Less than six months since officially signing its first affiliate, the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network has experienced strong affiliate acceptance, quickly generating a presence in the U.S. real estate market. From Florida to Washington state, and a diverse peppering of regions in between, well-entrenched and acclaimed real estate firms are seizing the opportunity to affiliate with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand.
Compelled by the stellar reputation and superior quality that the Berkshire Hathaway name embodies, brokers say the decision to affiliate is an obvious one.
“The response to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand has been tremendous,” says Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the brand as part of a joint venture formed by HomeServices of America, Inc. “The pace has met our expectations and we expect to have transitioned or signed most Prudential Real Estate affiliates by the end of 2014.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President Stephen Phillips agrees.
“Our work to promote the brand and explain the value proposition has resulted in great enthusiasm in the marketplace and we’re balancing the demand with the physical realities of conversion. We are gratified to have the interest and demand for the brand that we have thus far.”
“Having the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network come to life across the country is a tremendous accomplishment,” remarks HomeServices Chairman & CEO Ron Peltier. “HomeServices is very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response to the brand and its value proposition and we look forward to the network’s continued growth and success.”
What’s in a Name? In this Case, a Lot
According to Lee and Phillips, the overwhelmingly positive response to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand among brokers is directly connected to the first-class reputation of the Berkshire Hathaway name.
“Our network is one of only a few organizations entrusted to use the Berkshire Hathaway name,” says Lee. “Berkshire Hathaway is the world’s most trusted company, according to Barron’s; and CEO Warren Buffett is recognized for his business sense, integrity and success.”
“Brand is a key component of the value proposition in real estate franchising,” explains Phillips. “Anyone who is affiliated with this brand is immediately vaulted into the stratosphere of global brand recognition and brand quality.”
From the Pennsylvania-based powerhouse Fox & Roach REALTORS®, to Seattle’s Northwest Real Estate, the firms signing on with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand comprise an impressive Who’s Who of market-leading real estate firms (see page 68), a fact not lost on Phillips and Lee.
