COMPANY HISTORY

Mr. Tracy Brown, distinguished author and businessman, established First Providence Realty, Inc. in 1998.  First Providence Realty specializes in the sale and marketing of residential real estate and has found a niche providing affordable housing to homebuyers seeking homes in urban communities. Prior to establishing First Providence Realty, Mr. Brown owned a very successful Century 21 franchise, which he ultimately sold.
 
First Providence Realty’s most recognizable local project is the Westbury development in Portsmouth, Virginia. Westbury is a signature Portsmouth neighborhood, which builds on the best architectural styles, represented throughout historic Portsmouth.  Westbury is a mixed-income community of 278 units for rental and home ownership. Under the direction of Mr. Brown, both phases 1,2 & 3 sold out in record pace.  Internationally, Brown assisted with an urban community development project in Benin, West Africa, proposing construction of 1,100 new low-income homes. In 2001, Hampton Roads Chamber Of Commerce recognized First Providence Realty as one of Hampton Roads “Rising 25” small business.  In early 2007, First Providence was featured in the Virginian Pilot for outstanding work in the area of affordable housing (below $300,000). First Providence Realty’s upcoming projects include multi-unit affordable housing developments in Suffolk VA, Smithfield VA, & multi unit projects in Norfolk, VA.

Mr. Brown also founded a nationally recognized non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, which partners with housing authorities and faith-based organizations to develop community empowerment programs.  Urban Awareness is a representative at the United States White House for the NAACP.  Mr. Browns’ work with Urban Awareness has connected him to many national figures including Congressman JC Watts, Rev. Jesse Jackson & Rev. Al Sharpton, as well as local figures including Congressman Bobby Scott and Portsmouth Mayor James W. Holly III. 

Mr. TC Carnes is a former professional athlete, collegiate football standout and young businessman, whom with is wife Lisa, founded a real estate sales firm in late 2003 and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2004.  Within 2 ½ years Mr. Carnes lead his company towards two consecutive HRRA superlatives. In his third year of real estate sales, Mr. Carnes was nominated for the 2007 National Association of Realtors®, “30 under 30”. Having also founded both a real estate investment firm & professional management corporation, Mr. Carnes specializes in business developmentIn late 2006, Mr. Brown & Mr. Carnes partnered to develop the master franchise model for First Providence Realty, which is now in the early stages of franchise development. When fully developed the franchise will offer four full service divisions including 1.) Residential & commercial real estate, 2.) Mortgage lending, 3.) Title/escrow services and 4.) Land development.

First Providence Realty Inc. exists to help people (clients & team members) improve their lifestyles through real estate. 

We make our difference in the world by:

1. Providing affordable housing opportunities and financial literacy programs to families in urban communities.
2. Bringing average Realtors® to life by transforming them into well balanced, respected, top professionals.

How we do this?

• We develop unique home ownership programs by partnering with developers, investors, housing authorities, specialized lenders and non-profit organizations, to offer unique benefits that meet the needs of urban communities such as: first time buyer programs, down payment grants, subsidies, state & federal loan programs, private closing cost assistants programs, etc.
• We position our Realtors® as highly respected professionals by the use of Realtor® support systems, (our Realtor® support systems are similar to nurses in a medical practice or paralegals in a law firm). This concept is greatly underutilized in today’s broker centered environment.

Office: 757-393-9600
Fax: 757-393-9003
E-mail: info@1stprov.com