The former founder of Intero Real Estate Services is moving to a new role at the top of HomeServices of America. Gino Blefari, currently the CEO of HSF Affiliates — the subsidiary that operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living franchise networks — was appointed today as CEO of HomeServices of America.
The previous HomeServices of America CEO, founder Ron Peltier, is moving on to become the company’s executive chairman. The move comes just days after Peltier was named the most powerful and influential person in real estate by consulting firm T3 Sixty’s annual Swanepoel Power 200 list.
Gino Blefari | Credit: HomeServices of America
Blefari’s appointment comes at a time when HomeServices of America, the own-side brokerage subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, is undergoing immense growth.
In 2018, the brokerage acquired Ebby Halliday, the largest indie brokerage in North Texas. Last week, it acquired one of its parent company’s own franchisees, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty, expanding its Florida footprint by 1,750 agents and 40 offices.
Through its acquisitions, HomeServices of America has grown to 900 offices with 42,000 agents. It’s also grown ever-closer to Realogy’s brokerage subsidiary NRT at the top of the leaderboard for most transactions by any brokerage in 2017, although Real Trends and T3 Sixty have not released their 2018 lists yet.
“Our growth brings substantial opportunity,” Peltier said in a statement. “In today’s competitive and fluid landscape, we are the preferred choice for market leaders looking to join a company known for its integrity, financial strength and operational excellence.”
Ron Peltier | Credit: HomeServices of America
Blefari began his real estate career more than three decades ago and previously held a leadership position with HomeServices of America’s top rival NRT. Blefari then founded the Silicon Valley-based Intero Real Estate Services, which was acquired by HomeServices of America in 2014.
“HomeServices of America is an incredible organization built on the strength of local brands and supported by a world-class leadership team,” Blefari said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more excited or proud to be joining a team that is so deeply connected to one another and committed to the ongoing success of their companies.”
With Blefari transitioning into on the new role, Chris Stuart has been appointed CEO of HSF Affiliates and president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Allan Dalton has been named CEO of Real Living Real Estate.
“[Stuart] brings a unique perspective to our industry based on his combination of enterprise technology experience plus his time with me operating Intero Real Estate, one of the country’s largest real estate brokerage firms,” Blefari said. “I have the highest confidence in [Stuart], who has been a skilled leader at HSF Affiliates, delivering exceptional growth and innovation to our networks,”
“[Dalton], with decades of industry experience and success, will be a visionary leader of the Real Living network,” Blefari added.
