Realogy

Leading Dayton Real Estate Firm Joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Franchise Network

2010-07-27T11:27:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and DAYTON, Ohio — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced the addition of Dayton, Ohio-based real estate firm Big Hill to its franchise brand network. Founded in 1968, the brokerage will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Big Hill under the direction of its president, Jeff Owens. The firm will continue to serve Greater Dayton, Richmond, Ind., and their surrounding counties. With this affiliation, the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network adds eight offices in the states of Ohio and Indiana and 185 sales associates to its fast-growing national franchise network.

“Big Hill has come on board and is dedicated to embracing our innovative technology and sophisticated business systems, which are pivotal to a sales agent’s success,” said Sherry Chris, President & CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “We welcome Jeff and his entire team as we know they think and act outside of the box and have taken a strong step forward in becoming a next-generation brokerage by joining our brand.”

One of the exclusive tools that Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate offers to its network is PinPoint, a product that Owens feels will keep his agents a step above the competition. PinPoint provides agents with access to Meredith Corporation’s – the publishers of the Better Homes and Gardens® magazine – U.S. database of more than 85 million consumers who interact with the Better Homes and Gardens brand through the magazine, website, and other sister brands.

“We’re known as a high–tech, high-touch real estate firm, and Big Hill’s goal is to seamlessly integrate new technology into the traditional face-to-face nature of the business,” said Owens. “Partnering with a brand whose CEO was just recognized with the Inman Innovator of the Year award for her astute appreciation for innovation and emerging technology seems like a natural fit for us.”

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 140 offices and more than 5,000 sales associates serving home buyers and sellers in 18 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Jim Gorman
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7166
jgorman@kwitco.com

ERA Real Estate Announces Merger of Two Alabama Firms

2010-07-27T01:42:00-04:00

ERA King Real Estate and ERA Oxford Realty Combine to Strengthen the ERA Brand Network’s Presence in Alabama

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and ANNISTON, Ala., — ERA Franchise Systems LLC, a global franchising leader in the residential real estate industry, announced today a merger between two of its existing member firms in Alabama. Specifically, ERA King Real Estate Company, Inc. in Anniston, Ala., is growing its coverage area through the addition of ERA Oxford Realty Company, which serves the greater Birmingham market.

“The merger of these two firms creates a stronger overall company that will now rank as one of the Top 10 companies in our ERA Franchise system,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “It’s a positive step forward in our strategy of helping strengthen our member brokerages in order to ultimately grow the ERA Real Estate network.”

For the near future, each firm will continue to do business under their current names. The combined operations of five offices and 130 agents will be managed by Everett King, president/owner of ERA King Real Estate.

“Instead of waiting for change to come to us, we are making change happen by creating a company that is moving forward,” said King. “Best of all, the real estate consumers in our respective markets will benefit from the combination of resources that we can now offer through our merger with ERA Oxford.”

Jack King Realty was founded by Jack King in 1969. Everett King, Jack’s son, took over the business in 1990 and joined the ERA network in 1994 as ERA King Real Estate Company. Headquartered in Anniston Ala., ERA King Real Estate also maintains offices in Gadsden and Lincoln, Ala. ERA King Real Estate is a full service firm with operational and support staff including relocation, marketing, property management, and agent support services. King’s firm has been ranked among the Top 50 ERA companies in three of the past four years. Among the firm’s achievements, it received the Gene Francis Memorial Award as Top All-Around Company in 2007, which is ERA Real Estate’s highest honor. In 2009, Anna King was awarded Top All-Around Selling Broker, the highest honor that an ERA professional can receive.

Affiliated with ERA Franchise Systems since 2003, ERA Oxford Realty has two offices located in the Birmingham and Vestavia Hill, Ala. and has nearly 80 agents. The company is among Birmingham's top-producing real estate companies and also has been a top 50 ERA company.

“ERA Oxford Realty has been in business for over 30 years, and we are proud of our history and growth,” said Jeff Newman, broker/owner. “We look forward to the additional prospects this merger will bring as we continue to provide outstanding service to our clients in the Birmingham area.”

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global franchising leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 35 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. Since 1977, ERA Real Estate has teamed with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its fight against neuromuscular diseases, raising more than $30 million. The ERA® network includes approximately 30,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,600 offices throughout the United States and 45 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. ERA Franchise Systems LLC information is available at: ERA.com.

Media Contact:
Darren Hoffman
(973) 407-7904
darren.hoffman@era.com

CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC Announces Affiliation with the Distressed Property Institute

2010-07-26T11:32:00-04:00

Promotes Short Sale Education and CDPE Designation to Agents Nationwide

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and AUSTIN, TEXAS — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced an agreement with the Distressed Property Institute, LLC to bring the industry-leading Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) designation training to its sales professionals.

“In today’s market, home sellers need to talk to real estate professionals who understand the specifics of this challenging market,” said Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “We are pleased to make the CDPE designation more widely available to our franchise system, enabling more of our sales professionals to provide effective and efficient service throughout the short sale process. The CDPE certification will enhance our agents’ abilities to help distressed homeowners.”

In a short sale transaction, homeowners avoid foreclosure by working with their lenders and selling their property for less than the mortgage amount owed.

Based in Austin, Texas, the Distressed Property Institute has trained more than 24,000 real estate professionals, making CDPE the fastest-growing, independent designation in real estate industry history. A survey of its membership revealed that CDPE-designated agents reported an average 49 percent decrease in short sale processing time since achieving the designation. In addition, these agents typically list seven-times, and close five-times as many properties as the average National Association of REALTORS® agent.

“CENTURY 21 is the most recognizable brand in the real estate industry with a significant and admirable commitment to continued agent education,” Alex Charfen, co-founder and CEO of the Institute, said. “The steps taken by CENTURY 21 to provide the CDPE designation training reinforces that commitment, and will help their sales professionals thrive in this market.”

According to the 2010 First Quarter National Delinquency Survey put out by the Mortgage Bankers Association, more than one in seven homeowners are not making mortgage payments. In addition, the report showed mortgage delinquencies increasing among prime mortgages, previously the safest mortgage product on the market

About the Distressed Property Institute, LLC
The Distressed Property Institute trains real estate professionals to engage with and assist homeowners facing hardships. The Institute has developed a curriculum to provide the tools and knowledge to handle distressed properties, including short sales, deeds-in-lieu, mortgage modifications, forbearance, refinances, reinstatements and, if that fails, how to help homeowners through the foreclosure process. After completing a comprehensive on-site or online course, graduates are awarded the Certified Distressed Property Expert® Designation.

About the CDPE Designation
The CDPE Designation provides real estate industry professionals with detailed information on how to engage with and assist homeowners in distress. The CDPE designation has been endorsed by top U.S. brokerages and industry icons, including: Brian Buffini, founder of Buffini & Company; Howard Brinton, founder of STAR POWER® Systems; Joe Stumpf, founder and national spokesperson of By Referral Only®; Allen Chiang, Chairman of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA); and Tino Diaz, Chairman of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).

For more information about The Distressed Property Institute and the CDPE Designation, visit www.cdpe.com.

Contact: Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Matt Gentile
Public Relations
973.407.6102
matt.gentile@century21.com

Contact: The Distressed Property Institute, LLC
Adam Pedowitz
Media Relations
512.501.2588
pr@cdpenow.com

Realogy Names Vik Bangia Senior Vice President of The Company’s Global Client Solutions Group

2010-07-22T10:44:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that Vik Bangia has joined the Company as senior vice president of its Global Client Solutions group. In leading the Global Client Solutions (GCS) team, Bangia will be charged with the development of client relationships and sourcing of commercial business development opportunities on behalf of Realogy’s commercial real estate entities that include Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates and ONCOR International.

“Our existing corporate partners benefit from our ‘one-stop shopping’ approach where we connect them to outstanding affiliated commercial companies throughout the nation, and Vik is ideally suited to grow this business,” said Fred Schmidt, who oversees GCS in addition to his roles as president and COO for Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates and president of ONCOR International. “With his extensive background in corporate commercial real estate, account management best practices, strategic planning and workflow improvement, I am confident that Vik will help GCS by offering its commercial clients unique and innovative ideas for addressing existing challenges in their corporate real estate portfolios.”

The Global Client Solutions team services corporate clients with multi-market commercial real estate requirements by implementing a single point-of-contact model that marshals a global network of real estate service providers. Its process-driven approach emphasizes the importance and benefits of integrating organization, technology, and methodology while delivering services with quality, continuity and consistency.

Bangia spent nearly 20 years in commercial real estate leadership holding senior management positions at CresaPartners, United Properties/Northmarq and CB Richard Ellis, as well as managing corporate real estate for numerous Fortune 500 clients across a wide array of industries. Most recently, Bangia served as vice president of corporate solutions for CresaPartners for the past two years.

Bangia is a frequent speaker at corporate real estate industry events, has authored real estate columns and white papers for various industry publications, and has a Master of Corporate Real Estate professional designation from CoreNet Global, where he is a top-rated faculty member of CoreNet Global’s Executive Development Programs.

He earned an M.B.A. from the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Oklahoma.

Media Contact:
Kathy Borruso
Kathy.borruso@realogy.com
973 407-5041

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate CEO Sherry Chris Named Inman Innovator of the Year

2010-07-16T08:55:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced yesterday that its president and CEO, Sherry Chris, has been named 2010 Inman Innovator of the Year. The award, which honors individuals going above and beyond the traditional tools used by the real estate industry to enhance the transaction process and improve the overall experience for consumers and real estate professionals, was presented yesterday during the 2010 Inman News Real Estate Connect Conference in San Francisco, Calif.

In the past year, Chris led her two-year-old firm’s growth to encompass more than 125 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states. In addition to brokering deals, she remains a hands-on manager, leading the culture of the firm and guiding by example with her adoption of innovative technology.

In the past year, Chris helped Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate double the size of its network. Simultaneously, she pushed the franchise to the forefront of social media adoption by leveraging her appreciation for innovative and emerging technology. Chris, along with her team, instituted social media boot camp classes for new agents and made her CleanSlate blog a beacon of information for those seeking to learn more about the leading technology of the day. Further, she blogs multiple times a week, lending perspective on breaking industry news as well as the emerging social media, technology, marketing and advertising trends.

Chris also developed innovative partnerships outside the world of real estate, announcing in May an agreement with Pantone, the world authority on color. She then oversaw the creation of a series of feature film quality vignettes designed to clearly illustrate the link between color, emotion and the home buying decision process.

Chris accepted the award at The Hilton San Francisco hotel yesterday.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Jim Gorman
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7166
jgorman@kwitco.com

ERA Real Estate Announces Two Top 50 Companies Renew Franchise Agreements

2010-07-14T16:41:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — ERA Franchise Systems LLC announced ERA Kepple Keene Realtors and ERA Moffett Realty, Inc., recently signed renewals to their franchise agreements.

Serving homebuyers and sellers in Louisville, Ky., ERA Kepple Keene Realtors has been an ERA company since 1979. Broker Donald Kepple along with 44 agents has enjoyed a long association with ERA Franchise Services. “My relationship with ERA spans over 30 years,” said Donald Kepple. “Renewing our franchise agreement is my way of staying a part of a worldwide family.”

ERA Moffett Reality, Inc., located in Lake Charles, La., has been serving the southwest area of the state with 37 sales agents since 2000. “We chose the ERA brand to provide our customers with additional relocation services, which has been a driving force in our business,” said Worth Moffett, III, broker of ERA Moffett Reality, Inc. “We serve our clients through various ERA offerings, including the support from the Cartus relocation network that assists clients with their need to relocate for business reasons."

“The renewal of these companies shows their confidence in the strength and direction of ERA Real Estate,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “The business successes and leadership roles that ERA Kepple Keene Realtors and ERA Moffett Realty, Inc., play in their communities embodies the values that define the ERA brand. We are delighted to have them as part of our team, now and in the years ahead.”

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global franchise leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 35 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. Since 1977, ERA Real Estate has teamed with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its fight against neuromuscular diseases, raising more than $30 million. The ERA® network includes approximately 28,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,700 offices throughout the United States and 45 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. ERA Franchise Systems LLC information is available at: ERA.com.

Contact:
Darren Hoffman
973-407-7904
darren.hoffman@era.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Continues to Pioneer New Content Media With “Rule Breakers,” The Industry’s First Brand Vook

2010-07-14T09:14:00-04:00

The First Four Chapters of a Multi-Media Digital Book Chronicling the Birth and Brand History of a Leading National Real Estate Firm, As Told By CEO Sherry Chris, Now Available

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, in an effort to expand its leverage of emerging content media, has become the first real estate franchise to publish a multimedia Vook. Titled Rule Breakers: The History of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, the digital book incorporates video, Internet links and text into a single application. The Vook is available for free via Vook.com and the Apple iTunes store as a Web-based application for computers or as a download application for the iPhone or iPad.

Rulebreakers: The History of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate showcases the trajectory of the brand from its initial launch in the late 1970’s, to its rebirth in 2008 as a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation. The revitalized brand, conceived and launched in the span of nine months from October 2007 to July 2008, was to be different from any other real estate brand. To that end, it became the first of its kind to announce its arrival on TwitterTM, Facebook and to launch a corporate real estate brand blog—Clean Slate blog (www.bhgrealestateblog.com). And it aligned itself with the self-directed consumer, fusing a respected brand with innovative technology and social media capabilities.

“When I was first shown a Vook, I knew right away we had to create one for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate who wrote and narrated the Vook. “Multi-media applications with the flexibility to be Web-based or mobile are the way more and more people are absorbing information. Our firm strives to be fluent in all the emerging types of communication important to our customer base, and this is one I believe will be very important in the years to come.”

The four chapters available for download are titled: Launching a Brand, Earning Our Stripes, The Legacy of Better Homes and Gardens, and One Door Closes, Another Opens.

For more information on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 125 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Jim Gorman
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7166
jgorman@kwitco.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate CEO Sherry Chris to Unveil Beta Brokerage Concept at Inman News Real Estate Connect SF 2010

2010-07-13T09:34:00-04:00

Real Estate Firm is the Diamond Sponsor and Nominated for Inman Innovator Award

Parsippany, N.J., — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, will report its findings on the traits of “The Beta Brokerage” as a Diamond Sponsor and Inman Innovator Award finalist at the Real Estate Connect San Francisco 2010 conference. The conference, which runs today through Thursday, July 15, is being held at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.

Drawing upon dozens of interviews with stand-out innovators in the industry, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate CEO Sherry Chris will, on the final day of the conference, present actionable new ideas and define trends and innovations characteristic of “The Beta Brokerage.” These will mark a progression of the “Next Generation Brokerage” concept Chris put forth at last summer’s Inman News Real Estate Connect conference.

“Some of the most provocative discussions and enlightening insights come at the Inman conferences,” said Chris. “We are very excited about sharing our data among some of the best minds in real estate and look forward to stimulating ideas and generating an exchange we can use to take our findings even further for presentation at next year’s conference.”

Chris, whose presentation is entitled An Inside Look at How a Real Estate Brokerage is Being Reinvented, will take place Thursday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Chris will also participate in the Meet The Leaders, a “chat one on one with the industry leaders of technology and real estate” at 12:30 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, July 14.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is also a finalist for the 2010 Inman Innovator Award in the New Technology category recognizing its Home Selection Assistant iPhone application. The award, which honors companies using technology and innovation to enhance the real estate transaction process and improve the overall experience for consumers and real estate professionals, will be presented during the conference.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 125 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Jim Gorman
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7166
jgorman@kwitco.com

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Wins Communicator Creative Excellence Award from International Academy of Visual Arts

2010-07-07T01:25:00-04:00

Brand’s ‘On Location’ YouTube Channel Honored in Real Estate Website Category

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The International Academy of the Visual Arts has named Coldwell Banker On Location, the brand’s YouTube channel, a recipient of this year’s Communicator Awards for Creative Excellence in the real estate website category. The category honors the best site for the sale or rental of residential or commercial property.

“We were the first national real estate brand to add streaming video to our website. Today, our agents across the globe have posted more than 15,000 videos to our On Location channel,” said Mike Fischer, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The most exciting part of On Location is that we have only just begun – there’s a lot more to come.”

On Location has been rated among the top 10 most-viewed brand channels on YouTube. In April, just 11 months after launching On Location, Coldwell Banker announced it had received over 1 million views. The site was launched in May 2009 and was produced in collaboration with FD Kinesis.

“Home buyers would much rather see a home than only read about it,” Fischer said. “Our On Location videos empower them to get a feel for a home, a community or a real estate professional that they could not get from photos or a text description alone. Equally important are the home sellers who are now expecting video to be a part of marketing their property.”

With thousands of entries received from across the United States and around the world, the Communicator Awards is one of the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications professionals. The Communicator Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from acclaimed media, advertising and marketing firms.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate. Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of more than 98,000 agents working in more than 3,600 offices in 50 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to augment its web site www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create a iPhone application and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On Location^SM YouTube channel. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Media Inquiries:

David Siroty
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
973.407.7199
David.Siroty@coldwellbanker.com

Meredith Topalanchik
CooperKatz for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
917.595.3036
mtopalanchik@cooperkatz.com

Coldwell Banker Announces New Master Franchisor in France, Coldwell Banker also will Expand Brand into Monaco

2010-06-28T10:25:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Demeure S.A. to expand the Coldwell Banker® brand in France and into Monaco. With the addition of Monaco, the Coldwell Banker network now extends to 50 countries and territories worldwide on a combined basis.

Led by Laurent Demeure, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker France and Monaco is based in Paris. Previously known as Demeure Immobilier with a luxury homes department Demeure Prestige, Demeure S.A. was founded in 1920. The group played a major role in the development of real estate in France, notably with the creation of one of France's premier networks of estate agents.

“We are thrilled that Laurent and his talented team have joined the Coldwell Banker system to give us a renewed presence in France,” said Jim Gillespie, chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “Obviously gaining a presence in Monaco, one of the world’s most desired destinations, is a major addition to Coldwell Banker Previews International®, our luxury marketing division that caters to the affluent. We believe Laurent’s firm aligns very well with the Coldwell Banker brand, combining a rich history with outstanding core values.”

"We think the Coldwell Banker brand has great potential for growth in France and Monaco,” said Demeure. "The France and Monaco property market is holding steady, despite the recent economic crisis. In France, relatively low home prices, culture and ‘love for all things French’ continue to drive interest from foreign investors while Monaco obviously attracts interest from the affluent around the globe.

“We are very enthusiastic to further develop the Coldwell Banker brand in France and enter a new market in Monaco. We believe that because we are in the same business as our potential franchisees this will allow us to develop unparalleled business relationships with partners that understand each other’s needs and expectations. All the team is highly motivated in making the Coldwell Banker system a highly innovative and highly consumer focused brand in the two countries and becoming the leader in the luxury properties market through Coldwell Banker Previews International."

Media Inquiries:
David Siroty
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
973.407.7199
David.Siroty@coldwellbanker.com

The Century 21 System Upgrades Mobile Real Estate Experience With Dynamic IPhone App

2010-06-28T09:52:00-04:00

iPhone App Helps Guide Buyers to Home of Their Dreams

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced the release of its new iPhone® app. The CENTURY 21® iPhone app automatically provides mobile users with property listings, open house information and CENTURY 21 office locations. It also provides a quick overview of the communities associated with each listing, including school details, community images and statistics.

Consumers can either type in a specific city, town, state and zip code or press the geolocation button to allow the CENTURY 21 app to automatically detect the search area. Home buyers can also filter listings based on specific parameters and home features.

The CENTURY 21 iPhone app includes five navigation tabs that provide additional features and functionality for home buyers:

Area Tab: Ever ask “Where do I want to live?” The Area Tab aims to answer that question by providing a Wikipedia summary and statistics on an area, including population and recently sold homes. Also available in this tab is school rating information as well as photos of the area via an easily viewable slide show format with touch slide navigation.
Listings Tab: In addition to viewing listings in a traditional format, prospective buyers can customize their view of the listing by adding their own pictures and notes that display together and stay with their individual view of that listing.
Open House Tab: This tab provides information on open houses in the area where the iPhone is located, including time, location and other pertinent information about the event.
Office Tab: This handy tab will help buyers locate the nearest CENTURY 21 office so a real estate professional can assist them. The tab provides phone and e-mail contact information as well as maps of office locations.
My Favorites Tab: Once buyers find a house they like or a detail they want to learn more about, they can save it in the My Favorites tab for quick reference.

“The new CENTURY 21 iPhone application provides an exceptional experience for home buyers by marrying the ease of on-the-go functionality and mobile technology with the extensive knowledge of — and connection to — CENTURY 21 sales professionals,” said Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Our new iPhone app delivers on our commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers and sales professionals.”

The CENTURY 21 Real Estate iPhone app is free to download from Apple’s App Store or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Search for “CENTURY 21 Real Estate” in the App Store or find it in the Lifestyle category.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com) is the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 7,700 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 68 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.
© 2010 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple Computers, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Matt Gentile
Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Phone: 973-407-6102
Mobile: 973-647-9042
matt.gentile@century21.com

Stuart Foster
For Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Phone: 617-226-9330
Mobile: 207-752-2960
sfoster@mullen.com

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Rolls Out New Website, Coldwellbanker.com, Redesigned With Dreamers in Mind

2010-06-23T08:48:00-04:00

Site Suggests Three Resourceful Ways for Home Buyers and Sellers to Search for Real Estate

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Today, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC officially launched the new version of its website, www.coldwellbanker.com, which has been in beta form since December 2009. Wholly re-thought and re-designed, the site features optimizations that completely alter and enhance the experience of searching for a home online.

“The Internet is often the first stop for potential home buyers and sellers, so it is our goal to make the online home-searching process as enjoyable and efficient as possible,” said Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “For the new ColdwellBanker.com we looked at search functionality across various websites including, retail and music and continuously asked ourselves, ‘Why not in real estate?’ As a result, we have created exciting new ways to search for homes and real estate agents.” The site includes a variety of new features, such as:

•BlueScape^sm Search
Taking cues from popular music recommendation websites, Coldwell Banker® developed BlueScapesm, a visually-driven real estate search platform to help “dreamers” find just that – the home of their dreams. Instead of limiting search options to zip code or the number of bedrooms, users begin the search by rating abstract images with a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” from landscape scenery to images of snow mobiles and taxi cabs. At any time, users can submit a query and the BlueScapesm technology will identify homes that are a good fit using all properties available through ColdwellBanker.com nationwide.

•Keyword Search
For those who prefer a more traditional approach to searching for a home, Coldwell Banker has added keyword capabilities to its general real estate search function so that consumers can more easily narrow down the properties they are interested in viewing. Visitors can enter terms as broad as “modern or colonial,” to more specific property descriptions such as “pool,” “dock” or “boat slip.”

•Similar Properties
Coldwell Banker® also added a “You May Also Like” feature that offers additional homes of interest, based on a range of characteristics from properties consumers select as “preferred.”

•Expansive Use of Video
Taking advantage of the popularity of Coldwell Banker On LocationSM, the brand’s YouTube channel which has had more than 13,000 videos posted by agents and 1.3 million video views in a bit more than one year, the new site integrates video into real estate search.

“Real estate is a deeply emotional process, despite the focus on hard numbers like square footage and price,” said Fischer. “Home buying is often driven by a gut feeling. We’ve widened the definition of real estate search to give consumers the chance to explore those intangibles.”

Coldwell Banker closely examined the reasons why consumers visit ColdwellBanker.com and what functionalities they deemed most important when determining how the website would be transformed.

“The BlueScapesm search platform and the ‘Similar Properties’ features were designed to help consumers in their decision-making process,” said Fischer. “While the website was in beta form, we received valuable feedback from users and continued making improvements until the site was optimized to its greatest potential.”

Additional capabilities of the ColdwellBanker.com site include:

•Technology that immediately identifies the current location of visitors via their IP address, offering up homes for sale in that area.

•Join Us: a recruiting resource enabling brokers to promote job opportunities and create local career pages.

•Learn: helpful real estate news and tips for consumers, such as real-time industry articles from the Associated Press.

•Home File: Place for consumers to store, share and organize a limitless amount of property searches, sales associate and real estate office information, and industry articles.

Coldwell Banker also included integrated video and social networking capabilities to the new site. Visitors will have access to an array of videos powered by Coldwell Banker On Location, the company’s branded YouTube channel, offering behind-the-scenes looks at towns and neighborhoods, tips and timely news on real estate topics, and video listings of homes for sale.

Development of the new ColdwellBanker.com site was a collaborative effort by Coldwell Banker interactive agency partners, FD Kinesis and Bootstrap Software, Inc.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate. Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of more than 98,000 agents working in more than 3,600 offices in 49 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to augment its web site www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create an iPhone application featuring international listings and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On Location^SM YouTube channel. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program.

Media Inquiries:

David Siroty
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
973.407.7199
David.Siroty@coldwellbanker.com

Katy Layton
CooperKatz & Co. for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
917.595.3057
klayton@cooperkatz.com

Brand Veteran Budge Huskey Appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate

2010-06-22T09:23:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC announced today that Budge Huskey, currently executive vice president of the NRT-owned Coldwell Banker brokerage operations in the Southeast, was appointed as president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Huskey will report to directly to Jim Gillespie, who will continue to serve as chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

In his new role, Huskey will oversee operational activities supporting more than 98,000 Coldwell Banker agents in 3,600 franchised offices in 49 countries and territories around the world. He will focus on the brand’s internal operations as well as domestic and international growth.

“I have known Budge for many years and have always admired him for his knowledge of our industry and his leadership skills,” said Gillespie. “Budge has a proven track record of success at every level throughout his 26-year real estate career, which includes 12 years with the Coldwell Banker brand. I am confident that he is going to make our company even stronger than it is today.”

Huskey began his real estate career as an agent in 1984 with family-owned Huskey Realty. He then joined NRT in 1998 as a branch manager for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Longwood, Fla. He eventually became a district and regional manager in the organization’s Central Florida region before being named as president and chief operating officer of Florida’s Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in 2004.

He remained in this position until 2007 when he was named as executive vice president of NRT's Coldwell Banker Southeastern region. In this role he oversaw the strategic initiatives of more than 120 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices in Florida, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Atlanta, which generated annual sales volume in excess of $10 billion dollars. He also was responsible for oversight of NRT’s REO Experts, one of the nation’s largest REO asset management firms. NRT is the subsidiary of Realogy Corporation that operates its company-owned real estate brokerage offices. It is the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage firm.

Huskey has been honored repeatedly throughout his career, including the 2006 Coldwell Banker Chandler Barton Award representing dedication and service to the Coldwell Banker brand.

He serves as a director of both the National Association of REALTORS and Florida Association of REALTORS and is past president of the Greater Orlando Realtor Association.

Huskey is a 1981 graduate of Mercer University who later earned an MBA from Wake Forest University.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate. Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of more than 98,000 agents working in more than 3,600 offices in 49 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to augment its web site www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create an iPhone application featuring international listings and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On Location^SM YouTube channel. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program.

Media Inquiries:

David Siroty
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
973.407.7199
David.Siroty@coldwellbanker.com

Shoshana Hochdorf
CooperKatz & Co. for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
917.595.3054
shochdorf@cooperkatz.com

Century 21 Real Estate LLC Announces New Appointments to its Commercial Advisory Board

2010-06-07T03:15:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. —

Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest real estate sales organization, today announced the appointment of five new members to its Commercial Advisory Board. The new board members include Conrad Vanino (Wyomissing, PA), Kenneth Kujawa (Saginaw, MI), Larry Matos (Turlock, CA), Renee Williams Harvey (Paris, TX) and Sam Mizrahi (Brooklyn, NY).

The mission of the Commercial Advisory Board is to provide feedback on key strategic initiatives that are developed by CENTURY 21 International Headquarters, with the objective of benefiting and strengthening the CENTURY 21 Commercial Network.

“These members were selected due to their proven expertise and success in the commercial real estate market,” said Rick Davidson, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “I am confident their efforts will benefit our commercial sales professionals as well as the CENTURY 21 System overall.”

The 15-member CENTURY 21 Commercial® Advisory Board represents a geographically diverse and uniquely experienced group of commercial real estate brokers and brokerages, as listed below:

Name

Office

Location

Barry Carnes

CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals

Longwood, FL

Aime DeNault

CENTURY 21 DeNault Realty

Lunenburg, MA

Chuck Emmerich

CENTURY 21 K.E.Y. Realtors

Friendswood, TX

Larry Harbour

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite

Dallas, TX

Bruce Holmes

CENTURY 21 Venture

Augusta, ME

Jim Joseph

CENTURY 21 Ambassador

Whittier, CA

Kenneth Kujawa

CENTURY 21 Signature Realty

Saginaw, MI

Larry Matos

CENTURY 21 M&M and Associates

Turlock, CA

Sam Mizrahi

CENTURY 21 Mizrahi Realty

Brooklyn, NY

Shawn McMahon

CENTURY 21 Beutler & Associates

Coeur d’Alene, ID

Thayer Morgan

CENTURY 21 Commonwealth

Watertown, MA

Jim Nickerson

CENTURY 21 Clark Properties

S. Minden, NV

Sherry SanFilippo

CENTURY 21 Worden & Green

Hillsborough, NJ

Conrad Vanino

CENTURY 21 Park Road

Wyomissing, PA

Renee Williams Harvey

CENTURY 21 Harvey Properties

Paris, TX

Visit century21.com/commercial for more information.
CENTURY 21 Commercial sales professionals offer a variety of services in connection with the acquisition, leasing, property management and disposition of commercial investment properties, including retail centers, office and industrial properties, apartment buildings, motels, hotels and land. CENTURY 21 Commercial sales professionals can help locate, evaluate and negotiate commercial real estate while understanding client objectives of maximizing asset value, productivity, efficiency and investment preservation.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC:
Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com) is the franchisor of the world’s largest real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 7,700 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 68 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.

© 2010 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contacts:
Matt Gentile
Ph: 973.407.6102
Mobile: 973.647.9042
E-mail: matt.gentile@century21.com

Kate Hunter
Ph: 617.226.9962
E-mail: kate.hunter@mullen.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Leverages Meredith Corporation’s U.S. Consumer Database of 85 Million to Help ‘PinPoint’ Potential Home Buyers and Sellers

2010-06-01T10:12:00-04:00

PinPoint System Launches Exclusively to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Network

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate today announced the network-wide launch of PinPoint, a direct marketing tool for its brokers and agents that leverages Meredith Corporation’s U.S. database of more than 85 million consumers who interact with the Better Homes and Gardens brand through the magazine, Web site, and other Meredith brands. Using PinPoint, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brokers and agents can identify potential clients through custom demographic and geographic segmentation, while creating targeted direct mail pieces through an online platform that links to a printing-and-postage fulfillment vendor.

Beginning today, the entire Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network of more than 5,000 agents can take advantage of the highly targeted and intuitive program. In keeping with Meredith’s vigilant stewardship of its database, all lists generated by PinPoint are kept strictly confidential throughout the fulfillment process.

“In a twist on the old real estate adage, I submit that effectively prospecting new clients is all about information, information, information,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “The program is very respectful of potential recipients of information, most of whom already have an affinity for the Better Homes and Gardens brand. We are confident that this tool will prove to be a valuable strategic advantage over other marketing methods in the industry.”

The PinPoint system helps Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brokers and agents create customized marketing campaigns by identifying those potential clients in a particular life stage, demographic and lifestyle. Segments include: first-time home buyers without children, first-time home buyers with children, move-up consumers, empty nesters, mature consumers, premier consumers and second-home buyers.

“This easy-to-use system saves our agents time while guaranteeing a highly targeted campaign to ensure optimal success,” said Chris. “Our company has worked to embrace whatever tool and resource could most effectively serve our purpose: to reach consumers. Whether it is social media, e-mail marketing or this incredible PinPoint system, we are confident that Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network has superb tools at its fingertips.”

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 125 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Kailyn Longoria
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7148
klongoria@kwitco.com

Town & Country, REALTORS in Maine Joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Network

2010-05-19T10:00:00-04:00

Largest Unaffiliated Brokerage in Maine Joins Growing National Franchise

BANGOR, MAINE — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate today announced the addition of Bangor-based Town & Country, REALTORS®, the largest unaffiliated residential real estate company in Maine, to its franchise network. Town & Country was recently ranked in the REAL Trends 500 report tracking the nation’s leading real estate brokerages. The company has nine offices covering the Greater Down East Maine market through which it closed approximately 1,000 transactions in 2009. The firm will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Town & Country.

“This was an opportunity that we simply could not let pass by,” said Earl Black president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Town & Country. “It’s a strategic and comprehensive relationship with an iconic brand that will help us further connect with consumers. The franchise agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affords us a range of new media relationships that will enhance our profile and will also serve as a catalyst for our company’s future growth and expansion throughout Maine.”

In conjunction with its new brand affiliation, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Town & Country also entered into a strategic partnership with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group, one of the leading real estate brokerage companies in New England. This strategic partnership between two of its franchise affiliates gives the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand a strong foundation for continued growth across New England.

“We look forward to joining our efforts with Town & Country to expand the visibility of our companies regionally while working together to build new business opportunities across the two companies and leveraging the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand,” said Chris Masiello, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group, whose company was ranked among the Top 100 brokerages nationally by both transaction sides and sales volume in the recent REAL Trends 500 report.

Black is the past president of Bangor Board of Realtors as well as the past president of Maine Association of Realtors. He has served on several national committees, as well as the National Association of Realtors Board of Directors and Chair of the Risk Management Committee.

To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Town & Country, visit tcreal.com.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 125 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Kailyn Longoria
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7148
klongoria@kwitco.com

Century 21 Real Estate Appoints Mark Foreman Senior Vice President of Operations

2010-05-10T09:22:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced the appointment of Mark Foreman as senior vice president, operations.

As a REALTOR® for 23 years and former owner of Cornerstone Capital Mortgage & Real Estate Services, Inc., Foreman is well-regarded by his peers and has held numerous leadership positions within the industry. He was Connecticut REALTOR® of the Year in 2005 and served as president of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS® in 2006. He has served with distinction on several NAR committees both as a participant and in leadership capacities.

"Mark Foreman brings significant real estate experience and depth, which will help us to continue to position the CENTURY 21® brand for smart and strategic growth,” said Rick Davidson, president and chief executive officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “As senior vice president of operations he will ensure effective relationships between CENTURY 21® and our franchisees with specific focus on overall franchise support."

Mark received his bachelor’s in economics and political science from Yale University in 1987, where he was also a member of the varsity football team. He currently resides in Connecticut with his wife, Wende, and two daughters.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC:
Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com) is the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 7,700 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 68 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.

© 2010 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contacts: Individual survey graphics available upon request.
Matt Gentile
Ph: 973.407.6102
Mobile: 973.647.9042
E-mail: matt.gentile@century21.com

Angela Giovanello
Ph: 617.226.9921
Mobile 617.999.6105
Email:angela.giovanello@mullen.com

Georgia Real Estate Firm Joins Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Network

2010-05-04T10:42:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Culver & DeLoach in St. Simons Island, Ga., is the newest member of its luxury real estate network.

The firm, owned by Frank DeLoach, now will do business as DeLoach Sotheby's International Realty. The firm will serve the St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Brunswick markets.

“For nearly 20 years, Culver & DeLoach has served its customers with honesty and integrity in this second home resort area that also has a solid base of full-time residents,” said Philip White, president and chief operating officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are proud to have this highly regarded and well-established company join our existing network of fine firms in Georgia.”

The firm’s office is located at 2901 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, Ga., with 13 sales associates.

“Our success over the last two decades has been grounded in establishing long-term client relationships,” said DeLoach. “We are dedicated to making sure they are satisfied with our service and results. We look forward to now offering our clients access to the broad global reach of the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,600 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 38 countries and territories worldwide. DeLoach Sotheby's International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global Web site. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Zimmerman
Director, Public Relations and Communications
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC
1 Campus Drive
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 407-6375
Jennifer.Zimmerman@sothebysrealty.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Survey Suggests Affordable Home Prices and Mortgage Rates Could Help Propel Housing Market Past Tax Expiration

2010-05-03T09:51:00-04:00

61 Percent of Those Looking For or Considering Buying a Home Had No Plans to Use the Tax

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The majority of people looking for, or considering buying, a home had no plans to take advantage of the First-Time or Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credits, according to a survey from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. The survey, conducted earlier this year, was designed to identify factors affecting today’s home buying decisions. It drew responses from among those across the country who are searching or saving for a new home, or who recently purchased a new home.

Of those respondents who are looking for, or considering buying, a home, nearly two-thirds (63%) believe it is a “buyer’s market,” more than half (54%) feel that mortgage rates are affordable, and 70 percent indicate that there are affordable homes on the market. Just about half (49%) feel that the economy gives them the ability to negotiate more than usual. However, only 39 percent surveyed said they had planned to take advantage of the tax credit before it expired on April 30, 2010.

“There has been a lot of speculation about the housing market after the tax credit extension expired,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “The tax credit was truly a great motivating factor, with many home buyers taking advantage. However, we found that the tax credit was only one motivation. People buy homes for lifestyle reasons as well and I suspect that the normal seasonality patterns of home buying will still play out now that the tax credit has expired.”

About the Survey
The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate survey was conducted online during the fourth week of February 2010 by Amplitude Research, Inc. The survey results referred to above were based on 422 out of 600 respondents with a maximum sampling error of +/- 4.8% at the 95% confidence level. More information about Amplitude Research may be found at http://www.amplituderesearch.com.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and homebuyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 125 offices serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Kailyn Longoria
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7148
klongoria@kwitco.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and Renowned Color Authority, Pantone, Present Color Techniques for Stunning Home Staging

2010-05-03T08:36:00-04:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced a unique partnership program with Pantone, LLC, the global authority on color, to provide both real estate agents and home sellers with an innovative and exciting edge in a crowded housing market: color theory. The program, which provides a practical application of color theory through engaging lifestyle videos, is currently available at www.bhgrealestate.com.

“If you are selling a home right now, chances are you have a lot of competition and are doing whatever you can to retain every bit of appreciation,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “The strategic partnership program between Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and Pantone will allow our real estate agents and their clients to have access to the technical expertise and interactive tools that will enable them to accurately and effectively stage homes.”

Developed in conjunction with Pantone exclusively for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, the program moves beyond the cosmetic to incorporate the scientific aspects of staging a home and includes the latest theories on color as well as an understanding of the color wheel. The video series program will help agents and consumers alike build memorable interiors using proven color techniques, a valuable additive considering that effective staging can mean a difference of thousands of dollars. In fact, according to U.S. Housing and Urban Development, staged homes valued an average of 17 percent higher than un-staged homes.

“Color has tremendous power to drive favorable and lasting impressions. Of equal importance in the current market, it can do so without breaking the bank,” noted Laurie Pressman, vice president at Pantone. “Re-thinking your home’s color scheme to make it more sellable is perhaps the single most effective inexpensive home improvement you can make,” added Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

The program is another example of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s unique connection to today’s real estate consumer and strong understanding of what can set a home apart in today’s marketplace. It is being heavily promoted directly to the real estate industry as well as to consumers through a series of advertisements in Better Homes and Gardens magazine and via social media channels.

“I can’t think of a more interesting tool to have in this tight market than for a trusted authority like Pantone to help inspire your interior decoration,” noted Chris. “These are the kinds of advantages sellers should expect to get from creative thinking real estate brokers and agents in a challenging and changing real estate market.”

About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ:XRIT), has been the world’s color authority for more than 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes approximately 125 offices serving home buyers and sellers in 16 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:
Shivani Mahtani
Kwittken & Company
(646) 747-7158
bhgre@kwitco.com

Name	Office	Location
Barry Carnes	CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals	Longwood, FL
Aime DeNault	CENTURY 21 DeNault Realty	Lunenburg, MA
Chuck Emmerich	CENTURY 21 K.E.Y. Realtors	Friendswood, TX
Larry Harbour	CENTURY 21 Judge Fite	Dallas, TX
Bruce Holmes	CENTURY 21 Venture	Augusta, ME
Jim Joseph	CENTURY 21 Ambassador	Whittier, CA
Kenneth Kujawa	CENTURY 21 Signature Realty	Saginaw, MI
Larry Matos	CENTURY 21 M&M and Associates	Turlock, CA
Sam Mizrahi	CENTURY 21 Mizrahi Realty	Brooklyn, NY
Shawn McMahon	CENTURY 21 Beutler & Associates	Coeur d’Alene, ID
Thayer Morgan	CENTURY 21 Commonwealth	Watertown, MA
Jim Nickerson	CENTURY 21 Clark Properties	S. Minden, NV
Sherry SanFilippo	CENTURY 21 Worden & Green	Hillsborough, NJ
Conrad Vanino	CENTURY 21 Park Road	Wyomissing, PA
Renee Williams Harvey	CENTURY 21 Harvey Properties	Paris, TX