HGTV has joined forces with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International® as the exclusive real estate partners for its annual Doory Awards. Billed as “The Ultimate House Hunt,” the Doory Awards present extraordinary homes for sale to HGTV’s extensive audience, allowing consumers to vote for the homes they find most appealing.

Finalists have been selected in ten categories: Waterfront Homes, International Homes, Celebrity Homes, Tiny Homes, Urban Homes, Historical Homes, Your House Has WHAT?, Gourmet Kitchens, Spa Bathrooms and Outdoor Retreats. Consumers can view finalists and vote for their favorites at HGTV’s real estate site, FrontDoor.com/doory from May 1 through June 5. Winners will be announced June 6.

“Like everything we do at HGTV, the Doory Awards are all about what makes a home compelling and how we can be inspired by a home’s extraordinary design features, breathtaking setting or unique amenities,” said Rich Lacy, vice president, Emerging Brands for HGTV’s Home Category. “Because of our long-term relationship with LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio, we knew they would be the ideal partners for this year’s awards based on the quality of the network’s firms, the impressive array of homes represented around the world and the emphasis on stunning photography.”

HGTV has aligned with LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio on a number of marketing initiatives in recent years and announced the Doory Awards partnership during the network’s Conference Week in February at Wynn Las Vegas.

“We are thrilled to bring our member companies an opportunity to reach HGTV’s extensive audience of home enthusiasts through the Doory Awards, as well as future opportunities for editorial exposure on HGTV’s numerous websites and programs,” notes Paul Boomsma, COO of LeadingRE and president of Luxury Portfolio.

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 nearly 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 Doory Award finalists and cast your vote, visit www.FrontDoor.com/doory.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® has named its new Advisory Council, adding five members and appointing a new chairperson and vice chairperson. The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) Advisory Council is comprised of top business development and relocation professionals from firms affiliated with the network and works closely with the LeadingRE management team on critical network initiatives. Council members also mentor other network affiliates and serve as ambassadors for the organization’s extensive programs. They are elected by existing members based on industry experience, reputation and willingness to share ideas in support of the network.

The council’s new chairperson is Diane Howard, CRP, CRS, GRI, who was elected to serve a one-year term after recently completing a term as vice chairperson. An industry veteran with more than 23 years of experience, Howard is vice president of client services for Real Estate One, Inc. (Southfield, MI) and will provide strategic guidance to the council. Denise Talboy, vice president of Global Relocation & Corporate Services for The Keyes Company (Miami, FL), was elected as vice chairperson.

Newly-elected members include: Chuck Garrett, Kahala Associates, Honolulu, HI; Dawn Stevens, Jack Conway & Co. Inc., Norwell, MA; Jane Gowarty, Smith & Associates Real Estate, Tampa, FL; Liz Nunan, Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate, Rye Brook, NY; and Pamela Metzger, Colorado Landmark, Realtors, Boulder, CO.

Additional council members include: Dawn Fetherston, Diane Turton, Realtors, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ; Elizabeth Fowler, WestMark, Realtors, Lubbock, TX; Nancy Harmann, GARDNER, REALTORS, Metairie, LA; and Paige Thompson, Zeitlin & Company, Realtors, Nashville, TN.

“The Advisory Council serves a critical role in our network’s ongoing success, helping us ensure the programs we offer our member companies are timely and relevant,” said Erin Koops, LeadingRE vice president, Network Services. “We are so fortunate to have such a highly-respected group of professionals who generously share their time and expertise.”

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a collection of over 500 leading residential real estate firms, represented by 4,000 offices and 120,000 associates in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Collectively, the network produces more than one million transactions annually. LeadingRE provides its affiliates with an extensive range of brokerage services, which include lead generation, cross-market referrals, branding support, luxury marketing, online exposure, technology systems, and industry-leading professional development.

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