For Mary McKinley, First Realty of Greenville is more than just a business.“First Realty is kind of my baby, and it’s always good to leave something you love in good hands,” said McKinley, who is retiring after 25 years in the real estate business.

Those “good hands” belong to Glenn Cooper, who has also been in the real estate business for 30 years. Cooper recently purchased First Realty from McKinley.

“The opportunity presented itself to me because the owner, Mary McKinley decided to retire,” Cooper said. “I wanted to be a part of First Realty because of their great reputation for personal professional service as well as Mary’s dedication to staying up to date with marketing and technology.”

McKinley, who has owned the company for the past 18 years, couldn’t be happier to be turning the business over to Cooper.

“I’m delighted that Glenn bought the company,” McKinley said. “I was hoping that when I did decide to retire or sell it, that I could sell it to so someone that I have built a lot of confidence in. She’s a professional and has a lot of experience, and I think she’s got a lot of ideas for the company and I support her 100 percent.”

As far as changes to the company, Cooper said she wants to continue to support all of the agents by furthering their knowledge of real estate by getting as much education about the industry as possible.

“I want them all to work to meet the ever changing needs of the community by providing the right direction and advice for their listing clients and their buyer clients and customers,” Cooper said.

Incorporating more technology is on Cooper’s agenda as well as working with other agencies.

“Knowing how to use the Internet and social media to obtain the most exposure for your listings is key,” Cooper said. “We are members of the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and all of our listings are posted in the multiple listing. I encourage and want any licensed agent in the state of Alabama to make appointments to show and sell our listings. I feel it is the only way to do business and it is all in the best interest of the home seller.”

Along with the objectives for the company, Cooper has set goals for her to obtain while she moves forward.

“I really have one goal in mind and that is to be as trustworthy, honest and professional as I can possibly be and to treat every person out there as well as I would like to be treated myself,” Cooper said.