While real estate agents chase leads and close deals on houses, there’s another level of deal-making that takes place within the real estate industry: mergers, acquisitions, integrations and partnerships.
We’ll be recapping every week’s noteworthy deals that didn’t make it into print (and some that did) for your perusal.
We missed you last week!
December 1
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England and Westchester Properties announced the acquisition of Prudential Premier Homes in Torrington, Connecticut. “We’re thrilled to add Prudential Premier Homes to our team,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England and Westchester Properties President and CEO Candace Adams in a statement. Prudential Premier agents will now be part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England and Westchester Properties.
This week’s deals
December 5
Opes Advisors, a mortgage lending and wealth management firm serving California, Oregon and Washington, announced a partnership with Blend, a Silicon Valley mortgage technology company bringing mortgages into the modern age, to deliver a digital mortgage experience to its clients. “We are dedicated to helping people make the most important financial decisions of their lives,” said Jonathan Lee, co-founder, executive chairman and CTO at Opes Advisors. “Teaming up with Blend to offer a fully-digital mortgage process was a natural next step, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce the new and improved platform to our clients in 2017.”
Century 21 Affiliated announced the merger of Century 21 Shaw Realty Group located in Tampa, Florida. It will operate under the Century 21 Affiliated name and will remain at its current locations. “As respected and innovated real estate brokerage companies, the coming together of these companies means a heightened level of service for area home buyers, sellers and owners,” said Thomas Bretz, Managing Partner of Century 21 Affiliated – Illinois, Indiana and Florida. “We will be bringing the best of both companies together to make this a dynamic merger which will be beneficial to all of the agents.”
December 7
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates announced that the Van Horn Team in Holland, Michigan, is the newest member of its network and will now operate as Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Lake Michigan shoreline is an enticing second home location, with Holland as an anchor for the luxury real estate market, offering the best of the waterfront lifestyle,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, in a statement.
RedBrick Realty in Phoenix is merging with Realty Executives and will rebrand as Realty Executives. “Realty Executives is an organization synonymous with success, and my vision for the continued growth and expansion of RedBrick and its talented agent team aligns precisely with that of the company,” said Doug Hopkins, founder and CEO of RedBrick Realty, in a statement. “Merging to form an even more dynamic and agent-centric company makes us thrilled to be part of this partnership.”
December 8
The American Bankers Association endorsed Down Payment Resource. ABA will host a webinar in January for bankers who want to learn more about the organization. “We want our bank members to have the most up-to-date information on programs that can help their customers achieve homeownership,” said Bryan Luke, chairman of ABA’s Endorsed Solutions Banker Advisory Council, in a statement. “Down Payment Resource has established itself as the foremost expert in all types of homebuyer programs.”
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate announced the addition of Signature Brokers in Chattanooga, which will be rebranded as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Signature Brokers. “The appeal of Chattanooga’s outdoors lifestyle, matched with their growing technology scene, is an attractive combination,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, in a statement. “The talented agents affiliated with Signature Brokers have mastered the art of selling homes in this area and understand their clients’ wants and needs.”
Engel & Völkers North America celebrated the grand opening of its first Bluffton, South Carolina, shop with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration. “As a growing destination for international buyers on the Atlantic coast, Bluffton is a key market for Engel & Völkers North America’s Northeast network,” said Anthony Hitt, CEO of Engel & Völkers North America, in a statement.
December 9
Coldwell Banker Blackstone Realty, serving the greater Rancho Cucamonga, California, area, announced its merger with EGA Homes to expand the Coldwell Banker brand into Riverside, California. “Growth is essential in any business, and we have been working with our affiliated companies like Coldwell Banker Blackstone Realty when they are interested in merging with or acquiring other firms,” said Charlie Young, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker, in a statement. “Coldwell Banker Blackstone Realty’s merger with EGA Homes will further strengthen the Coldwell Banker presence in the Inland Empire region.”