Mortgage Investors Group (MIG), one of Tennessee’s premier
independent mortgage banks, and Realty Executives Associates, the market-leading real estate brokerage in East Tennessee and one of the nation’s top 50 brokerages in the United States, today announced the formation of Riverbend Mortgage, a landmark joint venture built to fundamentally change how East Tennessee families buy homes.

This is not a referral arrangement. It is a jointly owned company, purpose-built to close the gap between real estate and mortgage services that has long created friction, confusion, and delays for homebuyers. Buyers will have access to a coordinated team of real estate and lending professionals operating with shared accountability from search to close, creating a more streamlined experience.

Together, MIG and Realty Executives Associates bring decades of experience serving East Tennessee homeowners, combining MIG’s in-house mortgage platform with Realty Executives Associates’ network of more than 1,000 real estate professionals. MIG originates more than $1.5 billion in residential mortgage loans annually, while Realty Executives Associates supports more than $4 billion in annual real estate transactions. The joint venture reflects the operational strength, market credibility, and local expertise both organizations believe are necessary to deliver a more connected homebuying experience.

“The homebuying process breaks down too often at the intersection of real estate and mortgage services,” said Tonya Strobel, Chief Growth Officer and Affiliated Partnership Manager at Mortgage Investors Group. “This joint venture was created to close that gap by aligning both sides of the transaction around a shared commitment to the buyer experience. That level of coordination changes how buyers move through the process.”

The venture arrives at a critical inflection point for East Tennessee housing. Population growth, sustained demand, and intensifying affordability pressures are creating urgency for buyers who need expert guidance, faster decisions, and fewer surprises throughout the transaction process.

“This partnership represents an investment in the future of homebuying in East Tennessee,” said Anna Beltran, CEO at Mortgage Investors Group. “Consumers want a process that feels more connected, responsive, and efficient. By bringing together trusted local mortgage and real estate expertise through this joint venture, we’re positioned to deliver a better overall experience while continuing to serve our communities with the personalized approach that has defined both organizations for decades.”

Both organizations will maintain their independent brands and operations while Riverbend functions as a standalone company focused on delivering a more integrated homebuying experience.

“Real estate is deeply local, and so are the relationships that drive successful home buying experiences,” said Justin Bailey, CEO at Realty Executives Associates. “This partnership brings together two organizations that understand the East Tennessee market and share a commitment to helping buyers navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives with greater confidence and clarity.”

Riverbend represents a long-term commitment from both organizations to invest in the future of homeownership across East Tennessee. By combining local leadership, operational expertise, and a shared focus on the buyer experience, MIG and Realty Executives Associates aim to create a more modern and connected path to homeownership for the communities they serve.

About Mortgage Investors Group
Mortgage Investors Group (MIG) is a leading independent mortgage banker
headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1989, MIG has built a reputation for helping individuals and families achieve homeownership through personalized guidance, in-house underwriting, and a strong focus on purchase lending. With operations across Tennessee and beyond, MIG combines local decision-making with the resources and technology needed to deliver a consistent and reliable lending experience.

About Realty Executives Associates
Realty Executives Associates is East Tennessee’s largest real estate brokerage in both market share and agent representation, serving homebuyers and sellers across the region for nearly 50 years. Through its network of experienced real estate professionals, the company provides comprehensive residential real estate services while maintaining a strong commitment to local expertise, community involvement, and client-focused service.

Media Contact

Kelsey Deel, VP of Marketing
Mortgage Investors Group
865-691-8910
kelsey.deel@migonline.com
www.migonline.com

REA is thrilled to annouce that Katie Zanone will be taking over the role of Principal Broker at our Farragut branch! 

Steve Fogarty, our longtime Farragut broker, has made the decision to transition the Principal Broker role at our Farragut office to the very talented Katie Zanone. Steve will continue to lead REA on the Executive team and be available to all agents. Steve has always been a formidable icon in the real estate industry in East Tennessee. Along with leading the company as President for the last 25 years, he has been the Principal Broker at the Bearden office (now West Hills) and, most recently, at the Farragut office. 

"Katie has long be prepared for this role, and I couldn't be more excited for her to take on this responsibility at the Farragut office," stated Justin Bailey, CEO.

From creating the HUB and Agent Assist to the countless number of projects she's launched at REA, Katie knows REA inside and out. If you think about her time at Agent Assist alone, Katie has reviewed, prepared, and consulted on more than four thousand contracts, often working on seventy to eighty deals at one time. 

Congrats, Katie! 

March 2025- Realty Executives Associates is proud to announce the promotion of Kyle Basila to Vice President, Head of Brand and Operations at REA. 

From leading communication efforts and marketing as Director of Communications to now overseeing brand strategy and operational excellence, Kyle continues to shape REA's vision with creativity, clarity, and commitment.

Kyle started at REA in the fall of 2020, and stepped into his Director role in 2021. Throughout 2024 and 2025, Kyle played a key role in REA's robust communcation campaigns involving the NAR settlement. Kyle was named a 2025 RisMedia National Newsmaker, serves on the Dogwood Arts board of directors, and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. 

Kyle will contiue to lead our internal marketing deparment, while also crafting our brand on the East TN and national level. His new role will consist of higher leadership, and the firm is excited to see the bold ideas he will bring to the table.

Congrats, Kyle!  

Tennessee Smokies Announces Partnership With Realty Executives

Knoxville, TN —  August 12, 2024 — Realty Executives, a leading real estate firm in East Tennessee, is excited to announce its newest sports affiliation with the Tennessee Smokies, East TN's Minor League Baseball team. This strategic alliance marks the second professional sports team affiliation for Realty Executives, reinforcing its commitment to local sports and community engagement.

Starting this season, Realty Executives will be an official partner of the Tennessee Smokies. The Tennessee Smokies are set to play their future seasons at the new mixed-use stadium in Downtown Knoxville. This move is expected to draw more fans and community members to downtown events, benefiting local businesses and enhancing community spirit.

"Realty Executives has always believed in the power of community. Our partnership with the Tennessee Smokies represents that," said Justin Bailey, CEO of Realty Executives. "This collaboration is not just about placing our name alongside the Smokies but about making a positive impact in the community that we serve."

Realty Executives partnership with the Tennessee Smokies will include various collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the fan experience and engaging the community through baseball. 

"It’s an exciting time for Knoxville sports, and we are proud to be a part of it,” stated Bailey. 

Media Inquiries:

Kyle Basila (Kyle@RealtyExecutives.com)

Realty Executives in Knoxville is the #1 local real estate company and the 47th largest in the entire nation (out of over 350,000) Source:RISMedia. Justin Bailey is the CEO of the network, which includes 1,000 agents and 18 offices. 

Moments That Made Her with Chris Hauck- Realty Executives West Hills

Welcome to this month's edition of our Moments That Made Her blog, where we learn more about the moments that impacted successful women within our brokerage. This month, we get to hear from Chris Hauck, a top agent based out of our West Hills office.

Robert Dawson (Dawson Ford Garby Realtors), my agent in VA who became a dear friend.  We spent so many months looking for the right house. I pushed him, he pushed me. When I made the decision to move back to Knoxville he declared that my next move was real estate.  He persisted. And I am so glad he did! 

 

My idol growing up was my Aunt Lily - she was an amazing woman who took control of her life and made it fabulous.  After a divorce in the 1940s, she moved to LA with two small children and a dream.  She became executive assistant to the president of IBM on the west coast with two assistants of her own and an amazing office overlooking Marina Del Ray. Eventually remarrying, they lived in Bird Land (in the Hollywood Hills) during the week and in Carmel on the weekends. In retirement, she embraced art and became a fabulous painter, teaching special classes at ULCA periodically. I had a front row seat to her curiosity about life, constant growth, and love of all things beautiful

Curious, Change agent, Goal-oriented 

5. Looking back, what is your favorite real estate memory or moment?

I LOVE change and embrace it with enthusiasm while most fear and avoid it.  My favorite real estate moments are when a client has faced a BIG transition and comes out on the other side stronger and more confident.  It is extremely important to me to provide support and resources to help them succeed. That is why I renew my license every two years!

5. What advice would you give other agents in this industry?

a) Build relationships with your clients. Stay in contact with them - really connect to build a business that will sustain you.

b) Resist fads and jumping on every bandwagon out there.  Decide WHO you are and embrace it. Your clients will know you're genuine and will support you!

c) PARTICIPATE - get to know a great circle of agents in the market. Attend company functions, KAAR events, participate in committees, etc. It will make your business so much easier to navigate when you know who is submitting an offer on your listing

d) Be the agent who other agents love to work with! Answer phone calls, emails, texts. Some of my best referral partners are former Realtors!

e) Take time to breathe and enjoy this amazing profession. 

 

Chris Hauck | May 2023 | cbhauck@aol.com | 124 N Winston Road Knoxville, TN 37919