Local Real Estate Nationwide

PHILADELPHIA, PA – HomeServices of America, one of the nation’s largest providers of brokerage and related services in the United States, today announcedBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties merger intoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®. The merger of these two affiliates of HomeServices combines over 650 agents across 15 offices from New Jersey Properties into Fox & Roach, establishing the brokerage as number one in the state within the markets it serves and extending its footprint into North Jersey with offices in Morris, Hunterdon, Essex, Union, Middlesex and Somerset Counties as well as expanding its footprint in Monmouth county. The organizations will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®.

“New Jersey Properties’ footprint fits into ours like a puzzle piece, and we are thrilled to officially welcome them into the Fox & Roach family,” said Larry Flick V, chief executive officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® and The Trident Group. “Together, we will be stronger than ever, providing our sales associates with unparalleled resources, added tools and cutting-edge technology to best support their clients in achieving the dream of homeownership.”

The combined brokerage is one of the largest providers of homeownership services in the country, with more than 5,000 sales professionals across more than 80 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Through its affiliated services, the Trident Group and Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance.

“The real estate market has been dramatically shifting over the past several years, and as long-time brokerage leaders, we understand we need to grow and expand to thrive long-term,” said Chris Brown, chief executive officer & president, New Jersey Properties. “The decision to align ourselves with the brokerage that is consistently ranked number one in the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network will ensure we are well equipped to serve local homebuyers and sellers for many years to come.” 

“New Jersey Properties and Fox & Roach have maintained a longstanding friendship over the years, and we look forward to taking an exciting step to be bigger and better together,” said Bill Keleher, founder and chairman, New Jersey Properties. “With strong leadership guided by our shared values of excellence, integrity and dependability, I’m confident I’m leaving the organization in excellent hands.” 

“Backed by the strength and longevity of HomeServices, combined with Fox & Roach’s legacy of success, this decision will ensure our sales professionals have everything they need to succeed in an evolving marketplace, including new tools, robust services and advanced education and coaching to help them grow their businesses,” added Christy Casey, executive vice president, New Jersey Properties.

Larry Flick V will continue to serve as CEO of Fox & Roach, with the close support of Chris Brown, as Vice Chairman, to ensure a seamless transition. Fox & Roach’s organizational structure places an emphasis on localized, nimble leadership with the backing of a dominant, trusted brand by providing individual markets with tailored support and financial services. In alignment with Fox & Roach’s regional leadership structure, Executive Vice President Christine Casey will serve as the regional president for the new North and Central New Jersey markets.

“Combining these two great HomeServices’ companies brings together two great organizations that will be unmatched in their ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America, the parent company to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors® and New Jersey Properties. “Larry, his leadership team along with Chris, Bill and Christine share an uncompromising commitment to their agents, employees and customers and we look forward to supporting them as they take the company to the next chapter of growth and success.”

The announcement comes on the heels of several years of strategic growth for Fox & Roach, including the successful merger with Gloria Nilson & Co. in 2020, which added more than 700 sales professionals and more than 20 offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the brokerage. In 2020, Fox & Roach also added more than 40 sales professionals to its Rumson, New Jersey, office, establishing Fox & Roach as the market leader in Monmouth County, following a successful merger with New Jersey Properties’ local office.

New Jersey Properties was founded as an independently owned and operated brokerage in 2001 but traces its roots back to 1954. A proud supporter of the Sunshine kids, New Jersey Properties has raised well over $2.5 million for the charity placing it in the top 5 companies for contributions over the past 2 decades. New Jersey Properties joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network in 2014, and has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top 100 brokers.

For more about HomeServices of America, please visit https://www.homeservices.com

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc., through its operating companies, is one of the nation’s largest residential real estate company and is the country’s premier provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, settlement, property and casualty insurance, relocation services and more. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

For more about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®, please visit https://www.foxroach.com/.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® is part of HomeServices of America, the nation’s largest provider of total home services and largest residential brokerage company in the U.S. in sales, according to the 2022 REAL Trends 500 report. The company was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” and was recently awarded Top Workplaces in 2022. With over 5,000 sales professionals and more than 500 employees in more than 80 sales offices across the Tri-State area, the company was recently acknowledged as #1, for the eighth year in a row, in the entire national Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network. Through its affiliated services, the Trident Group and Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC; the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance. The company-sponsored charitable foundation, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, is committed to addressing the needs of children and families in stressful life circumstances and has contributed over $8.6 million to more than 250 local organizations since its inception in 1995. Visit our Website at www.foxroach.com or for company information and news go to our Newsroom at www.foxroach.com/blog/newsroom.

MINNEAPOLIS (January 10, 2023) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices and chairman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, has been named to the top spot on the 2023 Swanepoel Power 200 list. He joins several other executives from across HomeServices’ brokerage and franchise companies who were also named to the 2023 Swanepoel Power 200 list. The Swanepoel Power 200 is a comprehensive roster of leading CEOs and senior executives whose leadership and experience drive the industry and their organizations. Published annually by T3 Sixty, the Swanepoel Power 200 is widely considered the definitive ranking of residential real estate leaders.

“It’s an extreme honor to receive this recognition in an industry filled with so many talented and passionate professionals,” said Blefari. “On behalf of our entire organization, congratulations to all the HomeServices’ leaders who earned a spot on the 2023 list. This recognition reflects an ongoing commitment to the HomeServices’ philosophy of continual improvement, and I’m proud to work alongside such extraordinary leaders as we collectively drive the industry forward.”

The HomeServices’ executives recognized on the 2023 Swanepoel Power 200 list, in alphabetical order, are:

• Candace Adams—President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England/New York/Hudson Valley Properties
• Mary Lee Blaylock—Senior Vice President, HomeServices of America
• Gino Blefari—CEO, HomeServices of America and Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
• Christy Budnick—CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
• Jimmy Burgess—CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida
• Brian Crane—President and CEO, Intero Real Estate Services
• Allan Dalton— Senior Vice President, Research and Development, HomeServices of America
• Jeff Detwiler—President and CEO, Long & Foster Companies
• Joan Docktor—President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®
• Larry Flick V—CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®
• Dan Forsman—Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
• Larry “Boomer” Foster—President of Brokerage Division, Long & Foster Real Estate
• Chris Kelly—Executive Vice President, HomeServices of America
• Vince Leisey—CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate
• Greg Mason—President and CEO, Edina Realty Home Services
• Rei Mesa—President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
• Mark Stark—Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California and Nevada Properties

The complete list of rankings is available at sp200.com.

Minneapolis (July 11, 2022) – A new study has found that requiring prospective homebuyers to pay real estate agents directly out of pocket would significantly suppress home buying opportunities for large segments of the population. “Be Careful What You Ask For: The Economic Impact of Changing the Structure of Real Estate Agent Fees,” illustrates how the changes would most significantly affect Black, Hispanic/Latino, first-time, and low- and middle-income buyers. The independent study was requisitioned by HomeServices of America as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support equity in home buying.

In recognition of housing inequity and the homeownership gap, HomeServices of America began work in early 2019 to establish a foundation whose mission is to increase homeownership among Black homebuyers and other potential homebuyers of color. In 2021, the HomeServices Foundation for Housing Equity was officially established. While some favor changing the decades-old practice of listing brokers offering commissions to buying brokers in home sales, it appeared that this proposed change could severely impact the homebuying abilities of the people the Foundation was created to help. Given the possible negative impact to homebuyers, HomeServices of America requisitioned an independent study to evaluate its concerns about the proposed change.

Authored byFreddieMac alum Ann Schnare, National Association of Credit Management Chief Economist Amy Cutts andGeorge Washington University Business Professor Vanessa Perry, the study created an economic model that proves the detrimental outcomes for consumers and the broader U.S. economy that would likely result from changes to how agent fees are currently paid. 

“Changing the current compensation structure could affect potential buyers’ ability to qualify for a mortgage and purchase a home,” said lead author Schnare. “Requiring buyers to pay their agent’s fee directly would result in reduced homeownership opportunities for cash-constrained families and lower net proceeds for many sellers. These outcomes would create negative ripple effects across the entire housing market.”

Key study findings regarding decoupling commissions include:

• The greatest harm would be to first-time, low-income, middle-income and racially underrepresented buyers. A significant segment of the housing market would likely be negatively affected by decoupling commissions. Overall U.S. homeownership rates, particularly among non-white buyers, would decline. Assets required to purchase a $250,000 home would increase from roughly $16,250 to $23,015.
• Decoupling commissions would harm the entire economy. The demand reduction that would likely occur at the lower price points of the housing market could easily spill into other segments of the market. If a significant portion of potential buyers are already cash constrained, changing the current compensation structure by requiring buyers to pay more up-front would inevitably lead to a reduction in market demand.
• Commissions would not be able to be included in mortgages. Lenders, mortgage underwriters and appraisers would face significant challenges in determining the appropriate amount of buyer broker commission allowed to be included within the financing of a home.Federal regulations limit how much of the total purchase price buyers can finance, meaning some buyers could no longer qualify for a loan while others would have to pay additional fees per month in mortgage insurance.

The study estimates that the median price that potential first-time homebuyers can afford to pay for a home is roughly $294,000. Altering how commissions are paid, however, would limit the purchasing power of these households. Even if buyers were able to negotiate a 1.5% fee, for example, they would be able to spend $33,450 – or 12% – less on a home if they had to pay these fees up front, out of pocket.

Such changes could prove disastrous in a housing market that is already creating significant barriers for potential homebuyers. Since 2019, home prices have risen nearly 30% ($80,000 for a typical home), while inventory is down 57% over the same period. Homeownership opportunities for American families also have diminished as mortgage rates rise and investors become more heavily involved in the private property market, leading to fewer available properties.

Any such changes to commissions, as the study notes, could have the most pronounced impact on Black homebuyers. Homeownership rates for white homebuyers have remained above 70% since 2017, while rates for Black homebuyers have struggled to exceed 40%. Approximately half of all homes currently listed for sale are affordable to households with at least $100,000 income, but just 35% of white households and 20% of Black households in America exceed this annual threshold.

The findings of the study refute unfounded allegations or suggestions that consumers are disadvantaged by how commissions are currently paid.

“Almost 9 out of every 10 homebuyers use a mortgage to finance the purchase of their primary residence, and many of these buyers face significant hurdles in acquiring the upfront cash to cover down payment and closing costs,” said Dana Strandmo, Chief Administrative Officer at HomeServices of America. “These cash constraints are more prevalent among first-time homebuyers and racial minority groups. That is a factor that must be considered in any conversation about changing how buyers’ agents are typically compensated.”

HomeServices of America funded this study. The authors conducted their research independently, and the opinions expressed, and findings are theirs. For the full study, go to: Be Careful What You Ask For: The Economic Impact of Changing the Structure of Real Estate Agent Fees

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Acquisition expands HomeServices’ footprint in the New Jersey
real estate market

Minneapolis, Minn. (June 2, 2022) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that it has acquired Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties, one of New Jersey’s leading residential real estate companies, and its affiliated title company — Associated Title Agency. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Martinsville, New Jersey, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties serves northern and central New Jersey with 19 locations and more than 600 agents. The company, owned by Bill Keleher, Chris Brown, Steve Janett, and Nancy Litwin, joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network as an independent franchisee in 2014 and, with this transaction, now joins the family of HomeServices of America’s wholly owned companies. The full-service brokerage offers residential and commercial services as well as title and settlement services, leasing and property management, corporate relocations, luxury and investment properties, and home-warranty services. In 2021, the company closed nearly 3,900 transactions and $2.25 billion in sales volume. The company is ranked in the Top 5 largest brokerage firms in New Jersey and is among the top-20 brokerages nationwide in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network.

Bill Keleher, chairman and CEO, Chris Brown, president, and Steve Janett, chief operating officer, are well known for their industry expertise and leadership and are among real estate’s most recognized and influential leaders. Keleher, Brown, Janett, and their management team will continue to lead Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties’ strategic planning and growth initiatives as well as manage the company’s day-to-day operations.

“Nancy, Steve, Chris, and I are honored and excited to join HomeServices,” said Keleher. “HomeServices is an outstanding organization with a world-class portfolio of real estate brands and an experienced leadership team. Becoming a member of the HomeServices’ family of companies gives us a unique opportunity to grow and better serve our customers, sales professionals, and employees.”

“Bill, Chris, Steve, and Nancy, together with their leadership team, managers, agents, and employees have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to providing exceptional service to their buyers and sellers and have built an extraordinary company,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices. “We are committed to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties’ continued growth and success, and we are proud to welcome them to the HomeServices family.”

The acquisition further expands HomeServices’ presence in New Jersey, which includes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS^® and Long & Foster Real Estate, which HomeServices acquired in 2013 and 2017, respectively. With this transaction, HomeServices has nearly 46,500 real estate professionals operating in nearly 925 offices across 33 states.

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DALLAS, Texas – May 3, 2022 – Title Resources Group (“TRG” and the “JV”), one of the nation’s leading title insurance underwriters, today announced that HomeServices of America (“HomeServices”) is acquiring a minority stake in TRG. Financial terms were not disclosed. HomeServices, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, is the nation’s largest residential real estate company, based on closed transactions.

HomeServices is joining TRG’s other major shareholders, Centerbridge Partners, L.P. and Realogy Holdings Corp., in participating in the JV. The expanded roster of joint venture partners will be instrumental in accelerating TRG’s mission and growth as the title underwriter built for the real estate industry.

“HomeServices of America is a long-time, valued customer of TRG, and we’re thrilled to welcome them as a significant shareholder to our joint venture. We look forward to working with their team to expand our collaboration in the months and years ahead, further accelerating our growth,” said Scott McCall, president and CEO, Title Resources Group.

“Our strengthened partnership with Title Resources Group further enhances the ability of HomeServices’ sales associates to provide clients with a one-stop shopping approach to delivering the American dream of homeownership,” said Gino Blefari, CEO, HomeServices. “We’re excited to be a part of this joint venture with Scott McCall and his team, as well as our other partners at Centerbridge and Realogy.”

“We are pleased to partner with HomeServices of America on this compelling JV,” said Kevin Mahony, managing director at Centerbridge. “The investment in TRG by its long-time customer validates the bright prospects for the business, and we are excited about the strategic benefits of expanding the relationship. HomeServices’ perspective and track record of success will be invaluable as we shape and execute TRG’s growth and value creation plan together.”

“The continued investment in TRG’s future is a powerful endorsement of Realogy’s strategy to unleash the underwriter’s growth potential and reinforces our confidence in the exciting opportunity of this business,” said Ryan Schneider, CEO and President, Realogy.

About Title Resources Group (TRG)

Title Resources Group – the underwriter built for the real estate industry – is one of the nation’s largest title insurance underwriters, according to the American Land Title Association’s 2021 market share data. A joint venture with Centerbridge Partners, L.P. and Realogy Holdings Corp., TRG serves title insurance agents in 37 states and the District of Columbia. With $163 million in liquid assets at year-end 2021, its financial strength and stability are rated A’ (Unsurpassed) by Demotech, Inc., and B++ (Good) by AM Best Rating Services, and since its inception, the company has consistently operated profitably without a net operating loss in any fiscal year. With a mission to provide knowledgeable and responsive underwriting solutions, TRG is dedicated to growing lifelong relationships and maintaining quality through integrity and financial stability. For more information, please visit www.titleresources.com.

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc., through its operating companies, 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, settlement, property and casualty insurance, relocation services and more. 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.

About Centerbridge Partners, L.P.

Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private investment management firm employing a flexible approach across investment disciplines — private equity, credit and real estate — in an effort to develop the most attractive opportunities for our investors. The Firm was founded in 2005 and as of February 28, 2022 has approximately $33 billion in capital under management with offices in New York and London. Centerbridge is dedicated to partnering with world-class management teams across targeted industry sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit www.centerbridge.com.

About Realogy Holdings Corp.

Realogy (NYSE: RLGY) is moving the real estate industry to what’s next. As the leading and most integrated provider of U.S. residential real estate services encompassing franchise, brokerage, relocation, and title and settlement businesses as well as a mortgage joint venture, Realogy supported approximately 1.5 million home transactions in 2021. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes some of the most recognized names in real estate: Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, Corcoran®, ERA®, and Sotheby’s International Realty®. Using innovative technology, data and marketing products, high-quality lead generation programs, and best-in-class learning and support services, Realogy fuels the productivity of its approximately 196,700 independent sales agents in the U.S. and approximately 136,700 independent sales agents in 118 other countries and territories, helping them build stronger businesses and best serve today’s consumers. Recognized for eleven consecutive years as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, Realogy has also been designated a Great Place to Work four years in a row, named one of LinkedIn’s 2022 Top Companies in the U.S., and honored on the Forbes list of World’s Best Employers 2021. For more information, please visit www.realogy.com.

Contact:

For Title Resources Group:

Jonathan McGrain

media@titleresources.com

For HomeServices of America:

Liz Litin

lizlitin@homeservices.com

For Centerbridge Partners:

Jeremy Fielding / Daniel Hoadley

jeremy.fielding@kekstcnc.com / daniel.hoadley@kekstcnc.com

Minneapolis, Minn. (March 25, 2022) — HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today congratulated the sales associates, sales managers, and other employees across HomeServices’ family of businesses for HomeServices’ recognition as the country’s largest real estate company based on closed transaction sides, according to the 2022 RisMedia Power Broker Report and Real Trends 500 report. In 2021, the company’s sales associates closed 388,098 residential transactions, a 13% increase over 2020.

“Being able to provide our sales associates and their clients with a complete offering of brokerage, mortgage, and settlement services to help them navigate what is a complex and often confusing real estate transaction played an important role in our ability to achieve the No. 1 industry ranking in closed units,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices. “Equipped with best-in-class technology and resources, our sales associates, loan officers, and closers earned their clients’ trust as they delivered the American dream of homeownership to more people than anyone else in the industry.”

“2021 was a year of incredible growth and strategic expansion and we couldn’t be prouder that we have achieved this No. 1 industry ranking for the fourth consecutive year,” continued Blefari. “And, as we look to the future, we are confident that our continued growth and unparalleled financial strength and stability will continue to make HomeServices an industry leader into 2022 and beyond.”

Headquartered in Minneapolis, HomeServices has approximately 46,000 real estate professionals operating in more than 900 offices across 33 states and the District of Columbia. Through its national network of market-leading operating companies, HomeServices offers the convenience of one-stop shopping including brokerage services, mortgage financing, title and escrow services, property and casualty insurance, relocation, new homes, and commercial and property management.

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc., 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, property and casualty insurance, relocation services and more. 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: 

Liz Litin

V.P. PR & Communications

612.336.5508

MOBILE, Alabama (January 13, 2022) – Roberts Brothers, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and south Alabama’s top real estate company announced today that it has named Teresa Williamson as its president. Williamson succeeds Daniel Dennis, who is departing the company and moving to Florida.

Williamson joined Roberts Brothers in 2009 as a sales associate and subsequently purchased the Roberts Brothers Saraland franchise three years later. She was promoted to general manager and, as Managing Broker of Roberts Brothers West, escalated the office to unprecedented success. As president, Williamson will set the company’s strategic vision and oversee the operation of its 300 sales associates and staff in seven offices.

Williamson becomes the first member outside the Roberts family to lead the 75-year, historic brand noted Dennis. “In addition to being respected by everyone, Teresa has the leadership, communication skills, and talent to escalate Roberts Brothers to even greater heights. She is a homerun for our sales associates, employees, buyers, and sellers,” added Dennis.

Williamson becomes the first member outside the Roberts family to lead the 75-year, historic brand noted Dennis. “In addition to being respected by everyone, Teresa has the leadership, communication skills, and talent to escalate Roberts Brothers to even greater heights. She is a homerun for our sales associates, employees, buyers, and sellers,” added Dennis.

“Teresa is a talented industry veteran who brings extensive knowledge and exemplary leadership qualities to Roberts Brothers,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America, the parent company to Roberts Brothers. “I am confident that the company is well-positioned for the future under her leadership.”

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About Roberts Brothers, Inc.

World War II veterans John and David Roberts started the company in their parents’ garage on Williams Court in midtown Mobile in 1946. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2021, Roberts Brothers remains the leader in the Mobile Bay real estate market with nearly 300 team members in five offices, providing brokerage, relocation, vacation rental, and property management services. In 2021, the company was awarded the #2 spot for “Best Companies to Work for in Alabama” by Business Alabama magazine. Additionally, Roberts Brothers was recognized as the “Best Real Estate Company” in the 2021 Nappies by Lagniappe. Roberts Brothers is owned by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and the #1 ranked real estate company in the United States. For more information, visit www.RobertsBrothers.com.

About HomeServices of America, Inc.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, HomeServices is the country’s largest residential real estate brokerage company and, through its national network of market-leading operating companies, is a premier provider of integrated homeownership services including residential real estate brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance and home warranties. HomeServices of America is the owner of the award-winning Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 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.

Minneapolis, Minn. (January 11, 2022) — HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and the nation’s largest homeownership company, closed 2021 with simultaneous acquisitions of five companies. The acquisitions add 1,400 sales associates, 15,000 transactions, and nearly $8 billion in closed sales volume to HomeServices’ 2021 portfolio and strengthen its commitment to fulfilling a “customer-for-life” business model. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisitions included four brokerage companies and a moving company:

• Bennion Deville Homes
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate and Alliance Title Group
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida
• Hegg Realtors®
• Joe Moholland Moving

“Since HomeServices was founded in 1998, our growth strategy has focused on acquiring market-leading companies with strong brands and experienced leaders,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices. “Our newest family members fit these exacting standards and we proudly welcome them to HomeServices today. Each company brings a sterling reputation and is led by proven leaders. who have built extraordinary organizations with their team of managers, sales associates, and employees. We look forward to working with each company and are committed to supporting their continued growth and success,” said Blefari.

The companies joining the HomeServices family are:

Bennion Deville Homes.  Founded in 2001 by Bob Bennion and Bob Deville, Bennion Deville Homes is the top-ranking real estate brokerage based on units and sales volume in California’s Coachella Valley (Greater Palm Springs Area). Led by industry veterans Bob Deville, CEO, and Chris Anderson, General Manager, Bennion Deville Homes has experienced year-over-year market-share growth and is widely recognized for its collaborative culture, client-first approach, and top-producing agents. States Deville, “By joining HomeServices of America, we are ensuring the legacy of Bennion Deville Homes continues for generations to come. We are honored to join HomeServices and excited about bringing the strengths from each of our respective companies together to serve our clients and our agents. This allows us to build upon what makes Bennion Deville Homes unique in the industry in new and exciting ways.”

In 2021 Bennion Deville Homes closed nearly 4,400 transactions and $3.1 billion in sales volume.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate and Alliance Title Group. Founded by Andrea Lawrence and led by President Kevin Goffstein and general manager Bob Bax, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate and Alliance Title Group has provided quality, service, and state-of-the-art technology to the St. Louis area and surrounding communities for more than 40 years. “HomeServices of America is known for its strength and stability, and we are honored to become a part of their family,” said Kevin Goffstein, president of Alliance Real Estate.  “By aligning ourselves with ReeceNichols and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kansas City Realty we now have access to greater resources and services which will be a tremendous benefit to all of our associates as they better serve the real estate needs of their clients.”  

In 2021, Alliance Real Estate’s sales associates closed nearly 4,000 transactions and $1.3 billion in sales volume. The company will join HomeServices’ Kansas City-based brokerages — ReeceNichols and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kansas City Realty — in serving clients in Missouri.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida.Headquartered in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Beach Properties began in 2007 as a boutique real estate brokerage serving the towns and communities along northwest Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast. Under the leadership of broker and owner Hunter Harman, and owners, Price Ranier, John David Sullivan and Jimmy Burgess, who is assuming the role of CEO, Beach Properties of Florida has experienced exponential, organic growth and has tripled its number of sales associates since 2017. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with HomeServices of America and offer even greater opportunity and access for our agents and their clients to what we believe is the best real estate network in the country. This acquisition is much more than a transaction – it represents a new season of growth and prosperity for Beach Properties of Florida,” said Harman.

 In 2021, the company’s agents closed more than 2,700 transactions and $2.1 billion in sales volume.

Hegg Realtors®. Founded in 1945, Hegg Realtors® is the largest real estate brokerage in South Dakota, and proudly serves the real estate needs of buyers and sellers throughout South Dakota. Under the leadership of Bill Hegg, its chairman, and Gregg Gohl, its chief executive officer, the company’s 200-plus agents closed nearly 4,000 transactions and $1.2 billion in sales volume. “We’re eager to leverage Edina Realty’s unbelievable resources to offer leading-edge technology, tools, security and support to our agents,” said Gregg Gohl, CEO. “And the opportunity to expand our network and business opportunities for our agents in a way that maintains our local brand and legacy is really exciting.”  Hegg Realtors® will join the Edina Realty family of brands, significantly expanding Edina Realty’s footprint in the Midwest and making it HomeServices’ first wholly-owned brokerage located in South Dakota. It will operate as Hegg Realtors, an Edina Realty company.

Joe Moholland Moving. Founded in 1987, Joe Moholland Moving predominantly serves Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area, and provides its customers with national and international relocation services. The company has strong hauling capacity, top-ranking customer satisfaction scores, and supports residential household goods moving for local, national, and international moves. Joe Moholland Moving will operate within Tailored Move, a Long & Foster company. “We are thrilled to join forces with Tailored Move and become part of the broader Long & Foster and HomeServices of America families,” said Rob Garr, president of Joe Moholland Moving. “The values and cultures of our two companies perfectly align: We both believe in delivering the highest level of customer service while removing any stress and worry from the moving process. Our partnership will allow us to expand our services across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and we are eager to get started.”

These new acquisitions exemplify HomeServices’ mission to growing its national footprint with distinguished real estate companies and establish it as the undisputed premier provider of homeownership services in the United States. After these acquisitions, HomeServices will have more nearly 46,000 sales associates operating in 33 states and the District of Columbia. For 2021, HomeServices sales associates facilitated nearly $203 billion in residential real estate sales, nearly 395,000 home sale transactions, and more than 253,000 mortgage, title and escrow and insurance transactions. 

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About Bennion Deville Homes

Founded in 2001 by real estate industry icons Bob Bennion and Bob Deville, Bennion Deville Homes is a nationally recognized real estate brand and the desert’s #1 real estate company. Bennion Deville Homes serves home buyers and sellers throughout Southern California in the primary markets of the Greater Palm Springs Area (Coachella Valley) and Mountain Communities in the surrounding area. Coachella Valley offices include locations in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta. Bennion Deville Homes also has offices in Garner Valley in Riverside County. Visit BDHomes.com, for the location of the Bennion Deville Homes office nearest you.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate has provided quality, service, and state-of-the-art technology to the St. Louis real estate community for more than 40 years. As an energetic company of over 475 real estate professionals, they provide comprehensive representation with an uncompromising commitment to the highest principles of professionalism and integrity. Known throughout the region for strength, innovation, and excellence, the company operates from 8 locations serving St Louis, St Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, and beyond. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate proudly serves the St Louis Metro region and offers a full range of services, including corporate relocation, new homes, mortgage, title, insurance, and home warranty products. They are deeply committed to serving the local community through The Sunshine Kids, ReBuilding Together, Old NewsBoys Day, and more. Visit www.bhhsall.com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida is home to more than 200 agents in nine offices across Northwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast from St. George Island to Destin. Consistently recognized for its market-leading sales volume, Beach Properties of Florida is a proud member of the Berkshire Elite Circle, a prestigious designation given to the Top 50 companies in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network.

Founded in 2007 and joining as an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in 2016, the brokerage supports an impressive New Homes Division, exclusively offering new construction opportunities in KAIYA Beach Resort, Watersound Origins, Churchill Oaks, WaterSound Beach, Cottage Grove, The Village at Grayton Beach, RiverCamps at Crooked Creek and more.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida now transitions from an independently owned and operated member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network to a wholly owned company by HomeServices of America in 2022. Visit www.BeachPropertiesFLA.com for additional information.

About Hegg, Realtors®

Hegg Realtors® has been successfully helping people in the Sioux Falls area buy and sell homes since 1945. It is South Dakota’s largest real estate company with more than 200 agents across the state, with offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Hegg Realtors closed nearly 4,000 transactions and $1.22 billion in sales volume in 2021. For more information, visit hegg.com.

About Joe Moholland Moving

JMM operates local, national and international moving services through its continental fleet and agent network. JMM has served the Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., area, for over 25 years. It offers moving, packing, unpacking and storage services, and it maintains a storage facility and warehouse locations in Woodbridge, Virginia. In addition to point-to-point moves, consumers who need to store their belongings for both short- and long-term situations can leverage JMM’s storage facilities.

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc., 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, property and casualty insurance, relocation services and more. 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.

(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.”