Despite the downturn in the residential market, Krebs sees opportunities in the brokerage business for companies that make changes in the way business is conducted. "We realized what other firms were doing wrong," Krebs tells GlobeSt.com. "They're treating the market as business as usual."

Whereas other brokerage firms have a lot of overhead, with large offices and large staffs, Prime Real Estate has more lean operations. Currently, the company has 10 employees, a number which Krebs hopes to increase in the future. The company is planning to open a satellite office April 1 in Hinesville. That office will provide services for two developments currently under way in the area. In mid-summer, the company is also planning to open a satellite office in Savannah.

Prior to starting the business, Krebs was managing broker for locally based Lifestyles Realtors, LLC, which did not comment on the new company. He has also worked in on-site sales for builder and developer projects and was a sales agent for Coldwell Banker/the Condo Store. He started his career as a homebuilder in South Georgia.

"I recognize the issues facing the marketplace at the present time," Krebs says. "Admittedly, the times are challenging. This does not mean, however, that people have quit buying and/or selling homes."