"Having a background as a teacher makes it easier to explain the process of buying a home."
Barbara Morgan, Owner
Barbara believes that being able to explain ideas to a buyer, and help them understand the process, is an extension of her first career, teaching school. A graduate of Charleston High School, she taught sixth grade in Mattoon, Illinois after graduation form Eastern Illinois University. Moving from Charleston to Paris, Illinois, she obtained a real estate license in 1974, and purchased Paris Realty in 1978.
Barbara was president of the East Central Illinois Board of Realtors in 1978, then again in 1988. During her leadership, the boards' Multiple Listing Services was formed. She has served on many committees, and is a CRS, GRI and ABR. These degrees represent additional education in the real estate field. In 1992 she was awarded the Life Membership in the Presidents Club at the Diamond level. For over 20 years, Barbara has taught various real estate courses and continuing education for Lake Land College.
Barbara has participated in, and continues to work for, many civic and charitable activities. She has served as President of the Paris Newcomers Club, the United Way Board of Directors, the Prairies Edge Toastmasters Club, the Paris Business and Professional Women's Club and the Altrusa Club of Paris. In addition, she has been a member of the Boards of Directors of the Paris Chamber of Commerce, and the Paris YMCA. As a continuing member of the United Way Board, she chairs the professional division, and gives fund raising presentations. She is a Life Member of the Edgar County Historical Society, and the Bicentennial Art Center of Paris and has been a member of the Region 23 Private Industry Council.
Collecting Eiffel towers is Barbara's hobby, and she also has collected over 800 ornaments for her Christmas tree. Barbara spends spare time with any kind of needlework, and knits about 15 children's sweaters a year, which are sent to the Oxfam Project. She also enjoys pottery making. Known for her love of animals, you can visit her office and meet "Josie", the cat. Barbara also has two cats and two dogs that live at home, all are "Rescued Pets." Barbara serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Edgar County Humane Association.
She married David A. Morgan in 1958. They have three children. David retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation and with their two sons, builds new homes as Quality First Construction.
Barbara feels that real estate is a rewarding career and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the public and help in their search for property and homes.
Kim Downs accepted a position with Paris Realty in October of 2005 after obtaining her Salespersons license in September of 2005 from the Illinois Association of Realtors.
"Purchasing or selling a home is one of the most important decisions a person or couple can make in a lifetime, and being a part of that is both challenging and rewarding".
Kim is familiar in the area of real estate, as she worked for a very prominent law firm in Paris for eight years. Confidentiality and trust is an extremely important asset of working at a law firm and she will continue those through her real estate career. Kim believes that she has a great working relationship with all of the area banks and realtors and will strive to do her best to assist you in any way with all of your real estate needs.
Kim obtained her broker’s license in 2006 through Parkland College and plans to further her real estate career on a yearly basis.
She has lived her entire life in this area, growing up in the small town of Kansas, where she currently resides with her husband, Tracy, and her twins, Dakota and Alyssa.
"Having a background as a teacher makes it easier to explain the process of buying a home."
Collecting Eiffel towers is Barbara's hobby, and she also has collected over 800 ornaments for her Christmas tree. Barbara spends spare time with any kind of needlework, and knits about 15 children's sweaters a year, which are sent to the Oxfam Project. She also enjoys pottery making. Known for her love of animals, you can visit her office and meet "Josie", the cat. Barbara also has two cats and two dogs that live at home, all are "Rescued Pets." Barbara serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Edgar County Humane Association.
