Month: March 2016

LeadingRE Names Real Estate Webmasters as a Solutions Group Provider

Robin Lasure

CHICAGO – (3/23/16) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® has selected Real Estate Webmasters for its Solutions Group program, a collection of carefully-selected business providers presented to LeadingRE’s global community of more than 500 quality independent real estate companies.

Founded in 2004 by Morgan Carey, Real Estate Webmasters is one of the largest custom technology providers offering end-to-end solutions for real estate firms, teams and agents. The company specializes in custom and semi-custom websites, marketing tools, lead management, customer relationship management (CRM) and consulting services.

“Real Estate Webmasters is ideal for brokerages looking to provide unified, state-of-the-art technology at the company level to improve SEO, brand control and lead generation. We look forward to introducing their solutions to our members across North America and beyond,” comments Robin LaSure, LeadingRE vice president of corporate marketing.

“LeadingRE is an impressive organization with highly professional leadership, and their members are among the best in the industry,” said Michael Audet, vice president enterprise for Real Estate Webmasters. “These are the people we serve and want to serve – who understand the importance of working with great technology – and it is a real honor to work with them.”

To learn more about Real Estate Webmasters, visit RealEstateWebmasters.com and RealEstateWebmasters.com/enterprise. To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, visit LeadingRE.com.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Names Bulman and Stader to Board of Directors

Robin Lasure

CHICAGO, IL – (03/11/16) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® has named two prominent industry brokers to its board of directors. Carol Bulman, chief executive officer and president of Jack Conway & Company in Norwell, Mass., and Ron Stader, president and co-owner of CIR Realty in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, join the 13-person board. The board of directors provides guidance and leadership for the global community of 500+ market-leading real estate firms, which produce over one million annual home sale transactions.

With more than 25 years of experience in mortgage banking and real estate, Bulman is the daughter of her company’s founder, the late Jack Conway. She leads the company’s real estate operations and oversees its banking relationships and its insurance arm. Jack Conway & Company is the largest privately-owned real estate firm in Massachusetts, with 32 offices and more than 700 sales associates.

As broker and general manager of CIR Realty, Stader heads Alberta’s largest independent real estate brokerage with over 700 realtors and staff in 14 offices. The company is also among the top 10 brokerage firms in Canada. Stader, who is also the second generation to lead his family’s firm, is currently the chairman of LeadingRE’s global advisory board and thus represents the network’s members from outside the U.S. on the LeadingRE board of directors.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Carol and Ron to our board of directors. Both bring unique talents and energy, and they complement our already-impressive board,” said Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “Having such engaged, successful brokers guide our strategic initiatives has created remarkable growth in both the scope of our programs and the global reach of our network.”

Bulman and Stader join an accomplished group of brokers on the 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.); Diane Ramirez, New York, N.Y.) and William Watson, Jr. (Watson Realty Corp., Jacksonville, Fla.).

Bulman and Stader succeed 18-year board veterans and long-time contributors Michael T. Robinson (Weichert, REALTORS®, Morris Plains, N.J.) and Michael Saunders (Michael Saunders & Company, Sarasota, Fla.).

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com) is the largest network of premier locally-branded firms producing over one million annual home sale transactions. 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, professional development and unique events.

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

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Luxury Portfolio’s Boomsma Addresses Private Banking Conference in Singapore

Robin Lasure

CHICAGO, IL – (03/09/16) – Luxury Portfolio International® President Paul Boomsma addressed the Private Banking Asia Conference in Singapore on March 3. Boomsma, who also services as COO for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, shared insights on the luxury real estate market with the 200+ private bankers in attendance from the APAC region, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.

Also in attendance at the event was Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Vice President of International Operations Chris Dietz, who oversees the organization’s global growth.

“The event gave us the opportunity to meet with private bankers and wealth managers to familiarize them with the global luxury real estate services we offer,” Boomsma said. “With 500 market-leading real estate firms in 55 countries, we are able to assist high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in real estate in virtually any location around the world.”

Luxury Portfolio International® is participating in two other events this spring as part of its outreach in the region. The organization is sponsoring the Kuala Lumpur International Property Awards APAC Region April 7-8 and will participate in the Luxury Property Show in Beijing April 22-24.

Affiliates of Luxury Portfolio International® market high-end homes to affluent consumers worldwide through the network’s strategic marketing program, including the award-winning website LuxuryPortfolio.com, which markets over 50,000 luxury homes to over three million high-net-worth visitors annually and features a total inventory of available properties exceeding $48 billion US dollars.

To learn more about Luxury Portfolio International®, visit www.LuxuryPortfolio.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® Announces New Advisory Council Officers, Members

Robin Lasure

CHICAGO, IL – (03/08/16) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® has named new officers and members to its Advisory Council, a leadership group comprised of business development and relocation professionals who provide guidance on key initiatives for the global real estate community comprised of 500 market-leading firms in over 50 countries.

Dawn Stevens, relocation and corporate services director for Jack Conway & Co. Inc., in Norwell, Mass., has been elected chairperson and will serve a one-year term. Pam Metzger, director of corporate services for Wright Kingdom Real Estate in Boulder, Colo., has been elected vice chairperson and will assume the position of chairperson next year.

Newly-elected Advisory Council members include Kirsten Abney, senior vice president of Heritage Texas Properties in Houston, Texas; Kim Mullins, director of relocation, operations and outgoing referrals of HUFF Realty in West Chester, Ohio; and Allison Rybarczyk, relocation director and associate broker of Arizona Best Real Estate, Scottsdale, Ariz. Also joining the council is Frank Morrice Arias, general manager of Siuma Realty, Panama, who also serves on the LeadingRE Global Advisory Board.

These professionals join existing Advisory Council members Ryan Carrell, Carpenter Realtors, Indianapolis, Ind.; Jane Gowarty, Smith & Associates Real Estate, Tampa, Fla.; Rachael Joyner, Joyner Fine Properties, Richmond, Va.; Diana McGrogan, Intero Real Estate Services, Cupertino, Calif.; Liz Nunan, Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate, Rye Brook, N.Y.; Carole Souza, NP Dodge Real Estate, Omaha, Neb.; and immediate past chairperson Denise Talboy, The Keyes Company, Weston, Fla.

Concluding their service on the council are Elizabeth Fowler, WestMark, Realtors, Lubbock, Texas; Nancy Harmann, GARDNER, REALTORS, Metairie, La.; and Diane Howard, Real Estate One, Inc., Southfield, Mich.

The Advisory Council helps in developing programs designed to foster referral activity within the network, as well as mentoring other members and serving as ambassadors for the organization’s various programs. Members are elected by fellow council members to serve a three-year term and are chosen based on the merits of their professional experience and reputation and their willingness to share their expertise for the improvement of the network. 

“The members of our Advisory Council include some of the most experienced, innovative and engaged relocation professionals in the industry,” said LeadingRE Director of Member Services Brent Williams, CRP, who serves as the staff liaison to the group. “Their willingness to share their time and expertise so generously helps us continue to offer industry-leading programs that have a positive impact on our members worldwide.”

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com) is the largest network of premier locally-branded firms producing over one million annual home sale transactions. 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, professional development and unique events.

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Global Real Estate Conference Attracts 2,500 Attendees, Pays Tribute to Industry Leaders

Robin Lasure

CHICAGO – (March 2, 2016) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® held its annual Conference Week February 20-26 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, drawing 2,500 real estate professionals and guests from 25 countries. The event offered separate conferences for brokers, senior managers and relocation professionals; sales associates; luxury specialists; sales managers; and marketing and technology professionals.

Sessions examined a full range of topics relating to the real estate market, including the economy and the role the upcoming U.S. presidential election may have, changing consumer preferences and lifestyle trends, and the ways evolving technologies are driving demand for “smart homes” and impacting the ways real estate professionals engage consumers and market homes.

Keynote speakers included David Gregory, renowned television journalist and former moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press; George Blankenship, the innovator who master-minded Apple retail stores and later headed worldwide retail for Tesla; William Taylor, co-founding editor of Fast Company magazine; behavioral scientist and author James Kane, known for his research on what makes someone truly loyal; David Bromstad, host of HGTV’s new series Beach Flip; and Erik Stolhanske, actor, writer and producer of major motion pictures. Also featured were an extensive group of industry thought leaders, marketing strategists and technology innovators.

Numerous entertainment and networking events were also on the agenda, including the Awards Gala, where the network’s annual Performance Awards were presented. Allen Tate Company (Charlotte, NC) received the Diamond Award for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in the award’s 14-year history. The Diamond Award is LeadingRE’s highest honor, acknowledging outstanding performance in all of LeadingRE’s business programs.

The prominent Leadership Award, recognizing a member broker whose leadership skills and achievements have drawn the attention of others, was presented to Pat Shea, Lyon Real Estate (Sacramento, CA).

Marketing awards were announced in a variety of areas, including the Best Overall Website, given to Windermere Real Estate (Seattle, WA), and the Most Innovative Brokerage Award, presented to two companies: Chas Everitt International Property Group (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Kampmeyer Immobilien GmbH (Cologne, Germany).

Also presented were the Crown of Excellence referral awards, given in seven company size categories to Allen Tate Company (Charlotte, NC); Lyon Real Estate (Sacramento, CA); Beverly-Hanks & Associates (Asheville, NC); John Daugherty Realtors (Houston, TX); Wright Kingdom Real Estate (Boulder, CO); Marx-Bensdorf Realtors (Memphis, TN); and Acton Real Estate Company, LLC (Acton, MA).

The Global Alliance Award for Most Outgoing International Referral Closings was presented to Macdonald Realty Ltd. (Vancouver, Canada). The Million Dollar Award for Highest Valued Outgoing Closings went to Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate (Rye Brook, NY).

Companies earning honors for having the Top 5 Most Outgoing Closings, in order of volume, were: WEICHERT, REALTORS® (Morris Plains, NJ); Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. (Chantilly, VA); Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (Pittsburgh, PA); Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate (Rye Brook, NY); and Allen Tate Company (Charlotte, NC).  

Receiving the Pinnacle Award for having the most outgoing revenue-generating referrals were: Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. (Chantilly, VA); Lyon Real Estate (Sacramento, CA); Kentwood Real Estate (Greenwood Village, CO); Paragon Real Estate Group (San Francisco, CA); Wright Kingdom Real Estate (Boulder, CO); Marx-Bensdorf Realtors (Memphis, TN); and Cam Taylor Co., LTD., Realtors, Inc. (Columbus, OH).

Additional referral performance awards were presented to Allen Tate Company (Charlotte, NC); Beverly-Hanks & Associates (Asheville, NC); Cam Taylor Co., LTD., Realtors, Inc. (Columbus, OH); Cottingham Chalk Hayes, Realtors (Charlotte, NC); Farrell Smyth, Inc. (San Luis Obispo, CA); Florida Executive Realty (Tampa, FL); Hamner Real Estate Inc. (Tuscaloosa, AL); John Daugherty Realtors (Houston, TX); Kentwood Real Estate (Greenwood Village, CO); Lake Norman Realty, Inc. (Cornelius, NC); Lyon Real Estate (Sacramento, CA); Marx-Bensdorf Realtors (Memphis, TN); Michael Saunders & Company (Sarasota, FL); Paragon Real Estate Group (San Francisco, CA); PARKS Realty (Brentwood, TN); Real Estate One, Inc. (Southfield, MI); Realty Austin (Austin, TX); The Janet Jones Company (Little Rock, AR); Tina Bilazarian, Inc. (Shrewsbury, MA); WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Griffin Company (Springdale, AR); WEICHERT, REALTORS® (Morris Plains, NJ); and Wright Kingdom Real Estate (Boulder, CO).

A variety of awards were presented to brokers in recognition of expertise in the luxury market. John R. Wood Properties (Naples, FL) received the Top Luxury Portfolio Brokerage Award, and Chas Everitt International Property Group (Johannesburg, South Africa) earned recognition as the Top Global Luxury Portfolio Brokerage. Alain Pinel Realtors (San Ramon, CA) earned the Spirit Award, while Barfoot & Thompson Ltd. (Auckland, New Zealand) was named Best Newcomer.  

“Throughout the event, we explored themes that are at the core of our network: ‘quality, connected, independence,’” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “Only 20% of the companies that inquire about affiliating with our network are accepted into our community, affording them incredible global connections, resources and reach, while allowing them to retain their independence as a brand.”

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a selective global community of the highest quality independent real estate companies. LeadingRE exists to make its members better by connecting them to opportunities and people around the globe, supporting them with a global referral network, professional development programs and unique events. Members will gather again for LeadingRE’s International Symposium, taking place in Amsterdam, October 23-25. The 2017 Conference Week will return to the Fontainebleau Miami, February 27-March 5.

For more information on the network, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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