Local Real Estate Nationwide

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Nov. 20, 2013) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Prudential First Realty has joined the growing network and now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty. The brokerage, a leader in the Des Moines real estate market, follows affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia and Washington.

“We are honored and excited to join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said David Peers, general manager and chief operating officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty. “Starting this next chapter with the Berkshire Hathaway brand name – the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s – will bring even more opportunities to our agents and clients and strengthen our position as a leader in Iowa real estate.”

Peers and Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, introduced the new brand at the Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines today and spoke about the implications of the transition on the local real estate market. They helped unveil the new “Cabernet and Cream” signage, and agents and brokers from the company’s three offices were on hand to celebrate and display the first yard sign at a local property.

“We are thrilled to welcome First Realty to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Peltier. “For the last 50 years, First Realty has built its reputation as a frontrunner in the real estate market with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced agents. We are proud to have the company join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network and represent the brand in Iowa.”

With the change, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliates gain access to a robust real estate technology platform, ongoing business consultation, professional education, marketing support and more.

“A respected leader in the Iowa marketplace, First Realty makes a strong addition to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” added Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “First Realty is known for its commitment and dedication to its clients and we are excited to have the team on board.”

First Realty’s new yard signs will begin appearing throughout Des Moines starting today. The company is part of a long line of Prudential Real Estate affiliates that will join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014 and beyond.

MINNEAPOLIS (November 12, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Prudential Rubloff Properties and its subsidiaries Rubloff Insurance and Sterling Title Services LLC.

Prudential Rubloff Properties and its subsidiaries will merge with Chicago area brokerage Koenig & Strey Real Living Real Estate, which HomeServices acquired in September 2009. Each will retain their names until the combined company transitions in spring 2014 to become Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., Prudential Rubloff Properties is one of the largest brokers in the Chicago area market, with more than 860 sales associates and professional staff located throughout Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities as well as a branch office in New Buffalo, Michigan serving the Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Through Rubloff Insurance and Sterling Title Services LLC., the company provides one-stop shopping to its clients, including title insurance and escrow services, and property and casualty insurance. In 2012, Prudential Rubloff Properties had nearly $2.2 billion in sales volume.

Koenig & Strey Real Living serves the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities with more than 730 agents and staff. In 2012, Koenig & Strey had nearly $2 billion in sales volume.

The transaction unites the two companies, creating an organization with nearly 1,600 real estate professionals and staff providing customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities with exceptional strength and resources to help them buy and sell their homes. In 2012, the combined firm closed more than $4 billion in sales volume. Based on historical data provided by MRED, Chicago’s MLS provider, the combined company captures the No. 2 market share position based on volume.

The companies’ current principals will have leadership positions in the combined organization. Nancy Nagy will serve as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group, Michael Pierson will serve as president and Chris Eigel will serve as chief operating officer.

“Nancy, Michael and Chris are each highly regarded for their leadership skills, their real estate experience and their unwavering commitment to their agents, employees and buyers and sellers,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “Bringing together the leadership, resources and talent of these two companies uniquely positions them to deliver on their shared mission of providing an exceptional customer experience and creates an outstanding opportunity for introducing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to the Chicago market.”

With this transaction, HomeServices of America has nearly 22,000 real estate professionals operating in 25 states. In 2012, the company’s associates facilitated more than $55 billion in residential real estate sales, nearly 193,000 transactions and more than 153,000 mortgage, insurance, title and escrow transactions. HomeServices of America’s growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their community and long-standing traditions for excellence.

“Combining Prudential Rubloff with Koenig & Strey represents a new chapter in the history of our great companies and is a game changer in Chicago real estate,” said Nancy Nagy, president and CEO, Koenig & Strey Real Living. “I have tremendous respect for both Michael and Chris and look forward to working closely with them as we bring Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group to the Chicago market.”

“By being part of HomeServices and joining forces with Koenig & Strey, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of our new and existing clients,” said Michael Pierson, president and chairman, Prudential Rubloff Properties. “This brings together two legendary companies to create one magnificent future.”

“HomeServices is an organization known for its strength and stability, which is consistent with our standards of integrity, work ethic and creativity, making this a win/win for our customers and our sales associates,” said Chris Eigel, chief executive officer Prudential Rubloff Properties.

“This is an important transaction to HomeServices and we are looking forward to having Michael, Chris and their teams join the HomeServices family,” Peltier said.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov 06, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC,  today announced that Prudential Northwest Properties has joined the network. The brokerage, one of Portland’s largest, now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. It is among the first companies to go live under the new brand following affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Washington.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our company,” said Jason Waugh, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. “We have the privilege and honor to use the storied Berkshire Hathaway brand name, which stands for the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s. The brand will bring our company even more distinction in the marketplace and greater advantages for our agents and clients.”

Waugh and his father Bert Waugh Jr., the brokerage’s chairman, introduced the brand and unveiled new signage during a presentation to agents and employees at The Nines Hotel, Portland. “The Berkshire Hathaway name is known worldwide for trust, integrity, strength and stability, and these are the same qualities on which we built our company,” Bert Waugh added. “For us, this is the right brand at the right time.”

“Northwest Real Estate is a tremendous company and an exemplary charter member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” added Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc. “We are proud that Jason, Bert and the team are carrying the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand into the Portland market.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliates also gain access to a robust real estate technology platform, plus ongoing business consultation, professional education, marketing support and more.

Northwest Real Estate’s new “Cabernet and Cream” yard signs will begin appearing throughout Portland starting today. The company is the next in a long line of Prudential Real Estate affiliates that will join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014.

“We’re pleased to welcome Northwest Real Estate to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “The Waughs and their team are well respected in the marketplace, and they will be terrific ambassadors of our new brand.”

SEATTLE, Nov 05, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Prudential Northwest Realty Associates has begun operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. The brokerage, one of Seattle’s largest, is among the first to go live under the new brand following affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Missouri and Texas.

“This is an exciting and monumental moment for our company and our business,” said Mike Gain, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. “Our new brand carries the name of the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s. In my 35 years of real estate I have not experienced a brand opportunity of this magnitude. It will bring significant benefit to our agents, clients and business alliances.”

Gain and his managers unveiled the new brand and signage during a presentation to agents, employees and guests at the Museum of Flight, Boeing Field. Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, also spoke at the celebration, welcoming associates to the brand and discussing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ impact on the local market.

“Our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will appeal to clients of all types, from entry-level and first-time buyers to luxury-home shoppers,” he said. “When the world’s most respected company puts its name on Northwest Real Estate yard signs, those are the signs buyers and sellers will want to see.”

Added Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc.: “Mike and his team have built a tremendous organization known for professionalism, skill, service and innovation. We are proud they are representing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in greater Seattle.”

Northwest Real Estate’s new “Cabernet and Cream” yard signs will begin appearing throughout greater Seattle starting today. “Our sales associates and employees are excited and proud to represent Berkshire Hathaway in the real estate field,” Gain said. “A great, longstanding Northwest real estate brokerage just became that much better.”

Prudential Real Estate affiliates will continue joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014 and beyond.