Windermere franchisee converts to Real Living
Move adds nearly 400 agents to the franchise network
By Inman News, Wednesday, March 23, 2011.San Diego-based Windermere Real Estate, Exclusive Properties, is converting to a Real Living franchise, the brokerage announced Tuesday.
The brokerage brings nearly 400 agents and eight offices to the Real Living brand. Windermere Exclusive Properties will change its name to Real Living Lifestyles in April. The brokerage saw a 77 percent jump in sales volume 2008-09 and a 50 percent jump in 2009-10, the company said.
"With our extreme growth the past few years, we have attracted quite a bit of attention and were presented with a number of opportunities to expand even further," said Steve Rodgers, president and owner of Windermere Exclusive Properties, in a statement.
This is Real Living's second major franchise agreement in Southern California within the past two months. The first was with Los Angeles County-based Dilbeck Real Estate. Together, the two brokerages comprise more than 1,000 agents and an annual sales volume of $2.3 billion. The Real Living network overall has about 10,000 agents and more than 400 offices worldwide.
Real Living is a part of Brookfield Residential Property Services, a global real estate and relocation company.
"We're (now) locally owned and operated but backed by the formidable resources of Real Living and Brookfield Residential Property Services," Rodgers said.
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Submitted by John Perkins on March 23, 2011 - 8:29am.
I'm not sure this is a positive move for Windermere. I've watched Real Living for 2 years. Simply taking a look at their website you'll note that most agents don't have pictures, most cities have no properties to look for, and I've seen a lot of management changes. I'm surprised they did this well but best of luck to both and their merger.
Submitted by jeremy spinx on March 23, 2011 - 3:38pm.
so its the same crappy expensive company but with a different name...got it! Talk about putting lipstick on a pig.
Submitted by Rich Johnson on March 23, 2011 - 8:46pm.
Sometimes a lack of knowledge and understanding combined with lack of success causes people to make negative comments about things they aren't well educated on or know the facts.
The industry has beat a lot of people down, and sometimes being negative or derogatory toward one another is the result.
The first commenter probably doesn't know some pertinent facts and the second is just plain stupid.
Our local franchise with Windermere has grown exponentially over the past few years; growing 77% in 2009 and another 50% in 2010. We opened 4 new offices and doubled the amount of agents affiliated with us. In a time of retraction, reduction and cut backs, this is rare in our industry.
We are known to be one of the most progressive local companies in California; utilizing technology, training, local expertise and partnering with the most cutting edge companies in real estate today.
We have the largest agent participation (authorship) blog in the country, providing a voice and platform to over 340 Realtors speaking to their local community about what is going on both positive and challenged in their communities.
These and other things, including Steve Rodgers visionary leadership, have lead to virtually every major franchise wanting us to join their networks over the past year.
Our decision to leave Windermere and join Real Living was based on a multitude of factors, but these stood out...
Real Living is a former award winner of Inman News "Innovator of the Year" award, and in 2008 was named “Most Promising New National Brand” in the Swanepoel TRENDS Report while Entrepreneur Magazine listed them as one of the Top 50 New Franchises.
It is a new and fresh brand, with modern progressive leadership and a deep and rich history, backed by hugely successful, financial stable companies who will fuel real estate growth in the 21st century.
Their new web platform just launched under 90 days ago, and many in the network are still converting to the new platform.
With the backing of Brookfield, a 100 billion dollar company we expect to be a part of a fresh new brand without the baggage many of the others carry. The company President, Harley Rouda is the son of the Founder, and runs the organization today and has for quite some time.
We are also a local brokerage that is extremely agent centric, with very low costs (and no "junk" fees some brokerages charge) and high levels of support. So not sure where the "expensive company" comes from.
So I think that the old saying, "better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt" is very appropriate here. Before talking about putting lipstick on a pig, one should do better research.
We will be starting our new association soon, leading the way in San Diego County and leaving the old, static brands behind while we continue to innovate our way to success!
Rich Johnson
Director of Business Development
Windermere Exclusive Properties
Soon to be Real Living Lifestyles!
www.rllifestyles.com
www.PicturePerfectSanDiego.com
Submitted by Steve Rodgers on March 23, 2011 - 11:52pm.
Many times leading the way and carving a new path is seen with doubt and unclear perspectives. I have found my entire life, that to go where most others do not or will not go is many times where most break throughs and power reside. What I see and know now is that this company with its vision, tools, passion, heart and commitment is focused and real. They team is energized, excited, backed by the power of Brookfield and it's international networks & assets as well as the momentum is magical right now. And energy, excitement, passion and a little magic sure goes a long way in this world.
It sure adds to the arsenal that LPS is the powered by technology provider and they were also able to take all the best of the GMAC network with tools and people then fold it all in to a powerful well oiled machine.
So stay tuned, we will be adding to this network very soon! Watching Real Living Lifestyles in Southern California as we focus on Real Estate, Real Change, Real People will be really exciting and Real Fun!
Proud new franchisee of Real Living, Steve Rodgers
My Best! Create a great day!
Steve