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SEATTLE, Nov 05, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Prudential Northwest Realty Associates has begun operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. The brokerage, one of Seattle’s largest, is among the first to go live under the new brand following affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Missouri and Texas.

“This is an exciting and monumental moment for our company and our business,” said Mike Gain, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. “Our new brand carries the name of the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s. In my 35 years of real estate I have not experienced a brand opportunity of this magnitude. It will bring significant benefit to our agents, clients and business alliances.”

Gain and his managers unveiled the new brand and signage during a presentation to agents, employees and guests at the Museum of Flight, Boeing Field. Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, also spoke at the celebration, welcoming associates to the brand and discussing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ impact on the local market.

“Our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will appeal to clients of all types, from entry-level and first-time buyers to luxury-home shoppers,” he said. “When the world’s most respected company puts its name on Northwest Real Estate yard signs, those are the signs buyers and sellers will want to see.”

Added Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc.: “Mike and his team have built a tremendous organization known for professionalism, skill, service and innovation. We are proud they are representing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in greater Seattle.”

Northwest Real Estate’s new “Cabernet and Cream” yard signs will begin appearing throughout greater Seattle starting today. “Our sales associates and employees are excited and proud to represent Berkshire Hathaway in the real estate field,” Gain said. “A great, longstanding Northwest real estate brokerage just became that much better.”

Prudential Real Estate affiliates will continue joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014 and beyond.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Oct. 9, 2013) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Prudential Carolinas Realty, Prudential York Simpson Underwood Realty and Prudential Yost & Little Realty have begun operating as part of the network. The brokerages, now known collectively as the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies, represent one of the largest residential real estate firms serving all three of North Carolina’s major metropolitan markets.

“This is a defining moment in North Carolina real estate,” said Tommy Camp, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty. “The union of our company with a brand inspired by the storied Berkshire Hathaway organization – the world’s most respected company according to Barron’s – will bring significant benefits for our agents and clients.”

Camp and his management team officially launched the new era during a rally attended by more than 600 agents and employees at picturesque Adaumont Farm in Trinity, outside of Greensboro. Camp shared his pride for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand and how it sets the stage for continued growth in the Triad, Triangle and greater Charlotte markets. Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc., which owns the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies; and HSF Affiliates LLC CEO Earl Lee discussed the vision and timing of the new brand, and why Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will change the face of residential real estate.

Peltier said the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies is known throughout the region for its professionalism, skill, integrity and service, and is an exemplary charter member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand. “Tommy and his team have earned a wonderful reputation in the marketplace, and we’re proud they are representing the new brand,” Peltier explained.

Lee added that the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty family of companies is poised for long-term growth. “This elite brokerage is backed by an exciting, new brand,” he said. “The combination will appeal to agents and consumers throughout the Triad, Triangle and greater Charlotte regions.”

WALLINGFORD, CT (Sept. 26, 2013) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Connecticut Realty has begun operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. The brokerage, one of America’s largest according to REAL Trends, is the second to go live under the new brand following the Sept. 23 launch of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Its Rhode Island Realty division also transitioned to the new brand operating as New England Properties.

“These historic moments mark the start of the most influential real estate brand in the world,” said Candace Adams, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. “Combining our experience with the financial strength, trust and reputation of our ownership and the Berkshire Hathaway name has positioned us for phenomenal success.”

Adams and her management team unveiled the new brand in an emotional presentation to more than 1,500 agents and employees at the Toyota at Oakdale Theater in Wallingford. Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, which owns New England Properties; and HSF Affiliates LLC CEO Earl Lee discussed the impact of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand in the marketplace and the brand’s vision.

Peltier welcomed Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties to the brand. “Candace and her team are among the finest in real estate,” he said. “Their leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience make them ideal ambassadors for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. HomeServices is very proud that they will be carrying the brand into the Northeast region.”

Lee said the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will be embraced in greater New England. “When that Berkshire Hathaway name – the world’s most respected company according to Barron’s – appears on New England Properties’ yard signs – those are signs homebuyers and sellers want to see.”

Prudential Real Estate affiliates will continue joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014, added Lee. “We anticipate consistent growth going forward as we systematically work with the balance of the Prudential Real Estate network and explore new affiliation opportunities.”

SAN DIEGO, Sep 23, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — California Realty, with headquarters in San Diego and one of the top-five real estate brokerages in the nation, today became the first company to operate as a member of the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. The brokerage, now doing business as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, celebrated the transition with an open house event at one of its exclusive listings attended by agents, clients and community members.

The company’s first yard sign was presented during the event with a ribbon cutting by David Cabot, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties; Ron Peltier, Chairman and CEO of HomeServices, which owns the brokerage; and Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

“This is a huge honor for us,” said Cabot. “We are proud to be Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ first affiliate and we will uphold that honor with integrity and excellence. With its world-renowned name, the brand will resonate extremely well in our luxury, high-end and coastal markets and everywhere else.”

Added Peltier, “David and his team have forged a stellar reputation for service, innovation and expertise, and are a model affiliate of the new brand. HomeServices is proud that a company of this caliber is the first to carry the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand into the marketplace.”

Before he cut the ribbon off the new yard sign, Lee said, “When one of the world’s most admired companies entrusts you with its brand, it’s paying you the ultimate compliment. When that Berkshire Hathaway name appears on a yard sign, it’s a sign that buyers and sellers want to see.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties commemorated the event with a $5,000 donation to Just in Time for Foster Youth, a non-profit organization helping youth transition from young adults to self-sufficiency.

The brokerage will hold similar open house celebrations in its Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Barbara and Ventura markets within the next two weeks.

California Properties sets in motion an ongoing series of brokerage transitions from Prudential Real Estate to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand, including Connecticut Realty later this week and Florida Realty next week. “Many more companies are on the way,” added Lee. “We are completely full in scheduling transitions throughout the remainder of 2013. We expect to have most of the transitions completed by the end of 2014 as we systematically work with the balance of the Prudential Real Estate network and explore new affiliation opportunities.”

MINNEAPOLIS (August 20, 2013) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that Linda Vaughan, president of Reece & Nichols Realtors^®, HomeServices’ subsidiary serving Kansas City and surrounding communities, has assumed the role of chief executive officer.  Jerry Reece, former CEO of Reece & Nichols, has been named Chairman Emeritus where he will continue to play an integral and ongoing role in Reece & Nichols’ success – focusing on attracting the best upcoming and experienced talent to Reece & Nichols’ expanding base of real estate agents and leaders.

Vaughan has 37 years of real estate experience and has served as president of Reece & Nichols since 2005, where she has been responsible for the overall growth and profitability of the brokerage division of the business. Vaughan’s real estate experience, business acumen and her ability to build and sustain relationships while delivering value-added marketing solutions and innovative technologies has been instrumental to Reece & Nichols’ success. Supporting Vaughan will be Mike Frazier, who assumes the role of chief operating officer in addition to his current responsibilities as chief financial officer, and Chris Kelly who will add chief administrative officer to his general counsel title.

Reece began his real estate career in 1970 with Kroh Brothers Realty Company as a sales associate; over the next 17 years, he held multiple executive leadership positions. In 1987, he purchased the brokerage’s residential real estate division and renamed it J.D. Reece Realtors. In May 2001, HomeServices acquired J.D. Reece Realtors. Reece & Nichols was formed in January 2002 with the merger of J.D. Reece Realtors and J.C. Nichols Residential Real Estate, which was acquired in 1998.  Reece was named chief executive officer of the newly merged company. Under Reece’s leadership, the company has grown to more than 1,900 sales associates, and is one of Kansas City’s largest and most respected real estate companies. Reece, 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. In 1993, Reece retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, having served for 30 years.

“I am fortunate to be a part of the Reece & Nichols and the HomeServices families – two tremendous organizations,” said Reece. “I am extremely proud of everyone at Reece & Nichols and I am excited for this new opportunity and role with the company. Being part of the HomeServices family of companies has made Reece & Nichols stronger, and I am proud to have assembled such a talented and innovative leadership team. Linda is extraordinarily well-qualified to serve as CEO and under her leadership, coupled with our remarkable agents and management team, Reece & Nichols is poised for even greater growth and success.”

“Jerry and I have worked together for many years, and his strategic insight and vision have been at the center of our unparalleled success,” said Vaughan. “His energy and style attracted and inspired a team of immensely talented executives, agents, sales managers and employees. I have learned a tremendous amount from Jerry, and I look forward to leading Reece & Nichols to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by a world-class management team.”

“Jerry’s leadership, dedication and uncompromising commitment to his agents, employees and customers guided Reece & Nichols to its position as one of the largest and most successful companies within the HomeServices family,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “On behalf of all of HomeServices, we thank him for his innumerable contributions and we look forward to his new role within the organization. Linda, Mike and Chris bring extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities to both Reece & Nichols and the HomeServices executive team, and we look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

MINNEAPOLIS (August 14, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors^®, the fifth largest provider of brokerage and related services in the United States and its subsidiary, The Trident Group, which is comprised of market- leading financial services companies including Trident Mortgage Company, Trident Insurance and Trident Land Transfer Company. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Prudential Fox & Roach is the largest Realtor^® in the Tri-State region of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and is the largest single-market residential real estate brokerage in the U.S., with more than 4,000 sales associates in 62 offices located in major markets across the three states. Through the Trident Group, the company provides one-stop shopping to its clients including mortgage financing, title insurance and escrow services, and property and casualty insurance. In 2012, Prudential Fox & Roach had more than $8.3 billion in sales volume and nearly 25,000 transactions; Trident Group originated $2.4 billion representing more than 9,800 home mortgages, closed nearly 6,000 title and escrow transactions, and had more than 7,200 property and casualty insurance transactions for a total of 48,000 transactions across all services.

Prudential Fox & Roach retains its name until it transitions to the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise brand in late Fall 2013.

The acquisition represents HomeServices of America’s expansion in the Mid-Atlantic and entry into the Tri-State region. With this transaction, HomeServices of America has 30 brands and more than 21,000 real estate professionals operating in 24 states. In 2012, the company’s associates facilitated nearly $53 billion in residential real estate sales, nearly 186,000 transactions and nearly 153,000 mortgage, insurance, title and escrow transactions. HomeServices of America’s growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their community and long-standing traditions for excellence.

Larry Flick, chairman and CEO of Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors/Trident Group, is among real estate’s most recognized and influential leaders, known for his exemplary leadership, vision, integrity, and his extensive philanthropic contributions, both personally and through the Fox & Roach Charities organization. Flick will continue in his current role running the day-to-day operations along with Gerry Griesser, President Trident Group; Joan Docktor, President, Prudential Fox & Roach, and their leadership teams.

“We are thrilled that Fox & Roach is joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate franchise brand. “Larry, together with his executive team, sales managers and agents, has built an extraordinary organization and exemplify a level of expertise, vision and leadership that is second-to-none in the real estate business today. We look forward to having a company of such tremendous caliber carry the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand into the Tri-State marketplace.”

“Under Larry’s and Gerry’s foresight, expertise and leadership, Prudential Fox & Roach/Trident has become one of the foremost real estate and financial services companies in the U.S. renowned for its innovation, agility and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “Prudential Fox & Roach and the Trident Group are trusted resources within the communities in which they serve and to their buyers and sellers. Their culture of integrity, work ethic and creativity closely aligns with our corporate vision and our emphasis on customer value and results. This is an important transaction to HomeServices and we are very proud to have Fox & Roach and the Trident Group join the HomeServices family.”

“We are proud to be a part of HomeServices of America,” said Flick. “We are joining an organization known for its strength and stability, one that is consistent with our high standards of service and integrity, making this a win/win for our customers and our sales associates.”

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 25, 2013) – HomeServices Lending LLC, a joint venture with Wells Fargo, today announced plans to transition to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. The transition work has been underway for some time, and is expected to conclude in 2014.

“HomeServices is a world-class company with an expansive and aggressive growth strategy,” said Todd Johnson, president of HomeServices Lending. “Wells Fargo has been a great partner for many years, and we look forward to working together in the future, but we felt that a wholly-owned model better fits our long-term strategy.”

The change in ownership structure does not impact HomeServices Lending’s current operations or organization. HomeServices Lending home mortgage consultants, along with their extensive staff of processors, closers and underwriters will continue their long-standing mission of serving customers with mortgage financing as they do today. The decision to move to a wholly-owned subsidiary strategically aligns with HomeServices of America’s growth strategy, and supports its business model of providing buyers and sellers with fully integrated home ownership services.

“This represents an important event in the continued growth of HomeServices,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “Our mission is to provide an exceptional customer experience throughout the home transaction process. Owning and operating the lending portion of our business provides us with tremendous flexibility as we continue to build HomeServices into a global organization.”

IRVINE, Calif. – Prudential Real Estate, an HSF Affiliates LLC company, today announced that the Prudential Real Estate affiliate network ranked highest for customer satisfaction in three of the four segments included in J.D. Power and Associates’ annual Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. The network scored highest in Repeat Home Buyer, First-Time Home Buyer, and First-Time Home Seller categories. It ranked third in the Repeat Home Seller segment.

The sixth annual study measures customer satisfaction among the nation’s largest real estate brokerage companies. Overall satisfaction is gauged across four factors of the home-buying experience: agent/salesperson, real estate office, closing process, and variety of additional services. Seller satisfaction is evaluated through the same four factors plus marketing.

Among repeat home buyers, Prudential Real Estate scored 829 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in agent/sales person, variety of additional services and closing process. The network tallied 811 points among first-time home buyers, showing strength in all factors. Prudential Real Estate scored 809 points in the First-Time Home-Seller segment, drawing strong marks for marketing and closing process. This represents the third time in six years Prudential Real Estate ranked highest in seller satisfaction including recognition in 2008 and 2010.

“Prudential Real Estate stands for quality and consistency in neighborhoods across America,” said Earl Lee, network president and CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “Buyers and sellers alike appreciate our affiliates’ market leadership and our agents’ skill and innovation.”

Lee added that the Prudential Real Estate network enjoys one of the industry’s highest average selling prices and that its agents stand out as local-market experts. “Affiliate to affiliate, Prudential Real Estate sales professionals have a strong work ethic and drive for client satisfaction. These prestigious awards further underscore our agents’ success and the quality of our network.”

Among other survey findings:

• First-time home buyers and sellers are most influenced by a company’s good reputation and the recommendations they receive from friends, family and colleagues.

• More than one-third (35%) of first-time home buyers and 27% of first-time sellers indicate they selected their real estate company based on its reputation.

• 28% of first-time home buyers and 27% of first-time sellers selected their company based on recommendations.

• Overall satisfaction with real estate companies is higher among repeat customers compared to first-time buyers or sellers.

• Suggesting better times in residential real estate, the percentage of first-time home sellers increased to 44% in 2013 from 30% in 2012.

• The percentage of first-time home buyers also increased significantly, 49% in 2013 vs. 40% a year ago.

The 2013 Home Buyer/Seller Study includes 4,371 evaluations from 3,930 respondents who bought or sold a home between March 2012 and April 2013.

About Prudential Real Estate and HSF Affiliates LLC

Prudential Real Estate is a part of the HSF Affiliates LLC real estate brokerage family, which includes Real Living Real Estate and the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand available later in 2013. Prudential Real Estate franchisees are independently owned and operated.

HSF Affiliates LLC, based in Irvine, Calif., is a joint venture of HomeServices of America and Brookfield Asset Management.

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 J.D. Power & Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit jdpower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

SAN DIEGO (June 17, 2013) — Southern California real estate powerhouse Prudential California Realty, one of the nation’s largest residential brokerages, has added one of the world’s top-selling real estate groups, the McMonigle Team, to its growing Orange County team. Headed by John McMonigle, the McMonigle Team will be based in Prudential’s Newport Beach office.

“For years, the McMonigle brand has been synonymous with top performing luxury-home sales – here and around the globe,” said David M. Cabot, president and chief executive officer at Prudential California Realty. “The McMonigle Team’s extensive experience in selling luxury real estate in some of the most desirable Orange County communities is a great enhancement to our group of high-performing agents in this area.”

Having represented the sale of more than $4 billion in luxury homes over the past ten years, the McMonigle Team is a world leader in the real estate industry. The team currently holds the record for sales of a single residential property in Orange County at just under $40 million. Well-known as one of the country’s leading real estate experts, John was featured on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009, where he discussed Orange County real estate trends. John and his team will be based in Newport Beach, but will continue to represent clients throughout Orange County. The McMonigle Team also has representatives in the Los Angeles area.

“The addition of the McMonigle Team immediately increases our growing market share in Orange County,” said Leeann Iacino, chief operating office at Prudential California Realty. “This is an exciting time for luxury real estate home sales in Orange County, and the McMonigle Team will be an integral part of continuing our growth.”

With over 3,200 sales associates in more than 62 offices across Southern California and the Central Coast, Prudential California Realty is one of the top five brokerages in the nation. In 2012, agents of the firm, one of the largest companies in the Prudential Real Estate International network, closed nearly $11 billion in sales volume and well over 14,000 transactions. Prudential California Realty is proud to be a member of HomeServices of America Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

Source: https://www.ocregister.com/prudential/orange-513752-county-prudential.html

May 28, 2013

Tucson, Ariz.-based Long Realty has a sleek new consumer-facing mobile app for Android, iPhone and iPad that surfaces data from multiple listing services (MLS) including information typically reserved for agents like details about recently sold homes.

Brokerages can typically share MLS data associated with active listings with consumers freely on their websites and mobile applications.

But to share more in-depth MLS data like recently sold homes, price changes and pending sales, they need to set up virtual office website (VOW) agreements with the MLSs they work with, and have consumers follow a registration process.

Long Realty, a HomeServices of America company, wanted VOW data in the app so it could compete with some of the other popular mobile offerings in the real estate space, said Kevin Kaplan, vice president of marketing and technology at Long Realty.

“It was important for us because Zillow has sold data,” he said.

Third-party listing portals like Zillow and Trulia typically rely on public records from county assessors for information on past sales, which can lag by weeks or months.

Source:  https://www.inman.com/2013/05/28/long-realty-bakes-vow-capability-into-new-mobile-app/