Dan Forsman Recognized With Third Most Admired CEO Award For Residential Real Estate By The Atlanta Business Chronicle

ATLANTA, GA (August 25, 2016) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is proud to announce that president & CEO, Dan Forsman was recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as the 2016 Most Admired CEO for Residential Real Estate. This is the third year in a row that Dan Forsman has been awarded this prestigious honor.

Mr. Forsman was voted the Reader’s Choice winner for the residential real estate category. Other CEOs recognized as nominees for the award included Jenny Pruitt (Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty), Charlotte Sears (Coldwell Banker), Dan Parmer (Harry Norman REALTORS®) and Richard Dugas (Pulte Group). The awards were announced on Thursday, August 25th at the Georgia Aquarium in an exclusive event hosted by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

“I am incredibly humbled by this honor,” said Dan Forsman, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “I congratulate the nominees and Reader’s Choice recipients as role models in their own right. They are all inspirational leaders. I am fortunate to have a talented team of employees and associates that deliver exceptional services to our clients and customers. I also want to thank my wife and family for their love and support.”

Dan Forsman earned his accounting degree from the University of Georgia in Athens. His business career began as a CPA with KPMG Peat Marwick and joined Merrill Lynch in 1986 as Controller. Forsman previously held positions as CFO, EVP and COO before his installation as President of Prudential Georgia Realty in 1999. In March of 2013, he sold Prudential Georgia Realty to HomeServices of America, Inc. a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate. In December 2013, the company officially converted to the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand. In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties has grown to over 1500 associates and is ranked #1 in homes sold by Trendgraphix and Smart RE Data.

Forsman is widely recognized by his peers in the real estate and business community for his leadership and passion for excellence. Although he is quick to give the credit to his agents and employees, Dan has been awarded many personal honors including the Swanepoel 200, Atlanta Business Chronicle Who’s Who in Residential Real Estate, Top 40 Under 40, the Gordon Brown Award and the prestigious Broker of the Year for the entire Prudential Real Estate Affiliates global network. He was a past President of the Atlanta Board of Realtors® and received Realtor® of the Year, Captain of Industry and the Five-Star Circle of Service Awards. He actively participates in a variety of local and national organizations and is a sought-after speaker for real estate events, television and radio broadcasts

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HomeServices of America® Announces Acquisition of Denver-Based Kentwood Real Estate

Minneapolis, Minn. (June 23, 2016) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Kentwood Real Estate, one of Denver’s leading residential real estate brokerage firms, and its affiliated rental and commercial businesses. Terms were not disclosed.

Kentwood Real Estate has more than 200 agents serving the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding communities from three strategically located offices in the Denver Technological Center, Cherry Creek, and downtown Denver.

In 2015, Kentwood earned the No.1 ranking in Colorado and the No.3 ranking nationally for the highest average volume sold per agent and, that same year, closed nearly 4,500 transactions representing nearly $2.4 billion of volume.

Founded in 1981, Kentwood is one of Denver’s largest independent brokerage firms and its name is synonymous with top-producing agents and their unwavering commitment to providing their clients with the highest level of customer service, expertise, and resources. Peter Niederman, Kentwood’s chief executive officer, is well known for his industry expertise and leadership, as well as his extensive contributions to civic and philanthropic causes. Niederman, along with with his executive and sales-management team of Dee Chirafisi, Jim Theye, Gretchen Rosenberg, and Luisa Staerkel will continue to lead the firm’s growth initiatives and manage day-to-day operations.

“Kentwood Real Estate is a trusted resource in the communities it serves and to its buyers and sellers,” said Ron Peltier, HomeServices’ chairman and CEO. “Kentwood’s culture of service, integrity, and community involvement closely aligns with our corporate vision and emphasis on customer value and results.”

“We’ve been the leading brokerage in the Denver market for many years and this transaction makes us an even stronger organization,” said Niederman. “Joining the HomeServices family of companies creates exciting opportunities for continued growth as we serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients throughout Denver.”

“This is an important transaction to HomeServices and we are very proud to have Kentwood Real Estate join the HomeServices family,” concluded Peltier.

The acquisition represents HomeServices’ entry into Colorado and the Denver market. With this transaction, HomeServices has more than 27,000 real estate professionals operating in nearly 500 offices across 28 states. In 2015, the company’s associates facilitated over $81 billion in residential real estate sales and more than 233,000 transactions.

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America is the country’s second-largest residential real estate brokerage company and, through its operating companies, is one of the largest providers of integrated real estate services. HomeServices of America is the majority owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate, and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. HomeServices’ operating companies offer integrated real estate services, including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, and other homeownership services. HomeServices Relocation, LLC, is the full-service relocation arm of HomeServices of America, which provides every aspect of domestic and international relocation to corporations around the world.

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

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

About Kentwood Real Estate

Founded in 1981, Kentwood Real Estate is one of the most trusted names in Denver real estate. Kentwood is comprised of over 200 top-producing real estate professionals operating from three strategically located offices in the metro Denver area.

For more information, visit www.denverrealestate.com.

HomeServices of America® Announces the Acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty

Minneapolis, Minn. (May 17, 2016) – HomeServices of America., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, a recognized leader in the northeast Florida real estate market. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in northeast Florida for nearly 28 years, Florida Network Realty serves the area with more than 330 sales associates in eight offices. In 2015, Florida Network Realty ranked second in market share by sales volume and closed more than 3,000 units and nearly $900 million in volume.

Founded in 1988 by Linda Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is known for its commitment to providing its agents and clients with the highest level of customer service, expertise, and resources. Sherrer, president and CEO, is among real estate’s most recognized and influential leaders, and is known for her industry expertise and leadership as well as her extensive civic and philanthropic activities. Sherrer, together with executive vice president Christy Budnick, will continue to lead Florida Network Realty’s strategic planning and growth initiatives as well as manage the company’s day-to-day operations.

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a premier company with an exceptional reputation,” said Ron Peltier, HomeServices’ chairman and CEO. “This transaction aligns with our goal of acquiring distinguished companies that share the common goal of providing an exceptional consumer experience.”

“We are proud to be part of the HomeServices of America family,” said Sherrer. “We are joining an organization known for its strength and stability and one that supports our high standards of service and integrity. This transaction is a win/win for our clients, agents, and employees.”

“We are excited to be in Jacksonville and are looking forward to having Linda, Christy, and their team join the HomeServices family,” Peltier said.

The acquisition further expands HomeServices’ presence in Florida, which includes Miami-based Esslinger, Wooten and Maxwell Realty International, which HomeServices acquired in 2003.With this transaction, HomeServices has nearly 27,000 real estate professionals operating in nearly 500 offices across 27 states. In 2015, the company’s associates facilitated over $79 billion in residential real estate sales and more than 229,000 transactions.

HomeServices of America® Announces Acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. (May 10, 2016) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals, one of western Oregon’s leading residential real estate brokerage firms. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Salem, Oregon, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals serves the communities of Salem, Keizer, Stayton, Corvallis, Albany, Eugene, Springfield and Roseburg with nearly 200 agents in seven offices. In 2015, Real Estate Professionals closed nearly 3,200 units representing $755 million of sales volume.

Real Estate Professionals will join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate family of companies, which has offices serving the Portland and Seattle metropolitan areas and surrounding communities. Byron Hendricks, the current president and CEO of Real Estate Professionals, will continue to manage the company’s day-to-day operations along with its sales management teams. Real Estate Professionals will continue to operate under its existing name without change or interruption.

“This transaction makes one of the premier firms in western Oregon an even stronger organization,” Hendricks said. “By joining HomeServices of America and uniting with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients throughout the communities we serve.”

“Real Estate Professionals is a company known for its for strong leadership and talented agents,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “This transaction aligns with our vision of expanding our presence within existing markets by acquiring market-leading companies that share our core values.”

“Real Estate Professionals has been a long-time, valued partner to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate and I am excited that this great company will be part of our team,” said Jason Waugh, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. “Joining our companies will create exciting opportunities for continued growth as we serve our clients throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

“We are pleased to be expanding our footprint in western Oregon and are looking forward to having the Real Estate Professionals team join the HomeServices family,” Peltier said.

With this transaction, HomeServices has nearly 27,000 real estate professionals operating in 487 offices across 27 states. In 2015, the company’s associates facilitated over $78 billion in residential real estate sales and more than 225,000 transactions.

HomeServices of America Announces Leadership Changes for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

Minneapolis, Minn. (April 13, 2016) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that Mary Lee Blaylock, senior vice president and general manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, has been promoted to president and chief executive officer. David Cabot, former president and CEO, has been named chairman. These changes are effective immediately.

As president and CEO, Blaylock will set the strategy and direct operations for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and will oversee all aspects of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ affiliated businesses, including HomeServices Lending, Pickford Escrow, The Escrow Firm, California Title and Home Services Insurance Agency. “We have a team of immensely talented agents, sales managers and employees,” said Blaylock, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties . “I look forward to leading Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by our world class management team.”

“Mary Lee is extraordinarily well-qualified to serve as president and CEO,” said Cabot, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties . “Under her leadership, coupled with our remarkable agents and management team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is poised for even greater growth and success.”

Blaylock has served as senior vice president and general manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties since 2014 where she has provided strategic leadership and direction to the company’s 60 sales offices and more than 3,000 agents and has played an active role in growing the companies’ mortgage, title and escrow and insurance businesses.

As chairman, Cabot will support the strategic growth initiatives of the organization as well as representing the company at the state, local and national levels of the real estate industry associations.

Cabot has served as president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties since 2011 and under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties has consistently ranked within the top tier of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. Cabot previously served as executive vice president and corporate broker for the former Prudential California Realty, where he focused on regional and branch management and supervision. Cabot, a long-time resident of the area, is widely recognized for his community involvement and leadership and serves as the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Board of Director’s representative to both the California Area Realtors (CAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

“David’s leadership helped guide Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties to become a prominent real estate company,” said Robert Moline, CEO of HomeServices’ brokerage division. “And we look forward to David’s continued contributions to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties as chairman. Mary Lee is an experienced, strategic and charismatic leader and we look forward to working with her in the months and years to come.”

Local real estate companies to launch innovative new websites

Lincoln, Neb.—HOME  Real Estate and Woods Bros Realty, both headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., announce the upcoming release of all-new company and agent websites.

The companies partnered with Reliance Network to develop responsive websites that can be accessed from any device—from smart phone or tablet to desktop computer or smart TV, all without having to download an app.

“We’re excited to bring our clients a consistent experience, no matter where they are,” said HOME and Woods Bros IT Director Ben Dinger. “We will have one place for buyers or sellers to come to get the most accurate, local and up-to-date information for their real estate needs.”

Reliance Network specializes in technology for the real estate industry and recently released a new real estate search that caters to the ever-growing percentage of mobile users. WoodsBros.com and HomeRealEstate.com will be the first websites to launch this new search.

Another first is that the new websites will have a home value tool unlike any other in the local market. People can enter an address and get three different computer-modeled valuations of their homes, including the Zillow® Zestimate® value. They also have the ability to enter adjustments for renovations and upgrades or contact a local real estate agent for a more accurate estimate.

The companies also partnered with LiveBy, a Lincoln-based startup, to introduce a beta tool to help match people with their ideal neighborhoods. Visitors to the new sites will be able to use the exclusive tool to discover neighborhoods that meet their identified lifestyles and desires.

LiveBy was co-founded by Cory Scott and Matan Gill, as a result to the JumpStart Challenge issued by HOME and Woods Bros in 2015. LiveBy is also took part in the NMotion Accelerator program in 2015, and—through Woods Bros and HOME connections—will be expanding the beta test into several markets across the country.

“At our company, we build community,” said HOME and Woods Bros General Manager Shannon Harner. “What’s a better way to build community than to support our local entrepreneurs and innovators, while also serving our clients and neighborhoods? It’s a win-win.”

Finally, the websites will continue to offer a “Property Watch” account for viewing all listings in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and a new “Market Watch” feature for area trend and pricing reports. There are new tools for home selling clients to receive weekly updates on their home’s activity online as well. HOME and Woods Bros agents will each get new responsive websites that include the new features.

The sites are expected to launch end of March or first of April. You can view them at www.HomeRealEstate.com or www.WoodsBros.com.

Alon Chaver Joins HomeServices of America as Chief Information Officer

Minneapolis, Minn. (March 16, 2016) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that Alon Chaver has joined HomeServices as chief information officer. In this newly created role, Chaver will be responsible for strategic planning and business development and will champion the process of gathering, analyzing and integrating data across all platforms to further maximize the consumer experience, meet business goals and gain competitive advantage.

Chaver is well-known within the real estate industry and brings nearly 20 years of product innovation and leadership experience. Most recently, Chaver served as Trulia’s vice president, industry services where he was responsible for data acquisition, data quality and the development of products and services to support Trulia’s partnerships with the real estate industry. Chaver currently serves as a director on the Broker Public Portal’s board of managers. Chaver earned a law degree from University of California-Berkeley School of Law and served as Lieutenant, Communications and Electronics in the Israeli Defense Forces from 1982-1986.

“I am honored to join HomeServices of America,” said Chaver. “HomeServices and its companies and their agents share a common purpose of providing an exceptional consumer experience and providing the highest quality real estate information is a critical component of how we will be able to deliver on that promise now and into the future.”

“Alon is an accomplished and dynamic leader and has been at the forefront of driving innovative products and services throughout the real estate industry,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “HomeServices understands the critical role that data and technology play on our ability to support our agents and enhance their ability to serve their buyers and sellers.”

“HomeServices is committed to the strategic growth and expansion of our technology capabilities and expanding our executive leadership team with an individual of Alon’s caliber and talent is an important first step,” continued Peltier. “We are looking forward to having Alon join the HomeServices family.”

 

HomeServices of America, Inc. Announces Acquisition of PCG Agencies, Inc.

Minneapolis, Minn. (March 14, 2016) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Minnesota-based PCG Agencies, Inc, one of the largest independent personal insurance agencies in the Midwest. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in St. Paul, PCG offers its clients a broad spectrum of personal property and casualty insurance products as well as risk management services. Originally founded in 1982, PCG generated nearly $30 million of annual premiums in 2015. Bruce Humphrey, founder and chief executive officer is an industry veteran known for his expertise and his commitment to providing his clients with the highest level of customer services. Humphrey will continue to play an integral role in the ongoing success of PCG as a member of the insurance senior management team.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service residential real estate brokerage firm and through its operating companies, is one of the largest brokerage-owned settlement services providers in the U.S. HomeServices’ insurance operations include multi-line insurance agencies representing top-rated national and regional carriers who serve their clients with advanced technology, streamlined processes and competitive pricing. Together these companies serve customers from coast-to-coast and generated more than $115 million of premium volume in 2015.

“This transaction reinforces our commitment to strategically expanding our insurance business with the ultimate goal of becoming a leading national insurance agency.” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “The acquisition of PCG aligns with our growth strategy of identifying market leading companies that share our vision of delivering an unparalleled customer experience throughout the home transaction process.”

“We are proud to be part of HomeServices of America,” said Humphrey. “Joining the HomeServices network of companies provides us with a unique opportunity for growth and further positions us to deliver unparalleled products and services to our new and existing clients.”

“This is an important transaction to HomeServices and we are looking forward to having Bruce and his team join the HomeServices family,” concluded Peltier.

HomeServices of America Leaders Recognized with Industry Honors

MINNEAPOLIS (January 13, 2016) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today congratulated executives from across its brokerage and franchise companies for being named to the 2016 Swanepoel Power 200 list.

The Swanepoel Power 200 is a comprehensive roster of CEOs and senior executives whose leadership and experience drive the industry and their organizations.

“The individuals on this list have distinguished themselves by their influence within the real estate industry,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Their contribution to HomeServices and our collective success is an ongoing source of pride for the entire organization.”

The HomeServices’ executives recognized on the 2016 Swanepoel Power 200 list are:

Candace Adams—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

Kim Bakey—CEO, Iowa Realty

Gino Blefari—president and CEO, HSF Affiliates

David Cabot—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

Jon Coile—president and CEO, Champion Realty

Joan Docktor—president, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors®

Dan Forsman—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Lawrence Flick, IV—president and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors®

James Imhoff—CEO, First Weber REALTORS®

Rosey Koberlein—president and CEO, Long Companies

Robert McAdams, Jr. —president, Real Living Real Estate

Robert Moline— president, HomeServices of America and CEO of the HSoA Brokerage Division

Greg Mason—president and CEO, Edina Realty Home Services

Nancy Nagy—chief executive officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group

Dan Parmer—president and CEO, Harry Norman REALTORS®

Ron Peltier—chairman and CEO, HomeServices of America

Stephen Phillips—chief operating officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Tom Tognoli—president and CEO, Intero Real Estate Services

Linda Vaughan—president and CEO, ReeceNichols

 The complete Power 200 list can be found at: www.swanepoel.com/power200.

Iowa Realty, HomeServices of Iowa Announce Leadership Changes

West Des Moines, IA—Iowa Realty and HomeServices of Iowa announced major leadership changes as part of an ongoing succession plan. Kim Bakey, formerly senior vice president, chief financial officer of HomeServices of Iowa, has been named chief executive officer of HomeServices of Iowa. Brennan Buckley, formerly senior vice president and general manager for Iowa Realty, has been promoted to president of Iowa Realty. Mike Knapp, formerly president and CEO of HomeServices of Iowa is assuming the role of Chairman Emeritus. These changes are effective immediately.

“Kim and Brennan are proven leaders,” said Mike Knapp, Chairman Emeritus of HomeServices of Iowa. “They’ve both played a critical role in helping evolve our organization into what it is today, and they’re the perfect team to lead us through the next phase of our growth.”

As chief executive officer, Bakey will help oversee all aspects of HomeServices of Iowa’s extensive operating companies, including Iowa Realty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty, Midland Title and Escrow, Iowa Title and Iowa Realty Insurance Agency. “I’m excited at the opportunity to help lead the state’s most complete one-stop solution for all aspects of home ownership,” said Kim Bakey, CEO of HomeServices of Iowa. “The agents and employees of our companies are the best at what they do, and we look forward to building upon our presence as the market leader.”

Bakey has been with HomeServices of Iowa for 22 years, beginning as vice president of finance and working her way through the financial and operational areas of the company. She also serves on the board of directors of Blank Children’s Hospital and the West Des Moines Student Scholarship Fund. She and her husband Tom have three adult daughters.

As president of Iowa Realty, Buckley will help oversee the state’s largest real estate company, including its 15 offices and nearly 1,000 agents in Central Iowa, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, as well as Iowa Realty’s statewide franchise network in more than 40 other communities. “I’m both humbled and excited to lead Iowa’s largest real estate company,” said Brennan Buckley, president of Iowa Realty. “Our foundation is strong, our vision is clear, and we look forward to many more years of serving the needs of buyers and sellers across this great state.”

Buckley has been with Iowa Realty for 10 years, beginning as vice president of marketing and most recently served as the company’s general manager. He’s also president-elect of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Council in West Des Moines, and serves on the boards of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors and The Greenlee School of Journalism at Iowa State University. Brennan and his wife Sarah have two children in middle school.

In his role as Chairman Emeritus of HomeServices of Iowa, Knapp will provide leadership support to Bakey, Buckley and the entire organization. Knapp began his career at Iowa Realty in 1972 as a sales associate, and has served in virtually every leadership role in the organization. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my career, and I’m very excited with the leadership team we have in place to carry the organization into the future,” said Knapp. “We’ve had great years behind us, and we’ll have even greater years ahead.”

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About Iowa Realty
With offices in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, plus a statewide affiliate network of 42 independently owned and operated real estate firms, Iowa Realty is the state’s largest real estate broker. Iowa Realty is a division of HomeServices of Iowa, and is part of the second largest real estate brokerage operation in the country.

About HomeServices of Iowa
HomeServices of Iowa is the leader in all aspects of home ownership, including brokerage, mortgage, title and closing. It’s made up of several operating companies, including Iowa Realty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty, Midland Title and Escrow, Iowa Title and Iowa Realty Insurance Agency. HomeServices of Iowa is a division of HomeServices of America Inc. – an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway.