Inman

Realogy franchisor moves into Hawaii at Warren Buffett’s expense

Realogy franchisor Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is putting its first toe in the water in Hawaii, and it’s doing so at the expense of Warren Buffett’s franchise brand, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has signed a former Prudential Real Estate Services affiliate, Oahu-based Advantage Realty, as its first brokerage in Hawaii.

Myron Kiriu

CEO Myron Kiriu will continue to lead the brokerage, and Kevin Inn has been promoted to president.

Kevin Inn

“Growing into the Hawaii market is a significant milestone for the brand, especially as we align ourselves with such a strong real estate force as Myron Kiriu and his team,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, in a statement.

With 75 affiliated real estate professionals, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty is not a huge addition to the Realogy franchisor’s network. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate claims more than 9,100 affiliated sales associates working out of 280 offices across the U.S. and Canada.

Signage at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty via Sherry Chris @sherrychris

But by signing with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Advantage Realty is not only opening up new turf for the franchisor, it’s turning its back on Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Buffett’s brokerage business, HomeServices of America, owns the Prudential Real Estate brand, and has been transitioning Prudential Real Estate affiliates to its new franchise brand, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Having brought nearly all of the brokerages formerly affiliated with Prudential Real Estate under its wing, this year HSF Affiliates LLC — the joint venture that runs the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Real Living and Prudential Real Estate brands — is focused on signing  independent brokerages and companies affiliated with other brands.