Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Reaches 1,000th-Office Milestone in One Year

IRVINE, CA (Sept. 23, 2014) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, today named its 1,000th office on the one-year anniversary of its brand launch. The distinction belongs to Torrance, CA-based California Realty and its Torrance/Skypark office, which serves as the brokerage’s headquarters.

California Realty, with three offices and 160 agents, will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties starting in late October. The company generated nearly a half-billion dollars in sales volume in 2013.

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ momentum keeps building,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates. “This further demonstrates the power of the brand, and is a tribute to the quality of affiliates and agents who have brought the brand to life across America.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, whose namesake is the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc., received two national awards in its first year. The network was recognized as “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study of the largest real estate networks. It then was tapped for a Gold Stevie Award in the Startup of the Year category of the 12th annual American Business Awards. The latter considered entrants from any U.S. industry.

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices achieved a tremendous first year yet no one is satisfied,” said Stephen Phillips, brand president. “Our vision is to become the most respected homeownership services brand in the U.S. and worldwide, and our work continues with even greater focus.”

To commemorate its 1,000th office in one year, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices today launched a national social media campaign, #1000in1. The network asks consumers, agents and affiliates to download this graphic, describe where they are today, and post the graphic on their social media pages.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices launched a year ago when one of its largest affiliates – San Diego-based California Properties – transitioned to the brand with 63 offices and more than 2,500 agents.

Over the next several weeks, industry leaders New England Properties based in Wallingford, CT; Florida Realty of Sunrise, FL; Winston-Salem-based Carolinas Realty and Devon, PA-based Fox & Roach, REALTORS®, among many others transitioned to the brand. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices plans to begin international expansion in 2015.

Bruce Short, broker/owner of California Properties and the network’s 1,000th office, said his team is elated to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “The brand gained significant traction in one short year with stellar brokerages across the country,” he said. “We’re proud to be part of this network and look forward to an exciting new era representing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”

HomeServices of America Announces New Leadership for HomeServices Relocation

MINNEAPOLIS (September 15, 2014) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the appointment of Steven John as president and CEO HomeServices Relocation, effective September 16, 2014. Mary Lee Blaylock, current president and CEO of HomeServices Relocation has been named senior vice president and general manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, effective October 1st.

John brings extensive executive management and relocation experience to HomeServices Relocation. Most recently, John served as senior vice president, client services for RELO Direct where he was responsible for all relationship management, service and accounting operations, vendor management and technology. Prior to joining RELO Direct, John was executive vice president of client services for Prudential Relocation and has worked for several Fortune 500 companies in various executive management roles involving finance, budgeting, operations and strategic planning.

As HomeServices Relocation’s president and CEO, John will be responsible for expanding the size, scope and footprint of HomeServices Relocation, providing operational and financial oversight and serving as chief liaison for new and existing clients.

Blaylock began her career with Edina Realty, Inc. in 1992 as a Realtor® in Minneapolis and in 1999, was promoted to vice president of Edina Realty Relocation. In 2004 Blaylock was named president of HomeServices Relocation and under her leadership, HomeServices Relocation grew from a start-up company to a global relocation provider encompassing operations centers in Winston-Salem, NC and Philadelphia, PA as well as a Minneapolis headquarters.

In her role at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Blaylock will focus on enhancing the internal organization processes and infrastructure, provide guidance and direction to the company’s 57 sales offices and more than 2,400 Realtors® and will oversee the creation and delivery of value-added marketing solutions and innovative technologies.

“I am excited to be joining HomeServices Relocation,” said John. “Mary Lee has built a great organization, recognized for its service excellence and consulting expertise.  I look forward to building on that momentum and leading the company to its next stage of growth and performance.”

“I am extremely proud of everyone at HomeServices Relocation and what we have accomplished. HomeServices Relocation is in good hands with Steven as its leader.” said Blaylock. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is an exceptional company and I look forward to being an integral part of their leadership team.”

“Steven brings a wealth of relocation experience and industry relationships to HomeServices Relocation,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO. “We are very pleased that he is joining HomeServices and have tremendous confidence in his ability to bring HomeServices Relocation to new levels of success. Mary Lee’s focus on the customer, her ability to work cross-functionally within the organization and her drive to succeed is without parallel. With her exceptional background of leadership and management success Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is well-poised for continued growth and success.”

HomeServices of America, Inc. Announces Settlement of Copyright-Infringement Lawsuit

Minneapolis, Minn. (September 3, 2014) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, announced today the settlement of a copyright-infringement lawsuit against American Home Realty Network, Inc. (d/b/a NeighborCity). Since 2013, HomeServices of America and two of its subsidiaries, Preferred Carolinas Realty, Inc., and Edina Realty, Inc., have been engaged in litigation with American Home Realty Network, Inc., in North Carolina and Minnesota. In North Carolina, Preferred Carolinas alleged that American Home Realty Network infringed Preferred Carolinas’ copyrights in real estate property listing photographs. In Minnesota, American Home Realty Network alleged violations of antitrust and unfair competition laws against HomeServices and Edina Realty.

On June 17, 2014, the parties reached a settlement that resolved all litigation between them. As part of the settlement, American Home Realty Network has agreed to no longer copy, display, or otherwise use real estate property listing photographs belonging to HomeServices’ operating subsidiaries and affiliates. The other settlement terms are confidential, without any admission of liability by any party.

“We are very pleased to have resolved these cases,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Protecting our intellectual property is a top priority for HomeServices. We will continue to vigorously protect our companies’ and affiliates’ intellectual-property rights in real estate listing content.”