More growth, new strategies coming as First Weber announces new leadership

(Madison, WI, Jan. 6, 2022)–The new year brings excitement for First Weber Realtors®, with changes in executive leadership positions as Shawna Alt takes over as CEO of Wisconsin’s largest real estate company and Tamara Maddente moves to president.  After nearly 50 years in real estate, former CEO, Kevin Donnell, will transition to the position of Chairman where he will continue to serve on the executive leadership team and focus on strategic initiatives.

With 28 years of experience within the industry, Alt has held diverse roles in the company rising from personal assistant and sales agent to regional sales manager and president. As CEO, Shawna is focused on cementing First Weber’s position as an industry leader in identifying and meeting consumer and agent needs. She is known for her ability to drive strategies that improve both First Weber’s products and services as well as create a culture that allows agents, and staff to thrive. With a degree in psychology from the College of Charleston, Shawna serves on the board of directors for the First Weber Foundation, the South-Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service, and the Wisconsin Realtors® Association. She has also served on the board of directors of Colsac Skiers Adaptive Waterski School.

Maddente brings more than 30 years of experience to her new role as president, stepping up from senior vice president and regional manager. Maddente brings passion and energy to her role and works diligently to drive innovation and progess. She has served as a Director of the Wisconsin Realtors® Association, as well as the past president of the Metro Multiple Listing Service where she remains a current member of the executive committee. She also serves as president of the First Weber Foundation.

“Together, Shawna and Tammy make a great team and bring creative energy and passion to First Weber. Their experience, knowledge, and work ethic speak for themselves, and we are so excited for this next chapter,” said Donnell, Chairman of First Weber. “I am extremely proud of everyone at First Weber and everything we have accomplished together. Our future is bright. The company is in very capable hands.”

“Both Shawna and Tammy have proven themselves to be effective leaders,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America, the parent company of First Weber. “I am confident that with their fresh perspective and drive, First Weber is well-positioned for continued growth and success.”


HomeServices of America® Acquires Americana Holdings

Minneapolis, Minn. (June 30, 2021) — HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that it has acquired Americana Holdings, one of the largest independently owned and operated Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchisees. The company operates across three states as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties. The acquisition includes Americana Holdings’ interests in the following title and escrow companies: Legendary Title Agency (Arizona), Legendary Escrow Services (California), and Equity Title (Nevada). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California, and Nevada Properties serve the tri-state area with nearly 3,000 sales associates in 32 offices in communities throughout Arizona, Southern Nevada, and Orange County. The company joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network as an independent franchisee in 2014 and with this transaction, now joins the family of HomeServices of America wholly owned companies. In 2018, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties entered the Inc 5000 Hall of Fame after being named as one of the country’s fastest-growing private companies for five years. In 2018, it also was ranked No. 32 on the Swanepoel Mega 1000, a list of the largest real estate brokerages in the U.S. by sales volume.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California, and Nevada Properties is known for their commitment to providing agents and clients with the highest level of customer service, expertise, and resources. They rank #1 in Nevada in sales volume and #4 in transactions across the global Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. Nationally, they rank #19 in sales volume and #34 in transaction sides according to the 2021 Real Trends 500 report. In 2020, the company closed more than 14,000 units and more than $7 billion in volume.

Mark Stark, the company’s chief executive officer, has nearly 40 years of real estate experience and is among real estate’s most recognized and influential leaders. In 2020, Stark was named among the “Most Powerful People in Real Estate” in the Swanepoel Power 200. Stark, together with president and chief operating officer Gordon Miles, will continue to lead Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California, and Nevada Properties’ strategic planning and growth initiatives as well as manage the company’s day-to-day operations.

“Mark and Gordon, together with their team of extraordinary sales managers and agents, have built an exceptional organization and demonstrate a level of expertise and leadership that is second-to-none in the real estate business today,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America and chair of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

“HomeServices is an outstanding organization,” said Stark. “When you combine the incredible strength of our people and the history of our success with Gino’s unsurpassed leadership and the spirit of innovation and the financial strength of HomeServices, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”

“We are committed to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California, and Nevada Properties’ continued growth and success,” concluded Blefari. “We look forward to working with Mark and his team and are very proud to welcome them to the HomeServices family.”

The acquisition extends HomeServices’ national footprint to Nevada and further expands its presence in both Arizona and California. Now serving these areas from the HomeServices family of companies are Tucson-based Long Realty, a HomeServices company since 1999; San Diego-based Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (2002); Fresno-based Guarantee Real Estate (2013); and Silicon Valley-based Intero Real Estate (2014). With this transaction, HomeServices has nearly 46,250 real estate professionals operating in more than 900 offices across 32 states.

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About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California and Nevada Properties

Americana Holdings operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. The firms are leaders in their respective markets with 32 offices and more than 3,000 real estate sales executives, comprising the largest independently owned Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise in the world. Last year, the firm completed a record-breaking $7.1 billion in residential home sales. It is a member of the Inc 5000 Hall of Fame for being one of America’s fastest growing private companies for five consecutive years. For more information, visit www.bhhsnv.com, www.bhhsaz.com or www.bhhscaproperties.com.  

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, through its operating companies, is the nation’s largest residential real estate company based on closed transactions and is the country’s premier provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, settlement, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate residential real estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. For more information visit www.homeservices.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Caroline Underwood / cunderwood@krepspr.com

P: 305.588.7108


Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Welcomes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal to Global Network

IRVINE, Calif. & Cascais, Portugal, April 22, 2021 – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the world’s fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, is pleased to announce that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal has joined its worldwide network. The startup company will add one additional office and eight agents to the global network. The brokerage will service Cascais, Lisbon, Porto, Comporta, Algarve and all over Portugal.

“In Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices we have found a network that truly recognizes that real estate is more than a transaction, but a relationship,” says Patrícia Salgueiro, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal. “The network aligns seamlessly with our values and I am looking forward to continuing the promise of trust, integrity, stability and longevity of work due to our tailor-made services within our brokerage. The Clients are my priority and I want to leave an unforgettable memory of the beginning of a great relationship!”

Patrícia Salgueiro brings years of valuable experience to her role. With a background immersed in the luxury market, she has acquired the necessary skills designed to persevere in a competitive market and create strong relationships all across the globe.

With their brand transition, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal gains access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with best-in-class technology platforms to deliver world-class support to its network members far into the future.

The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

“We’re proud to welcome Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal,” said Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Patrícia is a skilled and seasoned leader who will effortlessly lead, guide and inspire her team of real estate professionals.”

The new brokerage will also leverage the strength and reliability of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Luxury Collection division, which utilizes an elite network of experienced, service-oriented professionals that combines local expertise with vast global connections, together with marketing resources to deliver the best-in-class results.

Gino Blefari, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, also welcomed the company to the network, “We’re thrilled to have Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal join the network. Patrícia and her team share our vision to create long-lasting relationships with their clients and truly become Forever Agents.”

To learn more visit: bhhsatlanticportugal.com

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Atlantic Portugal is dedicated to helping its clients through the entire experience of the homebuying process and establishing connections all over the world. Its first-class service in supporting people to find their forever home in Portugal turns dreams into a reality. Serving the region in Cascais, Lisbon, Porto and Comporta, Portugal the company prides its reputation on providing excellence to its customers through professional advisory and support teams. Its elite clientele has entrusted Atlantic Portugal with Portugal’s most unique properties.

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, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East, and more than $138 billion in real estate sales volume. 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.

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HomeServices of America®Welcomes Steven James and Brad Loe to Leadership Team

Minneapolis, MN (April 20, 2021) — HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today welcomed iconic leaders Steven James and Brad Loe to the company’s leadership team as Executive Directors of Brokerage Development.

James and Loe are among real estate’s most recognized and influential leaders, known for their industry expertise, high profile clientele and superior customer service. In their new roles, James and Loe will provide guidance and support to multiple strategic growth initiatives, all while advancing the expansion of state-of-the-art technology platforms as HomeServices strengthens its value proposition to its agents and consumers.

James and Loe will divide their time between HomeServices’ corporate headquarters in Minneapolis and offices in Westchester County.

Prior to joining HomeServices, James served as President and CEO of Douglas Elliman’s New York City brokerage and director of sales for its East Side office, the single most profitable residential real estate office in the U.S. for over 15 years. 

Loe served as Executive Manager of Sales at Douglas Elliman’s 1995 Broadway and 575 Madison Avenue offices and is highly respected as a mentor to his agents, bringing almost two decades of experience.

“Steven and Brad have each had exceptionally successful careers and understand the needs and preferences of agents, buyers and sellers,” said Gino Blefari, president and CEO of HomeServices of America. “This perspective will be invaluable as HomeServices works to reimagine the home buying and selling experience for consumers and the process by which our real estate agents serve them.”

“HomeServices is a strong, rapidly-evolving company with a sterling reputation,” added James. “In today’s fluid residential real estate brokerage landscape, the opportunity to work with a company of HomeServices’ caliber, one that offers such an exceptional value proposition to agents, is extremely compelling.  I look forward to furthering HomeServices’ offerings on both a domestic and global scale.”

“HomeServices is an outstanding organization with a talented and experienced leadership team all committed to delivering exceptional customer service,” noted Loe. “I couldn’t be more excited to join this extraordinary company and to play a role in their continued growth and success.”

HomeServices of America is the nation’s largest residential real estate company based on closed transactions and is the nation’s premier provider of homeownership services including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, settlement, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate residential real estate franchise networks. The company is consistently lauded for its operational excellence with many of its leaders recognized year after year for their merits and industry accomplishments, most recently including a multitude of appointments to the 2020 Swanepoel Power 200 roster.

“Steven and Brad are well known for their energy, charisma and powerful industry presence,” concluded Blefari. “And we’re thrilled to welcome them to the HomeServices family.”

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Welcomes First Real Estate Company in India

Orenda, India, April 15, 2021 – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the world’s fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, announced today its expansion into India. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Orenda India will mark the brokerage’s first global footprint in India, adding one office and 20 agents, and servicing Northern India including, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ludhiana, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Goa.

“As things are changing quickly from a global perspective, the need to evolve and adapt is only increasing,” said Shrey Aeren, Managing Director, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Orenda India. “The values, recognition and consistency of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand are unmatched by any other and my team and I look forward to bringing that same real estate experience to India.”

“We are excited to welcome Shrey Aeren and his dynamic team to our global network,” said Chris Stuart, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Shrey’s leadership, combined with his team’s dedication brings the experience and first-class services that are in perfect alignment with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices core values.”

With their brand transition, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Orenda India agents gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with best-in-class technology platforms to deliver world-class support to its network members far into the future.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Orenda India will also have full access to the recently unveiled, Real Estate I.Q. System. The System combines the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand, marketing resources and technology with progressive education, training, coaching and consulting. The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

Gino Blefari, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, welcomed the brokerage, “We are thrilled to expand the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global footprint into India. We are looking forward to assisting them with their goal of expanding services to all of the major cities throughout India and building a team of over 1,000 real estate professionals.”

The addition of India furthers Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ global reach, who over the past three years has added franchisees in London (Kay & Co.); Dubai (Gulf Properties); Madrid and Barcelona (LARVIA) and Marbella; Lisbon (Portugal Property); Milan (MAGGI Properties); and Berlin and Frankfurt (Rubina Real Estate), Toronto and Quebec in Canada and San Miquel de Allende and Cancun in Mexico.


About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Orenda India
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Orenda India is a full-service brokerage servicing all of Northern India. Its unique model includes a supportive broker and staff to ensure agents have a great experience and can service their clients in the most professional way.

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, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East, and more than $138 billion in real estate sales volume. 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.

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HOMESERVICES OF AMERICA, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES AND REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE ARE THE LATEST REAL ESTATE POWERS TO PARTNER WITH THE LGBTQ+ REAL ESTATE ALLIANCE

Minneapolis, Minn. (February 23, 2021) –The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance announced today that the joint operations of HomeServices of America, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate have signed a sponsorship agreement supporting The Alliance at the highest “Champions” level.

“This is an important step for us in continuing our support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at HomeServices of America who spearheaded the partnership. “We want to help remove the barriers the LGBTQ+ community faces in the journey to homeownership including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We are working hard to help our employees, affiliated agents and franchise network members recognize how unconscious bias impacts behavior and how we can better serve the LGBTQ+ community. And, we have a unique opportunity to utilize our market presence to allow LGBTQ+ agents to flourish while also attracting more from the community into our industry.”

HomeServices of America, led by CEO Gino Blefari, is the nation’s largest residential real estate company based on closed transactions and is a premier provider of homeownership services including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance and relocation services. HomeServices is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is led by Chairman Gino Blefari and CEO Chris Stuart. The company has more than 50,000 real estate professionals, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East, and closed more than $138 billion in sales volume in 2020.

Real Living Real Estate, led by Chairman Gino Blefari and CEO Allan Dalton, is a full-service real estate brokerage franchise system and network with nearly 3,000 member agents in 160 offices nationally.

As a Champion sponsor, Blefari will now participate in a variety of Alliance national events while Palacios Smith will sit on The Alliance’s sponsor advisory board.

“Teresa, Gino, Chris and Allan have been extremely supportive of The Alliance behind the scenes for months and we recognize how today’s announcement further propels us forward,” said Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. “They have been strong allies of our community and recognize how much more we can accomplish together to further expose the emotional and financial benefits of homeownership to the LGBTQ+ community. Along with our advocacy and member business development work, they are eager to help The Alliance showcase our industry to those within the LGBTQ+ community who may be looking for a career change and who have the entrepreneurial spirit that might allow them to thrive in real estate.”

The Alliance, which launched on October 1, 2020, is an inclusive member-based organization founded in June 2020 as a 501(c)6 non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the professional lives of its members while providing consumers with the proper resources to assist in buying, selling and enjoying their home.

ABOUT THE LGBTQ+ REAL ESTATE ALLIANCE

The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance is a 501(c)6 non-profit dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ+ community on the path to homeownership as we also advocate on behalf of the community on housing issues. The Alliance, founded in June 2020, is an all-inclusive organization that works to improve the professional lives of its members through a public-facing Alliance Referral Community. The Alliance began accepting members in October 2020 and has more than 50 chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information visit realestatealliance.org.   

ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, is the nation’s largest residential real estate company (based on closed transactions) and through its operating companies, is 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 and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Visit 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, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East, and more than $138 billion in real estate sales volume in 2020. 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.

About Real Living Real Estate
Real Living Real Estate is a full-service real estate brokerage franchise system and network with a comprehensive and integrated suite of resources for franchisees and their sales professionals, as well as for consumers who work with them. In 2016 and 2017, Real Living


Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Welcomes Zambito Realtors to Global Brokerage Franchise Network

RVINE, Calif., February 3, 2021 – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the world’s fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, is pleased to announce the addition of Zambito Realtors to its esteemed network. The company will add three offices and thirty-five agents to the global brokerage network, now operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito REALTORS® and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Western New York Properties.

“We decided to join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network because of its unique technology and marketing tools that will give our agents access to more when assisting clients in looking for their next home, more data, more properties and more neighborhood information,” said Rita Zambito, Owner of Zambito Realtors. “Taking our local expertise and adding the global network and reach that only Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices can offer us, our agents and our clients will have an unbeatable advantage in the marketplace.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Zambito Realtors to our network,” said Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Zambito Realtors has long been Western New York’s hometown real estate company and I know their service to the community will expand moving forward. Zambito agents represent the same Berkshire Hathaway principles of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Their leadership’s mission to uphold the integrity of their professionals through building lasting relationships with their clients creates the long-term success we are looking for.”

With their brand transition, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito REALTORS® and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Western New York Properties agents gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with best-in-class technology platforms to deliver world-class support to its network members far into the future.

The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

Zambito Realtors has been and will continue to offer insight and guidance for all types of real estate transactions, from single-family homes, multi-family homes, vacant land, commercial listings, farms with specific expertise in equestrian properties.

Gino Blefari, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, also welcomed the company to the network, “Zambito Realtors demonstrates a commitment to their community beyond their business, which is a wonderful example of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices mission to be dedicated to our clients and continuously improve their lives.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network represents real people with big dreams and different realities. It’s a legacy brand that understands the realities that come with the complex real estate journey. Not as agents and salesmen, but as partners and trusted advisors. From the first home to the last home and everything in between.

For more information, visit: bhhswny.com

About Zambito Realtors
Located in the heart of Orleans County, Zambito Realtors have a wealth of experience. With expertise in selling residential, waterfront, multi-family, commercial and foreclosure properties in the surrounding areas. The office covers Orleans County and surrounding Niagara, Erie, Monroe and Genesee counties.

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, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East, and more than $119 billion in real estate sales volume. 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


IOWA REALTY EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN NEWTON & GRINNELL

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – (Feb. 1, 2021) – Kim Bakey, CEO of HomeServices of Iowa, parent of Iowa Realty Co. Inc., announced today the purchase of Heartland Iowa Realty which has offices in Newton and Grinnell.

Heartland Iowa Realty was independently owned and operated by Caren and Phil Clevenger and Mark Larson. This acquisition is part of a continued growth strategy by Iowa Realty, the largest real estate broker in the state with nearly 900 agents in 17 offices and 32 franchises.

Heartland Iowa Realty has been an Iowa Realty franchise in Newton since 2005. With the acquisition, local leadership will remain in place. Mark Larson has been named the managing broker and Caren Clevenger will continue in her sales leadership role.

According to CEO Kim Bakey, it’s a perfect match and she anticipates a smooth transition.

“As the market leader in Iowa, we routinely reach out to successful companies or brokers who share our integrity, high performance expectations and outstanding service to clients,” stated Bakey. “Heartland Iowa Realty met that criteria and more. We are extremely pleased about this new relationship in 2021.”

Caren Clevenger added, “This is an exciting new chapter for our sales associates and team members. Now more than ever, it’s vital to provide a depth of resources to meet the real estate demands of today. With the strength of Iowa Realty and HomeServices of Iowa behind us, we’re well-positioned for even greater success in the future.”

          Previously, Iowa Realty has purchased independent franchises in Knoxville and Perry. When franchises are acquired, their agents automatically have access to more than 40 quality programs or services provided by Iowa Realty to support their efforts. They also are part of a dynamic network of peer offices which provides collaborative opportunities, best practices, and local community involvement.

About HomeServices of Iowa

HomeServices of Iowa is comprised of Iowa Realty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty, HomeServices Lending, Midland Title & Escrow, Iowa Title, and HomeServices Insurance – all working together to create a full range of real estate services and products. Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, HomeServices of Iowa, a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. is the leading real estate brokerage company operating in Iowa. It offers an unparalleled level of award-winning residential and commercial real estate services through a network of more than 900 licensed real estate associates in 17 offices and 32 affiliate realty companies which are independently owned and operated throughout Iowa. HomeServices of Iowa, a part of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, has been helping generations of Iowans achieve their dreams of homeownership since 1952. For more information, visit www.IowaRealty.com.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES GEORGIA PROPERTIES HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING

TO CELEBRATE OPENING OF NEW HISTORIC COLLEGE PARK OFFICE

Atlanta, Georgia– On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties (BHHS) celebrated the opening of its GATEWAY Historic College Park Office with a ribbon cutting ceremony that included top BHHS GA executives, media, realtors, and local politicians.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the expansion of our footprint into Historic College Park,” said Dan Forsman, President and CEO Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Under Wendy’s leadership, this office is sure to flourish and serve as a tremendous asset to the surrounding community.”

“We at Prosperity are passionate about increasing homeownership within this community and intend to provide products and programs to ensure successful homeownership,” said Tim Wilson, CEO of Prosperity Mortgage. “This has been a vision of ours for years and, with Wendy as S.V.P. and Managing Broker, we have an unbeatable team.”

Guests at the event included BHHS GA President & CEO, Dan Forsman; Prosperity Mortgage CEO, Tim Wilson; BHHS GA Regional Manager & S.V.P., DeAnn Golden; College Park City Manager, Renee Coakley; and City Councilmen, Tom Carpenter, Artie Jones, and Ken Allen.

Located at 1876 Princeton Ave, College Park, GA 30337, in the heart of College Park’s Historic District – the 1.5 story, 6,176-square-foot office offers a welcoming environment and industry-leading technology for agents, clients, and community members to connect. 

“With its central location, many attractions, and diverse and welcoming community – College Park boasts small-town charm and comfort with the convenience of metropolitan living,” says Senior Vice President and Managing Broker, Wendy Allen. “We’re excited to provide home buyers and sellers in this rapidly growing community with the expertise, service, and global marketing power that only HomeServices can offer.”

In the office, Senior Vice President and Managing Broker, Wendy Allen, will lead the sales strategy and enhance the BHHS brand experience for 23 agents and clients in the South Fulton area. As BHHS continues to be a top-rated real estate company in Georgia, its new College Park office’s opening marks its expansion into one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the state. 

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties has over 1,600 associates and 26 locations across the Greater Metro Atlanta and North Georgia area. The company generated over $4.4 billion in sales volume and 11,606 transaction sides in 2020. Trendgraphix reports that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is ranked #1 in home sales for the Greater Metro Atlanta area. Led by president and CEO Dan Forsman, the organization offers a full suite of real estate services including residential real estate, luxury real estate, new homes services, condo/ high-rise services, commercial real estate, corporate relocation, property management, mortgage lending, title and settlement services, home warranties and insurance. Equal Housing Opportunity. Visit www.BHHSGA.com.


Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Brokerage Franchise Network Expands to Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO AND IRVINE, CA (August 4, 2020) — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices announces their first network member in Mexico located in the American expatriate and retiree destination of San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico. The brokerage will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colonial Homes San Miguel.

Already renowned as the “#1 City in the World” as designated twice each by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, San Miguel de Allende is an ideal expansion for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand which has widespread name-recognition among Americans.

“We’ve been eyeing Mexico for some time as part of our global expansion,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “With its strong American and Canadian population, San Miguel de Allende seemed a natural fit for our brand and the name recognition we command.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colonial Homes San Miguel began operations locally in 1995 under the guidance of local resident Alma Cecilia Ramirez, a stalwart in the real estate industry widely admired for her reputation. Joining her as co-owner and broker is American expatriate Gregory Gunter, a certified Global Luxury specialist who reached Top Producer status with his prior agency and earned the #2 ranked sales agent by volume nationwide in Mexico among the nation’s largest franchise.

It was Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ business strategy, unique in all of Mexico, that drew them to join the brand.

“We really feel Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will revolutionize the real estate industry in Mexico, especially in San Miguel de Allende,” says Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “We provide a formal training program unknown in Mexico, a U.S.-based marketing resource center equally unique to Mexico, and our team has direct and specific access to their fellow real estate agents in feeder markets. That advantage is huge for our international teams.”

The new Colonial Homes San Miguel office is positioned as a luxury-focused office, thanks in part to broker Gregory Gunter’s direction and background. As a certified Guild member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, earned by multiple recent sales above $1MM in value, and a previous certified Global Luxury specialist, Gunter will receive the distinction as a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Luxury Collection specialist, the brand’s division dedicated to the high-value homes owned by highly discerning homeowners. In the U.S., only seven percent of the real estate market fits that distinction, while Gunter notes it is 16% of the local market in San Miguel de Allende.

“Alma and I are thrilled to offer all our clients this vast array of new marketing and technology tools,” said Gunter. “Among other advantages more common in the U.S., but new to Mexico, is our ability to offer clients live, one-on-one virtual tours, as though walking the clients through the home side-by-side. Post-pandemic, this is a critical tool, but our buyers initially are all long-distance anyway, so this is a huge marketing advantage for our selling clients.”

“We’re excited to have a bi-national and bi-cultural ownership of our first franchise in Mexico,” added Blefari. “We expect their crossover outreach to both Mexican and American/Canadian clients to be unparalleled in the market.”

Critical to an international market, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices provides global listing syndication, as well as personalized professional training and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Colonial Homes San Miguel also gains access to the brand’s ‘FOREVER Cloud’ technology suite powered by SalesForce, including lead generation, marketing support, social media content, video production/distribution support and more.

About Colonial Homes San Miguel

Founded in 1995 by widely-respected local broker Alma Cecilia Ramirez, Colonial Homes San Miguel now includes American expatriate Gregory Gunter, known locally as The Dream Pro: “San Miguel’s Dream Home Expert!” and an expert in the luxury market. Each has earned a reputation for leveraging cutting-edge technology with high-touch customer service and now teamed with one of the world’s most respected companies, expects to provide clients with an unparalleled level of resources and personalized services. Visit BHHSColonialHomesSanMiguel.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, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East, and more than $119 billion in real estate sales volume. 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.