Local Real Estate Nationwide

EWM Realty International is in an Empire State of mind as key ties between Miami and Manhattan continue to strengthen.

A series of major expansions and acquisitions by parent company, HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, have opened new doors within the City (and across the U.S.) for EWM …furthering connections between area buyers and sellers.

At the beginning of the year, HomeServices announced the founding of its first New York real estate brokerage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties, in the heart of Manhattan on Madison and 57^th Street.  The headquarters officially opened May 18, and EWM was on-hand for the unveiling.

“Our EWM associates have always had a stake in the New York market, as frequent visitors and connectors,” said EWM CEO Ron Shuffield to Miami Today newspaper regarding the new office.  “But having our own wholly-owned sister companies in New York provides even greater synergy.”

Manhattan real estate leader Ellie Johnson will serve as president of the New York office, overseeing area business.  Johnson and New York Properties are part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties/Westchester Properties family, which continues its growth in the Northeast under the leadership of CEO Candace Adams.

And directly on the heels of announcing its first New York affiliation in January, HomeServices acquired premier broker Houlihan Lawrence.  Based in the northern suburbs of New York City since 1888, the company has furthered the size of HomeServices’ luxury portfolio in the area — as well as its subsequent visibility.  With 40 large company brands across the U.S., HomeServices is now the nation’s second largest residential real estate services provider.

Visit blog.ewm.com for more information

Authored by Ron Shuffield, president EWM Realty International

Company Appoints Veteran Executive to Oversee Operations; Current President Barb Jandric to Retire After Distinguished 34+ Year Career

EDINA, Minn., – May 2, 2017 – Edina Realty, the largest residential real estate company in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, announced today the appointment of long-time executive leader Sharry Schmid as president, effective June 5, 2017. Schmid, who most recently served as senior vice president and regional manager, takes over for retiring president, Barb Jandric.

Over her 21 years at Edina Realty, Schmid has held a variety of positions within the organization. Most recently Schmid served as senior vice president and regional manager of Edina Realty’s Lakeville, Eden Prairie, Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee offices as well as sales manager of the company’s largest sales office at 6800 France Avenue in Edina. Prior to that, Schmid led the company’s Builder Resource Group, a division that focused on large-scale condominium projects, and held branch manager roles for Edina Realty Title in both Burnsville and Rochester.

Jandric’s accomplishments in her 34-year career are many. She is a leader in the industry with inclusion on national lists like Swanepoel’s Power 200. During some of the most challenging years in the history of real estate, she helped guide Edina Realty through The Great Recession. And due to her collaborative approach and decisive leadership, she was integral to the company’s 17 years of market leadership.

“I could always count on Barb to consider multiple perspectives when making important decisions,” said Greg Mason, chief executive officer. “Our thanks and gratitude go to her for her perseverance, business acumen and strong leadership skills—all of which have helped build our company into what it is today.”

Like Jandric, Schmid has bold plans to lead the company to further successes. Her vision includes ramping up the considerable help and resources already available to Edina Realty agents. She sees the complexity of the business as a key challenge today, and her focus will be on assuring agents have the best technologies, education and skills to deliver the best experience to Edina Realty customers.

“Barb has led the company well, and built the company to greatness. I’m honored to take over from her and to work with so many talented and dedicated agents and employees at Edina Realty,” said Schmid.

In addition to her leadership roles at Edina Realty, Schmid has served on the Board of Directors for both the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® and the St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS®.

“With Sharry’s honesty, integrity, dedication to our strong company culture and doing what’s right for our customers, I’m confident that she’ll continue to build on our 17-year-strong position as the number one realty company in the upper Midwest,” said Mason.

About Edina Realty

Edina Realty is a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. It is one of the nation’s largest real estate companies with more than 75 real estate offices and 2,350 REALTORS® throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Edina Realty’s family of companies includes Edina Realty, Edina Realty Title, Edina Realty Insurance and Edina Realty Mortgage. Edina Realty closed more than 32,000 real estate transactions and more than $8 billion in sales volume for 2015. For more information, visit www.edinarealty.com, m.edinarealty.com, or find us on Facebook: facebook.com/EdinaRealty; and Twitter: Twitter.com/@Edina_Realty.

Minneapolis, Minn. (April 4, 2017) – HomeServices of America., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate, a recognized leader in the New Jersey residential real estate market. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Gloria Nilson & Co. serves Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania with more than 730 sales associates in 25 offices located in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, Bucks and Morris counties. In 2016, the brokerage company closed more than 3,700 units and nearly $1.5 billion in sales volume.

Established in 1977, Gloria Nilson & Co. is one of New Jersey’s leading real estate companies, well known for its luxury representation and commitment to providing its agents and clients with the highest level of personalized customer service, local expertise, and resources. Dick Schlott, chairman, is among real estate’s most recognized leaders, and is known for his industry experience as well as his extensive community involvement and contributions. Schlott, together with president Pat Bell, will continue to lead Gloria Nilson & Co.’s strategic planning and growth initiatives, as well as manage the company’s day-to-day operations.

“Gloria Nilson & Co. is a premier company with excellent brand recognition, dedicated sales leadership, and talented agents,” said Ron Peltier, HomeServices’ chairman and CEO. “Their culture of service, integrity and community involvement closely aligns with our corporate vision and our emphasis on customer value and results.”

“We are proud to be part of the HomeServices of America family,” said Schlott. “We are joining an outstanding organization not only known for its exceptional strength and stability but one that shares our commitment to delivering the highest levels of personalized service and support, making this transaction a win/win for our clients, agents, and employees.”

“This is an important transaction for HomeServices and we are looking forward to having Dick, Pat, and their team join the HomeServices family,” Peltier said.

Gloria Nilson & Co. joins Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties as the third company in the Tri State region to join the HomeServices family of companies this year. HomeServices’ Northeast regional footprint also includes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England and Westchester Properties and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors^®.

Nationally, with this transaction, HomeServices has nearly 30,000 real estate professionals operating in nearly 600 offices across 28 states. In 2016, the company’s associates facilitated more than $94 billion in residential real estate sales.

For more information or to learn more about Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate, visit their website at https://www.glorianilson.com/.

ATLANTA, GA (February 28, 2017) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is proud to announce the selection of the company’s Luxury Collection marketing campaign for the prestigious 2017 MAX Award (Marketing for Excellence Award) by Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The MAX Awards were held at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, 2/23 with over 200 people in attendance.

The MAX Awards began in 1992 to recognize companies for their marketing innovation, outstanding marketing support and marketplace success. Each year, the nominations are evaluated by the Georgia State University Marketing Roundtable which is a “who’s who” list of marketing leaders in Metro Atlanta. Past winners include the Coca-Cola Company, Georgia-Pacific, UPS, Equifax, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves. No real estate company has ever been nominated or won this award.

“We are honored to be the first real estate company to ever receive the prestigious MAX Award, said Dan Forsman, President & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. Our goal was to redefine the luxury real estate experience with a new level of marketing and innovation. The MAX Award validates our journey and energizes us to raise the bar even higher. Our Luxury Collection team and our amazing Luxury Collection associates are truly beginning a new era for luxury real estate.”

The multi-phased campaign was developed in collaboration with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and renowned architect, Bill Harrison. The iconic lady image used in the first stages of the campaign was reminiscent of a classic Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Onassis look and created an emotional connection to luxury consumers and luxury agents. This aspirational and inspirational approach was a complete departure from traditional real estate marketing. The company creatively used their high-impact digital billboard network to show the iconic lady with glasses on in the day and glasses off at night. Other elements of the campaign included storytelling, luxury personas and the use of the 5 senses in luxury materials and the luxury property showing experience. The innovative designs and the effective use of print, digital and social marketing were very successful in generating recognition and results. In 2016, Trendgraphix reports that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties had the highest growth in luxury listings, closed units and closed volume.

About BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES GEORGIA PROPERTIES

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties has over 1,550 associates and 22 offices across the Greater Metro Atlanta area. Led by president and CEO, Dan Forsman, the organization offers a full suite of real estate services including residential real estate, luxury real estate, new homes services, condo/ high-rise services, commercial real estate, corporate relocation, property management, mortgage lending, title and settlement services, home warranties and insurance. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is an independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Visit http://www.BHHSGA.com.

Minneapolis, Minn. (January 17, 2017) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Houlihan Lawrence, one of the leading real estate firms serving New York City’s northern suburbs. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in the northern suburbs of New York City, Houlihan Lawrence serves the Westchester, Fairfield, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties of New York and Connecticut with 1,300 sales associates operating in 30 sales offices. In 2016, Houlihan Lawrence closed $6.7 billion of sales volume.

Established in 1888, Houlihan Lawrence has been known to generations of buyers and sellers for its leadership in luxury representation and local expertise delivered by a team of knowledgeable agents coupled with the firm’s renowned advanced technologies and data driven insights. Nancy Seaman will step aside as chairman while her brothers Stephen Meyers, president and CEO, and Chris Meyers, managing principal, will continue to lead the firm’s strategic growth initiatives and manage day-to-day operations together with their sales management teams. Houlihan Lawrence, like other locally-branded brokerage companies under the HomeServices umbrella, will retain its name.

“We are joining an organization known for its strength and stability, said Stephen Meyers. “Our partnership secures the future of the firm without changing the exceptional culture that is core to our storied brand. We are thrilled with this announcement and the many benefits it brings to our clients and agents.”

“When you combine the incredible strength of our people and the remarkable history of our success with the unsurpassed financial stability of HomeServices, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” added Chris Meyers.

“Nancy, Stephen and Chris, together with their team of sales managers and agents, have built an extraordinary organization and exemplify a level of expertise and leadership that is second-to-none in the real estate business today,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO, HomeServices. “Their culture of integrity and innovation closely aligns with our corporate vision and our emphasis on customer value and results.”

With this transaction, HomeServices has nearly 29,500 real estate professionals operating in nearly 570 offices across 28 states. In 2016, the company’s associates facilitated more than $93 billion in residential real estate sales.

“This is an important transaction to HomeServices,” concluded Peltier. “And we are very proud to welcome Houlihan Lawrence to the HomeServices family.”

NEW YORK, NY (Jan. 9, 2017) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices announced today that Manhattan real estate leader Ellie Johnson has joined the network to direct its first New York City affiliation, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties.

Johnson and New York Properties are part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties/Westchester Properties family, which continues its strategic expansion in the Northeast under the leadership of CEO Candace Adams. New England Properties, a Wallingford, CT-based company owned by HomeServices of America, entered Westchester County, NY in 2015 with the acquisitions of brokerages operating in Scarsdale, Larchmont and Eastchester. The brokerage expanded into Rye in 2016.

“We are elated to attract such a talented and respected leader in Ellie Johnson and at the same time enter the New York City real estate market,” said Adams. “This is a monumental step for our brokerage as we look to expand our presence in the Northeast.”

Gino Blefari, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, said New York Properties is vital to the network’s global expansion strategy that begins in 2017. “New York City is the gateway to America and the hub for global industry and finance,” he said. “Our presence in Manhattan is a key factor in our expansion into Western Europe and other parts of the world.”

Blefari added that New York Properties will benefit from all-star leadership. “Ellie has earned a legacy of significant success in the marketplace, and Candace ranks among the finest in real estate brokerage operators. We’re excited to help this brokerage grow.”

Johnson comes to her position from Sotheby’s International Realty, where for 11 years she managed the network’s Upper East Side New York office to perennial sales-volume leadership.

“I’m honored to represent the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand in Manhattan,” said Johnson, who is president of New York Properties. “The brand carries the name of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., one of the world’s most trusted and respected corporations. We are confident the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will be warmly embraced in Manhattan, as it has been throughout America.

“I am excited to lead New York Properties and uphold the tradition of excellence established by Candace and the team at New England Properties,” Johnson continued. “We’ll leverage our knowledge, experience and associations in New York City to quickly move our brokerage forward.”

The brokerage office is the next in an ongoing list of strategic growth initiatives launched by HomeServices of America, the nation’s second-largest real estate brokerage company. Ron Peltier, HomeServices’ chairman and CEO, applauded New York Properties’ arrival. “We are committed to regional expansion and we’re thrilled to establish such a quality presence in New York City,” he said. “With Ellie leading the way in Manhattan, backed by Candace’s leadership, we are well-positioned for long-term growth.”

New York Properties operates at 590 Madison Ave, 37^th Floor, New York, NY 10022; (212) 710-1900. Visit www.bhhsnyproperties.com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is based in Irvine, CA. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

Media Contacts:

Kevin Ostler (949) 794-7980 kevinostler@hsfranchise.com

Alyssa Camacho (212) 642-7732

alyssa.camacho@edelman.com

Minneapolis, Minn. (December 16, 2016) – Harry Norman, Realtors^®, a HomeServices of America company, today announced that Jenni Bonura, general manager of Harry Norman, Realtors, has been promoted to president and chief executive officer. Dan Parmer, former president and CEO, has been named chairman emeritus.

“Jenni is extraordinarily well-qualified to serve as president and CEO,” said Parmer, chairman emeritus of Harry Norman. “Under her leadership, together with our outstanding agents and management team, Harry Norman is poised for even greater success.”

As president and CEO, Bonura will shape the company’s strategy and direct operations with a focus on driving future growth while preserving Harry Norman’s 86-year legacy of exceeding clients’ expectations. “We have a team of immensely talented agents, sales managers and employees,” said Bonura, president and CEO of Harry Norman. “I look forward to leading Harry Norman to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by our excellent management team.”

Bonura began her real estate career in 2002 as a Realtor^® and held numerous marketing and sales management roles before being promoted in 2008 to senior vice president and managing broker of Harry Norman’s North Fulton office. In early 2016 Bonura was named general manager of Harry Norman where she has been actively engaged in virtually all aspects of brokerage operations and has provided guidance and direction to the company’s 900 Realtors^®.

With more than 30 years of real estate experience, Parmer is a leader with impeccable business ethics and personal sincerity. Prior to being named Harry Norman’s president and CEO in 2008, Parmer had held multiple executive sales and corporate finance leadership positions. Under his leadership, the company has grown to become one of the most recognized real estate companies in Georgia. Parmer, a long-time resident of the area, serves on the Board of Directors for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, First Multiple Listing Service and Buckhead Coalition.

“Jenni brings extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities to Harry Norman and the HomeServices executive team. She is a strategic and charismatic leader and I am confident that under her leadership, Harry Norman is well-positioned for future growth.” said Robert Moline, CEO of HomeServices’ brokerage division. “Dan’s leadership helped guide Harry Norman to become a prominent real estate company. On behalf of HomeServices, we thank him for his many contributions and we wish him well as he enters this new chapter of his life.”

By David Pittman –

‘90 Years Strong’

Nearly a century ago, Roy H. Long saw the potential of real estate in the dry, warm, southwestern climate of Southern Arizona and in 1926 he started a realty company from his Tucson home.

He built Long Realty Company into one of the top real estate firms in Tucson. Today it is unquestionably the No. 1 residential real estate operation in Southern Arizona as it reaches the milestone of 90 years in business in impressive fashion. According to the Tucson Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, 32.3 percent of all Tucson homes sold last year were credited to Long Realty. The second-rated company sold 13.8 percent.

To help celebrate the anniversary, Long Realty president and CEO Rosey Koberlein asked the professionals who make up the firm’s team of sales associates the following question: “What makes Long Realty 90 years strong?” She received nearly 500 replies.

“There was consensus,” said Koberlein. “Our strength comes from dedication, passion and a drive for excellence by every person in the organization. Most 90-year-olds show their age, but Long Realty is just getting started and we’re looking ahead to another 90 years and beyond.”

Long agents and the company’s management team said the company has achieved phenomenal success because of brand recognition and reputation; its commitment to quality service; its support of the community; its strong leadership that has established a culture of partnership and camaraderie; its training and education programs; its willingness to innovate and invest in technology; and its offering of a one-stop, full-service real estate experience.

Roy Long’s original motto was “take care of your customers and the business will take care of you.” Today’s Long Realty mission is “to create an exceptional real estate experience that builds long-lasting relationships.”

Ownership of Long Realty has gone through several incarnations over time. Roy Long retired in 1952 and his son, Barry, took over the business, growing the company into eight different branches with multiple services.

In 1980, Long Realty expanded ownership. Barry Long retired and turned the company over to his sons, Roy II, Russell and Steve, as well as the new president, Robert Piersol. Shortly thereafter Lex Sears also became a part-owner.

“When my grandfather started Roy H. Long Realty Company in 1926, he never would have imagined it would survive innumerable world events to become Tucson’s leading real estate company in 2016,” said Russell Long, who is still with the company as a sales associate. “I am as proud of the company today as Roy and my father Barry would be.”

In 1984, Steve Quinlan became part-owner of Long Realty, a move that eventually would lead to him becoming the sole owner, president and CEO in 1998.

Long Realty extended services into Green Valley and Sierra Vista in 1995, and in 1997 it launched a new website, which has grown to become one of the leading real estate company websites in Arizona. LongRealty.com received more than 3.8 million visits last year.

Quinlan promoted Koberlein, a former agent and branch manager of the firm, to GM in 1998, a year before the company was purchased by HomeServices of America, the second largest residential real estate brokerage in the nation. HomeServices is an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational holding company headquartered in Omaha, whose chairman, president and CEO is Warren Buffett, widely considered the most successful investor in history.

Koberlein said the alignment with HomeServices has provided Long Realty “with the best of both worlds.” She said Long Realty has continued to run its own affairs from Tucson, while gaining extraordinary resources and a national and global presence.

HomeServices of America has a network of more than 70,000 agents nationwide. Long Realty also is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, an invitation-only network of more than 500 independent brokerages in more than 50 countries representing more than 120,000 sales associates.

Long Realty expanded its core services in 2000 by developing Long Mortgage Co., Long Title Insurance and the Long Insurance Group, to give homebuyers and sellers a sought-after, one-stop shop for real estate transactions.

“No other brokerage in Southern Arizona comes close to offering the quality full-service experience that Long Realty does,” Koberlein said.

Continuing with its evolution, in 2001, Long Realty purchased the residential division of Tucson Realty & Trust, which had been the company’s biggest competitor.

Three years later, Koberlein was promoted to president and CEO as Quinlan became chairman of the board, a position he still holds.

In Koberlein’s first two years at the helm of Long Realty she could do no wrong as a decade-long real estate boom continued on an unprecedented record-breaking run. In 2005, Long Realty surpassed $5 billion in annual sales volume, still an all-time market high in Southern Arizona.

But in 2006, the real estate bubble burst, setting off a prolonged market downturn that didn’t begin recovering until September 2011. Through it all, Koberlein and Long Realty accomplished something remarkable: turning profits, albeit small ones, every year of the Great Recession.

Koberlein said Long Realty has remained independent, autonomous and in control of its “day-to day destiny” because it has always achieved its financial goals and delivered “what we say we’re going to deliver.”

In 2009, Long Realty expanded its footprint into Phoenix and Mexico by adding multiple franchised locations.

Today, Long Realty has more than 1,200 licensed real estate sales associates in more than 38 offices, including 23 affiliate and property management companies.

In the 90 years Long Realty has been in business, the real estate industry has undergone constant change. During that time Long Realty has been growing, expanding and embracing new technology.

“We are always evolving and changing by trying to identify what consumers need and how we can provide them with a more positive experience,” said Kevin Kaplan, Long’s VP of marketing and technology. “If you are content with the status quo you may be moving backward because everything is changing around you.”

See original article at: http://www.biztucson.com/magazine/fall-2016/long-realty-closing-century-business