Competing philosophies, exclusive listings and the consumer trust tipping point

Exclusive Inman News interview with Chris Kelly, president and CEO of HomeServices of America.

Every industry eventually faces periods where long-standing practices are challenged by new philosophies, emerging technologies and shifting consumer expectations. For residential real estate, this moment is upon us.

The industry is approaching a critical inflection point. Competing ideologies around exclusive brokerage content and regulated transparency are reshaping foundational norms. Innovation can be a path to an improved consumer experience as well as a consolidation of control, raising important questions about what’s gained, what’s lost and who ultimately benefits.

How the industry responds in the coming months and years will define more than market share; it will determine whether consumer trust in our industry remains intact or begins to erode in the face of conflicting priorities.

In recent months, legal challenges and policy debates have drawn attention to the growing tension between national brokerages, listing platforms, industry associations and the systems that have long governed how real estate is marketed and shared. But while the headlines focus on present-day disputes, the real question is: What comes next?

Developing siloed ecosystems of exclusive inventory

One scenario that’s quietly emerging is a future where the country’s largest brokerages withhold a growing percentage of their listing content from broader distribution and consumer access, building what they hope are proprietary ecosystems of exclusive inventory.

The logic is clear: In a competitive landscape, owning access to listings — especially early on or off-MLS access — can be positioned as a market differentiator. But how long does that advantage really last?

In truth, the singular edge that comes from curating a high volume of exclusive listing content is likely short-lived.

When one major player withholds listings, it’s only a matter of time before others follow suit, unwilling to contribute their full inventory to a system where participation is uneven and self-serving.

Eventually, this imbalance triggers a kind of arms race. Each large brokerage begins building its own protective silo, creating what are essentially national enclaves of incomplete market data.

And since no brokerage — no matter how dominant — holds more than roughly 10 percent national market share, the result isn’t necessarily a clear new winner; it’s a fragmented market that seriously impacts the consumer.

When will consumers ‘cut the cord’ on real estate agents?

Think of today’s listing landscape like the streaming wars. We enthusiastically cut the cord from cable in favor of more control, but now, content is fragmented across countless platforms.

Just as viewers are growing tired of jumping between apps and subscriptions, buyers and sellers could soon feel the same fatigue if listings are locked in brokerage silos.

That’s the scenario we must take seriously: A market in which no consumer, no agent and no brokerage has a complete view of what’s truly for sale in any given neighborhood. What does it mean for the buyer or seller when a seamless experience requires working with multiple brokerages, contacting a dozen agents or sifting through parallel sets of listing content?

In a world where simplicity and access are the currency of modern consumer engagement, this kind of disjointed process makes the consumer’s life summarily inefficient and increasingly frustrating. Whom can they trust if no one really has all of the information they require to make intelligent buying or selling decisions?

The agent-consumer relationship has been one of the most resilient and trusted aspects of our industry. But that trust has been earned by being the source of truth, the bridge to the full market — not just a curated slice of it. If our strategies shift too far in the direction of exclusivity — where they seem to be going — we risk eroding that very trust by making it harder, not easier, to buy or sell a home.

How portals and MLSs add to the mix

At the same time, this isn’t to suggest that national portals or the MLS system are above scrutiny. The listing platforms have not been neutral actors in this evolution. Shifting standards and closed-door policy decisions have created understandable concern among brokerages that are, by necessity, increasingly wary of placing their futures in the hands of companies that control such an outsized share of consumer eyeballs while insisting they don’t want to compete.

Similarly, the MLS system must evolve. The Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) was designed to support broad access and transparency, and for most consumers and properties, that still holds true. But CCP should not become a gatekeeper that stifles innovation or prevents legitimate competitors from offering alternative models. With buyer compensation now removed from the MLS framework, the system’s primary value must be re-anchored in data quality, efficiency and neutrality, not simply tradition.

This moment isn’t about choosing sides between portals, MLSs or brokerages, or even whether there should be mandatory policies or regulations around these decisions. It’s about choosing a vision for how our industry remains relevant to the consumer.

If we allow fragmentation and confusion to define the next phase of real estate, we may find ourselves with no clear winners — only frustrated clients and eroded confidence in the system as a whole — a “Cold War” where the client is the clear loser.

One of the most defining and uniquely American strengths of our real estate industry has been collaboration among, not competitors, but rather “cooperators,” a term codified by Ebby Halliday herself — the belief that mutually agreed upon transparency serves the whole market. It’s that spirit that built the MLS, that allowed real estate professionals to thrive across brokerages, and that helped agents deliver unmatched value to their clients.

We would all do well to spend a moment considering the longer-term view: Are the decisions we’re making today strengthening or weakening our role in the homeownership journey? There may not be a single right answer. But the conversation matters.

Because trust — once lost — takes years to rebuild. And in an industry where trust is everything, we are heading in the wrong direction if our goal is to have our customers trust us.

The bedrock is simply this: In real estate, trust is everything. Let’s find a way to keep it.

Chris Kelly is the president and CEO of HomeServices of America.


HomeServices of America Names Jimmy Burgess as Chief Coaching Officer

Nationally respected real estate leader will enhance agent performance and professional growth across the HomeServices network.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 19, 2025) – HomeServices of America, the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services – including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services – today announced that nationally-acclaimed industry leader Jimmy Burgess will be assuming the newly created national role of Chief Coaching Officer.

Burgess will now lead the design and implementation of agent and leadership coaching across the HomeServices enterprise. He will also serve as President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, headquartered in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

As Chief Coaching Officer, Burgess will spearhead a company-wide effort to empower agents and leaders at every stage of their careers. Drawing on decades of experience and a proven track record as a content creator and mentor, he will provide strategic coaching initiatives that blend practical tools with real-world application – supporting performance, productivity, and personal growth.

“Coaching is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity in today’s market,” said Chris Kelly, President & CEO. “This national role reflects our commitment to investing in people, performance, and long-term growth. To add someone of Jimmy’s expertise to the role makes our organization even more of a leader in this arena. His energy, clarity, and agent-first philosophy make him the ideal leader to shape the future of coaching at HomeServices.”

Highly respected on the national stage, Burgess is known for his insight-driven, results-oriented approach to leadership development. He has coached thousands of agents, authored countless training resources, and built a strong following for his ability to connect, motivate, and elevate.

His appointment as Chief Coaching Officer underscores HomeServices’ ongoing investment in professional development and innovation, ensuring agents and leaders across the organization are equipped to thrive in any market condition.

“I am very excited to help move our enterprise forward through investing personally in our people,” said Jimmy Burgess. “A commitment of this magnitude to training speaks volumes about our agent-centric approach to our organization. The more skills we equip our agents with, the more successful they will be in serving the needs of their clients.”

ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA

HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country’s preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. 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. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.


HomeServices of America Expands Executive Leadership Team with Appointment of Renee Gonzales as Vice President of Core Services Integrations

Gonzales will lead strategic integration efforts across HomeServices’ national network, furthering the organization’s drive to deliver buyers and sellers with a seamless real estate experience

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 16, 2025)HomeServices of America, the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services – including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services – today announced the appointment of Renee Gonzales as Vice President – Core Services Integrations, a newly created role designed to accelerate business growth and operational alignment across its national network of companies.

In her expanded role, Gonzales – who will remain as CEO of Long Realty – will work in close collaboration with brokerage leaders and core service partners across the HomeServices family of companies. Her focus will include identifying integration opportunities, aligning strategic initiatives, and coaching best practices that promote stronger adoption of mortgage, title, and insurance offerings at the agent level.

“Renee brings an exceptional track record of performance and partnership,” said Chris Kelly, President & CEO of HomeServices of America. “She has cultivated a deeply collaborative, full-service culture at Long Realty, consistently ranking among the top performers in our network. Her leadership reflects the type of thoughtful, field-informed strategy that will help us continue delivering a seamless, end-to-end experience for consumers.”

HomeServices was recently recognized by RealTrends as the #1 full-service brokerage in the country. The introduction of this role underscores the company’s continued commitment to operational excellence, consumer value, and network-wide integration.

Under Gonzales’ leadership, Long Realty has been a national model for brokerage-core services collaboration. Her practical, relationship-first approach will help support local company cultures while driving business results through deeper service alignment and agent-facing support.

“I am honored to help expand HomeServices’s leadership role as the nation’s premier full-service brokerage,” said Gonzales. “We have an opportunity to lead the industry in delivering integrated value by empowering agents, aligning strategy, and building relationships that help every company in our network thrive with the goal of ensuring that the consumer has a truly seamless experience.” 

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ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA

HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country’s preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. 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. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.


HomeServices of America again tops the RealTrends Core Services Rankings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 12, 2025)HomeServices of America, the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services – including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services – is once again ranked No. 1 in the 2025 RealTrends Verified rankings for core services transactions.

With 136,810 completed transactions in 2024, HomeServices led all participating brokerages in this category. The rankings, based on submissions from 49 brokerages nationwide, measured total transactions involving core services such as mortgage lending, title insurance, home warranties, homeowners’ insurance, and escrow services.

“We are incredibly proud to once again be recognized as the nation’s leader in core services transactions,” said Chris Kelly, president and CEO of HomeServices of America. “A real estate transaction is one of life’s most emotional and complex moments, and behind every successful closing is a coordinated team working relentlessly to deliver for the consumer. This ranking is a direct reflection of our commitment to simplifying the process by bringing all our services under one roof. It’s an honor to lead the industry in delivering a more seamless, stress-free experience for homebuyers and sellers across the country.”

What has long-set HomeServices apart is its intentional positioning as the preeminent full-service real estate brokerage, bringing all the components of home buying and selling process under one roof.

Whether brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance and franchise, all are companies involved are under the HomeServices umbrella, with the industry’s top professionals to support its customers.

“We have no doubts about our scope of services being the most efficient manner for a buyer or seller to garner support,” added Kelly. “So much so that we are shaping the future of real estate.”

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ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA

HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country’s preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. 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. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.


Vince Leisey Named President of HSF Affiliates, the Franchisor of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the residential real estate franchise network owned by HomeServices of America

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 20, 2025) — HomeServices of America, the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services, today named Vince Leisey President of HSF Affiliates, the franchiser of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) network.

BHHS is the residential real estate franchise network owned by HomeServices of America, and part of a market-leading family of real estate brokerages, mortgages companies, settlement providers, insurance and corporate relocation services.

Leisey has been a member of the brand network for almost 30 years and is renowned for his ability to drive vibrant cultures, innovate practices and realize consistent performance.

Most recently CEO of BHHS Ambassador Real Estate in Omaha and surrounding areas, Leisey has led an organization of over 1,000 agents with almost $3 billion in annual sales. He will continue in the CEO role of BHHS Ambassador along with stepping into his new role.

Instrumental in developing and embracing business practices that have become industry standards, he is founder of the Explosion Real Estate Conference and a long-standing contributor to the BHHS REthink Council, a platform designed to cultivate the next generation of real estate professionals and amplify forward-thinking ideas within the BHHS network.

“Vince’s (Leisey) passion for the network and our franchisees, coupled with his results-oriented approach makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide our affiliates through the next chapter our rapidly evolving industry,” said Chris Kelly, President & CEO of HomeServices of America. “He brings a rare combination of energy, insight and operational know-how, along with a deep respect for people. He is ideally suited for this role.”

“I am honored and energized to serve as President of HSF Affiliates,” said Leisey.  “I have so much respect for the leaders across this network, and I look forward to partnering even more closely to drive growth, deliver value, and challenge ourselves to think differently about what’s possible. Together, I believe we can continue to build the most trusted, innovative, and agent-empowered brand in real estate.”

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About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country’s preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. 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. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the world’s fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, with more than 50,000 real estate professionals throughout the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. 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


HomeServices of America Announces Key Executive Appointments

HomeServices of America Announces Key Executive Appointments to Support Continued Growth and Operational Alignment

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 1, 2025) — HomeServices of America, the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services—including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services— today announced two key executive appointments as the company continues to enhance its leadership structure to drive long-term growth, operational efficiency, and enterprise-wide collaboration.

Alex Seavall, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer, has been promoted to Chief Financial and Operations Officer of HomeServices. In this expanded role, Seavall will assume executive oversight of multiple core enterprise functions, including Finance, Shared Services, Information Technology, Human Resources, Franchise Services, Relocation, and the Business Partners Group

Candace Adams has been named Executive Vice President of HomeServices of America. Adams has served as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties.

In addition, Brenda Maher has been appointed President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England and New York Properties, with Adams continuing in the role of Chair. As Executive Vice President, Adams will partner closely with brokerage leaders across the HomeServices network to enhance alignment, promote operational best practices, and support key strategic initiatives.

These leadership changes reflect HomeServices’ continued commitment to building a high-performing, integrated enterprise focused on delivering value to its customers, agents, employees, and stakeholders.

Said Chris Kelly, President & CEO of HomeServices of America:  “Alex has long played a critical role in aligning our strategic goals with operational execution. His ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive performance has helped move our organization forward—and this expanded title reflects the impact he already has across our enterprise.   Candace has earned the deep respect of her peers and consistently delivered results by investing in people and fostering collaboration. Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the connectivity and effectiveness of our companies nationwide. These new roles further position our enterprise’s value proposition to provide our agents the full scope of services they require to meet their client’s needs under one umbrella, one family.”

ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA

HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country’s preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. 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. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.


HomeServices of America Announces Leadership Transition

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – [Date] — HomeServices of America, the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services—including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services—today announced a leadership transition. After serving as President and CEO for over 5 years, Gino Blefari will assume the role of Chairman Emeritus, effective immediately. Chris Kelly, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of HomeServices of America, will succeed Blefari as the company’s President and CEO. Kelly brings more than 25 years of experience to the role and is a respected leader in the real estate industry.

Blefari will continue as a strategic advisor to the organization, including to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise organization as it begins the process of expanding its executive team—part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening and growing the franchise network. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as President and CEO of HomeServices of America,” said Blefari. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and the exceptional team we have built. I look forward to supporting our new leadership team as they lead HomeServices into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and continued industry leadership.”

Kelly is a seasoned executive within the industry and organization, beginning his career as a real estate and finance attorney. He joined HomeServices in 2007 as General Counsel for its Kansas City-based subsidiary ReeceNichols. Since then, he has held a variety of senior leadership positions across the organization, including serving as President and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies in North Texas.

“The true strength of HomeServices has always been our people and the incredible leadership team across our companies,” said Kelly. “I am incredibly humbled to step into this role following Gino Blefari, an industry icon, and to partner with our team to continue driving what makes HomeServices so unique—our position as the preeminent full-service real estate brokerage. Across brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance and franchise, our professionals are the very best in the business. Our mission is simple: to support them in every way possible as they serve their clients and communities. We have no doubts about having the most professional, focused team in the industry, and we look forward to working together to shape the future of real estate.”

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ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA

HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country’s preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. 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. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.


Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Announces Expansion in Arkansas

New Company to be led by industry veteran Robin J. Miller


IRVINE, Calif. January 29, 2024 IRVINE, California—Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a global residential real estate brokerage franchise network is pleased to announce its expansion in the United States with the launch of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty. Spearheading the company is Robin J. Miller, who has more than 35 years of experience in the central Arkansas real estate market.

“We are delighted to welcome Robin J. Miller and her team to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices,” said Christy Budnick, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “With her unparalleled experience in the local real estate market, exceptional leadership qualities, and an impeccable customer service approach, Robin will be a wonderful steward for our brand in Arkansas.”

Miller and her team have experience with a variety of buyers including first-time homeowners and veterans. They are also regarded for their work with luxury buyers and sellers, relocation services, new construction, and commercial real estate.

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a company that I respect and trust,” said Robin J. Miller, CEO/Broker/Owner, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty. “Affiliating with this network will allow me to leverage the power of a global brand that is known for its quality, innovation, and reliability. We will also benefit from the company’s extensive resources, tools, and technology that are designed to help agents succeed in any market condition.”

Miller says she admires Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ reputation, values, and culture, and is committed to growing a strong team. She is passionate about helping real estate agents achieve their dreams of entrepreneurship and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives.

Miller currently serves as a member of the Little Rock REALTORS® Association,
Arkansas REALTORS® Association, and National Association of REALTORS®. She is also a member of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board and Executive Committee, and is a long-term member and serves at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.

Please visit bhhsarkansas.com for more information.

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ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the only global real estate brokerage franchise that is boldly focused on building a personally connected future through relationship-driven business, with best-in-class leadership, mentorships, business tools and a worldwide network that is committed to making a lasting impact through lifelong relationships. With approximately 50,000 real estate professionals and more than 1,500 offices across 4 continents and 13 countries and territories including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, The Caribbean and India, the network completed more than USD$126.9 billion in real estate sales in 2023. Among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, the network brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity.


Prosperity Home Mortgage Recognized for Overall Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power


Fairfax, Virginia (January 24, 2024) — Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC (“Prosperity”), one of the nation’s leading full-service mortgage bankers specializing in residential and refinance loans, today announced their first appearance in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction StudySM.

Justin Messer, President, and CEO of Prosperity, expressed his excitement, stating, “Every Prosperity Home Mortgage team member is committed to ensuring we continue to be the best of the best in serving the financial needs of our customers. J.D. Power is the gold standard in measuring customer satisfaction, and recognition like this is only possible when the entire team understands and values the customer experience, from our amazing sales force to our exceptional operations team, all with the backing of our experienced support staff. It is incredibly gratifying to see our team recognized for their dedication to our customers in such a public and remarkable way.”

Prosperity helped over 19,000 customers buy a new home in 2023, with almost 9,000 of those being first time homebuyers. Each and every day, customers entrust Prosperity with the biggest financial transactions most will likely ever make. The entire company takes tremendous pride in providing exceptional customer service and views each transaction as an opportunity to impress. In an industry as mature as residential mortgage lending, with well over 4,000* active lenders, Prosperity is both proud and thankful to be ranked 4th in the nation among the lenders eligible for the J.D. Power study.

ABOUT PROSPERITY HOME MORTGAGE
Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC is a full-service mortgage banker specializing in residential and refinance loans and a subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate. Prosperity operates in forty-nine jurisdictions and, in 2023, funded nearly $7 billion in production. Prosperity’s team of over five hundred Mortgage Consultants works closely with consumers throughout the financing process ensuring customers can make informed decisions on their journey to homeownership. For more information, visit www.phmloans.com/blog-and-news.

ABOUT HOMESERVICES OF AMERICA
HomeServices of America is the country’s largest residential real estate brokerage company, based on closed transactions, and is through its operating companies, one of the country’s premier providers of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global franchise network. 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. Visit www.homeservices.com.


ABOUT J.D. POWER
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

*” Summary of 2022 Data on Mortgage Lending.” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 29 June 2023, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/hmda/summary-of-2022-data-on-mortgage-lending/.

Victoria Gladstone
AVP, Strategic Marketing Manager
703-877-7523
media@PHMLoans.com


HomeServices of America Announces Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® Merger with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties

PHILADELPHIA, PA – HomeServices of America, one of the nation’s largest providers of brokerage and related services in the United States, today announcedBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties merger intoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®. The merger of these two affiliates of HomeServices combines over 650 agents across 15 offices from New Jersey Properties into Fox & Roach, establishing the brokerage as number one in the state within the markets it serves and extending its footprint into North Jersey with offices in Morris, Hunterdon, Essex, Union, Middlesex and Somerset Counties as well as expanding its footprint in Monmouth county. The organizations will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®.

“New Jersey Properties’ footprint fits into ours like a puzzle piece, and we are thrilled to officially welcome them into the Fox & Roach family,” said Larry Flick V, chief executive officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® and The Trident Group. “Together, we will be stronger than ever, providing our sales associates with unparalleled resources, added tools and cutting-edge technology to best support their clients in achieving the dream of homeownership.”

The combined brokerage is one of the largest providers of homeownership services in the country, with more than 5,000 sales professionals across more than 80 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Through its affiliated services, the Trident Group and Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance.

“The real estate market has been dramatically shifting over the past several years, and as long-time brokerage leaders, we understand we need to grow and expand to thrive long-term,” said Chris Brown, chief executive officer & president, New Jersey Properties. “The decision to align ourselves with the brokerage that is consistently ranked number one in the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network will ensure we are well equipped to serve local homebuyers and sellers for many years to come.” 

“New Jersey Properties and Fox & Roach have maintained a longstanding friendship over the years, and we look forward to taking an exciting step to be bigger and better together,” said Bill Keleher, founder and chairman, New Jersey Properties. “With strong leadership guided by our shared values of excellence, integrity and dependability, I’m confident I’m leaving the organization in excellent hands.” 

“Backed by the strength and longevity of HomeServices, combined with Fox & Roach’s legacy of success, this decision will ensure our sales professionals have everything they need to succeed in an evolving marketplace, including new tools, robust services and advanced education and coaching to help them grow their businesses,” added Christy Casey, executive vice president, New Jersey Properties.

Larry Flick V will continue to serve as CEO of Fox & Roach, with the close support of Chris Brown, as Vice Chairman, to ensure a seamless transition. Fox & Roach’s organizational structure places an emphasis on localized, nimble leadership with the backing of a dominant, trusted brand by providing individual markets with tailored support and financial services. In alignment with Fox & Roach’s regional leadership structure, Executive Vice President Christine Casey will serve as the regional president for the new North and Central New Jersey markets.

“Combining these two great HomeServices’ companies brings together two great organizations that will be unmatched in their ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America, the parent company to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors® and New Jersey Properties. “Larry, his leadership team along with Chris, Bill and Christine share an uncompromising commitment to their agents, employees and customers and we look forward to supporting them as they take the company to the next chapter of growth and success.”

The announcement comes on the heels of several years of strategic growth for Fox & Roach, including the successful merger with Gloria Nilson & Co. in 2020, which added more than 700 sales professionals and more than 20 offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the brokerage. In 2020, Fox & Roach also added more than 40 sales professionals to its Rumson, New Jersey, office, establishing Fox & Roach as the market leader in Monmouth County, following a successful merger with New Jersey Properties’ local office.

New Jersey Properties was founded as an independently owned and operated brokerage in 2001 but traces its roots back to 1954. A proud supporter of the Sunshine kids, New Jersey Properties has raised well over $2.5 million for the charity placing it in the top 5 companies for contributions over the past 2 decades. New Jersey Properties joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network in 2014, and has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top 100 brokers.

For more about HomeServices of America, please visit https://www.homeservices.com

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc., through its operating companies, is one of the nation’s largest residential real estate company and is the country’s premier provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, settlement, property and casualty insurance, relocation services and more. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

For more about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®, please visit https://www.foxroach.com/.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® is part of HomeServices of America, the nation’s largest provider of total home services and largest residential brokerage company in the U.S. in sales, according to the 2022 REAL Trends 500 report. The company was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” and was recently awarded Top Workplaces in 2022. With over 5,000 sales professionals and more than 500 employees in more than 80 sales offices across the Tri-State area, the company was recently acknowledged as #1, for the eighth year in a row, in the entire national Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network. Through its affiliated services, the Trident Group and Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC; the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance. The company-sponsored charitable foundation, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, is committed to addressing the needs of children and families in stressful life circumstances and has contributed over $8.6 million to more than 250 local organizations since its inception in 1995. Visit our Website at www.foxroach.com or for company information and news go to our Newsroom at www.foxroach.com/blog/newsroom.