HomeServices of America, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors®/Trident Group

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.”

HomeServices Lending Announces Plans to Become Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of HomeServices of America

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.”

Prudential Real Estate Ranked Highest for Customer Satisfaction in Three Segments of J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Home Buyer/Seller Study

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.

Prudential California Realty Adds John McMonigle, Leading Orange County Luxury Agent to Orange County Team

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

Long Realty integrates VOW into new mobile app

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/

RealtySouth’s Lee Vivien and Gene Duncan Honored by Birmingham Business Journal

Birmingham (May, 2013) – The Birmingham Business Journal named Lee Vivien of RealtySouth the top Chief Information Officer (CIO) in its inaugural C-Suite Awards. Gene Duncan was honored as a finalist for top Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a medium-sized company.

The C-Suite Awards recognize talented C-level executives at Birmingham businesses based on the roles they play in their companies’ successes.

Under CIO Lee Vivien’s direction, RealtySouth’s website drew 2.5 million visitors last year, averaging more than 66,000 unique visitors per month. In addition, Vivien worked behind the scenes to incorporate more technology into the company’s day-to-day business functions. This included a reporting and information system that meshes accounting functions with other departments’ systems, as well as data from outside sources, including 11 Multiple Listing Services across the state.

“We put these systems in place because of metrics. It’s all about being able to track your successes and failures,” Vivien said.

RealtySouth CEO Ty Dodge praised Vivien for his job in keeping RealtySouth at the forefront of technology in the Alabama real estate market. “Lee and his team have created the premier real estate website in the state of Alabama, the go-to site for consumers and agents alike,” he said. “He has also kept RealtySouth ahead of the curve in every other area of technology.”

CFO Gene Duncan led RealtySouth financially through a crippling real estate downturn, keeping the company profitable in spite of severe downsizing and cutbacks. Part of his success in doing this is a result of the business philosophy he practices. “Face a situation head on and do your best to make it better. Small problems left to fester tend to become big problems,” Duncan stated.

Dodge commented favorably on Duncan’s leadership during the recent real estate downturn. “Gene has, once again, been honored as one of Birmingham’s top CFOs–and that’s no small wonder, having successfully shepherded RealtySouth through the challenges of the recent economic downturn and poised the company for success as we move into a bright future,” he stated.

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RealtySouth is a full-service brokerage firm of HomeServices of America, Inc., and a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

Jon Coile, CEO of Champion Realty, Inc., Assumes Chairman Role at MRIS, the industry-leading Mid-Atlantic Multiple Listing Service.

ROCKVILLE, MD (May 13, 2013) —MRIS, the industry-leading Mid-Atlantic Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that facilitates nearly $103 million a day in real estate transactions, is pleased to announce that Jon Coile will serve as the 2013 Chairman for its Board of Directors. Coile succeeds industry veteran Thomas M. Stevens, who guided MRIS for the past term, and will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

Coile is CEO of Champion Realty, Inc., the Maryland partner company of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. He began his career a real estate agent in Severna Park, Maryland. He brings over 25 years of residential and commercial sales, leasing, mortgage, title, insurance, relocation, property management, information technology, accounting and finance experience to MRIS’s Board. Coile recently served as Vice Chair on the MRIS Executive Committee and has been on the MRIS Investment Committee since 2007. He was a member of the MRIS Board of Directors from 2001-2005 and, again, since 2010.

Through the advisory leadership of Coile, MRIS will be focused on expanding its footprint, delivering innovative products to real estate professionals and educating consumers on the importance of accurate, real time local listing information.

“I’m very excited and optimistic for the productivity of the entire Board of Directors. It features a diverse group of real estate industry veterans who are deeply and actively engaged in the business” Coile explains. “We have a more comprehensive understanding of what MRIS customers really need because we are customers as well. The Board represents the full range from “boutique” offices to the largest company in the MRIS market. ”

As an outgrowth of the company’s formal strategic restructure last year, a newly configured MRIS Board now has sixteen members, including four new members, Dean Cottrill of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Melanie Thompson of Century 21 Adventure Redwood, Christine M. Todd of Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®, and David Charron, MRIS President & CEO. Previously the Board had twenty-one members but has transitioned to having a smaller and, thus, more focused group of industry experts and leaders to quickly anticipate and then craft solutions to marketplace trends, developments and needs.

 In addition to Coile, the MRIS Executive Committee includes Gilbert D. Marsiglia, Sr. of Gilbert D. Marsiglia & Co. Inc., Cindy Ariosa of Long & Foster and Boyd J. Campbell of Century 21 Home Center.

“In celebrating our 20th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to evaluate, innovate and bring more tangible value to our stakeholders and customers around the Mid-Atlantic region,” said MRIS President & CEO David Charron. “I am honored to join the Board and look forward to working with Jon to continue on the path of ensuring the relevance of MRIS under the guidance of many of the industry’s most forward-thinking and customer-centric leaders.”

To view the entire MRIS Board of Directors, visit https://www.mris.com/about-mris/board-of-directors.

ABOUT MRIS

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. (MRIS) celebrates 20 years of Real Estate in Real Time™. We’re a leading provider of real estate information technology and services, and are frequently ranked among the most productive Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in the nation, facilitating over $38 billion in system wide sales in 2012. In its core market, MRIS supports over 43,000 real estate professionals spanning the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. MRIS provides a portfolio of technology solutions and proprietary databases for real estate professionals, as well as broker and agent software products and an industry-leading consumer portal, MRIShomes.com (formerly HomesDatabase). In addition, the CURE Solutions Group, a subsidiary of MRIS, provides proprietary back-end technology to other MLS systems, which serves nearly 150,000 customers each day. Visit MRIS at MRIS.com and our web based TV station, mrisTV.com. “Like” us on Facebook/MRISonFB, follow us on Twitter, @MRIS_REal_News and be sure to visit MRISblog.com for real-time news and company updates.

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HomeServices of America, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Prudential Georgia Realty

MINNEAPOLIS (March 19, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Prudential Georgia Realty, one of Atlanta’s largest and most respected residential real estate brokerage firms.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service independent residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest brokerage-owned settlement services provider in the U.S. In October 2012, HomeServices became the majority owner in HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the Prudential Real Estate franchise network and will launch Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices—a new real estate franchise brand.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Prudential Georgia serves the greater metro area of Atlanta, with nearly 1,000 sales associates and 20 offices and has ranked No. 1 in homes sold, transactions, and total units, listing sales, buyer sales and current inventory since 2009. Under the new structure, Prudential Georgia Realty retains its name and remains a flagship franchisee of Prudential Real Estate’s U.S. network. Prudential Georgia Realty will rebrand to the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices when it becomes available later in 2013.

This acquisition represents an expansion of HomeServices’ footprint in the Atlanta market along with Harry Norman Realtors®, which HomeServices acquired in 2006. With this transaction, HomeServices has 28 brands and more than 17,000 real estate professionals operating in 21 states. HomeServices’ growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their communities and long-standing traditions for excellence.

Dan Forsman, CEO, is renowned for his exemplary leadership skills and is recognized throughout the real estate community for his extensive professional contributions. Forsman will continue in his current role running the day-to-day operations along with the executive leadership team and Managing Brokers.

“Prudential Georgia Realty is among the leading real estate companies in the U.S. and closely aligns with our corporate vision and our emphasis on customer value and results,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Dan’s leadership and uncompromising commitment to his agents, employees and customers has guided Prudential Georgia Realty to its position as one of the largest companies within the Prudential network.”

“This transaction makes Prudential Georgia Realty an even stronger organization,” adds Forsman. “By joining forces with HomeServices, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients throughout Atlanta.”

“Dan is an accomplished leader and I look forward to having him and his team join the HomeServices network of companies,” Peltier said.

Information about Prudential Georgia Realty is available at www.prudentialga.com

HSF Affiliates LLC Announces Brand Identity for New Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Brand

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (March 11, 2013) – Today, HSF Affiliates LLC unveiled the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand logo and quality seal at the annual Prudential Real Estate Sales Convention, signaling another defining moment in residential real estate. From the stage of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Prudential real estate agents and brokers got a first-hand look at the brand’s new visual identity.

“We are excited to introduce the new brand logo, quality seal and color palette to our affiliate network and to the industry,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand identity is smart, distinctive and versatile for all markets and price ranges.”

Logo treatments concentrate on the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name in a simple, clean font. The quality seal features bold, BHHS lettering encircled by “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.” The brand’s colors of cabernet and cream create a timeless look reflecting the brand’s classic heritage. Visit www.homeservices.com/hsfaffiliates to view the complete brand identity system.

“The look and feel of the brand embodies the spirit of Berkshire Hathaway and captures our commitment to quality,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “The new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices logo exemplifies strength and elegance, and we are proud to carry it into the marketplace.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will be available in late 2013.
HSF Affiliates is led by an experienced management team including Earl Lee, CEO; Stephen Phillips, chief operating officer and Brian Peterson, chief financial officer. Information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com/hsfaffiliates.

About HSF Affiliates LLC
Based in Irvine, Calif., HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks and the future Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The company is a joint venture between HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, and Brookfield Asset Management, a leading provider of real estate and relocation services, technology and knowledge.
Contacts:

Media Inquiries
Marisa Mulqueen
212-704-8112
Marisa.Mulqueen@edelman.com

Sales Inquiries
Kevin Ostler
949-794-7980
KevinOstler@hsfranchise.com

Long Realty’s Second Annual Why I Love Arizona Photo Contest

(Tucson, AZ, Feb 4, 2013) Long Realty is excited to announce the Second Annual “Why I Love Arizona” Photo Contest beginning February 4th, 2013. Photographers across the state are encouraged to support the Long Realty Cares Foundation by submitting photos and sharing why they love Arizona.

“This competition is a great way to support and celebrate the beauty of Arizona while encouraging positive community involvement,” says Rosey Koberlein, CEO of Long Companies. “A strong sense of community is important to Long Realty and we brought this contest back to continue an outlet for our neighbors to show their Arizona pride.”

This contest is open to everyone and the only requirement is that photographers should aim to capture a unique photo that encompasses Arizona’s magnificence. Photos can be submitted online from February 4 to February 22 and public online voting starts March 11. The winners will be announced in April 2013. The photo with the most votes in each category will win a prize from the category sponsor and the overall winner will receive a grand prize of $1,926.

Nearly 1,000 photos were submitted to the contest in 2011. Long Realty expects to surpass that number in 2013, as $1 will be donated to the Long Realty Cares Foundation for every photo that is submitted. Since the Long Realty Cares Foundation was created 10 years ago, the organization has raised more than 2 million dollars for over 170 Arizona charities.

The last competition saw more than 35,000 online votes cast throughout the contest. With 10 different categories, photographers of all skill levels have the opportunity to submit a winning photo.

This year’s media sponsors include KVOA, Clear Channel Radio and the Arizona Daily Star. Other sponsors include the University of Arizona, Cherry Landscaping, Cirrus Visual Communications, COX Communications, Horizon Moving Systems, Rancho Sahuarita and Truly Nolen.

For a full list of categories and contest details, visit www.whyilovearizona.com.