Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Expands Franchise System into New York State with the Affiliation of Leading Hudson Valley Brokerage Firm

PARSIPPANY, N.J. AND NEW CITY, N.Y. (April 22, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced  that Rand Realty – one of the Top 100 real estate brokerage firms in the nation – has signed a long-term franchise agreement and will now operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty.

Headquartered in New City, N.Y., Rand Realty is a significant addition for the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network, with its 800 agents and 19 offices serving the Greater Hudson Valley, including Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties. Rand Realty was recently ranked No. 60 among the Top 100 firms in the United States according to closed sales volume by REALTrends magazine, with more than $1.3 billion in closed sales volume in 2008. The firm also ranked high nationally in closed transaction sides a year ago (No. 111). Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty is the franchise’s first brokerage in New York State. Rand Realty was previously affiliated with Prudential Real Estate.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Expands Franchise System into New York State with the Affiliation of Leading Hudson Valley Brokerage Firm

PARSIPPANY, N.J. AND NEW CITY, N.Y. (April 22, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced  that Rand Realty – one of the Top 100 real estate brokerage firms in the nation – has signed a long-term franchise agreement and will now operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty.

Headquartered in New City, N.Y., Rand Realty is a significant addition for the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network, with its 800 agents and 19 offices serving the Greater Hudson Valley, including Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties. Rand Realty was recently ranked No. 60 among the Top 100 firms in the United States according to closed sales volume by REALTrends magazine, with more than $1.3 billion in closed sales volume in 2008. The firm also ranked high nationally in closed transaction sides a year ago (No. 111). Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty is the franchise’s first brokerage in New York State. Rand Realty was previously affiliated with Prudential Real Estate.

“A brokerage with the stature of Rand Realty propels our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand to a new level,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “We have highly complementary business cultures and, together, we form a powerful combination.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty will continue to operate under the leadership of managing partners Greg Rand, Matt Rand and Joseph Rand. Marsha Rand, who founded the family-owned and operated firm in 1984, will remain the company’s CEO.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our company,” said Greg Rand, managing partner with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty. “The Better Homes and Gardens name is recognized worldwide and our family-owned firm will be able to leverage the power of this brand in many ways. In addition, this affiliation will give us new tools that will allow our sales associates to provide superior service to our clients. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate shares our values and our connection to Main Street. We look forward to working with them.”  

This new relationship will enable Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty, currently the leading residential real estate firm in the Greater Hudson Valley, to expand beyond its current borders and continue to serve customers with quality service through the strategic use of an award-winning national brand and next-generation technology and web tools. Locally, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty is the No. 1 real estate company in Rockland and Orange counties, and No. 3 in Westchester County, based on market share in the Greater Hudson Valley Multiple Listing Service.

Also, in a related announcement today, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty announced its acquisition of the Wolff & Son, Inc. brokerage firm. Based in White Plains, N.Y., Wolff & Son has 128 agents serving Yonkers, White Plains and Thornwood, and will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty.

 Matt Rand said he and his colleagues were pleased to join one of the fastest-growing franchise networks in the real estate industry. “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has grown dramatically since it was launched nine months ago, and we believe they have a lot of exciting ideas that will help us give home buyers and sellers better service than ever. It’s a competitive real estate market, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate will give us the resources needed to not just survive, but to thrive.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty’s property listings will now be accessible through www.BHGRealEstate.com, which offers homebuyers and sellers comprehensive content and resources. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty (www.RandRealty.com) sales associates will now have access to best practice tools and information on the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Extranet.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.BHGRealEstate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

For Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC:
Michael Fischer/Sabrina Michaeli
646-747-8238
michael@mcipr.com

For Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty:
Bill Madden
845-352-3650
bmadden@maddenpr.com

Series of Free Online Videos Featuring Many Simple, Cost-Conscious and Highly Effective Design Tips to Help Increase the Value of Any Home 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (April 16, 2009) — “Good design has the power to change lives.”  That simple philosophy is what inspires noted home and style designer Stephen Saint-Onge, whose makeover techniques have reached millions across the country through design makeovers in magazines and on television. Now, Saint-Onge is applying those easy-to-implement home improvements to real estate in a new in a series of free TV-quality videos produced by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. The web-based videos are available immediately at www.bhgrealestate.com/designsforlife as part of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s lifestyle campaign.

Series of Free Online Videos Featuring Many Simple, Cost-Conscious and Highly Effective Design Tips to Help Increase the Value of Any Home 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (April 16, 2009) — “Good design has the power to change lives.”  That simple philosophy is what inspires noted home and style designer Stephen Saint-Onge, whose makeover techniques have reached millions across the country through design makeovers in magazines and on television. Now, Saint-Onge is applying those easy-to-implement home improvements to real estate in a new in a series of free TV-quality videos produced by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. The web-based videos are available immediately at www.bhgrealestate.com/designsforlife as part of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s lifestyle campaign.

The four initial titles being released today, include:  Stephen Saint-Onge Welcome, Design and the Home, Master Bedroom, and Home Office. An additional eight will be unveiled in the weeks to come, and are part of the company’s campaign to educate home owners and sellers. The exclusive TV-quality videos are relevant to the current economic climate and to today’s home sellers who do not have the capacity for expensive redesign efforts, but still need to ensure that their homes stand apart from the rest.

The videos include a myriad of highly effective home selling design secrets -- creative tips that are fast, easy and simple to implement.  The goal of the video series is to turn house hunters into home buyers and to transform virtually any space into one that is visually appealing.   “We are excited to work with such a prestigious interior designer whose down-to-earth style and practical and budget conscious decorating solutions resonate with our customers,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Strategically, this helps us build better relationships with our current and potential homebuyers and sellers and most importantly, gives them the knowledge and tools to successfully sell their house.”

Chris adds that the designer’s creativity and expertise are helping to expand the real estate brand by offering consumers the kind of professional and expert advice that they may not be able to get elsewhere.  “The bottom line is that we are empowering consumers with lifestyle and real estate information – real, how-to advice that they will find invaluable.” 

Known as “The Home and Style Designer for the Everyday Family,” Saint-Onge has a friendly and engaging style that, along with his specific design philosophies, is well captured in these educational video series.  Presented in a very conversational style, the designer provides decorating tips and solutions that are effective ‘quick fixes’ for virtually any room in the house. Saint-Onge shows viewers how to make rooms visually exciting and dramatic and how to use simple décor items to add panache and interest.  “Redesigning a room does not have to cost a fortune. These videos will inspire any homeowner to make their rooms feel more comfortable and inviting by using some of my simple, cost-effective design creative direction,” says Saint-Onge.   

Camilla Sullivan, senior vice president of marketing, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, adds: “Design with broad appeal can help move a house toward to a sale faster, by appealing to the senses. These new videos will empower sellers who need a little help with affordable staging ideas, ways to improve the feel of a room or even the ability to take a critical eye to their own design. Our goal is to be a valuable resource for consumers on all matters related to residential real estate buying and selling.  We want to help them make their homes more appealing to would-be buyers.” 

The videos include several before-and-after transformations and a wide variety of decorating themes. For example, Saint-Onge describes several colorful ways to add splash to boring white walls, and he shares a toolbox of ideas to modernize outdated kitchens with relative ease, thereby adding significant resale value.

Topics on the videos also include:

• Accessorizing the Mantle

• Design and the Home

• Creating a “Lookbook”

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Entry Foyer

• Home Office

• Master Bedroom

• Children’s Bedroom 

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com. 

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:

Michael Fischer

646-747-8238

michael@mcipr.com

"Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, a new international residential real estate franchise company with a growing network of the industry’s leading professionals. These agents combine a respect for the tradition of home ownership with an eye on innovation to deliver an exceptional real estate experience. Knowledgeable counsel, strong negotiation skills, and overall excellent customer service experience are the trademarks of the new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC team."

Read more of this article at HottestNewFranchises.com 

"With just five months to complete the project, Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Real Estate’s executive team developed an innovative brand that builds off of the 80-year-old heritage of one of the most popular shelter magazines in the country.The brand targets new homebuyers and agents with a Web-heavy strategy, a fresh visual identity, and an innovative approach to real estate—all cohesively wrapped to ensure that the brand message remains intact as it travels from the corporate level, to the broker, to the homebuyer.

The brand launched in July 2008, and was recognized with a Gold MarCom Award in the corporate branding category from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals."

Read the full AMA article at MarketingPower.com 

STROUDSBURG, PA (March 11, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates today announced its merger with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. The company will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates and will serve the Pocono Mountains, Monroe and Pike Counties, and the Milford and Lehigh Valley areas with a total of 150 agents covering Northeast Pennsylvania.

STROUDSBURG, PA (March 11, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates today announced its merger with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. The company will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates and will serve the Pocono Mountains, Monroe and Pike Counties, and the Milford and Lehigh Valley areas with a total of 150 agents covering Northeast Pennsylvania.

Thomas R. Wilkins will continue as CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, with Heather D’Adamo, broker-owner of Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate, as Executive Vice President – Partner. Yarrow A. Wilkins will continue to serve as President and Dominick J. Sacci as Senior Vice President/General Manager.

“This was the next logical step for both of our businesses,” says Heather D’Adamo. “By joining, we automatically increase our market penetration and solidify our strength and at the same time become an even greater presence in the industry.”

The company will be headquartered at 304 Park Avenue, Stroudsburg, PA, with six offices located in Bushkill, Mountainhome, Naomi Pines, North Pocono, Stroudsburg and West End/Brodheadsville.

“The joining of the two companies will create a synergy that will position Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates as a long lasting real estate company of the future,” says Thomas R. Wilkins.

For more information, please go to http://www.wilkins1.com/

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:

Michael Fischer

646-747-8238

michael@mcipr.com

PARSIPPANY, N.J. AND BELLEVUE, Wash. (March 3, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate LLC today announced the affiliation of its first residential real estate brokerage in Washington state, Executive Real Estate, Inc. The brokerage, headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., has signed a long-term agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive. The affiliation provides the brokerage with significant resources, brand identity and Web 2.0 tools, which will help to expand the business and deliver an exceptional consumer experience. 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. AND BELLEVUE, Wash. (March 3, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate LLC today announced the affiliation of its first residential real estate brokerage in Washington state, Executive Real Estate, Inc. The brokerage, headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., has signed a long-term agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive. The affiliation provides the brokerage with significant resources, brand identity and Web 2.0 tools, which will help to expand the business and deliver an exceptional consumer experience. 

“Our decision to affiliate with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has us exceptionally well-positioned for future growth,” says Keith R. Nelson, designated broker and principal owner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive. “We met with various marketing companies and design houses on how to freshen our brand.  Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was the first and only option that offered a comprehensive package, including an emphasis on new technologies, an iconic brand, a deep commitment to exceptional service, agent training and a focus on green aspects of the home.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive believes in the real estate industry’s transition from the traditional ‘brick and mortar’ brokerage to a virtual one. The company serves the greater Puget Sound Area with 260 sales associates in six offices in Bellevue, Everett, Bothell, Kent, Burlington and Seattle.  The move to affiliate with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate gives the company the advantage of an award-winning national brand that embodies innovative and forward-thinking real estate practices.

 “In Executive Real Estate, we found a partner that believes in innovation as much as we do,” explains Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “We are thrilled to welcome the company to our network and are looking forward to Keith Nelson’s input in further developing and expanding our brand so that it meets the needs of present and future generations of homebuyers.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive advocates the importance of environmentally friendly real estate practices. “Our offices have always been designed with efficiency in mind and we are continuously taking efforts to be even more efficient and further reduce our carbon footprint,” explains Nelson.

The brokerage’s property listings will now be accessible through www.bhgrealestate.com, which offers homebuyers and sellers comprehensive content and resources. Similarly, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive sales associates will now have access to best practice tools and information on the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Extranet.

“From day one, when we founded the company in 1991, we chose to break from the pack by giving our agents the autonomy and independence to personalize sales and rapidly respond to clients’ needs,” says Nelson. “This partnership is the next logical step for us to ensure that we will grow the business for years to come.”

For more information, please go to http://www.exre.com

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:

Michael Fischer

646-747-8238

michael@mcipr.com

Sherry Chris was a guest on Better.TV which airs on February 13, 2009. The segment was regarding tips for homeowners on how to deal with the current market, and what not to do regarding the housing crisis and refinancing. The segment is 3:43 minutes long, and they discuss the following tips: 

Do not:

1. Assume that all buyers are distressed and there are no options

2. Take on more loads and or debt

3. Go back to renting

4. Assume that you’re locked in to your mortgage. You can refinance to take advantage of today’s historically low interest rates and many Government-sponsored programs now available

5. Panic! Housing markets are cyclical, and your home is a great long-term investment as well as shelter for you and your family.

6. Sell if you don’t need to. Don’t put your home on the market to “test the market” is a waste of you and your realtor’s time, and adds to the excess of inventory.

7. Spend More on the House to get it ready to Sell. Most people can use what they have to spruce up a home. Use what you have.

PARSIPPANY AND SPRING LAKE N.J. (Jan. 27, 2009) —  Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate LLC today announced the affiliation of its first New Jersey-based residential real estate brokerage, Mary Holder Agency, Inc., in Spring Lake, N.J. The 17-year-old firm has signed a long-term agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder. The company is a driving force in the first-time home buyer and vacation home markets, serving Monmouth and Ocean County communities in the Jersey Shore area.

PARSIPPANY AND SPRING LAKE N.J. (Jan. 27, 2009) —  Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate LLC today announced the affiliation of its first New Jersey-based residential real estate brokerage, Mary Holder Agency, Inc., in Spring Lake, N.J. The 17-year-old firm has signed a long-term agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder. The company is a driving force in the first-time home buyer and vacation home markets, serving Monmouth and Ocean County communities in the Jersey Shore area.

“We are excited to welcome not only our first New Jersey brokerage, but also our first female broker to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate franchise family,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Mary Holder fits right in with our other entrepreneurs, with her ambition and dedication to excellent service and her clients.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder has 160 agents and seven offices, with headquarters in Spring Lake, N.J. The move will provide its sales associates with innovative tools, training and business leads to enhance their day-to-day transactions.

“What attracted us to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was the team of qualified professionals that stand behind it,” said Holder, broker/owner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder. “We believe their expertise, particularly on mergers and acquisitions, will allow us to lower costs and operate more efficiently and effectively. We are committed to an exceptional degree of professionalism, market expertise and unparalleled customer service, and our affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate will allow us to enhance our commitment to excellence while taking the company to the next level.”

Most Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder buyers are not from the Jersey shore area, and tend to use the Internet and social media to find summer homes.  In joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate,  the Mary Holder team will have a superior online presence that will be much more relevant to their buyers and sellers.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate recently launched Premier Selection, the company’s newest brand extension designed to connect buyers, sellers and real estate sales professionals with properties in the upper-tier real estate market. “The area we serve has a bulk of high-end properties, and the beautiful Premier Selection brand extension will serve us well in setting these properties apart from the rest, using unique branding and marketing tools,” said Holder.

For more information, please go to www.maryholder.com.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.
Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Media Contact:

Michael Fischer

646-747-8238

michael@mcipr.com

New York, N.Y.  (Jan. 8, 2009) —Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announces the launch of Premier Selection, the company’s newest brand extension specifically designed to connect buyers, sellers and real estate sales professionals with properties in the upper-tier real estate market. Recognizing that a specialized approach is paramount to marketing high-end properties, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Premier Selection is a program that matches the needs of the sophisticated, discerning consumer.

New York, N.Y.  (Jan. 8, 2009) —Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announces the launch of Premier Selection, the company’s newest brand extension specifically designed to connect buyers, sellers and real estate sales professionals with properties in the upper-tier real estate market. Recognizing that a specialized approach is paramount to marketing high-end properties, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Premier Selection is a program that matches the needs of the sophisticated, discerning consumer. 

“The evolution of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand to encompass a marketing program that focuses on exclusive properties is a natural progression in the brand’s growth, especially given the growing demands of the premier real estate market,” stated Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “Premier Selection simply builds upon the foundation with which the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand is synonymous – the American lifestyle at its finest.” 

The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network will provide training and support to agents for better servicing consumers in this unique market. In order to utilize the advantages of Premier Selection, a property will have to qualify by meeting several criteria such as price and quality. Distinctive and elegant Premier Selection lawn signage and marketing collateral pieces will be offered to brokers for use in promoting properties. 

“We started with research to make sure that the brand would extend well to a more exclusive audience of home buyers and sellers – and the results came back identifying a clear opportunity,” added Camilla Sullivan, senior vice president, marketing of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “We are applying branding best practices to this extension, in order to create a synergy between our main brand and Premier Selection.” 

Launched in July 2008, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is Realogy’s fifth residential real estate franchise brand. Realogy Corporation is the world’s largest real estate franchisor. 

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a national lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com. 

Media Contacts:

Michael Fischer

Sabrina Michaeli

212-370-5045

Fast-growing Silicon Valley residential real estate brokerage firm signs long-term franchise agreement to operate under the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand name

PARSIPPANY, N.J. / SAN JOSE, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2008) – Today, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced that Ventura Barnett Properties – an entrepreneurial Silicon Valley-based real estate company – has signed a long-term franchise agreement to operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Ventura Barnett Properties. The new relationship adds significant brand value and resources to Ventura Barnett Properties, whose offices are headquartered in San Jose, Calif. The residential brokerage firm has two offices and 145 sales professionals who primarily serve clients in the Santa Clara County area.

Fast-growing Silicon Valley residential real estate brokerage firm signs long-term franchise agreement to operate under the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand name

PARSIPPANY, N.J. / SAN JOSE, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2008) – Today, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced that Ventura Barnett Properties – an entrepreneurial Silicon Valley-based real estate company – has signed a long-term franchise agreement to operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Ventura Barnett Properties. The new relationship adds significant brand value and resources to Ventura Barnett Properties, whose offices are headquartered in San Jose, Calif. The residential brokerage firm has two offices and 145 sales professionals who primarily serve clients in the Santa Clara County area.

“Our affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was a unique opportunity to enhance our service offerings with cutting-edge technology and a brand with a strong history,” said Tony Ventura, broker/owner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Ventura Barnett Properties. “In a region made up of clients who expect a certain level of attention, this strategic relationship will allow us to deliver beyond that expectation, while serving as a catalyst for our company’s growth throughout the valley.”

As part of the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate franchise system, sales associates with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Ventura Barnett Properties will have access to innovative tools, services and training that will enable them to deliver exceptional customer service. The company’s property listings will be marketed through BHGrealestate.com, an online real estate destination designed to both inform and inspire consumers through rich content and market intelligence.
 
“As an organization committed to forward thinking, growth and long-term success, Ventura Barnett Properties embodies the spirit of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate as we build toward the future,” said Sherry A. Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “The whole team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Ventura Barnett Properties shares Tony’s passion to deliver an exceptional consumer experience and have established for themselves a notable reputation that aligns well with our brand.”

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Garden Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

^{©2008 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.  Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.  Equal Opportunity Company.  Equal Housing Opportunity.  Each Better Homes and Gardens ® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.}

###

Demonstration of functional best practices earns brand four notable marketing industry awards 

PARSIPPANY, N.J.  (Dec. 11, 2008) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced it has won four awards for its best-in-class marketing and branding campaign, “A Passion for the Home: The Launch of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.” The Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals, the International Academy of Communications Arts and Sciences (IACAS), and Ektron – a technology and market leader in Web content management software – have all acknowledged marketing excellence in the campaign, underscoring the brand’s growing reputation for innovation and real estate industry leadership.

Demonstration of functional best practices earns brand four notable marketing industry awards 

PARSIPPANY, N.J.  (Dec. 11, 2008) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced it has won four awards for its best-in-class marketing and branding campaign, “A Passion for the Home: The Launch of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.” The Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals, the International Academy of Communications Arts and Sciences (IACAS), and Ektron – a technology and market leader in Web content management software – have all acknowledged marketing excellence in the campaign, underscoring the brand’s growing reputation for innovation and real estate industry leadership.

“The real estate industry is about chemistry, personality and connections between people,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Branding is a representation of a company’s personality and it was pivotal to get the look, feel and identity of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate just right. By making ‘passion for the home’ the cornerstone of our identity, we captured the essence of what we believe drives every homebuyer and seller while retaining the core brand values of the Better Homes and Gardens name.”

About the Awards

• 2008 Gold MarCom Award – Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate won Gold in the Corporate Branding Category, as judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals, for its refreshing and stylish interpretation of the one of the best known lifestyle brands in the United States.

• 2008 Silver GALAXY Award – For outstanding marketing achievement in the promotion/brand identity category, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate won a Silver GALAXY Award from the IACAS for its vision of an iconic brand name that resonated with customers in an evolving real estate industry.

• 2008 Platinum Ava Award – Awarded with Platinum for excellence in Audio Visual Marketing, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC won an Ava Award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals for the production of its broker video “’Hello’ - A Broker’s Introduction to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC”, which introduces the brand strengths to prospective brokers with visuals that incorporate the Better Homes and Gardens lifestyle look and feel.

• 2008 Ektron All-Star Award – Chosen as ‘Best Real Estate Site’ for outstanding software implementation, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC was awarded an Ektron All-Star Award for its successful connection and ongoing interaction with communities and customers online.

Camilla Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, led the brand’s development during the nine-month period in which all identity and marketing collateral was created. The company worked with communications agency Mansfield Communications, which assisted in brand development as well as public relations for the launch. Branding and marketing firm Infinia Group, developed visual systems, brand identity, marketing collateral and advertising. For brokerages franchising under the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate name, the result has been a unique look and feel that offers sales associates a complete system of marketing and sales tools. 

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

-#-

For more information, please contact:

Michael Fischer

212-747-8238

michael@mcipr.com