HomeServices of America Announces Formation of Regional Brokerage

MINNEAPOLIS (January 20, 2015) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the consolidation of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (based in Seattle, WA) and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (based in Portland, OR), creating a regional Pacific Northwest brokerage. Jason Waugh, current president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Portland will assume the role of president and CEO of the combined companies, effective immediately. Mike Gain, a 38-year real estate veteran and current president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Seattle has been named Chairman Emeritus where he will play an integral role in BHHS Northwest Real Estate’s success focusing on acquisition and expansion strategies and opportunities.

The merger unites the two companies, creating an organization with more than 725 real estate professionals providing residential and commercial clients in the Seattle and Portland metropolitan areas, as well as Central Oregon, the Yamhill County wine region and Oregon’s coastal communities with extraordinary strength and resources to help them buy and sell their homes. In 2014, the combined firm closed nearly $2.2 billion in sales volume.

“This merger creates a regional powerhouse within the Pacific Northwest,” said Waugh. “We are combining two organizations, each with immensely talented agents, sales managers and employees and a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional real estate experience into a company that will be unmatched in their ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients.”

“I am extremely proud of everyone at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate and what we have accomplished,” said Gain. “Bringing these two companies together creates a tremendous amount of growth potential and I am looking forward to driving these opportunities in my new role within the company.”

“Mike and Jason have done an outstanding job in positioning Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate for continued growth and success,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Combining the operations of these companies brings together two great organizations and reinforces our commitment to expanding our footprint in the Pacific Northwest.”

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (Portland)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (Portland) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc and has nearly 350 sales associates serving the Portland metropolitan area, Southwest Washington—including Vancouver and Longview, Central Oregon and the Oregon coast. For more information, visit https://www.bhhsnw.com/

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (Seattle)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (Seattle) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc and serves the Seattle metropolitan area, and King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties with nearly 400 sales associates in seven offices. For more information, visit https://www.bhhsnwrealestate.com/

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc. is the nation’s second-largest residential real estate brokerage company and, through its operating companies, is one of the largest providers of integrated real estate services. HomeServices of America is the majority owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. HomeServices’ operating companies offer integrated real estate services, including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, and other homeownership services. HomeServices Relocation, LLC is the full-service relocation arm of HomeServices of America, which provides every aspect of domestic and international relocation to corporations around the world. HomeServices operates under the following residential real estate brands: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors®; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kansas City Realty; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (Portland); Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (Seattle); Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Realty; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Yost & Little; Carol Jones Realtors®; CBSHOME Real Estate; Champion Realty Inc.; Edina Realty; EWM Realtors ®; Guarantee Real Estate; Harry Norman, Realtors®; HOME Real Estate; Huff Realty; Intero Real Estate Services; Iowa Realty; Long Companies; RealtySouth; Rector-Hayden Realtors®; ReeceNichols; Roberts Brothers Inc.; Semonin Realtors®; and Woods Bros. Realty.


HomeServices of America Leaders Recognized with Industry Honors

MINNEAPOLIS (January 15, 2015) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today congratulated executives from across its brokerage and franchise companies for being named to the 2014 Swanepoel Power 200 list.

The Swanepoel Power 200 is a comprehensive roster of leading CEOs and senior executives whose leadership and experience drive the industry and their organizations.

“The individuals on this list have distinguished themselves by their influence within the real estate industry,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Their contribution to HomeServices and our collective success is an ongoing source of pride for the entire organization.”

The HomeServices’ executives recognized on the 2014 Swanepoel Power 200 list are:

  • Candace Adams—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties
  • Gino Blefari—president and CEO, HSF Affiliates
  • David Cabot—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
  • Jon Coile—president and CEO, Champion Realty
  • Bradley J. DeVries—regional president & CEO, Huff Realty
  • Joan Docktor—president, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors®
  • Dan Forsman—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
  • Lawrence Flick, IV—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors®
  • Mike Knapp—president and CEO, Iowa Realty
  • Rosey Koberlein—president and CEO, Long Companies
  • Earl Lee—SVP special projects, HSF Affiliates
  • Robert McAdams, Jr. —president, Real Living Real Estate
  • Robert Moline—president and COO, HomeServices of America
  • Greg Mason—president and CEO, Edina Realty Home Services
  • Nancy Nagy—chief executive officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group
  • Dan Parmer—president and CEO, Harry Norman REALTORS®
  • Ron Peltier—chairman and CEO, HomeServices of America
  • Stephen Phillips—chief operating officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
  • Ron Shuffield—president and CEO, EWM REALTORS®
  • Tom Tognoli—president and CEO, Intero Real Estate Services
  • Joe Valenti—president and CEO, CBSHOME Real Estate
  • Linda Vaughan—president and CEO, ReeceNichols

HomeServices of America Announces Leadership Changes for RealtySouth

MINNEAPOLIS (January 07, 2015) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire  Hathaway affiliate, today announced that effective immediately, Richard Grimes has assumed the role of chief executive officer of RealtySouth; Jim Dye has been promoted to senior vice president and general sales manager; and Ty Dodge, former president and CEO of RealtySouth, has been named Chairman Emeritus of the company.

RealtySouth is one of Alabama’s largest real estate companies with 16 real estate offices throughout Birmingham, Huntsville, Orange Beach, Auburn and Tuscaloosa. In 2013, RealtySouth handled nearly 7,300 transactions and nearly $1.7 billion in sales volume.

Grimes began his real estate career as a Realtor® in 1992 and in 1998 joined First Real Estate as executive vice president and co-owner. In 2002, when First Real Estate merged with RealtySouth, Grimes led the new home sales division as regional vice president, directing land development projects and builder relationship programs. In 2009, Grimes was named senior vice president of RealtySouth. Grimes’ real estate experience, his negotiation skills and ability to foster relationships has enabled him to deliver the growth and profitability instrumental to RealtySouth’s continued success.

With more than 35 years of experience in real estate brokerage sales and as senior vice president of RealtySouth since 1998, Dye has been involved in nearly every aspect of real estate and brings extensive industry knowledge and management experience. As vice president and general sales manager, Dye has responsibility for the overall growth and profitability of the brokerage division of the business and will provide guidance and direction to the company’s 16 sales offices and nearly 760 Realtors®.

Dodge began his real estate career in 1978 as a sales associate and the next 20 years, held multiple executive leadership positions with Johnson-Rast & Hays Company, Inc. He joined RealtySouth in 1998 and has served as president and CEO since 2008. Under Dodge’s leadership, the company has grown to become one of the largest real estate companies in Alabama. Dodge, a long-time resident of the area, is widely recognized for his community involvement and leadership and is active in the real estate industry on both the state and national levels. In 1971, Dodge retired from the U.S. Army as a Captain, having served in Vietnam where he received three Bronze Stars; a Purple Heart; and a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

“Ty and I have worked together for many years, and I have learned a tremendous amount from him,” said Grimes. “He has built a team of immensely talented agents, sales managers and employees. I look forward to leading RealtySouth to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by Jim and our exceptional management team.”

“I am proud of everyone at RealtySouth and what we have achieved,” said Dodge. “With Richard and Jim at the helm, I’m confident that RealtySouth will continue to grow and prosper, serving consumers, our associates and staff better than ever before. Their experience and vision ensure a very bright future for the company.”

“Ty’s leadership helped guide RealtySouth to its position as one of the foremost real estate companies in the country,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “On behalf of all of HomeServices, we thank him for his innumerable contributions and we wish him well as he enters this new chapter of his life. Richard is a dedicated leader with a firm grasp of the real estate industry and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the months and years to come.”