The Thomas name has been associated with Real Estate and has been in Middletown since 1950. My father, Paul Thomas, started a brokerage business at 417 Crawford Street. The business closed in 1969 with his death. Erma Thomas Berry continued as a Real Estate Broker until her retirement in 1980. I grew up at Crawford Street helping my mom and dad at renovating houses, answering telephones and listening to Real Estate Agents in the office.

After graduating from Ohio State in 1974, I opened my own appraisal office on Crawford Street in 1975. The first two years I learned by helping Harold Sherron do Residential Appraisals. My first full time client was Middletown Federal Savings & Loan. This association lasted for many years and continues with Fifth Third Bank of Cincinnati. Over 200 different clients have used the Thomas Group for their real estate appraisal needs. We also do private reports for individuals every week.

A number of significant changes have occurred in the office. We are HUD/FHA approved and still on the approved list for FHA appraisals. Relocation appraisals and the ERC form also began and still continues. The computer has become a necessity for continuing my appraisal business. We now can electronically transmit completed URAR appraisals to clients (see technology). Every week we do private appraisals for attorneys, homeowners and buyers. The market value procedure has remained the same. The technology and client needs are constantly being upgraded. We follow all USAP guidelines and Fannie Mae requirements in our reports. Our appraisals pass the underwriter and review process.

We will continue to provide honest and reliable reports to our clients. Our dedication to our clients and reports will not change. We do not make everybody happy all the time but the value is current, honest and market supported!