Published: November 17, 2009 03:47 pm      

Kosciusko Realty closing after almost 10 years; Caraway to take on appraisals full time

Not quite ten years ago, Larry Caraway and his then wife, Gail, put their blood, sweat and tears into creating Kosciusko Realty.

On Friday, in his office on North Jackson Street, Carraway and his staff began the process of mailing out letters to clients about the closing of the realty company.

“They are a myriad of reason” for closing, Caraway, who is not only the owner but broker and appraiser, said.

He noted that a slow housing market and finiancial and personal reasons made him come to the decision to close.

He might not be selling houses for local residents but he will continue to serve as a real estate appraiser for the city, county and Central Mississippi.

Caraway will transition into full-time appraisals with the help of long-time real estate agent and broker, Karen McDonald in their current location.

Both said they will keep their broker license up-to-date because they are to hard to come by.

Caraway said he will miss helping the people find a place to call home, especially the excitement of a first-time home buyer.

McDonald, who has been with the company for five years, said it’s the hustle and bustle she’ll miss the most.

And, like Caraway, McDonald said it’s the interaction with people that make the job worthwhile.

“You know about the their family, their finances and where they are going to put their couch,” she said.

Caraway said a lot of hard work went into the forming of the company but overall this was the best decision.

“As you go through life, you go through changes and this is one of those changes,” Caraway said.

McDonald said she is looking forward to a break for sales and being able to spend time with her husband, Stewart, and three children.

Caraway said his proudest achievements include being the first real estate company in Kosciusko to have an Internet presence and bringing the Real Estate Magazine to Kosciusko.