For 29 years, REAL Trends has been providing comprehensive lists of who’s doing what in residential real estate. Whereas the numbers qualifying firms across the country to even be considered have changed, the bragging rights have not.
In 2015, firms needed to closed a minimum of 1,702 transactions to for the 2016 list consideration. These are the top five firms from Houston.
No. 66: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Gary Greene
Total Volume in 2015: $2,364,724,812
Gary Greene Realtors, as the firm was known when it was founded in 1963, has changed ownership a few times since inception.
Originally a stand-alone firm, Gary Greene, Realtors joined the Better Homes and Gardens franchise in 1980, found new owners with Prudential (who later got out of the real estate business), then rejoined BHG.
The firm now has 20 offices and more than 850 agents serving the Houston market.
No. 139: Greenwood King Properties
Total Volume in 2015: $1,332,768,061
Greenwood King Properties was founded in 1984 by Julie Greenwood and Linda King. In the 22 years since inception, the “boutique” firm has grown to nearly 200 agents serving Houston’s booming residential housing market.
Greenwood King Properties has three offices in the Houston area and boasts “the only full-service real estate resource center,” appropriately titled The Lobby. It remains as one of the few privately-owned firms in the region.
No. 145: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties
Total Volume in 2015: $1,317,372,463
Since Mike Huff started acquiring firms 11 years ago — his first had just five agents — it’s been a rollercoaster of success. With nearly 1,000 agents in 40 markets across three states, he’s helped build the Berkshire Hathaway HomeService into a household name.
Huff said “I think the forecast in real estate is sort of like the weather forecast: It’s going to be regional and you’re probably going to be right about 30 percent of the time.”
No. 181: John Daugherty, Realtors
Total Volume in 2015: $1,117,101,234
With over 45 years in the business, one could easily assume that John Daugherty, CEO of John Daugherty Realtors, knows a thing or two about Luxury homes in the Houston area. The firm has brokered over $12.6 billion in sales since 2000, and continues to match families of all sizes with their dream home.
Daugherty has received awards and recognition for his philanthropic work both through the firm and on his own accord, but it’s the on-going dedication to excellence that keeps John Daugherty, Realtors a prime choice for homebuyers.
No. 203: Heritage Texas Properties
Total Volume in 2015: $1,029,522,404
What started out as a merger between House Hunters, Inc. and Zarr and Company, Realtors has blossomed into Heritage Texas Properties.
Employing over 300 licensed real estate agents, Heritage Texas Properties has 16 offices across Texas allowing the independent firm to cover markets from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas. Its CEO, Robert Mueck, and president, Chaille Ralph, have also served as chairpersons of Houston Association of Realtors.
