Warren Buffett Chris Goodney/Bloomberg

In Warren Buffett’s 2016 investor letter released this past weekend, the folksy tycoon called out HomeServices of America (HSA) and said to expect more acquisitions.

The company had $225 million in earnings last year, up from $191 million in 2015.

HSA is part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

“HomeServices may appear out of place in [this group]. But it came with our purchase of MidAmerican (now BHE) in 1999 — and we are lucky that it did.

“HomeServices owns 38 realty companies with more than 29,000 agents who operate in 28 states. Last year it purchased four Realtors, including Houlihan Lawrence, the leader in New York’s Westchester County (in a transaction that closed shortly after yearend),” wrote Buffett.

“In real estate parlance, representing either a buyer or a seller is called a ‘side,’ with the representation of both counting as two sides. Last year, our owned Realtors participated in 244,000 sides, totaling $86 billion in volume.

“HomeServices also franchises many operations throughout the country that use our name. We like both aspects of the real estate business and expect to acquire many Realtors and franchisees during the next decade.”

HSA owns real estate brokerages, mortgage companies, settlement service providers, insurance companies, corporate relocation and affiliated businesses and is the majority owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Real Living Real Estate and Prudential Real Estate franchise networks.

HSA has pushed hard for real estate brokers to control their listing data, playing a leadership role in shaping UpstreamRE and the Broker Public Portal and recruiting other industry participants.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×