Bridget Franklin
Issaquah, Washington, independent brokerage, Thomas L. Macy Real Estate has become part of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s franchise network.
The business, now to be known as Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co, launched in 2013 and caters to luxury estates, waterfront properties, new developments and neighborhood homes in the eastern Seattle market. It counts one office and eight agents.
Broker-owner Bridget Franklin, who comes from a family of real estate developers, told Inman via email that Issaquah is one of the hottest markets on the eastern side of Seattle.
“Being within the vicinity of both Costco and Amazon headquarters has brought an influx of relocation buyers,” she said. “We’ve also experienced an increase in first-time buyers and millennials, and witnessed the development of a thriving condo market.”
BHGRE’s cultural values mirrored those of her own brokerage, said Franklin.
“Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate did not have an established presence in our local area, so we were excited to bring a national name to the region,” she added. BHGRE also has franchises in Poulsbo, Puyallup and Vancouver, Washington.
“Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate shares our passion for the industry, and being a part of their network will enable us to grow our franchise while maintaining the individual identity that drives our current success,” Franklin said in a prepared statement.
When Franklin launched Thomas L. Macy in 2014, the broker-owner said her aim was to establish a company that echoed the values and integrated the work ethic she had developed over her then 10-year long career.
“I wanted to foster a brokerage that capitalized on all the positive aspects within the industry that I believe are critical to success — including a collaborative and supportive approach among colleagues,” she told Inman.
Each week, her brokerage conducts an office meeting in which everyone gathers to collaborate and share the events of the previous week.
“We use this platform to review offers as a group and learn from the experiences of others,” she said.
Sherry Chris, president and CEO of BHGRE said in a company press release: “Their commitment to sharing knowledge among affiliated agents helps mold independent accomplishments into collective success, and we look forward to supporting them as they capitalize on these achievements to grow their brand.”
The BHGRE’s network includes over 11,000 affiliated sales associates in 350 offices in the U.S., Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
