Realogy

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Expands to Tennessee and Kentucky with Addition of Hometown Connection

2009-11-19T13:54:00-05:00

Award-Winning Vaughn Team Aligns with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced the addition of The Vaughn Team, a Clarksville, Tenn.-based real estate brokerage serving Clarksville, Tennessee and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to its growing network of agents. The company will do business as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection. This brings the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network to nearly 80 offices with over 2,200 sales associates in 12 states.

The Vaughn Team founder, Maurice Vaughn, a 25-year real estate veteran and recipient of numerous prestigious achievement awards, will serve as CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection. The Vaughn Team will continue to operate and maintain the team name under Better Homes and Gardens Hometown Connection.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our company,” said Vaughn. “As we actively look to expand in the region, I can think of no other brand as recognizable and trusted as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. This affiliation gives our current team and agents, as well as new agents joining the company, access to next generation technology and best-in-class marketing tools. This will help us grow with the ever-changing real estate industry, building stronger relationships faster with home buyers and sellers, while continuing to serve customers with the quality service The Vaughn Team is known for.”

“Hometown Connection is the very definition of Main Street values. Its deep connection with consumers is a natural fit for our brand,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Today’s home buyer demands a new level of service and our superior tools and services, combined with an iconic brand name, will help position this company and its agents as leaders in their communities.”

All local MLS listings, including those from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection, will now be accessible through www.bhgrealestate.com, which offers homebuyers and sellers comprehensive content and resources. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection (www.BHGHometownConnection.com) sales associates will now have access to best practice tools and information on the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Extranet.

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. 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

New York Real Estate Firm Joins Sotheby’s International Realty Network

2009-11-16T09:35:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Renwick & Winterling Realty Inc. in Bedford, N.Y., has signed an agreement to become a member of its luxury real estate network.

In January 2010 the firm will begin doing business as Renwick Sotheby’s International Realty, with James B. Renwick continuing in his role as broker and owner. The firm will service New York’s Bedford, Pound Ridge, Lewisboro and North Salem communities.

“We chose this firm to represent the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand because of its leadership team’s market knowledge and expertise,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Renwick & Winterling Realty has served the real estate needs of its community since 1879, creating a legacy of quality and professionalism.”

The firm’s office is located at 634 Old Post Road, Bedford, N.Y., and has 17 sales associates.

“We are honored to join the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and carry its name in our market,” said Renwick. “We have proudly represented the area’s high-end real estate through four generations. We remain committed to representing our clients in the most ethical, knowledgeable and professional manner, and look forward to offering them a new level of exposure, both locally and worldwide.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,700 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 40 countries and territories worldwide. Renwick 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

Home Buying 101: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Annual Listing Finds College Towns Are Undiscovered, Affordable and Stable Markets For Home Buyers

2009-11-05T08:35:00-05:00

Coldwell Banker College Home Price Comparison Index: Average Four-Bedroom Home Costs Less Than $250,000 in 62 Percent of College Markets Surveyed

PARSIPPANY, N.J. —

Every fall, college football fans feel nostalgic for the tradition, lifestyle and spirit of their college towns as they cheer on their favorite teams. This year’s Coldwell Banker® College Home Price Comparison Index (HPCI) reveals that these school-centric areas also sport very affordable homes, in addition to the culture and economic stability associated with higher education institutions – making them great areas to purchase real estate.

The annual College HPCI released by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC provides an apples-to-apples comparison of similarly sized 2,200 square foot, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom homes in college markets home to the 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools. This year, Akron, Ohio (University of Akron) is ranked as the most affordable college town, where a typical four-bedroom home costs $121,885. Muncie, Ind. (Ball State University) took the No. 2 spot at $144,996. Ann Arbor, Mich. (a quintessential college town home to the University of Michigan) came in as the No. 3 most affordable college market, where the sample size home only costs $148,000.

Overall, the 2009 College HPCI revealed that real estate buyers can find a typical four-bedroom home for less than $250,000 in 62 percent of the college markets surveyed (72 total), including iconic American college towns such as:

• Syracuse, N.Y (Syracuse University): $171,711
• South Bend, Ind. (University of Notre Dame) $183,938
• Athens, Ga. (University of Georgia): $205,862
• Oxford, Miss. (University of Mississippi): $212,000
• Knoxville, Tenn. (University of Tennessee): $223,850

Further research indicates that the charm and affordability of college towns is appealing to more than just students. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 American Community Survey; Austin, Texas (University of Texas), Provo, Utah (Brigham Young University), and Raleigh, N.C. (North Carolina State University) were among the metropolitan cities with the greatest population growth in 2008. In all three rising cities, home buyers can find a four-bedroom home for very a reasonable price; only $226,642 in Austin; $231,000 in Provo; and $241,462 in Raleigh.

“College markets have long-been one of the real estate industry best-kept secrets,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “Real estate professionals have been investing in college towns for years, often purchasing homes for their children who are attending school. However, these vibrant cities are not only for students; many empty nesters and families are attracted to the health care systems, culture and overall quality of life that college towns offer.”

While real estate in college markets may be an undiscovered gem, pride for teams and alma maters are definitely not under-wraps, regardless of how pricey the school or city. For an added perspective, Coldwell Banker asked fans to share “what’s best” about living in their college towns for its new Coldwell Banker On Location video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0S7eKOih7k.

More expensive college towns are also worth the investment for many people. For example, students have been competing for years to get accepted into prestigious schools like Stanford University, despite its high tuition and cost of living. Located in the most expensive college market in the nation (Palo Alto, Calif.), an average 2,200 square foot home costs a whopping $1.49 million.

The Coldwell Banker College HPCI specifically examines the home markets in 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools. Additional information about this year’s College HPCI and the original Coldwell Banker HPCI study, which ranked 315 markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in affordability for the same 2,200 square-foot subject home, is available at http://hpci.coldwellbanker.com.

2009 Coldwell Banker College HPCI – Highlights & Interesting Real Estate Related Facts:

• This year, there is a $1,367,841 price difference between the sample size four-bedroom home in the most affordable college town (Akron, Ohio) and most expensive college market (Palo Alto, Calif.).

• Five schools with football-teams-to-watch this year currently ranked in the BCS top 25 standings are also front-runners for home buyers:

Fort Worth, Texas (Texas Christian University), $153,450
Houston, Texas (University of Houston), $159,847
Cincinnati, Ohio (University of Cincinnati), $189,750
Boise, Idaho (Boise State University), $215,432
Iowa City, Iowa (University of Iowa), $217,500

• The Mid American Conference is the most affordable conference overall, where a typical four-bedroom home costs an average of $182,322.

The top 10 most affordable college markets for home prices in 2009 are:

Rank	School	Town, State	2009 Average Home Price
1	University of Akron	Akron, Ohio	$121,885
2	Ball State University	Muncie, Ind.	$144,996
3	University of Michigan	Ann Arbor, Mich.	$148,000
4	Eastern Michigan University	Ypsilanti, Mich.	$151,500
5	Texas Christian University	Fort Worth, Texas	$153,450
6	University of Tulsa	Tulsa, Okla.	$154,800
7	University of North Texas	Denton, Texas	$154,900
8	Rice University & University of Houston	Houston, Texas	$159,847
9	Indiana University	Bloomington, Ind.	$164,433
10	Kent State University	Kent, Ohio	$165,700

The top 10 most expensive college markets for home prices in 2009 are:

Rank	School	Town, State	2009 Average Home Price
1	Stanford University	Palo Alto, Calif.	$1,489,726
2	University of California LA & University of Southern California	Los Angeles, Calif.	$1,347,125
3	Boston College	Boston/Chestnut Hill, Mass.	$1,337,578
4	University of California Berkeley	Berkeley, Calif.	$1,299,750
5	San Jose State University	San Jose, Calif.	$808,926
6	University of Hawaii	Honolulu, Hawaii	$712,500
7	United States Naval Academy	Annapolis, Md.	$687,475
8	Northwestern University	Evanston, Ill.	$663,250
9	University of Colorado	Boulder, Colo.	$622,000
10	University of Washington	Seattle, Wash.	$568,317

The below chart ranks BCS top 25 college football teams in affordability (as of Sunday, November 1, 2009):

BCS Standing	School	Town, State	2009 Average Home Price	College HPCI Ranking
1	University of Florida	Gainesville, Fla.	$282,934	87
2	University of Texas	Austin, Texas	$226,642	59
3	University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Ala.	$206,267	41
4	University of Iowa	Iowa City, Iowa	$217,500	51
5	University of Cincinnati	Cincinnati, Ohio	$189,750	30
6	Texas Christian University	Fort Worth, Texas	$153,450	5
7	Boise State University	Boise, Idaho	$215,432	49
8	University of Oregon	Eugene, Ore.	$314,038	98
9	Louisiana State University	Baton Rouge, La.	$247,265	73
10	Georgia Tech University	Atlanta, Ga.	$287,250	89
11	Penn State University	State College, Pa.	$309,850	97
12	University of Southern California	Los Angeles, Calif.	$1,347,125	116
13	University of Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh, Pa.	$241,125	69
14	University of Utah	Salt Lake City, Utah	$291,000	92
15	University of Houston	Houston, Texas	$159,847	8
16	Ohio State University	Columbus, Ohio	$307,250	96
17	University of Miami	Miami, Fla.	$510,000	107
18	University of Arizona	Tucson, Ariz.	$227,470	60
19	Oklahoma State University	Stillwater, Okla.	$173,667	15
20	University of California Berkeley	Berkeley, Calif.	$1,299,750	114
21	University of Wisconsin	Madison, Wis.	$298,000	94
22	University of Notre Dame	South Bend, Ind.	$183,938	23
23	Virginia Tech University	Blacksburg/Roanoke, Va.	$290,725	91
24	University of Oklahoma	Norman, Okla.	$204,475	39
25	University of South Florida	Tampa, Fla.	$244,652	72

The below chart ranks the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences in affordability:

College HPCI Ranking	Conference	2009 Average Home Price
1	Mid American	$182,322
2	Conference USA	$210,882
3	SEC	$222,479
4	Big East	$237,366
5	Sun Belt	$242,213
6	Big 12	$244,431
7	Mountain West	$251,876
8	Big 10	$279,787
9	WAC	$356,528
10	ACC	$378,062
11	Independent	$411,444
12	Pac 10	$747,180

Methodology – 2009 Coldwell Banker® College Market Home Price Comparison Index:
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC conducted its College Home Price Comparison Index study by compiling survey data from Coldwell Banker® offices throughout the United States. Companies within the Coldwell Banker system submitted data based on the average sales price of sold real estate listings in 2009 or a comparative market analysis of homes previously sold. Because no Coldwell Banker real estate offices serve Troy, Ala., Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Ames, Iowa; Bloomington, Ind.; Athens, Ohio; Bowling Green, Ohio; Stillwater, Okla.; Charlottesville, Va.; Huntington, W. Va.; Morgantown, W. Va., and Laramie, Wyo. the average prices reflected in the study were from local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data collected in September 2009. The criteria for the College HPCI subject home is: single-family dwelling, 2,200 square feet (approximately), four bedrooms, two and one-half baths.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization (www.coldwellbanker.com) has been a premier full-service real estate provider. The Coldwell Banker system has approximately 3,300 residential real estate offices and approximately 100,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

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

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

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC Launches iPhone Application For Today’s Unique Home Buyer

2009-11-04T11:38:00-05:00

One-of-a-Kind Portal is Easily Integrated into the Home Buying Process

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced the release of its free iPhone application, Home Selection Assistant, a do-it-yourself tool that enhances the home buying experience by allowing users to gather, store, rate and share home information and images in a searchable portal. The application also offers practical home and neighborhood information consumers crave, including data on local schools, demographics, comparable home prices and more.

“Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is focused on meeting the unique demands of today’s real estate consumer, as they trend online for information with a do-it-yourself spirit,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “It only makes sense that our iPhone application mimics that same spirit to fit seamlessly into anyone’s natural home research process, whether they are actively looking for a new home, exploring their neighborhood to put a home on the market, or seeking information as they consider a renovation.”

As consumers tour homes, they can take pictures of the property and create an album for each room, which can then be rated on a five-star scale or further defined with user notes. These images can then be searched across properties or across user-defined categories using such keywords as “kitchen” or “family room.” Content can be synced with iTunes for access on a home computer or shared with friends and family on Facebook or via e-mail.

Each time a user takes a photo, the iPhone’s built-in GPS system uploads robust neighborhood data automatically from Onboard Informatics, including nearby restaurants and shops, community workforce breakdown, housing inventory and stability, crime rates, past pricing and sales on the home itself, and much more. This content can also be searched manually through the application by entering an address.

“Consumers want information on a home’s community and trusted advice from friends and family before they make a decision on a home,” Chris added. “Our application brings both, literally, to their fingertips.”

More than 150 articles on home renovation, remodeling, staging and more can also be accessed on the application, so buyers interested in changing or updating a room – either in their own home or in a home they are considering – can easily see what’s involved, the potential costs and more at the touch of a button. This same content is also available online at www.bhgrealestate.com.

The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate application was built in conjunction with Zumobi, a leading mobile media company that designs, develops and publishes branded applications for next-generation smartphones. It is available free on Apple’s App Store and can be downloaded at www.bhgrealestate.com/iphone.

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. 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

ERA Real Estate Names Anne Blumenstein Vice President of Marketing

2009-11-03T10:03:00-05:00

Marketing Veteran Brings In-Depth Franchise Experience, Joins Company’s Executive Team

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — ERA Franchise Systems LLC announced today the appointment of Anne Blumenstein to the position of vice president of marketing. Blumenstein brings more than 20 years of integrated marketing experience to her new role, as well as a successful track record of developing franchise support and growth models.

In this role, Blumenstein will lead the development and execution of the company's market-facing direction with responsibility for all marketing strategies and functions including advertising, public relations, packaging and communications of ERA Real Estate’s value proposition to its affiliates and their consumers. She will also serve on the Company’s senior leadership team.

Prior to joining ERA Real Estate, Blumenstein served as vice president of field marketing for the Carl’s Jr. division of CKE Restaurants, Inc., a leading fast-food operator and franchisor, where she oversaw local restaurant marketing, media planning, advertising placement and consumer promotions. Her extensive marketing and franchise experience also includes work with the Jack in the Box restaurant chain, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Inc.

“We are very pleased and excited that Anne has joined the ERA® team,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “Her strong track record in successfully managing marketing initiatives and driving growth and innovation brings great value for our brand, our affiliates and their consumers. I am confident that Anne’s addition to our executive ranks will strengthen our team, as well as the quality and consistency of our brand equity and marketplace performance."

Blumenstein is a graduate of Humboldt State University in California and has an M.B.A. degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 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 29,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,600 offices throughout the United States and 47 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. Additional information about ERA Franchise Systems LLC is available at ERA.com.

CONTACT:
Darren Hoffman
973-407-7904
Darren.Hoffman@ERA.com

Century 21 Real Estate Honored for Outstanding Achievement in Search Engine Marketing and Innovative Technology

2009-10-05T08:36:00-05:00

Company’s Digital Strategy Earns Two Awards

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, is proud to announce its Web site, century21.com, was honored with an Online Advertising Creativity Award from the OMMA Awards, and a WebAward in real estate excellence from the Web Marketing Association.

“These awards underscore the effectiveness of our interactive marketing effort and our commitment to providing an enhanced online experience for our consumer,” said Bev Thorne, senior vice president of marketing, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Our digital strategy continues to drive results and deliver value to CENTURY 21® System members. Since last year, we have driven 65 percent more leads to our franchisees, while decreasing our cost per lead by 50 percent.”

The OMMA Award, which reviews submissions across all industries, honored Century 21 Real Estate for its search engine marketing work with MediaCom Search, a division of GroupM Search. Century 21 Real Estate was honored for having the best search marketing for paid search. CENTURY 21 Interactive Marketing optimized its paid search functionality through a sophisticated consumer segmentation strategy designed to better connect with consumers by honing in on where they are in the purchase cycle. CENTURY 21 and MediaCom Search also received a Stevie Award this for this same campaign in July.

CENTURY 21 Real Estate’s receipt of a 2009 WebAward recognizes innovative technology offerings and an enhanced customer experience via century21.com. Since its re-launch last year, the site has been updated with more innovative tools to further demonstrate the CENTURY 21 System’s leadership in the online space, including Talks, an online consumer forum, and Open House Planner, an easy to use online tool that enables you to personalize, simplify, and organize your open house plan. This marks the second consecutive year that century21.com received an award from the Web Marketing Association.

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 66 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.

©2009 Century 21 Real Estate LLC, A Realogy Company. 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.

Contact
Matt Gentile: W: 973.407.6102 | M: 973.647.9042

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Welcomes New York Real Estate Firm

2009-10-01T09:47:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Chapin Sotheby’s International Realty in White Lake, N.Y., is the newest member of its luxury real estate network.

Richard A. Stoloff, a Monticello, N.Y., attorney, is a principal and responsible broker of the new firm, which services the Chapin Estate near Bethel, N.Y., and select properties in New York’s Sullivan County.

“Located at the secluded Chapin Estate, Chapin Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the area’s most exclusive onsite real estate firms,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The Chapin Estate’s parent company, Woodstone, also is the primary designer and builder of award-winning Adirondack homes within the community. In addition, the firm represents distinctive properties of Sullivan County, and we are proud to have them join the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand.”

The firm’s office is located at 2902 State Route 55 West, White Lake, N.Y.

“We are committed to delivering the highest level of customer service while offering the highest quality product,” said Stoloff. “Our goal is to create a world-class sales organization that is built on the fundamental foundation of exceeding customer expectations. With the support of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and our talented staff I am confident we will meet our objectives.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,600 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 40 countries and territories worldwide. Chapin 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.

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

Century 21 Real Estate LLC Announces October As National Open House Month

2009-09-30T10:03:00-05:00

Parsippany, N.J. — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, announced October as National Open House Month. This is the second year in a row in which CENTURY 21® offices around the country will hold open house events for thousands of their property listings throughout the month of October. This follows on the heels of the company’s successful “April is Open House Month” and “Path to Your Dreams Sweepstakes” promotion this past spring.

"Historically low interest rates, outstanding selection and affordability make this one of the best times to buy a home in decades,” said Tom Kunz, president and chief executive officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “The CENTURY 21 National Open House Month provides our brokers and agents with an excellent opportunity to reach out to potential homebuyers and educate them about their local housing options, as well as the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, which is available for eligible buyers who close on their purchase no later than November 30.”

Open house events continue to attract home shoppers. In April 2009, CENTURY 21 offices hosted more than 11,000 open houses across the nation, which represented a year-over-year increase of over 15 percent in open house listings.

Visit Century21.com to plan an open house tour. It is easier and more efficient than ever before with the CENTURY 21 Open House Planner and GPS mapping technologies that enable house hunters to personalize, simplify, and organize open house plans to meet their individual needs.

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 66 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.

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

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Releases Annual Home Price Comparison Index for United States and Select International Markets

2009-09-23T08:28:00-05:00

$2 Million Difference Between Four-Bedroom Homes In Most Expensive Market of La Jolla, Calif., and Most Affordable Market, Grayling, Mich.; Singapore Tops International List as Most Expensive Foreign Market; Salinas, Ecuador Most Affordable

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The 2009 Coldwell Banker® Home Price Comparison Index (HPCI) released today found a price gap of more than $2 million between the most expensive and most affordable U.S. housing markets. In the annual comparison of similar 2,200-square foot homes in 310 U.S. housing markets, La Jolla, Calif. led the list as the most expensive real estate market in the country with an average home price of $2,125,000. Grayling, Mich., also known as the “canoe capital of the world,” ranked as the most affordable market in America, where a similarly sized home costs $112,675.

La Jolla was joined on the most expensive list by 13 other California markets while Grayling was one of 20 Midwest communities on the most affordable list. Internationally, Singapore was the most expensive market for the same type of home, $1.9 million U.S. dollars, compared with Salinas, Ecuador, which at $69,375 U.S. dollars was the most affordable studied international market.

Differing from most housing reports that compare median prices, the annual Coldwell Banker HPCI, provides an apples-to-apples comparison of similar 2,200 square foot, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath homes in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and a sampling of countries/territories outside of North America where Coldwell Banker Real Estate has a presence.

”While price differentials are interesting to compare, I am most intrigued with the affordability levels now seen across much of the nation,” says Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home is one we deem ‘aspirational’ and usually purchased by move-up buyers experiencing lifestyle changes. Thirty percent of the markets show this type of home to be below $200,000, illustrating the opportunity to take advantage of price declines, interest rate levels and increased selection of homes. Encouraging these move-up buyers back into the market is a crucial next step toward helping to rejuvenate the housing industry and the overall U.S. economy.”

A “Snapshot” of U.S. Home Affordability
Offering a “snapshot” of affordability across the United States, the Coldwell Banker HPCI evaluates average home values for select 2,200 square foot single-family homes with four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths.1 The cumulative average sales price of the four-bedroom homes surveyed in the 310 U.S. markets (including one in Puerto Rico) covered in the Coldwell Banker HPCI is $363,460.

Through the comprehensive HPCI section on the Coldwell Banker web site (http://hpci.coldwellbanker.com), prospective homebuyers and sellers can calculate what similar homes may be worth in other areas and gather preliminary intelligence about the affordability of housing from one market to another.

2009 Coldwell Banker HPCI – Highlights and Top Market Lists

Affordable and Attractive: In addition to Grayling, Mich., the following are interesting tidbits about the other nine most affordable U.S. markets:

Akron, Ohio ($121,885), won the All-American City award three times and is birthplace to the ice cream cone
Fayetteville, N.C. ($130,875), a historic city known for its strong military ties
Canton, Ohio ($131,867), birthplace of American professional football and home to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame
Detroit, Michigan ($132,000), America’s automotive manufacturing and Motown music hub
Arlington, Texas ($138,775), home to the Dallas Cowboys’ new stadium which will host the 2011 Super Bowl XLV, and the Texas Rangers' Ballpark
Macon, Ga. ($139,007), hometown to many legendary soul and blues acts like Otis Redding, and home of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame
Eau Claire, Wis. ($141,270), which has been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise in the past
Port Charlotte, Fla. ($142,750), which is minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico and setting to some of the country’s best sunset views
Wichita, Kans. ($144,625), home to more than 30 museums and a haven for art-lovers, theatre-goers and golfers alike

Low Cost to Homeownership: In total, there are 84 U.S. markets in which the sample home price averages under $200,000. The monthly mortgage cost for homes in this price range could average less than $600, and down payments could amount to less than $4,000.
Luxury Living: La Jolla, Calif. heads the list as the most expensive real estate market in the country ($2,125,000), beating out its California neighbor Beverly Hills, where the average home costs $1,981,750. Greenwich, Conn., whose average price of $1,519,250 places it as the most expensive market on the East coast, followed by Boston at No. 7 overall. In total, 11 U.S. markets exceeded the $1 million average price for the surveyed home. Note: Manhattan in New York City was not included in the study because of the lack of comparable single-family homes.
On Average: The overall national average price of homes in the 2009 Coldwell Banker HPCI is $363,401.
Canadian Prices Reach Record Levels: Canada’s brief market downturn is over, with record prices now seen throughout the resurgent market. Vancouver, BC leads the hot-again west coast at $1.17 million U.S. dollars for the studied home, nearly double that of nearby Burnaby BC at $611,243. Boomtown Fort McMurray at $593,340 surpasses Calgary as Alberta’s most expensive market. Canada’s largest city, Toronto, Ontario comes in at $766,643, while Charlottetown PEI remains the country’s most affordable market, priced at $147,560 U.S. dollars. ¬¬
Most Expensive Internationally: The most expensive market outside the United States is Singapore, where an HPCI subject home averages $1.9 million U.S. dollars, four percent lower than La Jolla. Coldwell Banker Real Estate compared a total of 57 markets in 29 countries outside of the United States, with those international home prices averaging $487,844 in U.S. dollars.

TABLE 1
The top 10 most expensive and most affordable surveyed U.S. markets overall in 2009 are:

Rank	Most Expensive	2009 Avg. Sales Price	Most Affordable	2009 Avg. Sales Price
1	La Jolla, Calif.	$2,125,000	Grayling, Mich.	$112,675
2	Beverly Hills, Calif.	$1,981,750	Akron, Ohio	$121,885
3	Greenwich, Conn.	$1,519,250	Fayetteville, N.C.	$130,875
4	Palo Alto, Calif.	$1,489,726	Canton, Ohio	$131,867
5	Santa Monica, Calif.	$1,460,912	Detroit, Mich.	$132,000
6	San Francisco, Calif.	$1,363,250	Arlington, Texas	$138,775
7	Boston, Mass.	$1,337,578	Macon, Ga.	$139,007
8	Newport Beach, Calif.	$1,315,505	Eau Claire, Wis.	$141,270
9	Palos Verdes, Calif.	$1,237,041	Port Charlotte, Fla.	$142,750
10	San Mateo, Calif.	$1,090,000	Wichita, Kans.	$144,625

TABLE 2
The most expensive and most affordable surveyed U.S. markets within each state in 2009 are:

State	Most Expensive	2009 Avg. Sales Price	Most Affordable	2009 Avg. Sales Price	Variance
ALASKA	Juneau	$375,667	Anchorage	$339,311	$36,356
ALABAMA	Huntsville	$267,314	Mobile	$183,696	$83,618
ARIZONA	Flagstaff	$385,057	Phoenix	$199,111	$213,373
ARKANSAS	Fayetteville	$216,125	Little Rock	$171,684	$44,441
CALIFORNIA	La Jolla	$2,125,000	Lancaster	$165,205	$1,959,795
COLORADO	Boulder	$622,000	Colorado Springs	$200,002	$421,998
CONNECTICUT	Greenwich	$1,519,250	West Hartford	$354,375	$1,164,875
DELAWARE	Wilmington*		$376,250
FLORIDA	Key West	$815,750	Port Charlotte	$142,750	$673,000
GEORGIA	Atlanta	$287,250	Macon	$139,007	$148,243
HAWAII	Honolulu	$712,500	Kihei Maui	$540,044	$172,456
IDAHO	Boise	$215,432	Coeur d’Alene	$204,518	$10,914
ILLINOIS	Chicago	$768,333	Joliet	$176,536	$591,797
INDIANA	Munster	$336,000	Muncie	$144,996	$191,004
IOWA	Des Moines	$221,625	Sioux City	$150,060	$71,565
KANSAS	Overland Park	$230,317	Wichita	$144,625	$85,692
KENTUCKY	Florence	$212,720	Lexington	$188,017	$24,703
LOUISIANA	New Orleans	$255,066	Lafayette	$194,939	$60,127
MAINE	Portland	$310,500	Lewiston	$212,250	$98,250
MARYLAND	Bethesda	$759,664	Hagerstown	$237,946	$521,718
MASSACHUSETTS	Boston	$1,337,578	Worcester	$242,769	$1,094,809
MICHIGAN	Mount Pleasant	$195,014	Grayling	$112,675	$82,339
MINNESOTA	Edina	$392,647	Rochester	$191,982	$200,665
MISSISSIPPI	Jackson	$238,000	Gulfport/Biloxi	$186,500	$51,500
MISSOURI	St. Louis	$228,852	Springfield	$156,225	$72,627
MONTANA	Bozeman	$297,488	Great Falls	$151,100	$146,388
NEBRASKA	Kearney	$212,100	Norfolk	$187,350	$24,750
NEVADA	Reno	$272,309	Las Vegas	$213,120	$59,189
NEW HAMPSHIRE	Hanover	$555,222	Nashua	$281,250	$273,972
NEW JERSEY	Ridgewood	$801,250	Haddon Heights	$238,448	$562,802
NEW MEXICO	Santa Fe	$362,602	Albuquerque	$215,059	$147,543
NEW YORK	Queens	$793,500	Syracuse	$171,711	$621,789
NORTH CAROLINA	Winston-Salem	$279,241	Fayetteville	$113,701	$165,540
NORTH DAKOTA	Fargo	$224,426	Minot	$157,167	$67,259
OHIO	Columbus	$307,250	Akron	$121,885	$185,365
OKLAHOMA	Oklahoma City	$164,250	Tulsa	$154,800	$9,450
OREGON	Salem	$335,840	Medford	$276,367	$59,473
PENNSYLVANIA	Philadelphia	$472,396	Erie	$206,500	$266,193
RHODE ISLAND	Providence*		$290,217
SOUTH CAROLINA	Charleston	$338,726	Myrtle Beach	$188,123	$150,123
TENNESSEE	Nashville	$235,336	Chattanooga	$161,975	$73,661
TEXAS	Dallas	$332,375	Arlington	$138,775	$193,600
UTAH	Salt Lake City	$291,152	Provo	$213,000	$78,152
VERMONT	Burlington	$352,000	Rutland	$237,600	$114,400
VIRGINIA	Vienna	$645,946	Winchester	$209,750	$436,196
WASHINGTON	Bellevue	$781,825	Tri-Cities	$224,475	$557,350
WEST VIRGINIA	Charleston	$203,528	Parkersburg	$155,000	$48,528
WISCONSIN	Madison	$298,000	Eau Claire	$141,270	$156,730

The 2009 average price in the District of Columbia:

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

$642,962 *

The 2009 average price in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico:

PUERTO RICO

$311,750 *

*Only one market included in the study.

TABLE 3
The most expensive and most affordable markets (in U.S. dollars2) within selected provinces/territories in Canada are:

Province/Territory	Most Expensive	2009 Avg. Sales Price	Most Affordable	2009 Avg. Sales Price	Variance
ALBERTA	Fort McMurray	$593,340	Edmonton	$401,993	$191,347
BRITISH COLUMBIA	Vancouver	$1,174,241	Burnaby	$611,243	$562,998
MANITOBA	Winnipeg $363,042*
NEW BRUNSWICK	Moncton $256,843 *
NEWFOUNDLAND	St. John’s $324,338*
NOVA SCOTIA	Halifax $257,891*
ONTARIO	Toronto	$766,643	Brantford	$222,968	$543,675
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND	Charlottetown $147,560 *
QUEBEC	Montreal $436,403 *
SASKATCHEWAN	Saskatoon $355,237*
YUKON	Whitehorse $341,775*

* Only one market included in the study.

TABLE 4
All surveyed international markets 2009:

Country	Market	2009 Avg. Sales Price in U.S. $	2009 Average Sales Price in Local Currency
ARUBA	Aruba	$ 314,000	565,200 AWG
AUSTRALIA	Brisbane	$ 217,071	676,500 AUD
BAHAMAS	Nassau	$ 458,906	458,906 BD
BELIZE	San Pedro	$ 244,300	244,300 BZD
BERMUDA	Hamilton	$ 1,348,813	1,348,812.50 BMD
CAYMAN ISLANDS	Cayman Islands	$ 526,250	427,210.00 KYD
CHINA	Shanghai	$ 1,386,750	9,471,500 CNY
	Chongqing	$ 340,776	2,327,500 CNY
COLOMBIA	Pereira	$ 151,884	342.500.000 COP
	Bogotá	$ 182,926	412.500.000 COP
	Cartagena	$ 454,102	1.024.000.000 COP
COSTA RICA	Escazu	$ 293,750	293,750 CRC
	Heredia	$ 265,000	265,000 CRC
	Jaco Beach	$ 385,500	385,500 CRC
	San Jose	$ 269,500	269,500 CRC
ECUADOR	Guayaquil	$ 101,250	101,250 ECS
	Samborondon	$ 154,250	154,250 ECS
	Salinas	$ 69,375	69,375 ECS
EGYPT	Cairo	$ 273,393	1,366,963 EGP
	6th October	$ 859,625	4,298,125 EGP
GUATEMALA	Guatemala City>	$ 207,175	1,665,687.00 EUR
HONDURAS	Roatan	$ 299,500	299,500.00 HNL
	San Pedro	$ 220,000	220,000.00 HNL
	Tegucigalpa	$ 228,166	228,166.66 HNL
INDONESIA	Bandung	$ 112,367	1.24 billion IDR
	South Jakarta	$ 494,252	5.37 billion IDR
	Tangerang	$ 146,551	1 billion IDR
IRELAND	Cork	$ 534,360	185,500 EUR
	Dublin	$ 1,127,843	727,125 EUR
	Galway	$ 746,874	481,875 EUR
ITALY	Florence	$ 1,612,224	1.150.000 EUR
	Rome	$ 1,261,740	900,000 EUR
	Milan	$ 1,636,758	1.167.500 EUR
LEBANON	Beirut	$ 512,000	787,456.00 LBP
MEXICO	Mexico City	$ 207,020	2,727,433 MXN
	Monterrey	$ 188,435	26,395,000 MXN
NICARAGUA	Granada	$ 239,750	239,750 NIO
	Managua	$ 221,000	221,000 NIO
PANAMA	Panama City	$ 239,750	239,750 PAB
ROMANIA	Ploiesti	$ 402,778	1,220,539 RON
	Brasov	$ 300,764	911,406 RON
	Bucuresti	$ 1,371,528	4,156,145 RON
SINGAPORE	Singapore	$ 1,898,500	1,898,500 EUR
ST. CROIX	Christiansted	$ 602,500	602,500 US
TURKEY	Istanbul	$ 669,000	1,037,000 TRY
	Ankara	$ 351,000	545,000 TRY
	Gaziantep	$ 173,500	270,000 TRY
	Izmir	$ 315,000	490,000 TRY
TURKS AND CAICOS	Providenciales	$ 872,225	872,225 US
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES	Dubai	$ 1,077,703	3,987,500 AED
VENEZUELA	Caracas	$ 165,615	1.076.500,00 VEF
	Maracaibo	$ 118,461	770.000,00 VEF
	Porlamar	$ 151,653	985.750,00 VEF
VIETNAM	Ho Chi Min City Dist 1	$ 341,099	6,066,000,000 VND
	Hanoi	$ 166,470	2,962,500,000 VND
	DaNang	$ 172,900	3,075,000,000 VND

Methodology – 2009 Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index:
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC conducts its Home Price Comparison Index study by compiling survey data from Coldwell Banker offices throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and a sampling of other countries where the Coldwell Banker system has a market presence. Companies within the Coldwell Banker system submit data based on the average sales price of comparable listings through July 2009, a comparative market analysis of homes previously evaluated for the 2008 HPCI. The criteria for the HPCI subject home is: single-family dwelling, 2,200 square feet (approximately) four bedrooms, two and one-half baths, family room (or equivalent) and two-car garage in neighborhoods/zip codes within a market that is typical for corporate middle-management transferees.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,500 residential real estate offices and approximately 100,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

¹ 2,200 square feet was the baseline figure used as size criteria for the HPCI subject homes. However, it is possible that in certain markets the size of the subject homes varied.

² The Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar conversion rate was $.93. The date of conversion was 9/15, and http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca was used to convert the figures.

Media Contacts:
David Siroty
Coldwell Banker
973.407.7199
David.Siroty@coldwellbanker.com

Heather Roberts
Real Estate LLC
973.407.5590
Heather.Roberts@coldwellbanker.com

Kathleen Reynolds
CooperKatz & Co.
917.595.3031
kreynolds@cooperkatz.com

J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Coldwell Banker Highest in Home Seller Satisfaction

2009-09-17T12:04:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC ranked highest among real estate companies in satisfying home sellers according to the recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller Study^SM.

“This recognition is a testament to the brand’s legacy as an industry leader, our commitment to innovation and, above all, our powerful network,” said Jim Gillespie, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “With unsurpassed local knowledge, expertise and work ethic, we at Coldwell Banker have always felt that our network of professionals is the greatest in the industry, and we’re pleased J.D. Power and Associates recognized it.”

The independently administered study measured customer satisfaction of homebuyers and sellers among the largest national real estate firms. The study incorporates more than 3,100 evaluations from 2,801 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2008 and June 2009. The survey was fielded between April and June 2009.

J.D. Power and Associates examined four factors in the home-selling experience including: agent; marketing; office; and package of additional services. Among home sellers, Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranked highest with a score of 815 and performed particularly well in all four factors.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate also ranked particularly high in the home-buyer segment. The brand ranked second with a score of 801 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in the office factor.

Complete results for the study can be found here.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,500 residential real estate offices and approximately 100,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on home building and home improvement, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

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

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

ERA Real Estate Network Contributes $800,000 To Fight Muscular Dystrophy

2009-09-08T12:18:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Representatives from Parsippany, N.J. based ERA Franchise Systems LLC, presented checks totaling $800,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the 44th annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, Sept 6 - 7. The contribution represented the 2008 fundraising effort of the entire ERA Real Estate franchise network on behalf of MDA.

The contribution was presented to MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis and his co-hosts during the entertaining, inspiring and often emotional 21½-hour broadcast by Mark D’Andrea, senior director of marketing, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. D’Andrea was joined by representatives from the top three fundraising companies in the ERA® network for 2008– ERA Jose S. Castelo in New Bedford, Mass., ERA Shields in Colorado Springs and the winner of the 2008 ERA Ed Bilinkas Memorial Award, Jack Gaughen Realtor ERA in Camp Hill, Pa. This award is given each year to the ERA company that best captures the spirit of giving back to the community.

“Thanks to the continued support of the ERA network, we’re moving even closer to developing effective treatments and finding cures, while we’re delivering vital assistance like medical clinics and summer camp,” Lewis said. “Thanks to the marvelous efforts of organizations like ERA Real Estate, hope will one day be transformed into reality for ‘my kids.’”

ERA Real Estate has been an MDA national sponsor for 32 years, and the company and its franchise affiliates have raised over $30 million. The ERA network and customers have raised funds for MDA through their “Home in on a Cure” promotional program, golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, walk-a-thons and many other special events. For more information on these programs, visit http://mda.org/help/natevents.html.

“The ERA Real Estate network’s support of MDA means a lot to our employees and affiliated sales associates and brokers, because it enables us to be a part of MDA’s tireless lifesaving efforts,” D’Andrea said. “Our commitment to Jerry’s Kids will continue until cures for all types of muscular dystrophy are found.”

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 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 32,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,600 offices throughout the United States and 49 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 www.ERA.com.

Contact:
Darren Hoffman
Director, Public Relations and Communications
ERA Franchise Systems LLC
(973) 407-7901
darren.hoffman@era.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Grows Consumer Brand Recognition by Nearly 20 Percent in One Year

2009-08-26T12:01:00-05:00

Wall Street Journal Residential Real Estate Survey Results Speak to Company’s Presence as a Powerful Consumer Lifestyle Brand

PARSIPPANY, N.J — On the heels of its first anniversary, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced its brand recognition among consumers has jumped nearly 20 percent, according to two surveys conducted in its first year. According to an Infinia Analytics report completed in May 2008, aided awareness of the brand was 49 percent prior to launch and, according to a Wall Street Journal Residential Real Estate survey released this month, two out of every three Journal subscribers surveyed (approximately 68 percent) said they are aware of the brand today. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate now is one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry.

The results demonstrate that despite a challenging housing market, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has risen quickly by distinguishing itself as a consumer lifestyle brand in the real estate industry. The organization has attracted 2,100 brokers and sales associates across 75 offices in 10 states by successfully combining an iconic brand known for all things home-related with a next-generation real estate business driven by the latest technologies, advanced agent tools and award-winning consumer marketing.

“We set out to develop a brand that could successfully marry Main Street ideals with Web 2.0 sensibilities and to communicate that message directly to today’s changing real estate consumer,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Our ability to deliver on this message in our first year undoubtedly has led to our success.”

Without traditional media buys, such as radio or television commercials, the brand instead focused on developing content relevant to today’s consumer, employing social media and marketing tactics such as consumer-friendly online videos with home renovation and selling tips from designer Stephen Saint-Onge and an innovative, consumer- and agent-friendly Web site and industry blog. Through unique public relations and marketing tactics, the brand has emerged as one of the most readily recognized in real estate.

“We built the entire brand around the aesthetic and appeal of the Better Homes and Gardens brand, which we found through extensive research and measurement would immediately resonate with consumers,” said Camilla Sullivan, senior vice president, marketing, for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “We aimed to move beyond simply the real estate transaction and to speak directly to consumers at every turn. It looks like they were listening.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was launched to accommodate today’s changing consumers as they trend to the Web for information, education, transparent pricing, home valuations, seamless customer service, and for finding an agent or buying a house.

The Wall Street Journal 2009 Residential Real Estate Study surveyed 3,000 of its print subscribers living in the top 20 designated market areas in the United States. The study had a 76 percent response rate. Respondents had an average household income of $245,000 and an average household net worth of nearly $2.3 million.

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

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Launches First-of-its-Kind International Home Search Application for iPhone and Android Devices

2009-08-20T14:10:00-05:00

First National Real Estate Brand to Offer Automatic Notifications of New Listings Through a Mobile Application

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today announced the launch of the first-ever international home search application for iPhoneTM and AndroidTM-powered devices. The Coldwell Banker Real Estate mobile application enables users to easily search for property listings and recent home sales in 28 countries in North America, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Australia and South America. The results of these searches as well as the search itself can be saved in a personalized ‘My Coldwell Banker’ account newly created from the user’s smartphone or added to an existing account with coldwellbanker.com by logging into the site directly from the handheld device. Unique to the Coldwell Banker application, searches that are saved to an app-created ‘My Coldwell Banker’ account will automatically generate notifications of new properties and open houses, alerting the user to updated results right on the device’s homepage.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate continues to raise the bar on the traditional home search. In October 2008, Coldwell Banker Real Estate set out to reach the masses by becoming the first full-service national real estate brand to optimize its Web site for use on all mobile devices. By early 2009, international Coldwell Banker Real Estate listings in 28 countries became accessible via the Coldwell Banker brand Web site on the iPhone, Blackberry and other smartphones. To date, more than 200,000 users have viewed Coldwell Banker Real Estate listings from the convenience of their handheld devices. Building upon this success, the Coldwell Banker brand is taking the next step in providing consumers with greater flexibility when searching for a home by designing a mobile application that is intuitive, quick and convenient.

“While the desktop computer remains a proven screen, Coldwell Banker recognizes that today’s technologically savvy consumers are also using smartphones to access information on-the-go,” said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “We are committed to improving the consumer experience and will continue to introduce innovative technology such as this mobile application to provide our customers with up-to-date home data the moment they want it and to wherever they may be.”

Features of the new application include:

GPS-based search to locate nearby homes for sale, open houses and recent homes sold
Ability to sort recently sold properties by location, price and sale date
Option to view search results in list form or on a variety of maps including street, hybrid and satellite that are marked with “clickable” Coldwell Banker Real Estate icons
Detailed property listings that include images and a slideshow view
Direct dial and e-mail functions from the user’s mobile handset to the local Coldwell Banker Real Estate listing agent associated with each property
Real-time notifications of new properties and open houses identified through the user’s customized saved searches

A video demonstration of the Coldwell Banker brand mobile application can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSUpuHbPXhE

Bootstrap Software was responsible for developing and building the Coldwell Banker Real Estate mobile application.

iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Computers, Inc.

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About Coldwell Banker Real Estate
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,500 residential real estate offices and more than 101,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Media Inquiries:
Heather Roberts
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
973.407.5590
Heather.Roberts@coldwellbanker.com

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

CENTURY 21 Real Estate Announces Caribbean Expansion With the Launch of Bermuda Franchise

2009-08-18T08:50:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, has announced the signing of an agreement by its Caribbean master franchisee to open the first CENTURY 21® franchise in Bermuda. The addition of Bermuda expands the CENTURY 21 Caribbean Franchise network to 15 countries and territories throughout the Caribbean, and 68 worldwide.

"Bermuda continues to attract visitors from around the world and the opportunities for home buyers are exceptional right now,” said Tom Kunz, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “We are honored to welcome CENTURY 21 Bermuda Properties and its president, Frederica Forth-Anglies, into our global network.”

Bermuda is 670 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Bermuda has a highly developed international business economy and is an offshore financial center, which results from its low direct taxation on personal or corporate income.

“It is a buyer’s market and the property values have come down as much as 30 percent and the bank rates are as low as they have ever been,” said Forth-Anglies. “The power of the CENTURY 21 brand, the level of professionalism that customers have grown to appreciate and know around the world is one that I am thrilled to be a part of and to bring to the home buyers and sellers in Bermuda. We’re looking forward to pairing the gold jacket icon with our local iconic Bermuda shorts.”

For more information about CENTURY 21 Bermuda Properties, visit: century21bermudaproperties.com.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Century 21 Real Estate LLC, century21.com, 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 8,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 68 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, the world's largest real estate franchisor.

© 2009 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.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Surveys 1,000 Men and Women to Discover Gender Differences in the Home-Buying Process

2009-08-17T08:47:00-05:00

Survey Finds that While Couples Make Real Estate Buying Decisions Together, Women Make Up Their Minds Significantly Faster than Men

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — It often seems as though men and women are from different planets, but every day millions of couples navigate through day-to-day and even life-altering decisions. Because a home is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC surveyed 1,000 individuals to discover how much men and women differ in the home-buying process.

The real estate company engaged a third-party research firm, International Communications Research (ICR), to delve into the innerpsyche of men and women, asking questions such as “How long did it take for you to know that the last home you purchased was right for you?” and “If you found the home of your dreams but had concerns about its security, would you still be interested?” Coldwell Banker Real Estate also surveyed couples on additional topics, such as “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” when it comes to making major financial decisions.

“The results were surprising,” said Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker consumer real estate expert. “Not only did we uncover some of the inherent differences between men and women, but we also pinpointed a number of ways that the two genders are actually the same. For example, both men and women are increasingly concerned with having a space to work in their homes – something we would not have seen 40 years ago.” She continued, “We also found that feeling insecure about a home’s safety is a deal-breaker for most people, regardless of gender.”

Patton noted this topic is particularly timely given that many first-time homebuyers are hoping to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires on December 1, 2009.

Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study:

Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men …
•When asked how long it took before they knew their home was “right” for them, almost 70 percent of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62 percent of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent of women).

Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job …
•55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37 percent of men.

A home’s security is a deal-breaker for both men and women …
•64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51 percent).

Couples say that no one “wears the pants in the relationship” in terms of major financial decisions …
•When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70 percent of respondents living with their significant other said it’s actually mutual.
•However, 23 percent think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26 percent vs. 20 percent, respectively).

Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part …
When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12 x 12 room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses:
•Bedroom: 25 percent
•Office/Study: 15 percent
•Family Room / Den: 11 percent

However, men really do want a “Man Cave”…
•Interestingly, out of the 8 percent who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge. In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation / entertainment.

In addition to providing background on the survey results, Patton is able to offer tips for couples who are currently going through the process of buying a home. “These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other’s differences and work together, from deciding a neighborhood to how to use a spare room,” she said. “Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way.”

Methodology: Coldwell Banker Real Estate engaged ICR to conduct an omnibus survey via telephone in May 2009, among more than 1,000 respondents.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,200 residential real estate offices and approximately 100,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Contacts
Heather Roberts
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
973.407.5590
Heather.Roberts@coldwellbanker.com

Kathleen Reynolds
CooperKatz & Co.
917.595.3031
kreynolds@cooperkatz.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Marks One-Year Anniversary with Growth and Momentum

2009-08-05T09:15:00-05:00

Real Estate Brand Finds Powerful Niche as Industry’s Consumer Lifestyle Brand

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate LLC celebrates one year since the launch of its franchise system, with a growing network of 2,100 agents across 75 offices in 10 states. In its first year of operations, the newest national real estate franchise has surpassed expectations and gained momentum in a challenging housing market by distinguishing itself as the industry’s consumer lifestyle brand. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate combines an iconic brand known for all things home with a next generation real estate business driven by the latest technologies, advanced agent tools and award-winning consumer marketing.

“We’ve found that a good idea is welcome under any market conditions and is perhaps especially welcome in changing times,” explained Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “We have effectively blended a respect for the lifestyle tradition of an American media powerhouse with a focus on innovation, best-in-class technology and the reach of social media. It has proven to be a winning combination for homebuyers, brokerage owners, and agents alike.”

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate was launched to accommodate today’s changing consumer as they trend to the Web for information, education, transparent pricing, home valuations, seamless customer service, and for finding an agent or buying a house. Just as importantly, the brand has been engineered to support today’s brokers and agents as they reinvent themselves and move to meet the needs of a changing market.

The following are some of the most noteworthy tools and initiatives the franchisor has launched in the last year to serve all stakeholders in the business of real estate:

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s dynamic, consumer-friendly Web site, www.bhgrealestate.com, which was nominated for a coveted Webby Award, was updated with new features and functionality in July 2009 to make it even more user-friendly.
Its influential “Clean Slate” blog, written by senior executives from the company, is widely read and respected in the industry and was recently nominated for an Inman Most Innovative Blog Award.
The database marketing tool, PinPoint, accesses the Meredith Corporation’s database of 85 million subscribers allowing targeted marketing campaigns to be delivered to consumers segmented by life stage and demographics. Pinpoint is currently in pilot testing by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
The GreenLight Program, a fundamental career development program delivered via live online meetings, is designed to help real estate professionals generate revenue through prospecting, connecting and servicing today’s consumers on their terms while still delivering a high-touch experience.
The Greenhouse, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate system’s extranet, houses the tools, services and products that its agents need to grow their business and connect with their peers – from branded marketing templates to educational resources to live chat support.
The Sales Wiki allows the brand’s agents and brokers to find information on real estate topics quickly and easily, while at the same time offering them the opportunity to contribute to the conversation. Topics include business tips, pricing, marketing, social media networking and more.
Agents can quickly create and customize distinctive marketing materials to be delivered electronically via the Digital Marketing Center.
Online Dominance, a self-paced online training program with weekly live group coaching calls, assists agents in better understanding the Internet-empowered consumer.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has developed a comprehensive Business Analytic Toolset that is helping their franchisees manage their brokerages right down to the bottom line in new and innovative ways. Their many tools provide unique and powerful tables and graphs on each office’s financial and operating performance, transactions by various segments and a proprietary “what if” analysis for planning purposes.

“One of the key components of our value proposition is to help brokers create a more sustainable business by offering them the tools they need to grow strategically and remain focused on long-term goals,” said Chris. “As we look to continue building our business in the coming year, we are currently setting our sights on a number of major market areas across the country, while at the same time looking to grow internationally.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC has a 100-year license agreement with Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), the company that owns the Better Homes and Gardens® trademark. As a testament to its brand strength, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC won four marketing awards in its first year, including: the Gold MarCom Award, Silver GALAXY Award, Platinum Ava Award and the Ektron All-Star Award. It also is nominated for Inman’s Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise Award.

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 and HomeFinder.com® Announce Advertising Agreement

2009-08-04T08:44:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, and HomeFinder.com®, a leading national real estate search site that connects home buyers and sellers with comprehensive property listings and real estate professionals, are pleased to announce a national advertising agreement. This relationship enhances the exposure for CENTURY 21® System broker listings on HomeFinder.com and its network of 130-plus online newspapers throughout the country.

“The HomeFinder.com partnership offers another example of the CENTURY 21 brand delivering enhanced value to consumers and to our brokers and agents through powerful online advertising initiatives,” said Bev Thorne, senior vice president of marketing, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Our marketing is focused on meeting consumers online, providing them with the tools they want and then driving them to our franchisees for the information they need to make an informed home buying or selling decision.”

The national advertising agreement is the latest in a series of HomeFinder.com partnerships with the CENTURY 21 brand. In 2008, HomeFinder.com also formed advertising partnerships with multiple CENTURY 21 regional broker councils to enhance listings spanning from Northern California to the Northwest Inland Empire and Southern Idaho, among others.

“We’re excited to deliver additional traffic, visibility and opportunity to the CENTURY 21 System through this advertising partnership,” said Tim Fagan, president and chief executive officer of HomeFinder.com. “HomeFinder.com will supercharge all CENTURY 21 broker office listings with top priority listing placement and unlimited photo uploads that will deliver maximum exposure to an unduplicated and targeted audience across our Network of 130-plus newspaper Web sites.”

About HomeFinder.com:
HomeFinder.com (www.homefinder.com) is one of the most trusted Web sites for consumers to search for a home and connect with a real estate professional. Distinguished by its inventory of comprehensive property listings and rich content, HomeFinder.com provides more than 3.2 million listings with customized searches and multiple options to view and manage results.

HomeFinder.com also provides simpler, more valuable online advertising solutions for agents, brokers and builders, combining the brand power of more than 130 local newspaper Web sites with exposure on a national scope, in a platform that tracks every phone call, email and/or click a consumer makes.

Owned jointly by three leading media companies, Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Co. (NYSE: MNI) and Tribune Co., the HomeFinder.com Network includes The Arizona Republic, Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times and The Indianapolis Star. For more information, visit http://www.homefinder.com.

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 approximately 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.

CONTACT:
Matt Gentile, 973-407-6102

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Named As Finalist for Two Inman Innovator Awards

2009-07-30T09:33:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced today it is a finalist for two 2009 Inman Innovator Awards, including Most Innovative Blog and Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise. The awards, which honor 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 Inman News’ Real Estate Connect Conference in San Francisco on Aug. 7.

“As the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate franchise system enters its second year of operation, we are proud to be recognized as a leader in the industry, alongside more tenured brands,” said Sherry Chris, the company’s president and CEO. “Being named a finalist for these two awards in particular is important for us, as we establish ourselves as an ‘apple pie’ brand married with Web 2.0 sensibilities.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate differentiates its franchises through its technology, agent recruitment strategies, broker business building systems and comprehensive consumer lifestyle value proposition. Currently, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has franchisees in 10 states with approximately 70 offices, and more than 2,100 agents.

Its Clean Slate Blog (http://bhgrealestateblog.com/), one of the most followed blogs in the industry, was launched in February 2008 and has since been met with much success. Written by executives across the company, the blog incorporates thoughtful editorial content with video, photos and an “Ask Sherry Chris” feature, where readers can submit questions to get her insights on the industry.

“Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is uniquely positioned to serve today’s home buyer as the only national consumer lifestyle brand in the real estate market,” said Chris. “In this unprecedented time in real estate history, we are helping to define the next-generation agent by communicating traditional real estate know-how through smart and innovative technologies.”

The Real Estate Connect Conference runs from Aug. 5-7.

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 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. 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) 7747-7148
klongoria@kwitco.com

Sotheby’s International Realty Network Enters Rome

2009-07-27T08:29:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and ROME — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the signing of an exclusive 25-year master franchise agreement covering Lazio, Rome, with St. Peter - Real Estate s.r.l.

The new firm now will operate as St. Peter Sotheby’s International Realty, with Angelo Savioli serving as office manager and managing director, Arch. Gianluca Puracchio as senior broker and Lola Echeverria Precioso as broker.

“This is a major milestone for the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand as it marks the first time our services will be available in Rome’s luxury real estate market,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The professionals at St. Peter Sotheby’s International Realty are true local market experts and ideal representatives for our brand.”

“Our goal is to expand our presence in Italy’s luxury real estate market, and with the support of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand we now have a more expansive global reach,” said Savioli. “Foreign customers that want to purchase a home for personal use, or as an investment, have a resource in our firm—as both an agent and as a professional consultant.”

St. Peter Sotheby’s International Realty is located at Via Boezio, 6, 00193, Rome. The phone number is +39 06.68.96.179.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,600 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 40 countries and territories worldwide. All St. Peter 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.

MEDIA CONTACTS

David Russell
Director, International Marketing and Public Relations
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC
Thorpe Hall
Middlewood Lane
Fylingthorpe
YO22 4TT
United Kingdom
+44208 123 1985
David.Russell@sothebysrealty.com

Angelo Savioli
Office Manager and Managing Director
St. Peter Sotheby’s International Realty
Angelo.Savioli@sothebysrealty.com
+39 06.68.96.179

ERA Real Estate Announces J Samuels Signature Homes LLC as New Affiliate in Hawaii

2009-07-14T13:54:00-05:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — ERA Franchise Systems LLC announced today that J Samuels Signature Homes LLC in Hawaii has joined the ERA® global network and will now operate as ERA Signature Homes.

“I’m pleased that we are affiliating with the ERA brand,” said Jeffrey Samuels, principal broker. “The global reach and reputation of the ERA brand will help my company to reach our international buyers; and the technology, programs, and growth opportunities that will be available to my team can help us better serve the real estate needs of the people of Hawaii.”

Established in Hawaii in 2002, the full-service real estate firm serves buyers and sellers on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Samuels is recognized as one of Hawaii’s top brokers and a consistent sales leader.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jeff and his team to ERA Real Estate,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “We are pleased to have a broker we consider to be a leader in his market join the ERA team. We believe that ERA Signature Homes can deliver a powerful combination of marketing savvy and global presence to serve the people of Hawaii. With Jeff’s knowledge of Hawaiian real estate and his well-established reputation as being one of the finest brokers in Hawaii, we believe this company will continue its growth path bolstered by ERA Real Estate’s technology and comprehensive brokerage and sales tools.”

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. The ERA network includes more than 33,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,800 offices throughout the United States and 49 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation.

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