United Country - Kansas City Auction and Realty

Owner of UC-Kansas City Auction and Realty Appointed To 2012 LandThink Advisory Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:

Stephen Kretsinger 800-444-5044

United Country Vice President Appointed to 2012 LandThink Advisory Team

Shawn Terrel, of United Country Auction Services, to Help Shape Future of Organization

December 14, 2011 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – Shawn Terrel, vice president of United Country Auction Services, has been appointed to the 2012 LandThink Advisory Board. This team of advisors is comprised of senior executives, who represent various sectors of the land industry including land brokerage, timberland, development, lending and technology. Craig Peebles, divisional president of AgSouth Farm Credit, was also selected.

“We are privileged to have Shawn and Craig joining our trusted panel of advisors,” said Ryan Folk, LandThink founder and CEO. “They are visionaries whose industry-specific experience will be a tremendous asset to LandThink. The group of strategic thinkers we’ve assembled will contribute expertise and outside perspective, which will steer LandThink in the direction for continued growth.”

Terrel, originally from Carmen, Okla., grew up in the farming, ranching and recreational land business. His passion for the outdoors has allowed him to become recognized as one of the top rural land auctioneers in the country. He is a former member of the National Auctioneers Association Board of Directors and a past president of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association. Terrel was named the Oklahoma State Champion Auctioneer and also the Kansas State Champion Auctioneer. Over the years, Terrel has become recognized as an industry authority on conducting live Internet broadcast auctions. He has participated in well over 2,000 live auction events throughout his career and has incorporated live simulcasts of these auction events via the Internet.

In addition to his professional auctioneer designations – Certified Auctioneers Institute and Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate – Terrel is also an active licensed real estate broker in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri.

“LandThink has become recognized as the ‘go-to’ online land forum, and I feel honored to be selected to their 2012 advisory team,” said Terrel. “This opportunity will allow me and the rest of the team a chance to help shape the future of LandThink by providing education, market data and industry trends that affect the American land owner.”

About LandThink

Since its initial launch in 2008, LandThink.com has evolved and grown into the premier website for land professionals, owners and investors seeking information about the current land market. LandThink is an invaluable source of guidance for those interested in land investing. Land industry professionals contribute articles and posts to LandThink on a regular basis. They tackle an array of topics related to land such as how to buy land, how to sell land, 1031 exchanges, land ownership, land marketing and conservation.

About United Country

United Country Real Estate is the largest fully integrated network of conventional and auction real estate professionals in the United States. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has been an innovator in real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports nearly 600 offices across the U.S., Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico, with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes one of the largest portfolios of property marketing websites (more than 3,000 separate sites with aggregate traffic of approximately 3 million visitors per month), multiple proprietary real estate catalogs with a cumulative distribution of 1.5 million readers, an extensive, current buyer database and national advertising of properties that reaches more than 90 million homes per week. United Country has recently been recognized by AllBusiness.com, The Land Report, Entrepreneur and The Wall Street Journal as one of the top U.S. real estate companies.

Kansas City ranks high in home price survey

Kansas City is the seventh most affordable residential real estate market in the country, according to a new real estate survey. The new home listing report reviewed the average home listing price of more than 18,000 four-bedroom, two-bathroom properties that were listed between February and August 2010. The study reviewed about 300 markets. According to the data, Kansas City's ranking was based on an average sales price of $112,449. Topeka came in tenth, with an average sales price of $116,343. The most affordable market, according is Detroit, where a typical four-bedroom, two-bathroom house costs $68,007. The most expensive market was Newport Beach, Cal., at $1.826 million. Other area cities on the list: Leavenworth, No. 40, $170,722; Wichita, No. 49, $177,436; Springfield, No. 100, $216,047; St. Louis, No. 112, $223,819; and Overland Park, No. 124, $230,988.

United Country Named No. 1 Real Estate Franchise by Dun & Bradstreet's AllBusiness.com

June 3, 2009 (Kansas City, Mo.) – In their annual AllStar Franchise List, Dun and Bradstreet’s AllBusiness.com, a leading online resource for businesses, named United Country Real Estate the top-ranked real estate franchise system and in the Top 20 among more than 2,500 global and national franchise companies.

United Country is the only real estate franchise to appear in the list’s top 100, and it secured the nineteenth overall ranking of all franchise systems regardless of market segment served, outperforming companies such as RE/MAX, Domino’s Pizza, Hilton and many other international franchise brands. In addition to the overall ranking, the company also secured the No. 4 position on the Top 10 Low Cost franchise list, as well as strong placement in each of the list’s sub-categories.

The AllStar List is the only one of its kind to incorporate financial strength criteria using credit and
financial information from its parent company Dun & Bradstreet, the world’s leading source for
commercial information and insight on businesses. In addition, the AllBusiness editors took into consideration a number of other key business indicators when compiling the ranking including
Web visibility, growth trajectory, business strategy, longevity and system size.

The AllBusiness AllStar List states the following about United Country –

Why This Company Makes Our AllStar List

As the fallout from the nation’‘s housing crash continues, it’‘s no wonder United Country Auction Services, a division of United Country Real Estate, has experienced exceptional success in a rough economy. While selling a house through traditional means can take nine months or more, auctions can sell properties in as little as 45 to 60 days.

. . . [R]esidential real estate auctions have grown 46.6 percent nationally during the past
five years. In addition, at the end of last year, United Country Auctions aligned with Colliers International to provide accelerated transaction [real estate marketing] services to commercial real estate clients. With the number of commercial real estate properties needing to be sold likely increasing in the coming year, this new alliance means
increased growth.

With over 80 years in business, United Country Real Estate has cornered the smaller real estate markets. The company’‘s well-known name in the real estate industry and its expanding market reach with commercial properties have earned United Country Real Estate a high spot in this year’‘s AllBusiness AllStar list.

“We are honored to be named in the AllBusiness AllStars Top 20 among strong franchise companies such as Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s,” said Dan Duffy, chief executive officer of United Country Real Estate. “The fact that United Country Real Estate is the only real estate franchise in the list’s top 100 illustrates our over 80-year commitment to remaining proactive and forward-moving with real estate marketing, training and technology innovation. Our company was built on thinking and doing things differently and we strive to continue in that tradition to propel our franchisees ahead of the competition and provide customer service that is second to none.”

About United Country

United Country Real Estate is the largest fully integrated franchise network of conventional real estate and auction professionals in the United States. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has been an innovator in real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports nearly 675 offices across the U.S. and in Costa Rica with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes one of the largest portfolios of property marketing web sites (more than 1,000 separate sites), seven proprietary real estate catalogs with a cumulative distribution of 1.5 million, an extensive, current buyer database and national advertising of properties to more than 90 million potential buyer prospects a week. United Country has been recognized as a Top 25 Franchise by the Wall Street Journal and among Entrepreneur Magazine’‘s Franchise 500®.

Girl Scouts Contract United Country - Kansas City Auction & Realty to Sale Commercial Property at Absolute Auction

Going once, going twice, the Midland Empire Council of the Girl Scouts’ former headquarters soon will be sold to the highest bidder.

The Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri has contracted United Country-Kansas City Auction and Realty to sell two former office buildings at Absolute Auction — one in Kansas City, Mo., and the former office in St. Joseph. Both will be sold to the highest bidder, with no minimum reserve, on Thursday. You can find out details about the two properties at www.auctionkansascity.com. This auction is being held in conjunction with Jon England of Cassidy Turley Real Estate Advisors and Dan McChristy of United Country-McChristy Realty and Auction in St. Joseph, MO.

About three years ago, Girl Scout councils in St. Joseph, Topeka and Kansas City merged. “That was part of an effort that happened nationwide ... because there were a lot of smaller councils that could not support the staff,” said Richard Wetzel, property committee chairman and board member of the regional group. “As a part of that plan, we decided to move these properties to smaller headquarters buildings.”

The Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri Girl Scout Council listed no minimum reserve for the building, located at 1702 Buckingham St. The property has been vacant since 2009, and any and all bids will be considered.

“The hard part about holding onto vacant properties is that they become subject to vandalism and sprinkler pipes that burst when there is not someone there working daily,” Mr. Wetzel said. “We are left sitting there, paying taxes and insurance on a property that is really declining in value every day because it is not being watched over and taken care of.”

The Midland Empire Council of the Girl Scouts encompassed 17 counties throughout Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. Janet Steury, a former president of the local council, said the upcoming auction reminds her of the dedicated work of the Girl Scouts through the years.

“Numerous individuals throughout our area worked with the council to ensure a strong financial base to support the many programs and events our members came to expect as the norm,” she said. “It was paid for because of the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and especially the girls who worked so hard for the program.”

Ms. Steury said she holds strong attachment to the structure on Buckingham Street, and hopes the new owner will hold the same respect for the building as the Girl Scout council did.

The Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri continues to serve the area from a smaller office at 3300 Dale Ave., Suite 105. Mr. Wetzel said the council views the auction as a simple business deal, but will continue to focus on all needs for the Girl Scouts, no matter the location.

“Proceeds from the sale of the property will be directly reinvested back into property elsewhere,” he said. “It really goes right back into the program and our ability to deliver those programs and good experiences for girls.”

For complete details on either of the two commercial properties being sold in the auction, go to www.auctionkansascity.com or speak to the Managing Broker, Travis Taylor 816-318-0438. You can also call the lead auctioneer, Shawn Terrel at 580-747-6068 or email at sterrel@unitedcountry.com.

Watch the news coverage at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrniRnaWxG8

Real Estate Auction in Oklahoma Brings Big Crowd and Big Sales

Real Estate Auction in Oklahoma Brings Big Crowd and Big Sales United Country Auction Services Affiliates Team Up to Sell 47 Properties in McAlester March 19, 2009 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – United Country Auction Services held a highly successful auction on March 14 in McAlester, Okla. A joint venture between United Country – John M. Freeman & Associates of McAlester, Okla., and United Country – Hendren & Associates of Jay, Okla., the event sold 47 properties in just a few hours. According to John Freeman, managing broker of the McAlester office, more than 100 people attended the event that was held at the Holiday Inn Express. The auction was an absolute sale, meaning all properties were sold regardless of price, and the seller was pleased with the total sale price that exceeded his expectations. This auction was a win-win situation for both buyers and the seller. “LeRoy [Hendren] is a heck of an auctioneer, and Larry Barnes and Joe Hendren were fantastic ring men,” said Freeman. “Working with the team from Jay was a seamless process, and we’re already looking forward to doing another auction with them June 13.” United Country Real Estate, a national real estate franchise based in Kansas City, Mo., entered the auction industry in 2007 after recognizing the increased trend of real estate auctions. Just two years after introducing United Country Auction Services, the company’s innovative approach to selling real estate has made them an industry leader with nearly 100 auction-centric offices across the country. “This auction is a big win for us – and for United Country,” said LeRoy Hendren, owner of United Country – Hendren & Associates. “We received a lot of positive feedback from the seller and the buyers. Having two individual offices work together and see greater results than we would have separately – that’s what the United Country network is about.” United Country – Hendren & Associates, owned by LeRoy Hendren, Larry Barnes and Dwayne Craig, can be contacted at 918-253-4133 or hendrenrealest@brightok.net, and their full listings can be viewed online at www.jayokrealestate.com. The United Country – John M. Freeman & Associates team can be contacted at 918-302-0873 or jfreeman@mclesterokrealestate.com, and their full listings can be viewed online at www.mcalesterokrealestate.com. United Country Real Estate is the only national real estate franchise system specializing in properties in and around the small cities and towns of America. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has been an innovator in rural real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports more than 700 offices nationwide with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes the leading web site in the rural real estate market (www.unitedcountry.com), proprietary real estate catalogs, an extensive buyer database and national advertising of properties to over 90 million homes a week. United Country has been named as a Top 25 Franchise by the Wall Street Journal and among Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500®. In January 2007, the company introduced United Country Auction Services, becoming the nation's largest integrated network of traditional real estate agents and real estate auctioneers.

United Country's Vice President, Shawn Terrel Wins the Kansas State Auctioneer Championship

Sept 19, 2008 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – Shawn Terrel, vice president of United Country Auction Services, has been named the 2011 Kansas State Champion Auctioneer. Sponsored by the Kansas Auctioneers Association, the contest was held Wednesday, Sept 14 at the Bretz Law Arena in conjunction with the 2011 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kan.

"We had 14 excellent competitors in the 2011 KAA competition," said LaDonna Schoen, executive director of the KAA Board of Directors. "The KAA will be proud to have Shawn as our representative and ambassador for the year."

The event didn’t rate the competitors solely on their ability to call an auction, but on a variety of other factors including a professional interview, as well as their appearance and salesmanship ability.

“I feel truly blessed to have the honor of representing the Kansas Auctioneers Association over the next year as the 2011 KAA State Champion Auctioneer,” said Terrel. “The state of Kansas consistently produces some of the finest auctioneers in America. The large number of professional commercial livestock and automobile auctioneers found in the Midwest can call as many as five sales a week, every week throughout any given year. This creates an incredibly competitive environment and forces auctioneers to be on top of their game at all times.”

Terrel is a former member of the National Auctioneers Association Board of Directors and a past president of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association. In 2007, Terrel was named the Oklahoma State Champion Auctioneer. Over the years, Terrel has become recognized as an industry authority on conducting live Internet broadcast auctions. He has participated in well over 2,000 live auctions throughout his career and has incorporated live simulcasts of these auction events via the Internet.

In addition to his professional auctioneer designations, Certified Auctioneers Institute, Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate, Terrel is also a licensed real estate broker in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri.

Watch Terrel Live in Action:

FIRST ROUND: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOPnMwttolA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

SECOND ROUND: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_gvJUYct5Yo&h=WAQCb8RR2AQAiwsVWFiLL45KLGBhgSLev5C6YjP5v4uibvQ

FINAL: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpL8WEx3Y2lE%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player&h=wAQDIN86oAQDmtLYjCeGMhhkZm_SuYrslHTvpEMkTRZzEBg

About United Country

United Country Real Estate is the largest fully integrated network of conventional and auction real estate professionals in the United States. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has been an innovator in real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports nearly 600 offices across the U.S., Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico, with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes one of the largest portfolios of property marketing websites (more than 3,000 separate sites with aggregate traffic of approximately 3 million visitors per month), multiple proprietary real estate catalogs with a cumulative distribution of 1.5 million readers, an extensive, current buyer database and national advertising of properties that reaches more than 90 million homes per week. United Country has recently been recognized by AllBusiness.com, The Land Report, Entrepreneur and The Wall Street Journal as one of the top U.S. real estate companies.

United Country Kansas City Auction & Realty Conducts 2010 National FFA Alumni Auction in Indianapolis Indiana

2010 National FFA Alumni Auction Huge Success in Indy! Auction Fever was alive and well as anxious bidders entered the 500 Ballroom prior to the 2010 National FFA Alumni Live Benefit Auction held October 22nd during the 83rd National FFA Convention at the Indianapolis Convention Center. This year's convention set an all-time event attendance record with a total crowd of 54,942 members, advisors, sponsors and guests. The annual Live Auction is a major financial contributor to the overall budget of the organization. Highlights of this year's auction include a 2011 Ford F-150 Supercrew XLT donated by Ford Motor Company. The bidding started at $15,000 and quickly reached $25,000 in increments of $500 until the Auctioneer's gavel finally fell at $29,500. Other highlights included a 6 month New Holland tractor/baler lease for $7250, New Holland Rustler utility vehicle $7100, 2010 Yamaha Grizzly ATV $4650 and a trip to Germany donated by CLAAS $3750. Proceeds for the Live and Silent auction were approximately $120,000. The live auction was conducted by veteran auctioneers Mike Jones, President of United Country Auction Services and company Vice President, Shawn Terrel who have conducted the auction the past four years on behalf of the nation's largest student organization of its kind. Every table was filled to capacity with 736 people registering for the Live and Silent auctions. Online simulcast bidding was made available by United Country for those who could not attend in person. According to auctioneer Terrel who oversees the online portion of the auction, "this year we experienced the largest amount of active participation through the online component of the live auction" he went on to say "we began using online auction technology on behalf of the FAA four years ago and have experienced significant growth each year". "Future Farmers of America" was founded by a group of young farmers back in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting-- it's a science, it's a business and it's an art. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. Today, the Future Farmers of America members are our nation's future biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs of America. United Country representatives hope that some of the 523,309 FFA members will consider a professional career in real estate or auctioneering. There are 7,487 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Shawn Terrel, Mike Jones, Amanda Siler, Carol Bonham, Mark Bonham, P.J. Bezy, Mel Williams, Dave Matney and Kevin Oldham United Country Real Estate CEO Dan Duffy has committed his company to investing in worthy causes and according to him, none is more important than the youth of America. "As a father of five boys, I am excited about their future knowing that because of the good works of organizations like FFA and its exemplary training of our future leaders, our country and the world as a whole is in good hands" remarked Duffy. In addition to the United Country Kansas City, Missouri home office team, owners and staff members of United Country-Bonham Auction and Realty, Indianapolis and United Country-Coffey Realty & Auction, Bloomington, IN assisted in conducting the auction. United Country Auction Services can be contacted by phone at 800-999-1020 or e-mail at tturner@unitedcountry.com and its full list of properties and services can be viewed online at www.ucauctionservices.com.

COMPANY NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE