Ryan Levenson, president of East Tennessee Realtors, has joined Realty Executives Associates in Knoxville. His parents, Rich Levenson and Patti Levenson, are also moving their licenses to affiliate with REA.
“The Levenson family is synonymous with real estate in East Tennessee,” said Justin Bailey, chief executive officer of Realty Executives.
“Ryan, Rich and Patti created a great brand at Re/Max Preferred Properties while serving agents, counseling clients and giving back to the industry by serving at the local association. I cannot imagine how someone could be more involved at every level the way the Levenson family has been.
This floor plan was created when Gordon Smith built the building in 1985 that now houses Realty Executives. The image shows Rich Levenson, then the managing broker of Volunteer Realty, in the same office that Justin Bailey now occupies. Rich has gone full circle as he returns to the building where he started his career as a broker.
“We are blown away that they would decide to move their business to Realty Executives and we’re deeply honored to get to work alongside them.”
In an interview September 11, 2023, Ryan Levenson called the move “a renaissance – a rebirth.”
He explained that the Levenson family sold the local Re/Max franchise in October 2021 and part of the contract allowed them to work with other people after two years. He said his listings will remain with him at Realty Executives, while his pending sales will remain with Re/Max.
Ryan said his relationship with Justin Bailey was key to making the switch. Both have worked hard in the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors, which became East Tennessee Realtors this year. Ryan is president of ETR and Justin is president-elect. Both grew up in a real estate family. In fact, Justin jokes, “As Realtor kids we have a lot in common. We could share a therapist.”
Re/Max Preferred Properties Inc. continues at 2505 Kingston Pike under the leadership of principal broker Kim Aldridge.
Meet the Levensons
The Levensons will work from the West Hills office of Realty Executives Associates where Jim Oakley is the principal broker.
Ryan Levenson, ABR, CDPE, won the 2019 Realtor of the Year award, presented by the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors. He enjoys working with people to acquire large tracts of land, farms, horse property, personal residences or rental property. He has worked with his parents at Re/Max since 2007. “But it’s no longer the family business,” he said. “I’m just excited to be working with Justin and the team at Realty Executives. No looking back. Only looking forward.”
Patti Levenson
Patti Levenson, CRS, GRI, says she has seen and survived many changes in the real estate market during her career. “There’s no secret to success,” she says. “It’s called hard work. Treat your clients as you would want to be treated. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance.” She is proud of her son, Ryan, and his accomplishments in the profession. She and Ryan operate independently but back up each other.
Richard “Rich” Levenson, GRI, has compiled a basket of awards over his career, but he’s probably best known for bringing a hot air balloon to Knoxville. The symbol of Re/Max, the balloon was used for promotions as Rich would tether it in a field and take folks up and down. He was president of the KAAR in 1992 and Realtor of the Year in 1993. He was president of the Tennessee Association of Realtors in 2001 and TAR Realtor of the Year in 2003. He was state educator of the year in 2004. He was the international broker/owner of the year for Re/Max and twice was regional broker of the year.
Justin Bailey said he and Ryan are industry peers and good friends. “Rich has been a friend for years. He’s in my phone as ‘Pop’ and has become more of a mentor in recent years. He’s someone in the industry I look up to a great deal.”