Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in Guntersville, AL
Founded in 2013 by Ronald Hayes, 1st Real Estate has established itself as a trusted leader in North Alabama's real estate market. Our agency specializes in residential, commercial, waterfront, multifamily, and land properties, with particular expertise in distressed property sales and bankruptcy properties. Through strategic partnerships with national banks and mortgage companies, we facilitate a significant portion of REO transactions in the region, offering investors exclusive access to high-value opportunities. Our team leverages cutting-edge technology platforms, including MLS integration, virtual video tours, and social media marketing, to ensure maximum exposure for every listing.Certified by major industry platforms and recognized as Google Screened Realtors, we combine decades of collective experience with personalized service to deliver exceptional results for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and client education has earned us consistent top-tier rankings in North Alabama real estate sales.
Services
Residential Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate
Distressed Property Sales
Foreclosure Assistance
Property Valuation
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We provide maximum exposure through MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media platforms
- Our team holds ePro certification and utilizes advanced real estate technology platforms
- Certified Bankruptcy Specialist Broker with national bank partnerships for REO transactions
- Ranked in top 2% of North Alabama agents by units sold according to MLS records
- Offer personalized property staging advice and professional photography services
What people say
Open, honest, responsive
Excellent service
Professional, quick
Knowledgeable, willing to go extra step
Courteous and professional
Services
Residential Real Estate
Specializing in residential property transactions, we guide homeowners through selling or purchasing primary residences. Our services include market analysis, staging advice, and digital marketing across 100+ platforms. With expertise in lakefront properties and new construction lots, we ensure competitive pricing and fast sales.
Commercial Real Estate
We facilitate commercial property transactions for investors and business owners. Our services cover retail spaces, office buildings, and industrial properties. With connections to major lenders, we streamline REO acquisitions and provide tailored marketing strategies for high-visibility commercial listings.
Distressed Property Sales
Specializing in distressed property sales, we assist banks, investors, and homeowners with REO transactions. Our team handles bankruptcy properties and works directly with mortgage servicers to navigate complex approval processes, ensuring compliant and efficient property transfers.
Property Valuation
We offer free property valuation services using RPR technology and MLS data. Our agents provide detailed market analyses considering location trends, comparable sales, and property condition to determine accurate listing prices for residential and commercial properties.
Foreclosure Assistance
As a top foreclosure specialist in North Alabama, we help investors acquire bank-owned properties. Our services include foreclosure alerts, property inspections, and transaction coordination with major servicers like JPMorgan Chase and Quicken Loans, ensuring smooth investment acquisitions.
People
Ronald Hayes
Broker / Owner
With over 30 years in real estate and graphic design, Ronald specializes in REO transactions and distressed properties. Certified by multiple platforms, he ranks in North Alabama's top 2% of agents by sales volume and holds Alabama appraisal licensing.
Patricia Swindle
Realtor
Licensed Alabama realtor with expertise in residential and commercial transactions. Provides legal document guidance for property closings and leverages 10+ years of investment experience to assist clients with strategic real estate decisions.
Questions
How do I get a free home valuation?
Contact us directly or use our online calculator powered by RPR. We'll analyze public records and comparable sales to provide an estimated market value for your property.
What types of properties do you handle?
We specialize in residential, commercial, waterfront, multifamily, and land properties, with particular expertise in distressed sales and REO transactions.
Can out-of-town buyers use PayPal?
Yes, we accept PayPal for earnest money deposits. Please note PayPal charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, which must be included in your payment.
How can investors access foreclosure properties?
Sign up for our Foreclosure Alert service to receive immediate notifications when new REO properties become available in North Alabama.
Are your agents certified professionals?
Yes, our team includes ePro-certified agents and Google Screened Realtors with specialized training in bankruptcy property transactions and modern real estate technology platforms.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Gary Rogers
Aug 17, 2021
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CALLED MR. HAYES ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND HE ANSWERED THE PHONE! LISTENED TO ME AND ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND NEVER MADE ME FEEL HE WANTED TO GET OFF THE PHONE! KNOWS HIS CRAFT AND WAS VERY HONEST! CONSUMATE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN WHO KNOWS HIS BUSINESS! GARY ROGERS
Robert Warner
Feb 22, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
During a cross-country move, we relied on Ron and 1st Real Estate to be our eyes and ears in Albertville, AL. Our experience with him was open, honest, responsive, and diligent. It's safe to say that the move might not have happened without his excellent services. Highly recommend.
During a cross-country move, we relied on Ron and 1st Real Estate to be our eyes and ears in Albertville, AL. Our experience with him was open, honest, responsive, and diligent. It's safe to say that the move might not have happened without his excellent services. Highly recommend.
Christy Cagle
Dec 21, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
The website is great. Everything is organized well and easy to find / follow. Professional, quick and responsive!
The website is great. Everything is organized well and easy to find / follow. Professional, quick and responsive!
John Rhodarmer
Oct 16, 2020
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1st Real Estate has another loyal customer. Mr. Hayes is my realtor. Such a wonderful person and helped us with the most sincerity and understanding. Lightening fast and awesome communication. I know 1st Real Estate has many many customers but they made us feel like we were top priority! A pleasure to do business with. I would recommend them to anyone!
Jeff Morgan
Aug 15, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I called Ron and wasnt sure what to expect, but he was courteous and professional and walked me through every step. I highly recommend him and 1st Real Estate.
I called Ron and wasnt sure what to expect, but he was courteous and professional and walked me through every step. I highly recommend him and 1st Real Estate.
Michael Lockwood
Jun 18, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Excellent Service, very knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra step to make sure everything I was looking for was met. I would recommend any day of the week.
Excellent Service, very knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra step to make sure everything I was looking for was met. I would recommend any day of the week.
Morgan Stephens
May 22, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Coletta is the best! Thank you for the help
Coletta is the best! Thank you for the help
