Category: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

LARVIA, one of Spain’s leading estate agencies with ties to Spain’s construction and development dating back 55 years, today begins operations as a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate brokerage franchise network.

The company, with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, goes forward as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices LARVIA.

“We are excited to begin the next chapter at our company as a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said CEO Bruno Rabassa. “Our brand carries the name of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world’s most respected companies. We’re proud to represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Spain, and continue growing the company on our foundation of top-quality service and market expertise.”

LARVIA is part of the family-owned Petrus Grupo Inmobiliario, which develops, restores, leases and manages property in the region. LARVIA specializes in luxury real estate, among other sectors.

“Spain has been a top priority for our network’s global expansion, and we couldn’t be happier to enter the market with a company such as LARVIA,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Bruno Rabassa is a terrific operator respected throughout the Spanish real estate and business communities, and LARVIA is known throughout the region for its top-rate service and skilled agents. The company is poised to grow, and we will support LARVIA at every step.”

LARVIA joins a brokerage network that has grown to more than 50,000 agents and 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Western Europe and Dubai in just six years of existence. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices produced USD114.5 billion in real estate sales volume in 2018.

LARVIA will benefit from client referrals and relocation business generated through the network, Blefari said. Its agents also gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite powered by Salesforce, including lead generation, marketing support, social media content, video production/distribution support and more.

In addition, the brand provides global listing syndication, professional training and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings.

Rabassa said he wants to double the size of his business in Madrid and Barcelona during the next year, and then expand to other key regions of the country.

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices LARVIA is the most compelling choice for luxury and all other real estate services,” Rabassa said. “Estate agents who want to grow their business with a highly respected brand and well-established Spanish agency should consider Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices LARVIA.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the world’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage franchise networks, is expanding into Portugal through an agreement with Portugal Property.

The agency will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal Property.

Portugal Property, founded in 2008 by CEO Michael Vincent, is Portugal’s largest independent real estate brokerage as measured by real estate sales volume and office count. The brokerage sets local standards for client service and expertise, and for the last eight years has won prestigious European Property Awards for Best Real Estate Agency in Portugal and Best Real Estate Agency Website in Portugal.

“Portugal was an essential target of ours from the outset of our global expansion,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “The Portuguese economy has responded nicely from the global downturn and its real estate market is vibrant and growing. We’re elated to enter Portugal with the country’s finest brokerage, Portugal Property, which has ambitious growth plans to serve significantly more local and global clients.”

Portugal Property operates seven offices in Lisbon, Porto and along the Algarve, Portugal’s southern coast. The brokerage and its 43 agents generated nearly USD100 million in real estate sales volume in 2018. The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network produced USD114.5 billion in sales volume last year.

“We are proud to bring the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand to Portugal,” said Vincent. “The brand carries the name of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world’s most respected, trusted and admired companies. As important, the brand is composed of strong brokerages across America, Europe and Dubai, and we anticipate exchanging client referral with these companies.”

Vincent said the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will be a beacon for burgeoning global clientele and Portuguese consumers seeking top-rate expertise and guidance. “We have firmly established Portugal Property and now we add an exciting and respected global brand name with abundant resources. We are so excited for the future, which starts today.”

Portugal Property gains access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with Salesforce to deliver world-class technology support to its network members far into the future. The brand also provides global listing syndication, relocation referrals, professional training and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a compelling lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

Vincent plans to double the size of his brokerage over the next five years. “We believe the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will help us gain access to new, upscale markets and more of the world’s affluent real estate investors who are increasingly attracted to our wonderful country,” he said. “All of these factors have come together at once for our brokerage and we’re eager to take our business to new levels.”

Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, applauded Portugal Property’s brand membership. “Michael Vincent brings to our network two decades of experience in Portuguese real estate and a strong team of agents and employees,” he said. “We are proud to welcome the group and look forward to helping the brokerage grow into one of Europe’s finest agencies.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, has announced that a top-performing team from Latter & Blum has joined its network operating as a full-service brokerage named Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Shaw Properties.

The group is led by local real estate veteran Stephanie Shaw who is respected throughout the region for her knowledge, expertise and relentless client service. Shaw comes from stellar real estate lineage: Her mother Danette Shaw is recognized with REALTOR Emeritus status from the National Association of REALTORS for more than four decades of real estate service and leadership in Gulfport.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Shaw and her team to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of the network. “This group shares a love for the real estate business and it shows in the service they provide to their clients. Stephanie wants to grow her business in the region and we will support her each step of the way.”

Stephanie Shaw brings with her a dozen skilled and experienced agents as the core of Shaw Properties and plans to grow the company with an ambitious recruiting campaign. She said her brokerage will emphasize a culture of continuous improvement with advanced real estate training and extensive use of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Forever Cloud technology platform.

“We are thrilled to bring the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand to Gulfport and beyond,” Stephanie Shaw said. “The network is the fastest-growing in real estate for many important reasons, starting with powerful brand recognition, the extensive support and resources it provides its network members and the people behind the brand. We immediately feel like part of a big family and we’re ready to make the family proud.”

Stephanie Shaw added that her business principles and values match those of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “We are an ideal match,” she explained. “The network’s core values – Trust, Integrity, Stability and Longevity – are the same as Berkshire Hathaway Inc. itself and are the same values I’ve pursued since I’ve been in business. Trust and integrity are absolutely essential in business; without them you’re nothing.”

Shaw Properties will grow, said Stephanie Shaw, who expects to double the size of her brokerage and its market share in two years. “By joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network I’m able to provide my agents with the industry’s best real estate technology and services that I couldn’t begin to supply on my own. I’ve been tossed the keys to a performance race car and my team is ready to hit the gas for their clients.”

Shaw Properties agents now have access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with Salesforce to deliver world-class technology support to its network members far into the future. The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

Timing for her network membership is ideal, Stephanie Shaw added. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is an up-and-coming region with a percolating economic engine, two military bases and 27 miles of white-sand beaches. The area is a favorite of snowbirds and others through the U.S. and abroad, and its relatively modest average home price of $165,000 will only grow.

“There’s no question we’re excited about the future,” said Stephanie Shaw. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices gives us access to global real estate consumers and an active relocation and referral network. Those seeking Gulfport for their real estate investment will find us proudly ready to help.”

Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, welcomed Shaw Properties. “Stephanie and her team will be wonderful brand ambassadors of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices,” he said. “The combination of her terrific team and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will be difficult to beat in the region and it creates a compelling option for clients and agents alike.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, today announced that four of its franchise network members have merged the offices of Tarbell, Realtors® into their respective organizations.

The transaction includes 20 Tarbell, Realtors® offices operating in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

“Our primary objective at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is to help our network members grow,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of the network. “We are delighted to announce this transaction as Tarbell, Realtors® has a strong and distinguished legacy in the marketplace and has always attracted top real estate professionals. These professionals will further strengthen our brand and add significant value to the brokerages involved.”

“We’re excited to have found a real estate network that shares the same passion for the business that my family has had for generations,” said Ron Tarbell, CEO of Tarbell, Realtors®. “Our company’s standards of integrity, professionalism and service to the communities we serve are perfectly aligned with those of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand.”

Tarbell, Realtors® offices generated more than $1.1 billion in real estate sales volume in 2018. They join these Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network members effective immediately:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties/Nevada Properties/Arizona Properties (Las Vegas) – Tarbell, Realtors’® Anaheim Hills, French
Valley/Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Menifee, Oasis Country Club, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Temecula, Upland and Yorba Linda offices.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (San Diego) – Anaheim/State College, Irvine, Laguna Hills, San Clemente and Santa Ana/Tustin offices.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Perrie Mundy Realty Group (Redlands) – Corona, Redlands and Riverside offices.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (Cerritos) – Chino office.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Tarbell sales executives and staff into our company,” said Mark Stark, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties/Nevada Properties/Arizona Properties, whose brokerage ranked No. 3 in the network in 2018. “It’s unusual to find two organizations so committed to their people and to sustaining a quality culture. We look forward to sharing all our support in helping these professionals further grow their businesses while adding even more value and service to their clients.”

“It’s an honor to work with the longstanding and respected Tarbell, Realtors® organization,” said Mary Lee Blaylock, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, the network’s No. 2 brokerage last year. “They have a tremendous team of talented agents and I am thrilled to welcome these professionals to our company. At California Properties, our objective is to help every single agent expand their business through our enhanced tools and resources.

“We are committed to growth as we expand our footprint in existing marketplaces and strategic geographic locations,” Blaylock continued. “Adding these professional and productive agents who share our passion for delivering exceptional client service is an important step toward that goal.”

Dave Corey, co-owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Perrie Mundy Realty Group/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty, said the transaction will help his brokerage better compete in the hotly contested Inland Empire marketplace. “We’re excited to join forces with Tarbell’s Corona, Redlands and Riverside offices and grow our stronghold in the region,” he said. “As always, homebuyers and sellers will know they’re working with the very best in Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Perrie Mundy Realty Group/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty.”

Finally, Dennis Rosas, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, based in Cerritos, said: “We’re eager to grow our operations in the greater Chino area with the union of the terrific Tarbell team there. We love the market and are excited for our growth prospects in the area.”
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© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has announced that South Florida luxury real estate leader EWM Realty International has joined its network operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty.

The 55-year-old, full-service brokerage is led by CEO Ron Shuffield, one of South Florida’s most respected operators in the business. It has been a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. since 2003 – the country’s largest residential real estate company for transactions and parent to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is among America’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage networks with nearly 50,000 agents and 1,500 offices joining the network in less than six years, including global network members in Berlin, Germany; London, England; Milan, Italy; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“EWM Realty is at the heart of Miami’s luxury real estate market and its reputation for serving this market is unequaled,” said Ron Peltier, executive chairman of HomeServices of America. “Joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network, recognized for its luxury focus and expertise and now its global connections, represents a truly unique opportunity for the brokerage, its associates and its buyers and sellers. EWM has been a valuable member of the HomeServices family for 16 years and we look forward to the company’s continued growth and success as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty.”

Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, welcomed EWM Realty to the brand. “Ron Shuffield and his team are highly respected across South Florida and their presence as a luxury leader will benefit our network,” Blefari said. “We are proud to welcome their brokerage and eager to help it grow.”

Shuffield said he and his team look forward to a new era of growth. “As a proud member of the HomeServices of America family, we are excited to join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Shuffield. “The brand has a strong presence in Florida with other fine brokerages throughout the state. In addition, we believe the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand is wonderfully suited for the luxury, resort and second-home markets we serve.”

EWM Realty gains access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

“South Florida is a global hub for business, travel and real estate investment,” Shuffield said. “We are eager to connect our brokerage with even more luxury clients from the northeast, Atlantic seaboard as well as from Europe and Dubai, where the brand is quickly growing. We believe that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty will be a compelling option for those buying and selling luxury property.”

Shuffield said the same message applies to South Florida’s luxury real estate professionals. “We want to grow our brokerage by adding more of the region’s skilled and seasoned luxury agents,” he explained. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty will stand as the symbol for high-end real estate in our region and the company at which top agents may expand their businesses.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, today announced local real estate veteran Kimberly Ann Christensen has formed a brokerage and joined the network in Ana, Texas.

The company operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Extra Mile Realty symbolizing the effort Christensen and her agents commit to clients and the real estate process.

Christensen opens shop with immense knowledge of the Anna real estate market. She was raised in the city and owned and operated brokerages there. She is also a national-class real estate trainer with a knack for teaching motivated newcomers to the business. Still, the magic is in her familiarity of Anna, her hometown. “There isn’t a house in Anna I’m not aware of,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been in nearly every one of the original homes because I’ve lived here all my life.”

Extra Mile Realty unites with one of America’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage networks, which now counts nearly 50,000 agents and 1,450+ offices in just over five years as a brand, including global expansion to Berlin, Germany; and London, England.

Christensen and her team now have access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its abundant resources and services. That includes the Global Network Platform, a powerful tool suite driving lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. In addition, the network provides global listing syndication, professional education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for high-end listings.

“As an independent broker, I couldn’t build or buy what I now offer to my agents and other local real estate professionals,” she said. “Of course, we also have the benefit of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand and its wonderful reputation. The network’s namesake is Berkshire Hathaway itself, and it’s built on Berkshire Hathaway’s core values of Trust, Integrity, Stability and Longevity. The network is an ideal match for our new company and we’re proud and excited to represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in greater Anna and beyond.”

Christensen estimates she will have 30 real estate professionals representing Extra Mile Realty by year end, and over the next few years, plans to open offices in neighboring Van Alstyne and Melissa. She said she will hire local top performers yet, playing to her strengths, she will also focus on a new generation of real estate achievers.
“I would rather train my own superstars of tomorrow than hire someone else’s superstars,” she explained. “This helps me shape corporate culture, which is so important to our long-term success. I intend on having a good mix of experience and enthusiasm in a fully supportive, team environment. I envision a team in which everyone generates at least $3 million in sales volume annually.”

That team will always have lofty aspirations, Christensen added. “We want to be consumers’ first choice for premium service and local expertise,” she said. “There is no reason why we can’t achieve a 50% share of the Anna market.”

Gino Blefari, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, welcomed the brokerage. “Kimberly is so well respected in Anna as a real estate professional and servant to the community and its causes,” Blefari said. “She is an unofficial ambassador to greater Anna and loves the area and its people. Such joy will keep Extra Mile Realty vibrant and growing for years to come.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, has announced that a top-producing real estate team from Keller Williams Realty Tacoma, has joined its network and formed a brokerage. The team now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices South Sound Properties, specializing in new-home sales.

South Sound Properties, which represents homebuilders in Pierce and Thurston counties, is owned and operated by Gary and Pam Hendrickson. The brokerage joins one of America’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage networks now counting nearly 50,000 agents and 1,450+ offices in just over five years as a brand.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chairman Gino Blefari welcomed South Sound Properties to the brand.

“This company is by no means a startup operation,” said Blefari. “Gary is so well respected among local homebuilders and the team he and Pam have assembled brings a wonderful mix of experience, skill, diversity and enthusiasm. Their success in new-home sales and the trust they’ve established among builders and real estate consumers will keep South Sound Properties growing for years.”

“We wanted to form our own brokerage for some time and considered many brand options,” said Gary Hendrickson. “We chose Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices for its name appeal and lineage, and for its philosophy on growth. The brand chooses network members who want to grow, and it supports them with top-quality tools and resources. South Sound Properties is ready to grow from the start.”

With a new-home sales dream team in place, Gary Hendrickson said he will build an existing-home sales operation by recruiting top, local agents. Broker Michael Dattilo, with extensive experience in new- and existing-home sales, has already joined the brokerage.

As part of their network membership, South Sound Properties agents gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Global Network Platform, a powerful tool suite driving lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. In addition, the network provides global listing syndication, relocation referrals, professional education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for high-end listings.

South Sound Properties also joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active client-referral and relocation networks.

“Fellow network members operate across America and in Berlin, Germany; London, England; Milan, Italy and other regions,” said Pam Hendrickson. “We look forward to additional business through these channels and for the global exposure our listings will receive through our network and its listing-syndication programs.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.