Thomas Murphree, a MAAR past president, remembers well what residential real estate was like before the advent of th
e internet. In fact, in a nod to nostalgia, he still has the last two multiple listing service books from those days. Each is as thick as a Sears catalogue and was beyond invaluable to REALTORS®.
“What we did back then and what we do now, it’s the same,” Murphree said. “It’s a people-centered business. We just have more technology now.”
The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® has been in the business of serving consumers and members for more than 100 years. That has been the mission: with limited technology, or with all the tech bells and whistles we take for granted today.
On Thursday, April 24, representatives from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development honored MAAR for its distinguished service and longevity through changing times.
Several MAAR past presidents attended the ceremony, held at MAAR’s office on Poplar in East Memphis, as did association CEO & Executive Vice President Amanda Creel and the current Board of Directors. Greg Renfrow, 2025 MAAR President, spoke of the responsibility to help carry on the MAAR legacy, and to always be aware of where REALTORS® and the good of the city inevitably intersect.
“It’s my mission to ensure board members, and members in general, learn Memphis, study the city,” Renfrow said. “When companies are looking at locating here, or they bring someone in for a position, we want to be able tell them about the history of Memphis, its advantages, and why it’s a good place for them and their families.”
That is in line with what Murphree used as a tag line while MAAR President: Speak well of Memphis.
Good advice then, and good advice now.
