Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Barnes.
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into real estate began with a genuine love for people and a deep belief that a home is far more than a place to live. It is the foundation for life. After earning my Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, I began my career in the real estate and multi family housing industry, where I quickly developed a strong appreciation for the responsibility that comes with helping people protect and grow their investments.
I went on to serve as a Corporate Trainer and District Property Manager for one of the largest apartment management companies in Memphis, working closely with owners and investors to maximize the value of their assets. While I loved the strategy, leadership, and negotiations, my heart was consistently drawn to the personal side of real estate, the families, the transitions, and the moments that truly matter. That calling led me to become a licensed commercial and residential real estate agent.
Nearly twenty years later, I have had the privilege of guiding buyers, sellers, and investors through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. I approach every client with care, market knowledge, and a tailored strategy, studying both local neighborhoods and national trends to ensure the best possible outcome. I have also been honored to train and mentor other agents nationwide and to serve in leadership roles within the industry, receiving recognition for both sales performance and service.
Today, my greatest reward is not the accolades. It is the relationships. Helping people move confidently into their next chapter is not just my profession. It is my passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of the most defining seasons of my career came during the market downturn in 2008. Like many in the industry, I experienced a period where I closed little to no real estate transactions for a few years. It was humbling, challenging, and forced me to reassess not just how I worked, but why I worked.
Rather than step away, I shifted my focus to consulting for investors, helping them analyze assets, navigate risk, and position themselves for long term value. That season sharpened my strategic mindset and deepened my understanding of market cycles, pricing, and financial decision making. It also gave me perspective and resilience that no strong market ever could.
That experience ultimately changed the direction of my career. While my background had been heavily rooted in commercial real estate, I found my heart increasingly drawn to the residential side and the people behind the decisions. Walking alongside families during life transitions and guiding them through uncertain markets felt deeply meaningful. What began as a season of survival became a pivotal turning point that shaped the way I serve clients today.
Looking back, that challenging period did not derail my career. It refined it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in residential sales and I am a referral based agent and have a deep passion for helping military families find their home during their time here, making the process as smooth and stress free as possible.
Over the past five to six years, I have been humbled to be Arlington’s number one agent for existing home sales by volume. I share that not as a title, but as a reflection of strong relationships and a commitment to serving my clients and our community. Many return to work with me again or refer friends and family, which I consider the highest compliment.
What sets me apart is my experience through multiple market cycles, my relational approach, and my commitment to educating and advocating for my clients so they feel confident every step of the way. At the end of the day, my greatest joy comes from helping people move into the next chapter of their lives feeling truly supported and understood.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Memphis and believe people should take the time to see the beauty in our city and all it has to offer. From the rich music and arts scene to the incredible food, history, and the warmth of its people, Memphis has so much to celebrate. I moved here over 25 years ago and have watched it grow, change, and get a bad rap, but I have always believed in the city and its people.
Arlington has my heart. It’s more than a place where I work. It’s where I live, raise my family, and invest my time in a community I truly care about. Serving on the Arlington Community Schools Board gives me the privilege of giving back in a meaningful way, supporting the schools and families that make our town so special. Being involved allows me to connect with neighbors, help shape the future for our children, and contribute to a community that has given so much to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courtneybarnesrealtor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneybarnes38002realtor
