Showhomes Franchise - Blankinchip Purchases Showhomes-Mobile & Baldwin Counties Franchise

Showhomes, the leader in adding value to vacant home sales, today announces that Angela Blankinchip is the new owner and general manager of the Showhomes-Mobile & Baldwin Counties franchise. A leader within the Showhomes Franchise system, this office was awarded Best New franchise in 2003 for record growth and excellence. Under Blankinchip's leadership, Showhomes will continue to enhance services to help Realtors and homeowners in Mobile and Baldwin Counties sell vacant homes faster and at higher prices. Despite a historically brisk market, a recent sampling of real estate listings in the Mobile area showed a 28% vcancy rate in homes priced over $250,000. Industry data shows that vacant houses typically sell for 10-20% lss than comparable homes that are well-furnished, staged and cared-for. Showhomes helps Realtors and homeowners regain this lost value by providing a turn-key service, including whole-house furnishing, high-quality staging and a home manager to keep homes in show-to-sell condition seven days a week. Realtors and homeowners realize quicker sales and close with stronger offers.

Mobile area Brokers and Realtors like Mickey Russell, Dauphin Realty, are already strong supporters of Showhomes. "I used Showhomes to stage and sell my personal home," reported Russell. "The home, which had been vacant for over a year, sold in three days for list price."

"Angela is the right person to build on this success," said Thom Scott, Showhomes corporate director of operations. "With her strong Showhomes experience and enthusiasm for helping Realtors succeed, Angela is a natural to lead this franchise to the next level."

A former Showhomes corporate operations manager in the Mobile office, Blankinchip brings a wealth of experience to her new role as franchise owner. As corporate operations manager, she was responsible for human resources, accounting, payroll and training, and she also oversaw more than 30 franchise operations nationwide. Prior to joining Showhomes in 2004, she had served in various operations and management roles, including overseeing manufacturing logistics and inventory systems, and as plant manager for a Fortune 500 company.

"I'm excited about the growth potential in this market and the opportunity to work more closely with Mobile area Realtors and homeowners," said Blankinchip. "I can't think of any other business model that benefits so many parties with a single transaction."

Blankinchip has hired Tammy Boothe as marketing manager for the Showhomes-Mobile franchise. Boothe, a Mobile native and former Alabama Power Company sales representative, brings a strong marketing background and knowledge of the local real estate market to the position.

Mobile, also known as the Azalea City for its lush gardens, has a rich heritage of Southern architecture and preservation. The area offers many charming, historic homes in walkable neighborhoods as well as new construction in a variety of price ranges. Showhomes' whole-house furnishing, high-quality staging and full-time care to maintain homes in show-to-sell condition are valuable resources to Mobile and Baldwin County Realtors and homeowners.

About Showhomes
Since its founding in 1986, Showhomes has helped Realtors and homeowners sell more than 23,000 homes worth more than $8 billion across the U.S. by transforming vacant houses into valuable homes. The Showhomes business model is based on the fact that well-furnished homes kept in show-to-sell condition sell faster, and for higher prices, than vacant houses. Showhomes provides homeowners and their Realtors a turnkey package that includes whole-house furnishing, professional decorating, staging, a live-in home manager and marketing support services.