A New House”Sold” Name
Kim Sottong Rebrands as RE/MAX Anew Realty
Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Jason Graves
Kim Sottong has come full circle. After an affiliation with real estate company RE/MAX early in her career, she became an independent agent. In 2015 she opened Anew Realty as both broker and owner. Recently, she again joined forces with RE/MAX, renaming her office RE/MAX Anew Realty.
As Tipton grows, I felt it would be good to go with a brand with strong name recognition, Sottong says. The eight agents in our office serve the surrounding counties. Having the name RE/MAX behind us helps in bigger markets such as Hamilton County. I considered other companies. However, I started with RE/MAX 20 years ago and I feel they are the best. RE/MAX was where my heart was, because Im familiar with them and how they work.
RE/MAX is a good fit for Sottong since the company is known for its culture of making a difference. A Tipton resident since the sixth grade, Sottong has made community service a priority. She has served on several boards of directors, was the 2014 Tipton Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, and has been a sponsor of several events and functions.
About five years ago, Sottong partnered with the Tipton County Foundation to establish the Anew Realty Scholarship. Each year, money she contributes is invested by the foundation. The resulting endowment will keep the scholarship ongoing, even after Sottong has passed away.
The community has supported me all these years, so I want to give back to it, Sottong says. I began the scholarship program as a way to do that. Each year one student from Tri-Central High School and one student from Tipton High School, who are headed to a two-year program or certification program instead of a bachelors degree, are awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Sottong genuinely enjoys working in the real estate industry. Shes learned to be a problem solver and strives to keep her clients experiences uncomplicated. She was drawn to the business because she felt it was never boring.
I was a stay-at-home mom and was searching for something to do when I went back to work, Sottong says. In real estate, you never do the same thing twice. There are always different houses and different people. Plus, its not like just an office job where you are sitting. Im always moving around. I went to school at night to get my real estate license. First I worked part time and then I worked full time. I got hooked after I sold my first house. I stay in contact with my clients and have had opportunities to sell the same house again.
One of the first houses Sottong sold belonged to an older couple who wanted to downsize and move into a condo in town. Years later, she worked with the couples children to sell the condo. Another client bought it after Sottong sold that clients house.
When asked about what lies ahead for the real estate market, Sottong says its difficult to tell.
If only I had a crystal ball, she says. Im not very good about predicting the future but I do know there is a shortage everywhere. Eventually it will turn around but I dont know when. The market is so strong right now.
All eight agents in the RE/MAX Anew Realty office are lifelong residents of the area. They have 30 years of combined experience and meet the different needs of their clients with an understanding of the area. Now, after joining forces with RE/MAX, the office has the latest technology offered in the real estate industry. Sottong and her entire staff are excited to begin this new chapter.
RE/MAX Anew Realty is located at 221 South Main Street in Tipton, and serves Clinton, Hamilton, Howard, Madison and Tipton counties. Call 765-675-3100 for more info.
