Company History

In 1958, the late Charles L. Upchurch, II began his real estate career. As a long time Athenian and integral member of the community, "Charlie" found real estate to be his calling; as a result, his business experienced early success. Nearly 15 years later on July 1, 1974, Upchurch Realty was formed and became operational under his direction. With his impeccable work ethics and a vision for future growth, Charlie purchased the Coldwell Banker franchise in 1982.

After attending the University of Georgia and working for a local industrial firm, Charles L. Upchurch, III, joined his father at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty in 1985. His dedication to the company was evident as he became involved in every aspect of the company's operation. In 1998 he purchased Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty from his father and became the President and Broker of the Company and shared in the vision of Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty with his Dad until the passing of Charles L. Upchurch, II in 1999.

In keeping with family tradition, but with an outlook towards the future and an enhanced vision for success, Charlie has reinforced the high principles on which the company was originally founded. Under Charlie's leadership, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty has reached over 100 full-time residential agents, 9 commercial agents, and a staff of 12 loyal dedicated employees. While Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty's success has been a steady and advanced progression, the true driving force behind its achievements lies within Charlie's passion for excellence and his desire to continue to make Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty a premier real estate company. What started in the basement of a private home through the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, has now reached a pinnacle of success through Charlie's direction and his tenacity to see Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty strive to be the best in the community.

Sandra Popham joined the company in 1974 and, as Residential Sales Manager, has been an integral component to the company's growth and success. After 34-plus years as a member of the Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty team, Sandra's contributions to the success of the agents as well as the Company are unsurpassed. Her skills as a leader and motivator have been vital to the quality of service provided but it is her driving force and passion for excellence that has continued to help Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty succeed.

Since it's inception, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty has had a clear and precise mission: "To be the premier, full service, real estate brokerage company in the area by providing the highest quality service to buyers and sellers; to be profitable and successful by helping our agents be profitable and successful; to attract and retain superior real estate professionals; to lead our sales associates to success by providing a work environment that leads to a sense of belonging, pride and teamwork; to contribute to the positive growth and development of our community."

The main office includes three floors of private agent offices, conference and board rooms, a media theater for training and education, a room for agent meetings, and a separate Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty Commercial office which provides additional private offices and meeting space for commercial clients and their needs. With the addition of the "Upchurch School of Real Estate" in 2004 under the direction of John Killens, and in-house Referral and Mortgage services, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty is the major leader in Athens area real estate. Their superior real estate services include: Residential Sales and Service, Residential Subdivisions, Extensive Referral and Relocation Network with Cartus Relocation Services, New Construction, Commercial Sales and Leasing, Industrial Property, Farm and Land, Commercial Property Management and Site Analysis and Design.

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty has continuously been a leader in real estate in the Athens area, the state of Georgia, and the Southeast region. The have achieved membership in the Coldwell Banker International Chairman's Circle, as well as being recognized in the Top 100 Coldwell Banker national affiliates every year since 2004. Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty has been voted "Best Real Estate Company" in the "Athens Banner Herald Readers' Choice Awards" every year since 2003. The company's motto, "Expect the Best", defines the Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty's commitment to service not only to their clients and agents but to their community. Their strong beliefs provide the solid foundation that allows them to deliver the very best to everyone. Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty continues to remain committed to pursue its legacy of excellence and success.