Press Release
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IRVINE, CA (May 2, 2013) – Real Living Real Estate announced today that it plans to resume selling new franchises later in 2013, and it expects to open new locations by year-end.
"We’re very excited about the opportunity to resume the growth of the Real Living network," said Bob McAdams, president of Real Living.
Real Living temporarily paused new sales efforts in 2012 during the transition in its ownership from Brookfield Residential Property Services, based in Toronto, to HSF Affiliates LLC, which is headquartered in Irvine, California.
"HSF Affiliates will continue to operate multiple real estate brands, and Real Living is well positioned within our overall organization," said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates, Real Living’s parent company. "All our brands are unique, and Real Living has a strong appeal for many prospective franchisees."
"Real Living, with its distinct identity, products and programs, offers real advantages to brokers in the markets where we plan to expand," said McAdams. "We look forward to growing our real estate brand for years to come."
About Real Living
Real Living is a full-service real estate brokerage franchise company with a comprehensive and integrated suite of resources for franchisees and their sales professionals, as well as the consumers who work with them. The Real Living brand and its innovative concepts were recognized as one of the best by Entrepreneur magazine; won the 2011 Inman Innovator Awards, and was named "the Most Promising New National Brand" by the Swanepoel TRENDS Report. Real Living Real Estate is a network brand of HSF Affiliates LLC, owned by HomeServices of America, Inc, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. For more information, visit www.realliving.com.
Berkshire Hathaway buys controlling share in Real Living and Prudential real estate brokerages
October 31, 2012 02:30PM
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Following statements of confidence in the U.S. housing market, investor Warren Buffett is entering his holding company Berkshire Hathaway into a venture with Toronto-based private equity firm Brookfield Asset Management, Bloomberg News reported. The deal gives Berkshire Hathaway a controlling interest in the Prudential and Real Living brokerages, but the companies plan to launch their own realty brand, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, by next year.
Berkshire Hathaway has been actively acquiring businesses related to the housing market, including a brick manufacturer, the loan portfolio of the bankrupt mortgage lender Residential Capital and real estate brokerages in Oregon and Connecticut. Buffett is counting on low interest rates, inventory and prices to spur a housing rebound, according to Bloomberg. “We have significant inventory shortage across the country,” HomeServices CEO Ron Peltier told Bloomberg. “When you add the pieces up together with low interest rates, we see a housing market that will continue to improve.” Brookfield manages $88 billion and 280 million square feet in property assets, according to its website. The firm also controls some 100,000 parcels of land for potential development. [Bloomberg] –Christopher Cameron |
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Real Estate Industry Leader Real Living Moves to Dr. Phillips... |
Real Living is the nation’s first lifestyle-based real estate company. Clients are provided with exceptionally tailored services to meet their unique real estate needs. Luxury properties are sold and purchased through the company’s Elegant Homes division, which focuses on highlighting some of the most beautiful residential properties nationwide. While the luxury real estate market has experienced some downturns, continued franchise growth has allowed Real Living to maintain stability in a challenging market.
Real Living maintains an astounding 96 percent customer satisfaction rate. A Real Living agent strives to provide outstanding client service by acting as a Trusted Advisor, Skilled Negotiator and Expert Facilitator. The company’s highly-trained agents are familiar with the diverse needs of home buyers. They understand the demands of the current market and are provided with regular training updates to stay abreast of regulatory changes that impact consumers.
Sellers benefit from the expertise of Real Living agents and the reach of its marketing campaigns. The company’s website boasts more than 1.15 million page views per month. This is an impressive achievement given that the majority of individuals purchasing previously owned homes now consider the Internet their best source of property information. Real Living’s fully-integrated IDX system allows agents to post comprehensive property information, including aerial photographs and neighborhood information. Buyers can access listings on a variety of computer and smart phone platforms.
Agents at Real Living use a suite of innovative tools to bolster success and provide results for clients. The company prides itself on providing 360 degree marketing, reaching potential sellers and buyers across a variety of media. Real Living has embraced new media and marketing tactics while maintaining strong roots in traditional advertising. Real Living agents can provide their clients updates via email, text message and posts on social networking sites. Sellers are provided with a comprehensive package of marketing and sales services. Open House events remain a key tool in the arsenal of Real Living agents.
Real Living provides excellent growth opportunities to both talented real estate agents and industry newcomers. Comprehensive training and ongoing IT support allow real estate agents to leverage their skills while providing the best service possible to clients. Agents enjoy the best of both worlds in Real Living’s business-focused but family-oriented atmosphere. They earn industry-leading compensation and have the freedom to execute strong marketing campaigns. Real Living agents are members of one of North America’s most respected groups of real estate companies.
Tony and Carol Marino launched the first Real Living office in Central Florida in 2007. Tony and Carol are long-time Florida residents and real estate professionals. They have been serving Floridians for over 25 years. The couple has fostered success based upon the core values of family, innovation and results. Carol has been the sales manager at Real Living RES since January 2011. The Marinos are thrilled to see the brand settle into its Doctor Phillips, home.
(Chicago, IL) December 6, 2011 – Today Brookfield Residential Property Services (“Brookfield”), a Brookfield Asset Management Inc. affiliate, announced that it has purchased Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services (“PRERS”), a recognized leader in employee relocation and real estate franchisingfrom Prudential Financial, Inc. Prudential Relocation Services operates as Pricoa Relocation in Asia and Europe.
The addition of Prudential Relocation Services existing residential real estate franchising and employee relocationservices businesses establishes Brookfield as the world’s second largest employee relocation services provider and the third largest residential real estate franchising business.
Brookfield’s residential real estate franchisees, Real Living Real Estate (including GMAC Real Estate), Prudential Real Estate, Royal LePage, Johnston & Daniel and Via Capitale are now present in all 50 U.S. states, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and Portugal, with a network of approximately 80,000 real estate agents, 2,800 real estate brokerage locations and more than $150 billion in annual residential real estate transactions
(Orlando, FL) (Dec. 1, 2011 ) – Real Living Real Estate Solutions (http://www.reallivingRES.com), a member of the Brookfield Franchise system has moved from the existing 6401 Raleigh Street Location to 7208 W. Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. Tony Marino, Broker of Real Living Real Estate Solutions, ..." Location, Location, Location." The Dr. Phillips office is more convenient for agents and customers, with high visability, easy access and a contemporary design. The Landmark BB&T Bank Building, owned by Highwoods Properties, was a perfect location for the future of this expanding company. "Our agents are spread out from Waterford Lakes to Clermont and South from Celebration to Davenport... "Sand Lake Rd is a better location for our growing business."
Oak Brook, Ill. and Columbus, Ohio (Aug. 26, 2010) – Real Living (http://www.realliving.com), one of the nation’s most innovative national real estate franchisors, today announced that 58 of its agents received prestigious “The Best in the Business” awards from an independent research firm that annually conducts a comprehensive survey of customer satisfaction. With just 250 professionals in North America receiving the award, Real Living – long known for its unsurpassed focus on providing the industry’s highest level of customer service – claimed the most “Best in the Business” awards of the franchise real estate companies surveyed.
Real Living Agents Prove They’re Simply ‘The ‘Best’ When it Comes to Providing Superior Customer Service. Service Certified (QSC) Names 58 Real Living Agents ‘Best in the Business’ – the Most of Any Real Estate Franchise
Real Living RES is opening its first Branch Office after acquiring the Franchise in 2006…
The office will be located at 1635 E. Highway 50, Clermont, Florida, located in the same building with North American Title. Real living is leasing a working office space with 2 available conference rooms, a lunch room and a reception area. The office is the 1st of several planned around Orlando and is designed to give agents a comfortable working environment to conduct business as well as provide a “class A” environment to meet customers. The office will support 15-20 Clermont Agents plus visiting agents from other Real Living offices. Call Tony or Carol Marino to customize an aggressive pay program to meet your growing business…
Tony 407-468-2004
Carol 407-766-6255.
The Real Living MetroWest office located at 6401 Raleigh Street is available to Agents 24/7…
The office featuring a physical experience which is a fundamental expression of the brand. Real Living’s brand goal is to touch agents and consumers at every level, building stronger relationships and conveying the brand message consistently from the beginning of a transaction to the end. The goal of Real Living’s environmental branding effort is to provide the best possible experience for agents and their clients, while displaying our core values. As a technology-savvy, forward-thinking company, it is important that the environment be contemporary and functional for both agents and consumers. But in building relationships, it is equally important to appeal to consumers and represent Real Living as friendly, approachable and fun.
A Good Time to Buy a House… Actually, it’s a GREAT Time!
(Orlando, FL) -- Citing historically low interest rates, favorable prices and a huge selection of homes and motivated sellers, many personal finance and real estate experts across the nation are saying it has never been a better time to buy a home.
Indeed, they believe it may be many years before another real estate market that is so favorable toward buyers comes along. And, they add, there are many advantages to buying a home in a buyer’s market - no matter if you’re a first-time homebuyer, move-up buyer or looking to purchase a second or vacation home.
"A large inventory to choose from, very favorable prices and interest rates that may not be this low in our lifetimes – it’s the perfect storm, so to speak, for families and individuals who are considering taking the wonderful plunge into home ownership or looking to move up,” said Tony Marino, Broker of Real Living Real Estate Solutions.
Here are some timely tips from Real Living Real Estate Solutions to help you successfully navigate the buyer’s market - while saving time and money in the process.
Know what you want
The fact is, Marino notes, the average homeowner will sell their existing home within six years of buying it, so think resale before you ever set foot in a home, regardless of how long you anticipate living there. The neighborhood, schools, transportation accessibility and special features are characteristics that will remain important when you sell your home.
Knowing what features you want in a home and neighborhood will help your real estate agent find the ones that best fit your lifestyle. The more specific you are, the more time you’ll save during your search.
Find the right real estate agent
You’ve probably heard it said before, but it bears repeating: Buying a home is a complex, often time-consuming process. Real estate professionals are highly skilled at navigating the ins and outs of the process. And that’s why nine out of 10 buyers use a real estate agent to make the home-buying process easier and less stressful, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Get pre-approved
Getting pre-approved is one of the first - and most important - steps in the home-buying process. It is the best way to determine how big of a monthly mortgage payment you can afford and will give you an indication of your price range as you shop for homes. Be sure to have a pre-approval letter at the ready when you make an offer on a home, since many sellers will not accept offers from buyers who do not have financing in place.
Take your time
One of the biggest benefits of a buyer’s market is that you can take a bit more time finding your home. "Don’t feel pressured to settle for anything less than a home that meets your needs and fulfills your dreams," Marino says. Keep in mind, however, that good homes in great locations that are priced right tend to sell quickly even in a buyer’s market. You need to be prepared to make your offer as soon as that home becomes available.
Financing solutions
Take advantage of mortgage interest rates as they continue to remain at historical lows. Low interest rates complement a large home inventory, allowing you to get more home for the money.
Negotiate
Once your real estate agent has helped you find the home of your dreams, work with them as your trusted advisor to negotiate the price for you. Motivated sellers may be willing to reduce their price, or even pay part of the closing costs.
If you are looking at new construction, Marino, advises you make sure any incentives offered are tied to the home. For example, if a builder offers a cruise or flat-screen TV, ask for the value of the item to be discounted from the purchase price of the home. You are purchasing a home and that should be your focus - not the giveaways.
About Real Living
Real Living is a full-service real estate franchise company with 400 offices and more than 10,000 sales professionals coast to coast. In 2010, Real Living maintained an industry-leading customer satisfaction rating of 96 percent based upon research by an independent research firm. For more information, visit http://www.realliving.com.
About Real Living Real Estate Solutions
Real Living Real Estate Solutions specializes in providing real estate services in the Orlando Market. Real Living Real Estate Solutions is located in MetroWest but is Relocating to 7208 W. SandLake Rd, #103, Orlando, FL 32819. For more information on homes for sale or local real estate information, visit www.RealLivingFamily.com
