As the founder of the Athens Real Estate Company and Broker/Owner of Real Living at Home, Russell brings to his professional life an unusually strong and diverse set of life experiences and skills. He’s a skilled communicator—chalk that up to his previous life as a published writer and an English professor at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

He’s also an experienced negotiator, both as a top-producing agent and as a professional business counselor and consultant.

Russell also has extensive building and remodeling experience, and stays abreast of both new and existing construction methods, materials and technologies.

He can also drive like a taxi cab driver when the situation calls for it...since he was one in the Washington D.C. area back in the early 80's.

The Road Less Traveled
Russell came to Athens as an academic, but stayed for the lifestyle and land. He and his wife Mary had always dreamed of owning an old farmhouse in the country, and by the early 90's they found themselves on a picturesque 80-acre farm, raising all manner of living creatures, including some 60 head of specialty wool sheep breeds.

One thing led to another--as it does--and they eventually opened a yarn and supply shop where they sold looms, spinning wheels, natural fibers and the like. In the late 90’s, they sold the retail store so that they could concentrate on developing a new business, FeltWorks Studio, a fine craft company whose felted contemporary art was carried by over 200 galleries around the country.

The Calling
Russell’s infatuation with real estate began long ago. Even as a newspaper boy, he remembers pouring over the real estate section of the Richmond Times Dispatch, marveling at the hundreds of houses pictured and described there. Who lived in all these houses? Why were the prices so different? And look at all the kinds of homes!

One thing led to another—as it does!—and Russell found himself transforming a longtime interest in real estate into a full-blown profession. Within his first two years of practicing real estate full time, Russell emerged as one of the top-producing agents in the area. Despite the success, Russell felt increasingly frustrated with the “business-as-usual” real estate models in the area. Eventually he concluded that the only way to effect real change was to launch a new company that could be built on an entirely new model. After extensive research into all of the major franchise models—both regional and national—Russell discovered that his vision meshed fully and completely with Real Living. It was a “blink” moment, and a partnership was born.

Straight Shooter, Midnight Oil
So, let's face it: not all real estate agents are created equal. Whether you are buying or selling a property, you want someone on your side who is smart, passionate, energetic, knowledgeable, and experienced.

You'll also want a straight-shooter—a realtor with impeccable integrity, someone you can trust. Finally, you'll need someone who will burn the midnight oil, who will work however hard and however long it takes to get the job done.

It's not by accident that the Athens Real Estate Company is quickly emerging as the most innovative real estate brokerage in the Athens area. Let our team put its sense of purpose, drive and creativity to work for you. We’re just a phone call or mouse click away from helping you achieve your real estate goals!