John Brookshire cultivates love for the land into farming and selling real estate

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   John Brookshire has two full-time jobs -- farming and selling real estate. "I sell real estate to support my farming habit, and farm to sell real estate," he says in jest. Regardless of which supports which, Brookshire has a love for the land and the open space.
   "I like being out and about and being on the go, and I enjoy the people I meet through the business," he said.
   Brookshire began selling real estate in 1986, and has had his own business since 1988. He became interested in real estate through a relative who was in the business, and majored in real estate in college.
   He has since gotten his auctioneers license, having attended auctioneers school at Walters State Community College. Brookshire sells real estate, does auctions and appraisals, and property management. "We have several rental properties we manage," he said.
   Brookshire says real estate is a good investment, especially with the volatility of the stock market. "It's a much safer investment than the stock market at this point," he said.
   He noted that the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 did affect the economy, and it trickled down to affect the real estate industry, but not as pronounced as it did some segments of the economy. "It slowed things down some, but it is beginning to pick up some. We had a pretty good year," Brookshire said.
   Brookshire said his business is comprised mostly of real estate sales, but auctions are also a large part of it. "We do both land and personal auctions," he said.
   Since opening his own business, Brookshire said the biggest trend he has noted has been the increase of land values. In the past 12 to 15 years, land values have quadrupled. "When I first began selling real estate, you could readily buy a lot to put a trailer on for $3,000 and $4,000. Now that same property will sell for $15,000 or more," he said.
   In addition to selling real estate and farming, Brookshire enjoys antiquing.
   He is also active in his church at East Side, where he serves as a deacon, and on various committees.
   Brookshire also plans to be married in late summer or early fall to Kathy Heaton. "Whenever we get the hay cut and the crops in," he said with a smile.