience makes them a powerful force.
Bev Lafferrandre, began her real estate career in 1972 at Don Cies Agency and continued there uninterrupted for 35 years. Bev’s ability to negotiate and problem solve makes her an asset in any transaction. Her customer’s repeatedly comment that Bev’s leadership was invaluable. Maxine says, "Although Bev was never an official Homesteader in the past, she always was in the nature of her approach to the business… her high level of ethical and knowledgeable practices and her experience. I could not be more thrilled to be now working with Bev under the same roof."
Joining Bev in becoming Homesteaders, are Karen McIntosh and Pam Thompson who have learned their skills by working closely with Bev as a team. Maureen Pento brings 28 years experience to their team.
Karen McIntosh adds her lively energy to Bev’s experience and Pam Thompson brings her high level of efficiency to enhance the experience and energy of the team. Karen says, "We love what we do and it shows! Real estate is not only about selling houses – it is about building relationships." Relationships are what Bev, Karen, Pam and Maureen pride themselves on as they have made many new friends over the years while doing what they love!
Homesteaders… it just keeps getting better and the experience just keeps growing. The knowledge and experience that is found in our "Powerhouse Nine" is all you need to help any buyer or seller navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of today’s real estate market. Whatever assistance you may need, we can provide. Come by the office anytime and visit with your old and new friends. 210 36th Avenue, SW, just south of Kinkos & Blockbusters.
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