Heritage Texas Properties of Houston, Texas, has been awarded the prestigious RELO^® Quality Certification by the Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® network. The RELO^® Quality Certification (RQC) was the first program in the relocation industry to quantify and qualify what true relocation service excellence means. Modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige national quality award, it was created by the network to provide measurable standards for the pursuit of relocation excellence.

Heritage Texas Properties earned the certification only after its relocation department met stringent standards and completed a rigorous and lengthy application process, overseen by a committee of leading industry professionals.  Virtually every aspect of the company’s relocation operation was reviewed thoroughly, using specific criteria to evaluate performance and production, staffing, training and continuing education, quality and scope of relocation service, program marketing, customer satisfaction, technology resources, office facilities, and more.

“We are incredibly honored to be counted among such an elite group of real estate companies that hold this certification,” said Heritage Texas Senior Vice President Kirsten Abney, CRP, RCC, WRS, who heads the company’s relocation department. “Our primary goal is and always has been to provide an outstanding experience for our clients – a goal that guides us every day. What we have achieved would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our entire company, including that of Robin Mueck, our CEO. Our team is truly humbled and will use the knowledge we gained through this rigorous process,” Abney said.

According to Pam O’Connor, president and CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, Heritage Texas Properties exemplifies the quality standards on which the RQC is based. “The RQC is awarded only to the industry’s most highly respected relocation departments,” O’Connor commented. “RQC firms have distinguished themselves by demonstrating real expertise in addressing employee mobility needs, and it is a great pleasure to welcome Heritage Texas Properties to this elite group of companies.”

In operation for almost four decades, Heritage Texas Properties is a market leader, operating offices from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas.

To see a full list of RQC companies, visit LeadingRE.com/MemberCredentials/RELOQualityCertification.

For more information about Heritage Texas Properties’ relocation services, contact Kirsten Abney: Kirsten Abney: Kabney@heritagetexas.com or (281) 582-3952

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® has announced that Erin Koops, CRP, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Member Services. In this role, Koops oversees the company’s Business Solutions consultants, broker-to-broker referral program, member education for core programs and services, white-glove international referral liaison program, and U.S. Military on the Move affinity program. These services are offered to the network’s 500+ market-leading residential real estate companies in more than 50 countries around the world.

“Erin is a highly-valued asset of our company, with responsibility for key operational areas generating significant revenue,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “We are grateful for her efforts and commitment to always going above and beyond.”

Koops, who joined the company in 2006, started her career as a financial analyst on Wall Street and later worked in corporate finance and operations for Marvel Entertainment and Sara Lee Corporation. She holds Worldwide ERC’s Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation and has served on its YP40 (Young Professionals) Board. She is an avid cyclist and enjoys competing in triathlons across the country.

Koops is based in the company’s Chicago headquarters.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® announced today that seven of its affiliates were named to the Inc. 5000, the publication’s annual ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) is the only real estate organization to have more than two companies on the list. LeadingRE is the largest global real estate network in terms of annual home sales, comprised of 500+ top independent brokerages in over 50 countries.

LeadingRE affiliate companies on the prestigious ranking include Intero Real Estate Services (Calif.), Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers (Hawaii), Gibson International (Calif.), Robert Paul Properties (Mass.), @properties (Ill.), Carriage Properties (S.C.), and john greene Realtor (Ill.).

“It is not surprising to see so many of our affiliates recognized for significant growth, ranking among the most successful companies across a wide range of industries,” Pam O’Connor, LeadingRE President and CEO said. “As a whole, our members strive to set higher standards and offer new and innovative services, combining their local success with the global reach available to them through affiliation with our network. This approach results in companies that continue to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.”

LeadingRE supports its affiliates’ growth through a robust referral network that generates over 30,000 affiliate-to-affiliate referrals annually, as well as listing and branding tools, luxury marketing, online learning, conferences and technology solutions.

To learn more about LeadingRE, visit www.LeadingRE.com. To see the full Inc. 5000 list, visit www.inc.com/inc5000/list/2015.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® has named Matterport as a preferred provider through its Solutions Group program, a collection of quality business products and services presented to its global network of more than 500 market-leading firms.

Matterport offers an end-to-end immersive media solution that allows real estate professionals to easily capture, edit and share any space with a photorealistic 3D model of an entire property. Using the Matterport Pro Camera and iPad Capture app, an entire 2,000 square foot house can be scanned in about an hour, creating an interactive tour that can be viewed on any mobile or desktop device.

“We are pleased to provide our members with an easy and highly effective way to attract out-of-town buyers and engage tech-savvy consumers in a way that makes them feel like they are actually in the home,” said Robin LaSure, LeadingRE vice president of corporate marketing.

According to Jeffrey Harris, Matterport vice president of Sales and Business Development, the relationship supports the company’s plans for strategic growth. “We’re very excited to be chosen as a preferred technology provider by LeadingRE. Having their endorsement is very important to us, and we look forward to engaging with their world-class group of independent and forward-thinking brokerages,” Harris said.

To learn more about Matterport, visit http://matterport.com.  To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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HGTV has announced the winners of its Ultimate House Hunt, a month-long online contest held on HGTV.com. The contest highlighted exceptional homes from across the globe in ten distinct categories, attracting over 82 million page views with nearly 900,000 votes cast.

The winning homes, all represented by members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International®, were selected by consumers who voted for their favorites among a select group of finalists.

The overall winner, receiving the most votes among all of the homes as well as the most in the Waterfront Homes category, was a luxuriously rustic lake house in Tiger, Ga., represented by Harry Norman Realtors.

Hawaiian homes fared especially well, with three residences from Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers being voted favorites:  a contemporary estate in Haena in the Glass House category; a tropical paradise in Omao in the Privacy, Please category; and a Princeville home with resort-style amenities as the Favorite Backyard Retreat.

The favorite Urban Abode was a Queen Anne-style home in Seattle from Windermere Real Estate. Winning favorite International Home was a timber-frame house in Squamish, BC, Canada, presented by Macdonald Real Estate Group. The Most Amazing Kitchen went to an oceanfront estate in Dana Point, Calif. from Willis Allen Real Estate. In the popular Tiny Home category, a beach cottage in Westerly, R.I. from Lila Delman Real Estate received the honors. Winning Best Curb Appeal was a private estate in Central Point, Ore. from John L. Scott Real Estate. The most popular Historical Home was Locksley Hall in Belvedere, Calif. from McGuire Real Estate.

In addition to bragging rights, the winning homes will receive additional editorial exposure on HGTV.com.

“The response to the 2015 Ultimate House Hunt was incredible, as our audience was drawn to the beautiful photography of these stunning homes,” said Rich Lacy, vice president, Emerging Brands at Scripps Networks. “We are pleased to partner with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International® to showcase these homes and the lifestyles they represent.”

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (www.LeadingRE.com) is the largest network of top independent real estate brokerage firms, with more than 500 companies in over 50 countries worldwide. Luxury Portfolio International^® (www.LuxuryPortfolio.com) is the luxury face of LeadingRE, supporting member firms that specialize in the high end market.

To view the Ultimate House Hunt winners, visit www.hgtv.com/ultimatehousehuntwinners.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® has named Moxi Works a preferred provider through its Solutions Group program, a collection of select business tools offered to its international network of more than 500 real estate firms.

Moxi Works is an integrated and open system that includes key components to support an agent’s success, including CRM, presentation tools, agent websites, repeat and referral marketing, and integrations such as MLS data, agent email and brokerage intranet. Agents who embrace the program see 38% more business.

“We are impressed by how Moxi Works’ takes a proven, sphere-based selling methodology for real estate and combines it with highly effective tools designed to support an agent’s success,” comments Robin LaSure, vice president of corporate marketing for LeadingRE. “The fact that it also offers a manager dashboard and automated coaching makes it even more compelling for our member firms.”

Moxi Works has deep roots in the independent brokerage community, having honed its system with LeadingRE member Windermere Real Estate for many years, in addition to other firms.

 

“We have been successfully working with over a dozen LeadingRE brokerages that find we not only fulfill their technical needs, but also are a great philosophical fit with their brokerage,” said Moxi Works’ CEO York Baur. “Now with this expanded partnership with LeadingRE, we are looking forward to helping more brokerages grow their business,” added Baur.

 

To learn more about Moxi Works, visit http://moxiworks.com.  To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® has selected HomeActions for its Solutions Group program, a collection of quality business products and services presented to its international network of more than 500 real estate firms.

HomeActions provides Realtors^® with a complete e-Prospecting system that electronically delivers current and compelling content of interest to all homeowners, not just those actively buying or selling their home. The content-rich system positions the real estate agent as the expert and homeowner’s advocate, making them the logical “go-to Realtor” when it comes time to buy or sell.

“HomeActions offers a turn-key solution to help sales associates stay in touch with clients and prospects over the long-term by providing truly relevant information for homeowners,” said Robin LaSure, vice president of corporate marketing for LeadingRE. “We are excited to present this program to our members as a highly effective way to stay top-of-mind with consumers.”

“LeadingRE represents the top independent firms across the country, and we are excited to expand our relationships with this prestigious group as we deliver on our mission to support sales associates in a way that, ultimately, helps them build more business,” said HomeActions President and Founder Barry Friedman.

To learn more about HomeActions, visit http://homeactions.net.  To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® has released its 2014 sales statistics, demonstrating continued dominance in the residential real estate market. Network affiliates produced over one million transactions valued at $321 billion in home sales in 2014, over $81 billion more than its closest network competitor.

Among the top 500 firms in the United States, LeadingRE affiliates outsold all other networks in home sales units by over 40%, according to REAL Trends 500, which ranks the largest U.S. companies by transaction sides and sales volume. LeadingRE has outsold all national networks and franchises for more than a decade.

Among this prestigious group, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® members represented 14 of the top 25 firms in the U.S. in sales volume and 26% of the total sales production of the top 500 U.S. companies.

“The recently-released 2014 sales data illustrates a steady improvement in the sales performance of LeadingRE, continuing a trend we’ve seen since we began collecting this data 15 years ago,” said Pam O’Connor, LeadingRE president/CEO. “These impressive results demonstrate the local market dominance of our member firms and the collective power of our global real estate network.”

Figures for the top 500 firms are verified and published by REAL Trends. Figures for total sales of all networks are estimated by using average sales units per agent for each network’s firms in the REAL Trends 500, multiplied across each network’s entire agent population. 

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® encompasses over 500 firms with 3,500 offices and 120,000 associates in over 50 countries worldwide. The organization provides its affiliates with a robust menu of products and services spanning the areas of lead generation; outcome-based learning for leaders, associates and staff; web technology and systems; and branding and marketing support, including its Luxury Portfolio International® division. To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® has selected Open Home Pro™ as preferred provider through its Solutions Group program, a collection of select business tools presented to its international network of more than 500 real estate firms.

Open Home Pro™ is the top-ranked open house management tablet app for real estate agents, helping agents collect and convert more leads from open houses. Additionally, the company offers a product specifically for brokers, allowing brokers to create premium accounts for agents so they can gain access to valuable lead conversion metrics and performance analytics.

“Open Home Pro™ brings agents a highly effective and professional tool for capturing leads at open houses with enhanced features and customized branding,” said Robin LaSure, vice president of corporate marketing for LeadingRE. “At the same time, with Open Home Pro™ for Brokers, company leaders get useful insights and analytics on agent activity and performance.”

According to Doug Breaker, Open Home Pro™ CEO, the partnership is an ideal way to expand adoption of the tool among top companies.

“We’ve been a long-time supporter of LeadingRE and count many of the brokers in the network as clients. We’re excited to offer all members access to our new Open Home Pro™ broker product,” Breaker said. “We recognize that in a very competitive real estate market any tool that can help brokers differentiate themselves, gather more leads and brand themselves as technology-forward will be an advantage to their agents and their firms.”

To learn more about Open Home Pro™, visit http://promo.openhomepro.com/leadingre/.  To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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Diane M. Ramirez, chief executive officer of Halstead Property, has been elected to the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® Board of Directors. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) is a global network of 500+ market-leading real estate firms producing over one million annual home sale transactions.

Mrs. Ramirez is a 35-year industry veteran who is well-known for her passion and devotion to residential real estate. Together with Clark Halstead, she founded Halstead Property in the fall of 1984 and has since grown the company to incorporate nearly thirty offices with more than 1,000 agents throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Riverdale, the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, Hoboken, New Jersey and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

“LeadingRE is an organization with a true spirit of collaboration, so I am honored by the opportunity to serve alongside some of the best brokers in the industry, as we work on behalf of our premier member brokerages worldwide,” Ramirez said.

“Diane has done an incredible job building her company, balancing innovation and elegance,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “We are privileged to have her serve in this capacity, and know that her marketing expertise and business acumen will make her a valued addition to our accomplished board.”

Ramirez joins a distinguished group of brokers on the LeadingRE board, including Chairman Pat Riley (Allen Tate Company, Charlotte, N.C.); Immediate Past Chairman Robert Sibcy (Sibcy Cline REALTORS^®, Cincinnati, Ohio); Vice Chairman Joe Horning (Shorewest REALTORS^®, Brookfield, Wis.); Secretary Dan Elsea (Real Estate One, Southfield, Mich.); and Treasurer Harold Crye (CRYE-LEIKE, REALTORS®, Memphis, Tenn.); Jeffrey S. Detwiler (Long & Foster Real Estate, Chantilly, Va.); Howard W. (Hoby) Hanna IV (Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Cleveland, Ohio); Chris Meyers (Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate, Armonk, N.Y.); Ron Peltier (HomeServices of America, Minneapolis, Minn.); Michael T. Robinson (Weichert, REALTORS®, Morris Plains, N.J.); Michael Saunders (Michael Saunders & Company, Sarasota, Fla.); and William Watson, Jr. (Watson Realty Corp., Jacksonville, Fla.).

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® is the largest network of over 500 premier locally-branded firms responsible for more home sales than any other real estate network. LeadingRE provides its affiliates with an extensive range of brokerage services, including lead generation, cross-market referrals, branding support, luxury marketing, online exposure, technology systems, and industry-leading professional development.

To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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