Durham celebrates 20 years of successful real estate transactions and customer satisfaction

Moving can be one of the most headache-inducing events in a person's life. Whether the move is across the country or two streets down, the stress of trying to quickly sell a house and find a perfect, affordable home to buy can be overwhelming - even before getting to the logistics of packing, transporting and unpacking.

That's why many people trying to sell their home as well as those looking to buy their next home turn to a real estate agent like Randy Durham, who is celebrating his 20th year in the industry. The Keller Williams agent has worked in the tri-state region that whole time, giving him unparalleled knowledge of what Chattanooga-area buyers and sellers want and need.

"This year we've sold over 100 homes, and last year we had over 150 transactions," said Durham, who is the 2015 resident-elect of the Tennessee Association of Realtors. "When you have that much experience selling homes, others can't compete. We have a large repeat-customer base, which proves we're doing our job, and referrals are a large part of our business."

Durham is licensed in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, and he consistently ranks in the top 10 Realtors for Greater Chattanooga MLS sales. In fact, at more than $21 million, his 2013 sales totaled nearly 14 times that of the average Chattanooga-area agent - a testament to his experience and marketing methods.

His extensive experience means that his team of 11 knows how to make transactions quickly and thoroughly, said Durham, who is a member of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We have developed many systems over the years to make sure we're efficient: marketing, client care, follow-up," he said. "We take each property that we take on and use an independent marketing strategy. There's no cookie cutter approach. There's much more involved than sticking a sign in the yard."

But while efficiency is important, Durham said it's even more important that his clients receive the information, assistance and professionalism they deserve - and that's exactly what happens when buyers and sellers work with his office.

"I'm always staying focused on making sure I'm up-to-date with all current real estate trends. I spend a lot of time in classes, education and studying the market," he said. "I pride myself on ensuring everyone on the team is highly professional and treats the client as their No. 1 priority."

He's a member of the Tennessee & Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. He is 2015 President-Elect of the Tennessee Assocation of Realtors and he's held leadership positions in the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors and the Chattanooga Multiple Listing Service, among others.

Durham doesn't just assist customers with buying and selling. He also makes it a point to be

as involved as possible in local, state and national associations.

But Durham also applies his knowledge of real estate and finance to other community groups and causes - a responsibility he takes seriously, from longtime treasurer at Grace Episcopal Church to president of his neighborhood association last year. Perhaps most impressively, he's gotten to share his background, expertise and ideas for Chattanooga's future as a member of Mayor Andy Berke's Affordable Housing Task Force.

Durham takes great pride in his community involvement, just as he takes pride in helping clients find the home of their dreams.

"I like to stay engaged on the global field, the state level and in the community as well," Durham said, and the resulting wisdom continues to be clearly visible in the way he does business.