25 Years of Real Estate Finance Group
By Neal Bailes, Founder & CEO
Twenty-five years ago, I took a leap of faith. After years of being the top producer in the Southeast with National City Mortgage, and then earning the Dominator Award at Wells Fargo for the highest loan volume in office and regional history, I walked away from comfort and into my calling: building something of my own.
In 2001, I opened the doors to Real Estate Finance Group. And despite all the accolades I had earned as a loan officer, nothing compared to the moment I became a business owner. That was the real beginning. The American Dream — but with responsibility, risk, and purpose attached to it.
Over the years, this industry has tested me with market crashes, rate swings, and unpredictable challenges. But through it all, one truth has anchored me:
This business is about people.
Families. Dreams. Lives changed through homeownership.
I’m proud to say that today, Real Estate Finance Group stands as one of the leading mortgage brokers in East Tennessee, built on integrity, relationships, and an unwavering commitment to those we serve.
And on a personal level, I’m humbled to have personally closed over $1 billion in loan volume in just over 25 years — a milestone that reflects the trust so many families and partners have placed in me.
To our clients, partners, and this incredible community: thank you for believing in us for 25 years.
To the many employees who have helped build this company — your contributions are part of our DNA, and I am forever grateful.
Here’s to the journey, the growth, the resilience, and the lives we’ve touched.
And here’s to the next chapter — stronger, wiser, and more inspired than ever.
With deep gratitude,
Neal Bailes
Founder & CEO, Real Estate Finance Group
Letter of Gratitude as Our 25th Anniversary Approaches
As we look forward to our 25th anniversary in June 1, 2026, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who are part of our community at Real Estate Finance Group for your dedicated support. It is your courage, your commitment, and your belief in the Vision of Real Estate Finance Group that has made this possible.
Real Estate Finance Group was borne out of my deep commitment to serving the mortgage industry at every level possible. After experiencing the limitations of the traditional bank model, I was passionate about creating a Wholesale Mortgage channel for all clients, without compromising my expertise as a traditionally trained Mortgage Banker. The vision of Real Estate Finance Group is based on Honesty, Integrity, and Experience which our society is in deep need of today.
In the past twenty years, much has transformed, grown and evolved at Real Estate Finance Group. We have established ourselves as a model of Mortgage Lending that is cost effective, commitment to excellence centered. I am an integrative Mortgage Broker that has established a new norm for mortgage lending and incorporates all of the above. With your support I pride myself on working with the most ethical and accomplished Realtors, Title Companies, and Lenders in Knoxville and nationwide.
Thank you all for your support, your confidence, and your commitment to what is real.
Warmest Regards,
Neal Bailes
