IRVINE, CA (May 24, 2018) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, today announced it was recognized as “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” and “Most Trusted Real Estate Brand” in the 30th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study.

More than 77,000 U.S. consumers rated 3,000 brands in about 300 categories in the online study earlier this year. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices received the highest ranking in the Real Estate Agency category based on consumers’ perception of its brand familiarity, quality and purchasing consideration, among other qualifying factors.

“We are honored to be recognized by consumers in the respected Harris Poll EquiTrend® study,” said Gino Blefari, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices president and CEO. “It’s a tribute to our franchisees’ tireless work and support of clients and the exemplary way they represent our brand in the marketplace.”

This year’s EquiTrend® study reflected an emerging trend in consumer behavior – the push to simplify and align with brands they know and trust. “Trust is earned,” said Blefari. “We are absolutely proud consumers chose our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices as ‘Most Trusted Real Estate Brand.’ It speaks to the way our franchisees conduct business every day and deliver on their promises.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has momentum in eyes of consumers. The brand was recognized for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power’s 2017 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study.

“Our network professionals are passionate about client satisfaction and service,” said Blefari. “We are related their hard work and dedication to their profession has been recognized by consumers.”

The 2018 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study measures and compares the brand health of companies. Respondents offer their perceptions of brands, gauging their emotional connection to them plus brand awareness, influence and familiarity.

About The Harris Poll

The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S. tracking public opinion, motivations and social sentiment since 1963 that is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas; building a twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and advisory to help leaders make the best decisions possible.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. 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. The brand was just recognized as Real Estate Agency Brand of Year and Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the 2018 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study, and for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power’s 2017 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

DALLAS, TEXAS (May 21, 2018) –  Ebby Halliday Real Estate Inc. announced today at a companywide meeting that it intends to be acquired by HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. The acquisition will include Ebby’s three real estate brands: Dallas-based Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® and Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate and Fort Worth-based Williams Trew Real Estate, as well as the firm’s affiliated mortgage and title companies. The Ebby Halliday portfolio of companies brands will continue to operate under their current brand names. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

BERLIN, GERMANY AND IRVINE, CA (March 5, 2018) — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices today announced the signing of its first global franchisee, Rubina Real Estate GmbH, an award-winning real estate brokerage serving central Berlin and neighboring regions. The brokerage will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rubina Real Estate starting in April.

“Rubina Real Estate is an ideal fit for our network and we’re excited that it will carry the distinction of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ first franchisee abroad,” said Gino Blefari, president and CEO of the network. “The brokerage’s business acumen and dedication to service and growth mirror our own values and aspirations. As important, Rubina Real Estate is a market leader and is wonderfully positioned in Berlin’s vibrant real estate market.”

Along with serving the German capital region, Rubina Real Estate attracts buyers and investors to Berlin from China, India and the Middle East. The firm is an industry authority on the residential sector and is often used as a source of real estate insight among banks, lenders and real estate developers.

Rubina is a perennial honoree for Germany in the prestigious International Property Awards held each fall in London. In 2017, the brokerage was named Best Real Estate Agency and Best Property Consultant (Marketing) for all of Europe.

“We are proud to bring the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand to Berlin, Germany and other key markets in which we serve clients,” said Carsten Heinrich, co-founder and managing director of Rubina Real Estate. “The brand carries the name of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., one of the world’s most respected and trusted corporations. We believe the brand will be warmly embraced in our markets and will help us build our global brand bridging Europe, Asia and America. We look forward to a new era of growth as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rubina Real Estate.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices continues as America’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage network, with more than 44,000 agents and 1,400 offices named to the brand since its launch in September 2013. The network will provide Rubina Real Estate with a powerful tool suite focusing on lead generation and network referrals, marketing and social media support, international listing syndication, professional education, business consultation and more.

Heinrich, who with his leadership team will be formally introduced to the network March 5 during Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ annual Sales Convention in San Antonio, Texas, said he and his team look forward to exchanging client referrals with network brokerages and engaging with the U.S. real estate market. “Our alliance will be mutually beneficial,” he said. “The brand is poised for great success globally; our company is ready and eager to grow, as well.”

Blefari said Rubina Real Estate opens the door to additional global franchisees. “We’ve approached global network expansion very carefully and methodically,” he explained. “We will continue to name high-quality franchisees in the months ahead in Europe, Asia, North America and beyond.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices began global expansion in 2016 by first building infrastructure including the launch of a powerful property search platform on its website, www.berkshirehathawayhs.com. Global shoppers of U.S. real estate may translate the site in 12 languages, and their property searches yield the most residential listings in any city serviced by a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchisee. The network also initiated listing syndication programs that broadcast its U.S. franchisees’ listings to real estate websites worldwide.
About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rubina Real Estate

Rubina Real Estate is a Berlin-based real estate brokerage company under the leadership of Managing Partner Carsten Heinrich. Since its founding in 2011, Rubina Real Estate GmbH has focused on acquiring international investors for the German real estate market, especially from China, India and the Arab world. Rubina Real Estate GmbH has already been awarded the European Property Awards Real Estate several times. Visit https://www.rubinarealestate.com/en/.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. 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. The brand was just recognized for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power’s 2017 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

DENVER – Kentwood Real Estate, Denver’s foremost residential real estate company, today announced that Gretchen Rosenberg has been promoted to president and chief executive officer.  Peter Niederman has been named chairman where he will continue to play an active role supporting Rosenberg and her leadership team.

Rosenberg began her successful real estate career in 1996 as a Realtor^®.  She joined Kentwood in 1998 and in 2006 was named managing broker of Kentwood’s Cherry Creek office where she has provided guidance and direction to the offices’ 80 agents and staff.  In 2009, Rosenberg was named “Realtor of the Year” and in 2012, earned “Broker Manager of the Year” by the Denver Board of Realtors.

As president and CEO, Rosenberg will shape the company’s strategy and direct operations with a focus on driving future growth while preserving Kentwood’s legacy of exceeding clients’ expectations.

“I have had the privilege of working with Peter for more than a decade and have learned a tremendous amount from him,” said Rosenberg. “We have a team of immensely talented agents, sales managers and employees and I look forward to leading Kentwood to its next level of growth and performance, supported by our excellent management team.”

“I am proud of everyone at Kentwood and what we have achieved,” said Niederman. “Gretchen has a unique understanding of the real estate business and outstanding leadership skills. With Gretchen at the helm, the future of Kentwood Real Estate couldn’t be brighter.”

Niederman was named president and CEO in 2007 and under his leadership the company has grown to be among the top 100 ranked real estate companies in the nation. In 2015, the company earned the No.1 ranking in Colorado and the No.3 ranking nationally for the highest average volume sold per agent.  Niederman, a long-time resident of the area, is widely recognized for his industry expertise and leadership, community involvement and is active in the real estate industry on both the state and national levels.

“Peter’s leadership helped guide Kentwood to its position as one of the leading real estate companies in the country,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “On behalf of HomeServices, we thank him for his many contributions and insights. Gretchen’s leadership qualities together with her extensive industry knowledge and perspective are a powerful combination and we look forward to working with her in the months and years to come.”

Brandon Brennick, an accomplished real estate professional who has spent his entire career with Kentwood Real Estate, will now serve as managing broker of the company’s Cherry Creek office. Brennick has received the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ Excellence Award for 18 consecutive years. He is known for his knowledge about all segments of the real estate business, including residential sales, investment properties, contracts, negotiations and more.

LINCOLN, Nebraska (January 9, 2018) –HomeServices of Nebraska, comprised of Lincoln’s leading residential real estate brands HOME Real Estate and Woods Bros Realty and the full-service title and escrow company Nebraska Land Title & Abstract, announced that Shannon Harner, general manager and chief legal officer, has assumed the role of president and chief executive officer. Gene Brake, former president and CEO of HomeServices of Nebraska has been named chairman emeritus where he will continue to play an active role supporting Harner and her leadership team.

“Shannon is extraordinarily well-qualified to serve as president and CEO,” said Brake. “She is an innovative, capable leader who cultivates relationships throughout our community and industry. I am confident that she will carry the legacy of our HOME Real Estate and Woods Bros Realty brands forward to its next level of growth and success.”

As president and CEO, Harner will shape the companies’ strategy and direct operations with a focus on driving future growth while preserving their legacy of exceeding expectations known to generations of buyers and sellers.

“Gene and I have worked together for many years and his deep market knowledge and strategic insight have been at the center of our success,” said Harner. “He attracted and inspired a team of immensely talented executives, agents, sales managers and employees. I look forward to building upon our presence as the market leader, supported by our outstanding management team and phenomenal agents.”

Harner began her career with predecessors of HomeServices of Nebraska in 1993 when she served as outside general counsel to Woods Bros Realty. In 2007, Harner became in-house counsel and then moved into the general manager position in 2014 where she has been actively engaged in brokerage operations and has provided guidance and direction to the company’s 370 licensed Realtors®.

With nearly 40 years of real estate experience, including almost ten years as president and CEO, Brake is a leader with impeccable business ethics and personal sincerity. Under his leadership, HOME Real Estate and Woods Bros Realty have grown to become leading real estate companies in Nebraska. Brake, a long-time resident of the area, is widely recognized for his community involvement and leadership and is active in the real estate industry on both the state and national levels.

“Shannon brings extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities to HomeServices of Nebraska and the HomeServices executive team. She is a strategic and charismatic leader and I am confident that under her leadership, HOME Real Estate and Woods Bros Realty are well-positioned for future growth.” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “Gene’s leadership helped guide HOME and Woods to become prominent real estate companies. 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.”

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (December 4, 2017) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty today announced the acquisition of Attorneys Title, a leading title insurance agency in North Carolina. Financial terms were not disclosed.

With more than 35 years of experience, seven offices, and 25 employees, Attorneys Title is known for its experienced legal team and underwriting professionals who provide best-in-class customer service and unequalled local expertise in both residential and commercial transactions across North and South Carolina.

One of the largest full-service residential real estate firms in North Carolina, the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies serves the metropolitan areas and surrounding communities of Charlotte, the Triad, the Triangle, and Pinehurst & Southern Pines with nearly 900 sales associates in 15 offices. With the merger, the Carolinas family of companies adds additional resources and valuable expertise to help customers buy and sell their homes and furthers their commitment to providing a seamless experience throughout the real estate transaction.

Kimberly Rosenberg will remain with the company as president of Attorneys Title and Bryan Rosenberg will continue as vice president of operations. Kimberly and Bryan will continue to lead the firm’s growth initiatives and manage day-to-day operations.

“The longstanding commitment by Attorneys Title to our customers and our employees will not change,” said Kimberly Rosenberg. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty and Attorneys Title have a shared vision of providing superior customer service. In Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty we have found a business partner with an impeccable reputation and one that provides us with exciting opportunities for growth as we continue to serve the needs of our new and existing clients.”

“The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies is committed to redefining home buying, home selling, and home ownership by integrating all the elements of the real estate transaction into a seamless experience,” said Tommy Camp, president & CEO of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies. “The merger of Attorneys Title into our organization reinforces and strengthens this commitment and our ability to provide the highest level of service to our clients and sales associates.”

About the Attorneys Title

Attorneys Title has been providing title insurance services to North Carolina real property attorneys for over thirty years. They are long-standing supporters of the approved-attorney system and have continually provided the best customer service in the industry. Attorneys Title has seven offices and are agents for First American, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, and Chicago Title Insurance Company.

About the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies is a full service residential real estate market leader in Charlotte, the Triad, the Triangle, and Pinehurst & Southern Pines areas, with nearly 900 sales associates in 15 offices. It is one of the largest residential real estate firms in North Carolina doing business as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Realty in the Triangle, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Yost & Little Realty in Greensboro, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Pinehurst Realty Group in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. They are owned by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, but operate locally. Affiliated services include mortgage services through HomeServices Lending, home warranty through HomeServices Warranty, relocation services through Carolinas Relocation Services, and title insurance through Preferred Carolinas Title company. For more information visit, BHHSCarolinas.com.

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Media Contacts:

Chrissy Kincheloe 704-227-3021

Chrissy.Kincheloe@BHHSCarolinas.com

Minneapolis (Sept. 7, 2017) — HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that it has acquired The Long & Foster Companies, Inc., the largest private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume. The acquisition includes Long & Foster’s family of companies, including Long & Foster Real Estate and its market-leading affiliated business lines in mortgage, settlement services, insurance, and property management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Long & Foster Real Estate is the largest independent residential real estate brand by volume and the second largest independent brand by units according to the 2017 REAL Trends 500 report. The company has approximately 11,000 agents in over 230 offices serving buyers and sellers in major markets across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. In 2016, Long & Foster Real Estate had nearly $29 billion in sales volume and more than 81,000 home sale transactions; Prosperity Mortgage originated $3.3 billion in home loans, representing nearly 12,000 mortgages; Long & Foster’s settlement services companies closed over 20,000 title and escrow transactions; and Long & Foster Insurance issued approximately 8,300 property and casualty insurance policies.

Founded in 1968 by Wes Foster and Henry Long, Long & Foster’s family of companies has grown to become one of the nation’s foremost real estate and financial services companies. The Long & Foster name is synonymous with providing clients the highest level of customer service, local expertise, and resources, all delivered by a team of knowledgeable agents using the firm’s renowned innovative technologies and data-driven insights.

Wes Foster will remain with the company as Chairman Emeritus. Jeff Detwiler, Long & Foster’s current president and chief operating officer, will assume the role of chief executive officer and, together with the existing team of enterprise and business line leaders, will oversee growth initiatives and continue to manage day-to-day operations.

“Finding the right partner to maintain the legacy, culture, and integrity of Long & Foster was of utmost importance to me,” said Foster. “I couldn’t be more pleased that we are joining an organization known for its impeccable reputation and commitment to protecting brands. Joining HomeServices ensures that our history of market leadership and industry expertise continues.”

“The Long & Foster brand and its legacy of integrity and service will continue as it has for the past 50 years,” said Detwiler. “Joining HomeServices makes us an even stronger company. HomeServices is an outstanding organization that shares our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. This is a clear win for our clients, agents, and employees.”

The acquisition expands HomeServices’ presence in the Mid-Atlantic region to Washington D.C. and Baltimore and extends its national footprint to Virginia and West Virginia. Adding the Long & Foster brand positions HomeServices to be the nation’s largest home ownership services provider based on transactions, according to the 2017 Real Trends 500 report. With this transaction, HomeServices now has more than 41,000 real estate professionals operating in 30 states and the District of Columbia. In 2017, the company expects its sales associates to facilitate over $123 billion in residential real estate sales, nearly 340,000 home sale transactions, and nearly 200,000 mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow transactions.

“This is an important transaction for HomeServices and we are incredibly proud to have The Long & Foster Companies join the HomeServices family,” said Ron Peltier, HomeServices’ chairman and CEO. “Wes, together with his executive team, regional leaders, sales managers, and agents, has built an extraordinary organization that exemplifies an exceptional level of expertise, vision, and leadership. We are honored to be part of Long & Foster’s future and are committed to its continued growth and success.”

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About HomeServices of America

With the 2017 acquisitions, HomeServices of America is positioned to be the country’s largest residential real estate brokerage company and, through its operating companies, is one of the largest providers of integrated real estate services. HomeServices of America is the majority owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate, and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. 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. HomeServices Relocation, LLC, is the full-service relocation arm of HomeServices of America, which provides every aspect of domestic and international relocation to corporations around the world.

Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com.

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.

About Long & Foster^® Companies  

The Long & Foster Companies is the parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate, the No. 1 private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume, and is the leading provider of homeownership services in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. In addition to its real estate arm, The Long & Foster Companies consist of Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, Long & Foster Insurance, and Long & Foster Settlement Services, as well as Long & Foster Property Management, Long & Foster Vacation Rentals and Long & Foster Corporate Real Estate Services.

About Long & Foster^® Real Estate  

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., is the No. 1 private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume. The company is part of The Long & Foster Companies, which also includes Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, Long & Foster Insurance and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Long & Foster Real Estate is the exclusive affiliate for Christie’s International Real Estate throughout select parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and it is a founding affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a prestigious global network of real estate professionals that includes the Luxury Portfolio International division.

Long & Foster Real Estate has over 220 offices, stretching from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Fair Haven, New Jersey, and from Charles Town, West Virginia, to the Atlantic Ocean, and it represents more than 11,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, plus the District of Columbia. Visit www.LongandFoster.comfor more information.