Carpenter Realtors Sustained Growth and Stability Lead to New Identity for Indiana's Largest Real Estate Company and Retained Revenue for the State.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Formerly Carpenter GMAC Real Estate, Indiana's largest real estate company now boasts the name Carpenter Realtors(R) and a fresh new look as part of its new independent stature. Effective immediately, the company's presence in Central Indiana will take on a new face as neighborhood office signage, yard signs, outdoor billboards, newspaper advertising and more are being updated to reflect the new Carpenter Realtors brand.

Previously GMAC's second largest franchise, and one of the top 100 firms Nationally, Carpenter cites growth and customer needs as the driving forces behind the change.

According to President of Carpenter Realtors, Tom Prall, the new structure fits more closely with the needs of Carpenter's Indiana customers and agents. "With 750 agents, 25 neighborhood offices and continued growth on the horizon, the franchise structure is no longer viable."

Prall explains, "We have developed the scale and depth of personnel internally to perform those functions typically provided by franchises. We are confident reinvesting all our revenue locally, while focusing entirely on Central Indiana consumer preferences will enable us to generate a superior level of customer service. Simply put, we've outgrown Real Estate Franchising. "

In 2004, Carpenter conducted extensive qualitative and quantitative research that indicates homebuyers and sellers have a primary interest in capable agents with the available resources to facilitate smooth transactions. In addition, buyers want better exposure to available properties as they are searching for prospective homes.

"Our research indicates that buyers and sellers are interested in services that are in line with the same fundamental business practices that have sustained our growth over the past 35 years: a high-level of personal service from well-trained agents and extensive marketing of listed homes. As an independent operation, we are best able to keep our course and meet local needs," says Senior Vice President and General Sales Manager of Carpenter Realtors, David Caveness.

Carpenter offers an exclusive 'Carpenter-trained' program for their agents to ensure buyers and sellers are receiving value, service and accountability from those agents. In addition, the company offers a comprehensive Home Marketing System for all listings. The system leverages a combination of planned print, online and broadcast marketing to move homes quickly.

Having just completed a record year with no signs of slowing, Carpenter's agents are energized by the new look and structure. "Investing in the marketing research has really addressed issues that were concerns of the buying public. The research is allowing us to be more responsive to our clients needs. Not only do we have a new look, we now have additional marketing support to help us better market ourselves and best serve our customers," says Michael Fisher, ABR, CRS, GRI.

About Carpenter Realtors

Locally owned and operated, Carpenter Realtors was established 35 years ago and has grown to be the largest residential real estate firm in Indiana. With 25 neighborhood offices and 750 Sales Associates, Carpenter serves eleven central Indiana counties. In 2004, Carpenter generated over $1 billion in home sales, and is widely recognized as one of the top 100 firms Nationally.