Our History

The Durbin name has been known in the Southwestern Ohio real estate market since 1953.  Mary Fran Scofield and Ernie Durbin Sr. founded our company as Scofield - Durbin Realty in 1956.  After marriage, Fran and Ernie Durbin dropped the Scofield name to become Durbin Realty in 1958. From the start, Durbin Realty was known for unparalleled integrity and service in real estate brokerage. The professional attitudes of our founders nurtured growth, resulting in multiple offices and numerous sales people.  As a real estate brokerage, Durbin Realty enjoyed much success and distinction, always emphasizing character and service.

In the early 1970’s, things were changing in all areas of the real estate business. Of interest to the Durbins’ were the changes occurring in real estate appraisal.  The days of “windshield” valuations by bank employees were fading.  The appraisal profession was coming into it’s own, and there was opportunity to specialize in real estate appraisal.  Ernie Durbin began educating himself and performing appraisals in 1973 and Fran Durbin followed suit in 1975.  By 1980, our name was changed from Durbin Realty to Durbin Appraisal Service and the brokerage end of the business was closed.

Ernie Durbin II, now president of Durbin and Associates, started working with his parents in 1976.  Still in high school, Ernie would perform background research at the Court House for Mom and Dad.  College years began in 1978, and Ernie majored in religion, philosophy, and psychology, graduating in 1982.  Through his college years, Ernie Durbin II continued to assisted Fran and Ernie Sr. with their appraisal work. Upon returning from college, Ernie II joined his parents, being trained as an appraiser.

Durbin Appraisal Services incorporated in 1983 as Durbin and Associates, Inc., with Ernie II being the majority stockholder.  Ernie Durbin II purchased the remainder of his parents stock in 1990.  Since incorporating, Durbin and Associates has evolved into a high technology appraisal office, expanding to 7 counties in Ohio.   

Other Key Personnel include Bill Waltenbaugh, Terry Schawe, and Lesa Fields.

Bill Waltenbaugh was recruited from Anderson University in 1990.  During his senior year at Anderson University, Bill was Zoning Administrator for the city of Anderson Indiana.  Bill has also achieved partnership status with Durbin and Associates, Inc. as a result of hard work and dedication, not as a consequence of his marriage to Ernie’s sister-in-law in 1993! 

Terry Schawe came to Durbin in April of 1999 to initiate the position of systems manager. Terry was with Ryerson Steel for 16 years prior his arrival at Durbin and Associates, Inc.  The position of systems manager is integral to future plans for EDI and Internet connectivity at Durbin and Associates Inc.  

Lesa takes care of our processing requirements, and is experienced in being able to assist you in any part of the appraisal process, from ordering to shipping and everything in between.

Many things have changed though out our company history, but one remains constant, our dedication to integrity, character and service.