Local Real Estate Nationwide

Lincoln, Neb.—HOME  Real Estate and Woods Bros Realty, both headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., announce the upcoming release of all-new company and agent websites.

The companies partnered with Reliance Network to develop responsive websites that can be accessed from any device—from smart phone or tablet to desktop computer or smart TV, all without having to download an app.

“We’re excited to bring our clients a consistent experience, no matter where they are,” said HOME and Woods Bros IT Director Ben Dinger. “We will have one place for buyers or sellers to come to get the most accurate, local and up-to-date information for their real estate needs.”

Reliance Network specializes in technology for the real estate industry and recently released a new real estate search that caters to the ever-growing percentage of mobile users. WoodsBros.com and HomeRealEstate.com will be the first websites to launch this new search.

Another first is that the new websites will have a home value tool unlike any other in the local market. People can enter an address and get three different computer-modeled valuations of their homes, including the Zillow® Zestimate® value. They also have the ability to enter adjustments for renovations and upgrades or contact a local real estate agent for a more accurate estimate.

The companies also partnered with LiveBy, a Lincoln-based startup, to introduce a beta tool to help match people with their ideal neighborhoods. Visitors to the new sites will be able to use the exclusive tool to discover neighborhoods that meet their identified lifestyles and desires.

LiveBy was co-founded by Cory Scott and Matan Gill, as a result to the JumpStart Challenge issued by HOME and Woods Bros in 2015. LiveBy is also took part in the NMotion Accelerator program in 2015, and—through Woods Bros and HOME connections—will be expanding the beta test into several markets across the country.

“At our company, we build community,” said HOME and Woods Bros General Manager Shannon Harner. “What’s a better way to build community than to support our local entrepreneurs and innovators, while also serving our clients and neighborhoods? It’s a win-win.”

Finally, the websites will continue to offer a “Property Watch” account for viewing all listings in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and a new “Market Watch” feature for area trend and pricing reports. There are new tools for home selling clients to receive weekly updates on their home’s activity online as well. HOME and Woods Bros agents will each get new responsive websites that include the new features.

The sites are expected to launch end of March or first of April. You can view them at www.HomeRealEstate.com or www.WoodsBros.com.

Minneapolis, Minn. (March 16, 2016) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that Alon Chaver has joined HomeServices as chief information officer. In this newly created role, Chaver will be responsible for strategic planning and business development and will champion the process of gathering, analyzing and integrating data across all platforms to further maximize the consumer experience, meet business goals and gain competitive advantage.

Chaver is well-known within the real estate industry and brings nearly 20 years of product innovation and leadership experience. Most recently, Chaver served as Trulia’s vice president, industry services where he was responsible for data acquisition, data quality and the development of products and services to support Trulia’s partnerships with the real estate industry. Chaver currently serves as a director on the Broker Public Portal’s board of managers. Chaver earned a law degree from University of California-Berkeley School of Law and served as Lieutenant, Communications and Electronics in the Israeli Defense Forces from 1982-1986.

“I am honored to join HomeServices of America,” said Chaver. “HomeServices and its companies and their agents share a common purpose of providing an exceptional consumer experience and providing the highest quality real estate information is a critical component of how we will be able to deliver on that promise now and into the future.”

“Alon is an accomplished and dynamic leader and has been at the forefront of driving innovative products and services throughout the real estate industry,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “HomeServices understands the critical role that data and technology play on our ability to support our agents and enhance their ability to serve their buyers and sellers.”

“HomeServices is committed to the strategic growth and expansion of our technology capabilities and expanding our executive leadership team with an individual of Alon’s caliber and talent is an important first step,” continued Peltier. “We are looking forward to having Alon join the HomeServices family.”

Minneapolis, Minn. (March 14, 2016) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Minnesota-based PCG Agencies, Inc, one of the largest independent personal insurance agencies in the Midwest. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in St. Paul, PCG offers its clients a broad spectrum of personal property and casualty insurance products as well as risk management services. Originally founded in 1982, PCG generated nearly $30 million of annual premiums in 2015. Bruce Humphrey, founder and chief executive officer is an industry veteran known for his expertise and his commitment to providing his clients with the highest level of customer services. Humphrey will continue to play an integral role in the ongoing success of PCG as a member of the insurance senior management team.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service residential real estate brokerage firm and through its operating companies, is one of the largest brokerage-owned settlement services providers in the U.S. HomeServices’ insurance operations include multi-line insurance agencies representing top-rated national and regional carriers who serve their clients with advanced technology, streamlined processes and competitive pricing. Together these companies serve customers from coast-to-coast and generated more than $115 million of premium volume in 2015.

“This transaction reinforces our commitment to strategically expanding our insurance business with the ultimate goal of becoming a leading national insurance agency.” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “The acquisition of PCG aligns with our growth strategy of identifying market leading companies that share our vision of delivering an unparalleled customer experience throughout the home transaction process.”

“We are proud to be part of HomeServices of America,” said Humphrey. “Joining the HomeServices network of companies provides us with a unique opportunity for growth and further positions us to deliver unparalleled products and services to our new and existing clients.”

“This is an important transaction to HomeServices and we are looking forward to having Bruce and his team join the HomeServices family,” concluded Peltier.