Keller Williams Realty Brokerages Dominate Annual Industry Surveys

Keller Williams Realty Brokerages Dominate Annual Industry Surveys 3rd largest company in U.S. the only major franchise to show growth     AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 19, 2009) ?According to two of the industry?s most comprehensive annual surveys, Keller Williams Realty brokerages continue to defy the pervasive downturn in the industry by growing and expanding.   RISMedia?s Power Broker Report and REAL Trends? REAL Trends 500 rank the largest residential real estate brokerages in the U.S. based on transaction sides and sales volume. This year, Keller Williams Realty had more brokerages on both lists than any other real estate brand.   In the REAL Trends 500 report, Keller Williams Realty dominated, with its offices comprising more than a quarter of the entire list. Of all the major brands represented in the report, Keller Williams was the only company to boast growth in both number of agents added to its ranks and in total transactions closed.   Within RISMedia?s Power Broker Report, Keller Williams Realty again had the largest majority on the list ? accounting for 35 percent of all the brokerages listed. The report also ranked Keller Williams Realty #1 in number of agents and total closed transactions.   ?These results prove what we already knew ? Keller Williams Realty is experiencing the next phase of our growth during this shift," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?Our agents and offices are capitalizing on the opportunities presented in today?s market and powering forward."   ?Two years ago, when the market began to shift, we mobilized to make sure our people would have the training, support and technology to tackle the market and they have truly blown us away with their accomplishments," he added.   Within the past 18 months, Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of the company, released his latest book, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times which became the No. 1 selling real estate book for agents in 2008. The launch also included a nationwide seminar tour which is slated to visit more than 50 cities throughout North America by the end of the summer. Other initiatives included the delivery of affordable health care options for KW associates through the new Keller Williams Health Providers Program and the launch of the company?s commercial arm, KW Commercial.   ?When we do what we do best ? coach and train our associates to higher levels of personal productivity and profitability ? growth takes care of itself," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?Keller Williams Realty, the franchise company, didn?t rank on these lists ? our people did."   ?We?re confident we?re in businesses with some of the most talented and focused individuals in the industry and we are so proud of all they?ve achieved," added Willis.   ###   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 offices and 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).     All analysis conducted based on rank by transaction sides
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Bestselling Writing Team Empowers Real Estate Agents with Proven Tactics for Success in Tough Times

Bestselling Writing Team Empowers Real Estate Agents with Proven Tactics for Success in Tough Times New book offers strategies for thriving in today?s market     AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 8, 2008) ? The real estate market has shifted drastically and dramatically. Sales volume and the number of transactions have dropped significantly. Inventory is at an all-time high and buyers are more reluctant than ever. Sound familiar? It should. It happened in 1979 and 1987, and today it?s happening again across the United States.   To help real estate agents throughout the industry, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. today announced the launch of Gary Keller?s latest book, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. Written by Keller, founder and chairman of Keller Williams Realty, and coauthors Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, the book is drawn from the experiences of hundreds of top performing agents and outlines 12 tactics to surviving and thriving during a market shift. Keller and his coauthors are the real estate experts behind national bestsellers The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, which, as part of The Millionaire Real Estate Series, have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.   For agents who have read and implemented the business models and strategies of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, SHIFT provides a refreshing, detailed, tactical approach to success in any market.   ?There is only one certainty in the real estate business?that it is cyclical, and what goes up must come down. SHIFT teaches agents the foundational tactics that jump-start your business in tough times, and power it forward in good times," says Keller. ?SHIFT isn?t about teaching agents how to have a good week or year; it?s about showing them how to have a great career."   SHIFT focuses on 12 proven tactics, including: Master the Market of the Moment ? Short Sales, Foreclosures, and REOs Re-Margin Your Business ? Expense Management Price Ahead of the Market ? Seller Pricing Strategies Create Urgency ? Overcoming Buyer Reluctance   ?At the end of the day, tough times are essential for top people to get ahead," adds Keller. ?For those who choose to make the most of the shift in this real estate market, this is opportunity time."   ?At Keller Williams Realty, our number one goal is delivering the best education and training in the industry. It?s our hope that this book will have the same, if not greater impact on the industry that The Millionaire Real Estate Agent did," says Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis. ?Gary and his team?s insights into what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in today?s market are spot on."   This fall, Gary Keller, coauthor Dave Jenks and renowned real estate coach, Tony DiCello will split up across North America on a 30-city tour teaching the tactics of the book. With expected attendance in the thousands, this tour will undoubtedly change lives and help agents shift their businesses into higher gear. Contact a Keller Williams Realty office in your area or visit www.millionairesystems.com to find out when the tour will come to a city near you.   ###   About Gary Keller: Gary Keller is a self-made multimillionaire and founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams® Realty Inc. He has 25 years of industry and investing experience, and his first two books, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor both enjoyed multiple weeks as national bestsellers, as did a third book, FLIP: How To Find, Fix, and Sell Houses For Profit, on which he collaborated.     About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with more than 690 offices and 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Climbs to Third-Largest Real Estate Franchise in United States

Keller Williams Realty Climbs to Third-Largest Real Estate Franchise in United States   Company outpaces market with financial model, agent-centric initiatives   AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 2, 2009) ? Keller Williams® Realty Inc., announced last week at its annual convention in Orlando, Fla. that it is now the third-largest real estate franchise in the United States, surpassing RE/MAX® International. According to Steve Murray of REAL Trends, a leading source of analysis and information in the residential real estate industry, the Austin, Texas-based company claimed the number three spot with 72,794 U.S. associates at the end of 2008. ?The success of Keller Williams Realty can be directly attributed to the hard work and perseverance of our associates and the soundness of our economic and organizational models," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?While others might be looking at this market and seeing fear and uncertainty, we have always approached it as our opportunity to shine and grow. And that mindset has paid off." The company has been gaining ground for the last three years, outpacing pervasive downward trends in the real estate industry. Comparing the average annual performance of the company from 2004 - 2005 (before the shift in the real estate market) to 2006 - 2008, Keller Williams Realty increased its associate count by 52 percent, while market share for its offices increased 83 percent and agent gross commission income went up 35 percent. Keller Williams Realty has 679 offices operating in the United States and Canada. In 2008, the company shared more than $30 million in profits with its associates through its profit sharing program. ?Through profit share, our phenomenal coaching and training and our technology offerings, we are offering agents their own ?bailout plan? for this market." Willis added. The company also announced that after years of searching for a partnership to provide its associates with affordable health insurance, they are moving forward with a solution. The soon-to-be-launched Keller Williams Health Providers Program will include options for major medical, limited medical, catastrophic coverage and a separate cancer plan. The health insurance coverage is the first step toward a total wellness program for associates. ?We have always been very aware that as independent contractors, our agents face barriers to obtaining health coverage," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty." We know that for many, this new option may alleviate some of the stress that they face in today?s economy. After all, our associates are not just our partners ? they are our family." Last fall, the company also announced the launch of KW Commercial, a new division of the company dedicated to providing commercial real estate associates with specialized technology, marketing tools and resources. KW Commercial already has more than 220 active brokers across the U.S. and Canada. ?Our goal is to create synergy between the residential and commercial sides of our Keller Williams offices, raising the bar for the service we provide to our clients," said Buddy Norman, president of KW Commercial. ?We envision our commercial and residential agents working side-by-side, sharing referrals and helping our offices grow." ?Our growth in the last year and now becoming the third-largest real estate company in the United States was a true team effort and a company-wide win. We are so grateful for all of the leadership and commitment our associates have shown to power through this shift,? added Willis.     ###   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 offices and 74,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty International Franchise Headquarters Ranks Among Best Places to Work

Williams Realty International Franchise Headquarters Ranks Among Nation?s Best Places to Work Company?s culture builds careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living   AUSTIN, TX ? June 22, 2005 ? Keller Williams Realty Inc.?s franchise headquarters has proven that encouraging employees to be entrepreneurs and to ?have a life" pays off. The Austin, Texas-based real estate firm has been named one of the Top 25 Best Small Companies to Work for in America.   ?I want Keller Williams Realty International to be more than a job to our employees," Chief Executive Officer Mo Anderson says. ?I want the company to take care of our employees? dreams, not just their basic needs."   The top 25 list, announced today by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Great Place to Work Institute, is based on randomly distributed employee opinion surveys. Each company evaluated was given a score based on employees? responses to detailed questionnaires about the organizations? workplace cultures.   When founder and Chairman Gary Keller established Keller Williams Realty Inc. more than 20 years ago, he envisioned a residential real estate company that would ?build careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living" to attract and keep independent real estate agents. The employees at Keller Williams Realty International franchise headquarters enjoy the same philosophy.   ?Most parents teach their children how to be good employees," Keller says. ?Within the Keller Williams Realty family, we want to teach people how to be great employers. We want our employees to be active participants in their financial futures as investors and business owners themselves."   By design, Keller Williams Realty distinguishes itself in the industry with its profit sharing business model, a focus on employee education and training, and a work-life balance philosophy that places God and family before business.   ?Keller Williams Realty International has taught me to be entrepreneurial and have more control of my personal life," says Cavin Weber, a small business owner who also works in the company?s information technology department. ?This company has taught me to not only manage my time and focus on what is important, but with the profit-share money from last year, we had the opportunity to invest in my wife?s dream ? a landscaping business."   In 2005, the Central Texas real estate franchisor is on track to share $1 million with close to 100 employees who work at the franchise headquarters. Employees at this office support 46,189 Keller Williams Realty independent agents across the United States and Canada.   ?Four years of profit-sharing checks allowed my family to purchase a car, a home and two investment properties as well as help finance the birth of our first child," says Jay Papasan, an editor at the company. ?What kind of great company encourages you to get out of the rat race? Most companies are content to let you toil away until retirement."   Web designer and real estate investor Justine Smith regularly participates in the company?s onsite money management classes and investment club. She and her husband, a musician and full-time father, are building their personal wealth with three investment properties.   ?I was the daughter of a single mother, and we basically lived in rental properties the whole time I was growing up," she says. ?I had no experience or knowledge about wealth-building until I started working for this company."   In addition to profit sharing, Keller Williams Realty International invests in the lives of its employees through professional development opportunities and promoting a work-life balance philosophy that places God and family before business.   Marketing project coordinator and mother Angelique Sanderson says she witnessed the company?s work-life balance philosophy in action from the moment she came on board last year as a front desk receptionist.   Sanderson, who left a fast-track career in the high tech industry to care for an ailing mother and to start a family, says she was adamant when she re-entered the workforce that a receptionist job was the only way to guarantee a 40-hour work week and quality time with her new daughter. However, Sanderson says her opinion changed after observing the daily schedules of Keller Williams Realty International employees ? from top-tier management down.   ?I realized that these people really do live up to the company?s founding values of God, family and then business," she says. ?Not to say that everyone leaves at 5 p.m. on the dot every day, but the people here are leading balanced lives."   With the encouragement of her supervisor, Sanderson applied for and landed a job in the company?s marketing department this spring. ?The transition was smooth, and my work-life balance is still in place," she says. ?It feels wonderful."   About Keller Williams Realty International: From its headquarters in Austin, Texas, Keller Williams Realty International employs a staff of about 100 people who provide training and support for more than 46,000 Keller Williams Realty Inc. agents in the United States and Canada. Keller Williams Realty International produces leading-edge educational tools and resources to ensure that Keller Williams Realty agents thrive as independent business owners in their communities.   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fifth-largest and fastest growing residential brand in North America, with more than 450 offices and 46,000 agents. The company?s agent-centric culture emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. Keller Williams Realty, which began franchising in 1990, is growing by 1,500 agents a month. Keller Williams agents place high value on professional education and a full-time commitment to real estate sales. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at www.kw.com   About the Society for Human Resource Management: The Society for Human Resource Management is the world?s largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 200,000 individual members, SHRM has more than 500 affiliated chapters and members in more than 100 countries.   About the Great Place to Work Institute: The Great Place to Work® Institute is a research and management consultancy with headquarters in San Francisco and affiliate offices in 25 countries.
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Named One of America's Top Workplaces

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Named One of America's Top Workplaces   AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 1, 2013) — Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that WorkplaceDynamics has named it the No. 9 workplace in America – the only national real estate franchising company on the National Top 150 Workplaces list.   "This is a great honor that reflects the incredible energy and vitality of Keller Williams offices across the United States," CEO Mark Willis said. "Our associates are creating workplaces that everyone wants to be part of and no one ever wants to leave."   WorkplaceDynamics  conducted the annual survey in partnership with 30 leading regional newspapers, reaching 1.7 million employees nationwide. The survey found that employees want to work at companies with high levels of organizational health – those that set a clear direction for their future, execute well, and bring real meaning to work.   "Imagine being part of a culture where passion, joy, and purpose go hand in hand with productivity and profitability," Keller Williams President Mary Tennant said. "We're so honored to be in business with the best real estate professionals in America."   In addition to the National Top 150 list, Keller Williams offices in Cleveland and Minneapolis ranked as the No. 1 workplaces in their respective regions. Keller Williams offices in Austin, Boston, Hartford, and Tampa also finished among the Top 10.     Details about Top Workplaces, a full list of the Top 150 companies, the survey methodology, and factors that drive organizational health are available at www.topworkplaces.com.   # # # About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Keller Williams Realty Inc. is one of the largest real estate franchise companies, with approximately 700 offices and 80,000 associates around the world. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate an agent-centric, education-based, technology-driven culture that shares profits with associates. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).  
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Cares Promises Relief for KW Agents

Keller Williams Realty Cares Promises Relief for KW Agents Real estate company raises a million dollars in less than 72 hours for Katrina Relief   AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 2, 2005) ? When news broke that Hurricane Katrina had ripped through a number of Keller Williams Realty franchise offices and impacted the lives of more than 1,000 of the company?s agents, Keller Williams Realty associates responded by raising more than $1 million in pledges and cash donations in less than 72 hours for Keller Williams Realty Cares.   Founded in 2003 by Keller Williams Realty CEO Mo Anderson, Keller Williams Realty Cares (KW Cares), assists Keller Williams Realty agents in times of extreme hardship. Since its inception, the 501(c)3 charity has raised over $1 million in funds to help Keller Williams Realty associates in time of great need. Last year, the charity helped to get KW?s Florida associates back on their feet after four hurricanes ravaged their homes and businesses.   KW agent Betsy Alaimo of Orlando, Fla., knows firsthand the impact KW Cares has made on people?s lives. Last year, when Alaimo?s home was crushed by Hurricane Charley, KW Cares volunteers in Orlando helped her pack her belongings and evacuate her house. But the assistance didn?t stop there.   ?They gave me a check ? enough money to repair my house so that I could get back home. It was just amazing," said Alaimo.   ?Our associates? commitment to reach out to the KW family cements our culture and builds a bridge of KW associates across the nation. I am grateful that our associates are eager to support one another," added Keller Williams Realty President Mark Willis.   The fifth-largest franchise operation in North America has 12 market centers and more than 1,000 associates in the Gulf states affected by Hurricane Katrina, to include cities such as Metairie, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La.; Biloxi, Miss.; and Mobile, Ala.   ?This is one of the greatest challenges our company has ever faced; it is a disaster of major proportions to our Keller Williams family," said CEO Mo Anderson.   ?Our first priority is finding our associates," said Anderson. ?We are gathering all our resources together so that we can get assistance to them as soon as we know where they are. We are currently processing all the generous donations that we have received this week so that we can turn around and send those resources to our KW family members who desperately need them."   Keller Williams Realty?s international office, which supports the company?s 50,000 agents across the United States and Canada, has aligned its resources to provide both short-term and long-term support to the Gulf States region. The company has set up an emergency hotline with the immediate goal of locating every agent in that area. As of Friday, the company had made contact with 45 agents.   To address long-term needs, Willis on Friday called an emergency meeting among Keller Williams Realty?s regional directors to discuss plans to support market centers and associates in the Gulf States and help them rebuild their lives and businesses.   ?We are incredibly thankful to the people in our Keller Williams family who already have responded so quickly and so generously. Honestly, I anticipate that the $1 million going to KW Cares and Hurricane Katrina relief will double or triple in the weeks ahead," said founder and Chairman Gary Keller said.   SPECIAL NOTE: Our number one priority is finding our KW associates in the Gulf States region. To date, only 45 of our 1100 associates in the area have been located. We need to exhaust all efforts to find them. Distribution of the release is one avenue we are pursuing.   If anyone has information about where our Keller Williams Realty associates are, please contact (or have the associate contact) us at 512-413-7202 so that immediate assistance for housing and other immediate needs can be arranged.   If you are looking for a KW associate in the Gulf States region, log on to www.kwcares.org. We are posting status reports about our associates? whereabouts on the website, listed by office.   -30-   About KW Cares: Established in 2003, Keller Williams Realty Cares, or KW Cares, is a 501(c)3 public charity that is supported by Keller Williams Realty associates and offices nationwide. The charity provides emergency financial assistance to any member of the KW family during times of extreme hardship. Last year, KW Cares raised more than $800,000 in aide for Keller Williams Realty?s associates, which helped to pay bills, pay insurance deductibles and medical expenses for many associates in times of extreme hardship. All gifts to KW Cares are tax-deductible and go directly to those who are in need. For more information, visit KW Cares online at (www.kwcares.org)   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fifth-largest and fastest growing residential brand in North America, with 530 offices and nearly 50,000 agents. The company?s agent-centric culture emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. Keller Williams Realty, which began franchising in 1990, is growing by 1,500 agents a month. Keller Williams Realty agents place high value on professional education and a full-time commitment to real estate sales. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Top Ranked Franchisee Joins Keller Williams Realty

Top Ranked Franchisee Joins Keller Williams Realty Joe Rothchild to lead Keller Williams Signature in Houston, Texas     AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 12, 2010) ? Keller Williams® Realty Inc. announced today that Joe Rothchild, formerly a top ranked Re/Max franchisee and the leader of Houston?s #1 selling real estate team in dollar volume and number of closed transactions in 2009 (Houston Business Journal, March 2010), is now at the helm of the Keller Williams Signature office in Houston, Texas. The Joe Rothchild Team closed 779 transactions for $155 million in volume last year.   ?Keller Williams Realty has shown that their model can adapt to any market, which was one of the driving forces in my decision," said Rothchild, who has left Re/Max after 20 years as a franchisee. ?I have been researching and contemplating for more than two years, and I discovered that I needed to reinvent my business to revitalize it. We were implementing some of the same philosophies and mirroring the Keller Williams system, so finally, one day we said?why reinvent the wheel? And, the answer was clear."   Rothchild added, ?KW?s philosophy of putting agents and ownership on the same side of the table and training on the most critical issues facing us in today?s market were also incredibly important to us."   ?We are thrilled to be in business with a talent like Joe. For the last 15 years, Joe has been one of the top 10 teams in Re/Max, and was number one worldwide for three years in a row! When a top franchisee from one of our competitors chooses to join us, we consider it a true honor and confirmation that we have unbelievable momentum behind our growth," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. Many of Rothchild?s current associates will be joining him at the Keller Williams Signature office. Among them, Dale Ross, an industry veteran with 29-years of experience under his belt, 25 of which have been with Re/Max. ?When I factored in the Keller Williams Realty systems, training and support, and realized it was the place I needed to be," said Ross.   This announcement comes on the heels of a year of positive growth for Keller Williams Realty throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company outpaced the downward trend in the real estate market and grew in every category ? opening 30 new franchises, ending the year with a 16 percent year-over-year increase in the number of contracts closed per agent and more than 76,879 associates across North America (up three percent). In addition, the company gave back more than $32.2 million in profit share to its agents.   In addition to recently becoming the 3rd largest real estate company in the U.S., surpassing Re/Max, according to Steve Murray at REAL Trends, Keller Williams Realty received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row, and was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine.   ### About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 677 offices and more than 77,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan When Wendy Patton bought her first investment property she was living in a hotel, made $20,000 a year, and owed that much in student loans. Today Wendy has bought and sold more than 600 houses.   Jimmy and Linda McKissack struggled for years to turn a restaurant and nightclub into a sustainable business. They began supplementing their income through investment properties. Within five years they went from a handful of investment homes to 83 residential properties worth over $10 million.   When Danny Williams accepted an early retirement package from Delta, he owned 11 rental properties and had two children in college. Danny says he?s now ?totally unemployable" by choice and in complete control of his destiny.   Based on extensive research and interviews with over 120 millionaire real estate investors like these, Gary Keller?s new ?how to" guide reveals the models, strategies and fundamental truths millionaires use to become wealthy through real estate investing.   His latest book, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor (McGraw-Hill; May; Paperback: $21.95), written with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, hits bookstores just as real estate investing has gone mainstream. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, in 2004 nearly a third of all sales were second homes or investments.   ?By tapping the wisdom of millionaire investors from across the country, we?re sharing investment models that can be duplicated by anyone in any market." Keller explains, ?These are the foundational strategies every investor must know in order to maximize their financial wealth." But the book isn?t just about real estate. Through his research Keller discovered that millionaires think about money quite differently than others. As a result, this book also takes a hard look at the money myths that hold some people back and the money truths that let others soar. The book begins by exploring the ?MythUnderstandings" about the way people view investing. For example, Keller explains despite what most people think, investing by definition and design isn?t risky. Millionaire real estate investors employ time-tested strategies to avoid risk and, in the end, take luck out of the game.   By the end of the book readers will be able to: ? Think a Million: Develop the financial literacy and mindset of a millionaire investor ? Buy a Million: Amass a real estate portfolio with a market value of a million dollars or more ? Own a Million: Turn investments into an asset-based business with ever-increasing net worth ? Receive a Million: Build an investment empire that provides a million dollars a year in passive income   Keller concludes with twenty-one inspiring and enlightening profiles of real-life Millionaire real estate investors whose wisdom permeates the book, as well as appendices containing a series of easy-to-use worksheets.   According to Mike Summey, co-author of the bestselling The Weekend Millionaire?s Secrets to Investing in Real Estate, ?This book is not just a bargain, it?s a steal. It?s filled with practical, workable advice for anyone wanting to build wealth."   ABOUT GARY KELLER: Gary Keller is a self-made multimillionaire and co-founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams® Realty International, the fifth largest and fastest-growing real estate franchise system in North America. He has 25 years of industry and investing experience, and his first book, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, was a national bestseller.   ###   About Keller Williams Realty: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) is an international real estate company with more than 420 offices located across the U.S. and Canada. Currently the fifth largest U.S. residential real estate firm in North America, Keller Williams Realty began franchising its offices in 1990. The company has succeeded by treating its 42,000-plus associates as partners, and shares its knowledge, policy control, and company profits on a system-wide basis. KWRI?s agents are distinguished by their level of professional education, their full-time commitment to real estate sales, and their level of business success. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at www.kw.com.
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Inc. bolsters executive team to support growth

Keller Williams Realty Inc. bolsters executive team to support growth President takes on CEO role, tenured field leaders join international office   AUSTIN, TEXAS (Dec. 15, 2005) ? Keller Williams Realty Inc. announced today that it has repositioned its executive team and added company field leaders to its international support center. With a net gain of 1,700 new associates a month during 2005, Keller Williams Realty is gearing up to take its associate base from 57,000-plus to 82,000 in 2006.   Mark Willis, president of the fifth-largest franchise real estate operation in North America, added chief executive officer to his title as of Dec. 1. Current CEO Mo Anderson has been named the vice chairman. In addition, four tenured company leaders have joined the international staff: Mary Tennant as chief operations officer; David Osborn, CORE Services president; and Dianna Kokoszka, vice president of Mega Achievement Productivity Systems.   ?This is a new day at Keller Williams Realty International," Chairman Gary Keller says of the company?s Austin, Texas-based support center. ?We have pulled together what we believe to be the greatest real estate leadership team ever assembled. These individuals know the business, their track records are incredible, and they understand what Keller Williams Realty is all about."   Keller Williams Realty is now the fastest-growing real estate franchise in North America, according to numbers released by REALTOR® Magazine. When Willis came on board as president in 2002, the company had 18,888 associates in 216 market centers. Today, the company has more than 57,149 associates in 514 market centers. ?As president and CEO, I will continue to drive the growth of this company," Willis says. ?It?s my core competency; it?s what I love to do ? figuring out how to take us to new heights."   As of November, the company reported $1.96 billion in gross commission income earned year to date among its market centers in the United States and Canada. Keller Williams Realty anticipates hitting $2.2 billion when the end of the year numbers come in. ?Our learning-based culture and profit-sharing business model position Keller Williams Realty to be the company of choice among real estate professionals in the coming year," Willis says.   Moving from CEO to vice chairman, Anderson is responsible for ensuring the company?s culture and core values strengthen as Keller Williams Realty continues to grow. Under Mo Anderson?s leadership as CEO, Keller Williams Realty was recognized nationally and locally for its employee-centric business model and culture. The company ranked among the top 25 Best Small Companies to Work for in America in 2005 and was voted the Best Place to Work in Central Texas in 2004. Both honors were based on employee workplace surveys.   Mo Anderson says she is excited about Mary Tennant ?taking the international staff to the next level."   ?Mary Tennant is a genius at building teams and developing efficiencies in staff and office operations," Anderson says. ?She grew up in this business with our company and personifies who we are as a company. She?s been in the field succeeding and leading at a high level for years, and she brings that perspective to us."   When Tennant entered the real estate business in 1992, she earned the title of Rookie of the Year her first year and quickly advanced to team leader and regional positions. She previously served as the regional operating principal of Keller Williams Realty?s Southern California Region and as the regional representative of the South Texas Region. She also was the team leader of the Austin Southwest market center in Texas, which she took from $90 million to $1.3 billion in annual closed volume sales during her tenure.   In addition to her duties as the chief operations officer for KWRI, Tennant will continue to serve as the operating principal of the Austin Lake Travis market center. As the new chief operations officer, Tennant is charged with overseeing operations at the international support center.   ?Keller Williams Realty is an amazing product," Tennant says. ?The opportunities which I have been afforded through this company and Keller Williams University have changed my life and that of my entire family. This move to becoming the chief operations officer just seems to be a natural progression, and I am looking forward to the challenge."   Willis says Tennant, Kokoszka and Osborn have the firsthand field knowledge necessary ?to ensure that our support services, training programs and career-building tools continue to meet the needs of our associates, market centers and clients."   As the CORE Services president, Osborn will develop a doctrine of best practices for Keller Williams Realty?s CORE services division, which aims to provide a ?one-stop shopping" experience for real estate consumers ? from mortgage lenders to insurance providers.   ?We will mastermind with the best in the industry and in Keller Williams Realty so that we learn together and achieve more as a team than any one of us could achieve alone," Osborn says.   Osborn?s positions with Keller Williams Realty have included regional president of North Texas and New Mexico, regional operating principal of California Westside, regional operating principal of Arkansas Memphis, and operating principal of four market centers in North Texas and New Mexico. Prior to earning his real estate license in 1994, Osborn worked in South Africa for two years in association with the Culross Trust, specializing in real estate rehabilitation. In 1996, he was a member of the No. 1 sales team in the Keller Williams Realty network.   Kokoszka, who has been in real estate for 28 years, was team leader of the Keller Williams Realty Denver-West Market Center in Colorado prior to joining the international office. A pioneer in documenting office systems for real estate agents, Kokoszka began her real estate career as an agent and quickly moved up to mega agent status. Her entrepreneurial spirit and widely used published office systems have garnered Kokoszka many honors, including an appointment to the President of the United States? Business Advisory Council, on which she has served since 2002. She also was named Denver Entrepreneur of the Year in 1984 and 1991, and Denver Businesswoman of the Year in 1986, 2003 and 2004.   ####   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fifth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with 500-plus offices and more than 57,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company?s associate-centric culture emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. Keller Williams Realty, which began franchising in 1990, is growing by 1,700 agents a month. Keller Williams Realty agents place high value on professional education and a full-time commitment to real estate sales. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Announces 2011 Results and First Steps in Worldwide Expansion

Keller Williams® Realty Announces 2011 Results and First Steps in Worldwide Expansion AUSTIN, TX (February 13, 2012) ? Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the second largest real estate franchise in the United States, announced today that despite the continued downturn in the real estate market, the company continued to move forward in productivity, profitability and profit share in 2011. At the company?s annual convention, Family Reunion, CEO Mark Willis delivered his annual State of the Company speech in which he shared several key success indicators. More than 9,000 KW associates are in attendance for the event, currently being held in Orlando, Fla. According to Willis, Keller Williams Realty?s per agent productivity (in units closed) increased year over year, by 19 percent. The average gross commissions earned per agent also increased by more than 16 percent. Commenting on the increases, Willis said: ?At Keller Williams, we?re used to taking big leaps ? but this is unprecedented! Congratulations, Keller Williams family!" He also shared that since the shift in the real estate market in 2005, Keller Williams Realty has grown by more than 23 percent in agent count to more than 75,000 and that the company gave back more than $38 million to its associates in profit share over the last year. ?If you break that down, we gave back $100,000 per day, every day last year to our associates," said Willis. ?It?s truly our honor to share these unprecedented profits with our associates." Chris Heller, president of KW Worldwide, the company?s global division, was on hand to announce the signing of the company?s first overseas master franchise -- in Vietnam. ?As we began looking for opportunities to expand outside the U.S. and Canada, our primary goal was always to find the right leadership first. We know that Paul Mason [the new president of KW Vietnam] along with the other leaders we are exploring opportunities with, share our belief system and our commitment to grow the Keller Williams culture," said Heller. Mason is a real estate veteran with almost 20 years of experience in real estate in Vietnam, including leadership positions at the international firm Cushman & Wakefield and NAI Vietnam. He received a BSc in Estate Management from Southbank Polytechnic in London and is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) where he serves as chairman in Vietnam. Mason commented, ?The question wasn?t whether or not to join Keller Williams Realty; it was how soon can we join?" Heller also announced that the company was in conversations with potential franchisees in several other countries, including: South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia, Egypt and several Middle Eastern countries. KW will offer its overseas franchisees and associates award-winning tools including coaching and training via MAPS Coaching and Keller Williams University, as well as a worldwide version of the company?s proprietary technology tool eEdge, for lead management, contact management and development of custom marketing materials. Additionally, the company will expand its unique wealth building platform through a new growth share model, which financially rewards associates who help grow the company. In 2011, Keller Williams Realty surpassed Century 21 to become the 2nd largest real estate company in the United States and began aggressively pursuing franchising outside of the U.S. and Canada. ?We are not a ?brand-in-a-box,?" added Heller. ?Our entire approach as we expand is to work with our international franchisees to customize the proven Keller Williams systems and tools to the needs of each country."   ### About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with almost 700 offices and more than 75,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate its agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). For more information about KW Worldwide, visit (www.kwworldwide.com).  
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Real Estate Leader's SHIFT Hits New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal and Best-seller Lists

Real Estate Leader?s SHIFT Hits New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal and Best-seller Lists   Gary Keller?s book offers business strategies for thriving in a shaky real estate market     AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 16, 2010) ? In the past month, Gary Keller?s newly released hardcover version of SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times has hit the New York Times How-To Advice best-seller list, the Wall Street Journal Business best-seller list, as well as the USA Today best-seller lists.   ?SHIFT isn?t about teaching agents how to have a good week or year; it?s about teaching them how to have a great career," said Keller. ?Knowing that it can change any agent?s business, we have stood firmly by this book and supported it with two book tours. We couldn?t be more thrilled to reach these personal and professional milestones!"   Written by Keller, founder and chairman of Keller Williams Realty, with co-authors Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, SHIFT is drawn from the experiences of hundreds of top performing agents and outlines 12 tactics to surviving and thriving during a market shift.   ?We are astounded and incredibly proud that a book that has been out since 2008, would catch fire in such a way," said Papasan. ?We appreciate the real estate professionals out there that have made the most of this market, and turned to SHIFT as a resource to help them achieve their goals."   SHIFT focuses on 12 proven tactics, including: Master the Market of the Moment ? Short Sales, Foreclosures, and REOs Re-Margin Your Business ? Expense Management Price Ahead of the Market ? Seller Pricing Strategies Create Urgency ? Overcoming Buyer Reluctance     ?Gary and his team have provided an incredible gift to the real estate industry," said Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis. ?Obviously, at Keller Williams Realty, our number one goal is delivering the best education and training in the industry. We hope that SHIFT makes an impact on the careers of each agent who has read it-just as The Millionaire Real Estate Agent did."   Keller and his coauthors are the real estate experts behind previous national best-sellers The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, which, as part of The Millionaire Real Estate Series, have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.   ###   About Gary Keller: Gary Keller is co-founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams® Realty Inc. He has 25 years of industry and investing experience, and his first two books, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor both enjoyed multiple weeks as national bestsellers, as did a third book, FLIP: How To Find, Fix, and Sell Houses For Profit, on which he collaborated.     About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 offices and more than 76,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).  
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Announces Expansion into Indonesia, Southern Africa

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Announces Expansion into Indonesia, Southern Africa AUSTIN, TX (September 20, 2012) — Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the second largest real estate company in the United States, announced today at its annual Mega Camp event that its continuing international franchise expansion now includes Indonesia and the Southern Africa region. Mega Camp, held in Austin, TX, boasts more than 11,000 registrations across three major sessions (Mega Technology Camp, Mega Agent Camp, and Mega Leadership Camp) featuring interviews and panels with industry experts and top producing agents. KW Worldwide President, Chris Heller, announced the signing of the company's latest overseas master franchisees. "We are always looking for the right people to foster and grow the Keller Williams Realty mission, vision and culture. When we find the right leadership, our goal is to leverage our proven models, systems, and trainings to serve our international communities at the highest level," said Heller. Southern Africa Franchisees Sign On with KW "We welcome aboard our partners in Indonesia and the Southern Africa region, which includes South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Mozambique. We are excited to see them experience the same momentum and growth we have seen in North America."   Preparations for the newest international market centers are already underway and are located in Pretoria, South Africa and Jakarta, Indonesia. "We are extremely excited and cannot wait for our opportunity to offer the South African real estate industry the Keller Williams value proposition," said master franchisor, Johan Gouws." We simply cannot carry on in the South African real estate industry the way things are now. Keller Williams is the company of change for us; the company for agents, by agents. Over the past year [my master franchising partner, Niel Cronje] and myself have become very fond of our Keller Williams friends and their value system of 'God, family, then business.'" "This is not just another international brand," added Cronje. "This a real American company with a uniquely nontraditional, interdependent model that is growing globally. This is the most innovative real estate brand in the world, the one that is committed to building 'careers worth having, businesses worth owning, and lives worth living,' and the only brand that is truly for the agents. We can certainly see that the Keller Williams culture will sit very well with our market." Gouws has over 30 years of experience in the South African real estate market including overseeing gated developments and land acquisition for commercial and residential developments in Pretoria. Cronje also brings extensive business experience to the team with over 21 years of experience in both national and international real estate, as well as setting up and running his own profitable franchise operation. "The missing link in my business," he pointed out, "was Keller Williams." Tertius Zitzke, CEO and owner of AccTech Systems, is the partner responsible for managing the technology and will be integrating the South African and Keller Williams systems. Completing the master franchise team is real estate industry icon Stefan Swanepoel, the New York Times Best-Selling Author of Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business & Life and renowned inspirational speaker on topics including leadership, personal development, technology, and annual real estate trends. The two new KW Worldwide teams, led by Gouws, Cronje, Zitzke, and Swanepoel in the Southern Africa region and Tony Eddy in Indonesia, join nearly 77,000 associates and 675 offices in the United States and Canada, where the company has been franchising since 1991. KW Signs Franchise Agreement in Indonesia "We are proud to be joining a company with such a strong system of beliefs and policy of putting real estate agents first," said Eddy. "We are excited to see how we'll thrive in the Indonesian market with the support of our new Keller Williams partners." Eddy, Chairman and CEO of Tony Eddy & Associates (TEA), has more than 14 years in the real estate project marketing consulting business, covering the Jakarta and Bali markets. Eddy received his MBA in Finance, Investment & Banking as well as his MSc in Real Estate and Urban Economics from University of Wisconsin - Madison, and is a former Real Estate Credit Manager with Citibank - Jakarta. Eddy is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the first and only CIPS residing in Indonesia, and a member of the Indonesian Association of Real Estate Brokers (AREBI), where he serves as President for Bali Chapter. In 2010, Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis announced the expansion of Keller Williams Realty beyond North America and earlier this year, the company awarded its first overseas franchise in Vietnam. Negotiations with potential franchisees in several other countries continue as Keller Williams Realty intends to add 50,000 associates worldwide over the next 10 years. "We've been asked why we've chosen worldwide expansion in the current market, and the answer is simple: momentum! Our proven models and systems allow our associates and offices to succeed in any real estate market," said Willis. "As we continue to see years of unprecedented growth and technological innovation, expanding our opportunities abroad signifies the next logical step towards our growth as a company." About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 675 offices and almost 77,000 associates across the globe. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). Information about Keller Williams Realty's international expansion can be found at (www.kwworldwide.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Makes Strong Showing on Industry Surveys

Keller Williams Realty Makes Strong Showing on Industry Surveys RISMedia and REAL Trends reports highlight most successful real estate firms   AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 26, 2008) ? Every year, RISMedia and REAL Trends release two of the real estate industry?s most comprehensive surveys: the RISMedia Power Broker Report and the REAL Trends 500. Both surveys rank the largest residential real estate brokerages in the U.S. based on both transaction sides and sales-dollar volume, and this year, Keller Williams Realty offices proved that they can thrive and grow during an up or down market, by making an impressive showing on the lists. In RISMedia?s Power Broker Report, Keller Williams Realty had more offices listed in the top 700 offices than any other franchise brand. The survey also showed that Keller Williams Realty is the industry leader in the support and fostering of agent teams, with more agent teams than any other brand. Keller Williams offices also represented 55 percent of offices declared ?Companies to Watch? in the industry, with the next closest competitor taking up only 9 percent of the list. On the REAL Trends 500 report, Keller Williams had the second highest number of offices in the top 500 compared to competitors.   ?Keller Williams offices are showing that they can power through this shift in the market, and the survey?s, which serve as a benchmark for the industry, are evidence of that," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?Our agents and offices have stayed strong in our models, systems and culture and have continued to prosper. We are honored to be in business with such dynamic industry leaders."   Throughout 2007 and into 2008, Keller Williams has focused on coaching and training initiatives to keep its associates competitive and ahead of the pack. The company launched Operation Heart to Heart 2, which were programs and tools specifically designed to help agents and Keller Williams offices tackle the market. Offerings included a new Website authored by Keller Williams Chairman Gary Keller, (www.agentmountain.com) featuring audio, video and other materials relevant in today?s market; a nationwide skills-based seminar tour, Thriving in a Shifting Market; and 12 new agent guidebooks that teach associates how to take advantage of the opportunities in today?s market.   ?In addition to coaching and training opportunities, the coming months will see exciting announcements from Keller Williams -- all of which are aimed at enhancing our support of our offices and agents," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?If you take the time to analyze the results of both surveys, it is quite phenomenal that in this market, our offices have made such an impact. We couldn?t be prouder of our people and their achievements."     ### About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty International is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with more than 690 offices and more than 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty California Regions Get Back to Business

Keller Williams Realty California Regions Get Back to Business   Agents and Offices Sort through Soot and Smoke to Support Each Other   SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (November 1, 2007) ? Last week, as Southern California reeled from the impact of rampant wildfires, Keller Williams Realty  leadership and associates in the area mobilized and initiated California Cares?The Power of One.  The program focused on ensuring the safety of all associates in the area, providing shelter and comfort to displaced families, and finally, getting back to business in a ?smoky market."   Spearheaded by Southern California Regional Director Belinda Barone, California Cares includes a training program designed to help associates tackle the already-slumping real estate market in Southern California, which has come to a stand still in the wake of the fires. More than 5,833 associates in 45 offices in the area are joining forces by focusing on training and committing to getting back to business.   Top-producing agents have come together to teach, inspire and answer questions throughout the regions. The training courses, offered at no cost to associates, dig deep into mindset, how the fires are effecting current transactions and answer any questions the associates may have. Barone also says that there will be a huge focus on lead generation ? with compassion.   During difficult times, people unify most," says Barone. "Through California Cares we can give agents a direction and purpose to keep moving forward."   Other components of California Cares include community outreach in the area, delivering clothes, house wares, and truckloads of other donated items to displaced families; fundraisers for Keller Williams Realty?s non-profit arm, KW Cares; and a weekly conference call with all regional leadership to keep the region working together to stay on track.   Chris Heller, operating principal of the Carmel Valley/ Del Mar office in San Diego, Calif., stresses that it is paramount to keep moving, despite market conditions and the natural disaster. ?The best thing I can do for my associates, and the best thing we can do for each other, is stay productive." Tasha Manzano, team leader of the Carlsbad, Calif., market center says times like these remind her why she joined Keller Williams Realty. She says, "These are challenging times. But we are skilled people who have the capacity to rise to the occasion. The power of our vision, our values and our company will support us through this time." Download PDF of this news release.    ###     About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with more than 650 offices and more than 77,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company?s agent-centric culture emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. Keller Williams Realty, which began franchising in 1990, places a high value on professional education, leading-edge technology and fostering its culture of caring. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine

Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine   AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 21, 2009) ? Keller Williams Realty joined the ranks of the top franchises in the world last week, when the company was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine. During the same week, the company was also voted the Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises for 2009 in an industry-wide survey for the Swanepoel TRENDS Report.    ?The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is a respected source for the real estate industry and beyond, as is Entrepreneur magazine, and we are excited to see our agents honored in this way for all of their hard work," said Mark Willis, CEO, Keller Williams Realty. ?We certainly wouldn?t have been included on either list without the dedication and resolve of our agents."   According to the ranking in Entrepreneur magazine, the most important criteria to determine the top franchises included financial strength and stability, as well as growth rate and size of the franchise system. The magazine also looked at the number of years the company has been in business and the length of time it?s been franchising, in addition to start-up costs and financial data. Additionally, Keller Williams Realty made an impressive showing on the overall list, placing higher than any other real estate franchise.   The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is published by Stefan Swanepoel, a real estate industry speaker and insider. The survey was crafted to determine the Most Recognizable Brand for Real Estate Franchises for his report out in February 2010. The survey included votes cast by 11,000 plus real estate agents, who cast 390,000 votes to select the top 10.   Earlier in the year,Keller Williams Realty also received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row.   ?We are extremely proud that our associates and company are being recognized for our strength and stability during this time in our industry,? said Mary Tennant, president and COO, Keller Williams Realty. ?We attribute our success to being in business with phenomenal people and to our core business models, which have allowed our franchises to thrive during any market."   ###   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 offices and 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty and Old Republic Home Protection Align to Provide Unique Benefits to Associates' Clients

Keller Williams Realty and Old Republic Home Protection Align to Provide Unique Benefits to Associates? Clients  AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 17, 2011)?Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Old Republic Home Protection to offer a variety of services to the company?s associates and their clients. ?The focus of Keller Williams Realty associates is 100% on serving their clients? needs, which is completely in line with Old Republic Home Protection?s focus," said Anthony Azar, president of strategic business alliances at Keller Williams Realty.  ?We look forward to working with a company that has such a strong history and are thrilled to offer our offices an even greater edge with Old Republic Home Protection?s services in this market." Old Republic Home Protection, the third-largest home warranty company nationwide, has plans to assist Keller Williams Realty associates and their clients before, during and after the transaction offering services including: Comprehensive coverage with the unique Platinum Plus Upgrade including: Increased coverage for Modification costs (including code upgrades) ? up to $500 Enhanced stoppage, plumbing and toilet replacement coverage Stoppages caused by roots HVAC and water heater system vents and flues Case-by -case service claims management process to respond to service issues quickly and effectively. Hands-on training and education classes on the benefits home warranties provide to the home seller, buyer and real estate professional. Local, responsive and knowledgeable account executives are valuable business and solution resources for Keller Williams? associates and Team Leaders. Customizable Marketing Tools that help associates create effective marketing campaigns. ?We recognize the importance of customer retention and growth, especially in this challenging economy," said Lorna Mello, vice president at Old Republic Home Protection.  ?Keller Williams Realty is experiencing outstanding growth and we are proud and honored to provide innovative products and services as part of their strategic plan to support that growth into the future!"   ### About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 701 offices and almost 80,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com) Information about Keller Williams Realty?s international expansion can be found at (www.kwworldwide.com).   About Old Republic Home Protection:   Product A home warranty is a renewable service contract that repairs/replaces a home?s systems and appliances that fail due to normal use during the term of the contract. Optional coverage is also available to custom-fit coverage to the home.   History Old Republic Home Protection is currently the third largest home warranty company nationwide, conducting business in 21 states coast to coast. ORHP is a subsidiary of Old Republic International Corporation (ORI), one of the nation's 50 largest publicly held diversified financial services institutions.    For more information regarding Old Republic Home Protection, visit www.orhp.com.    
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Announces Record Growth

Keller Williams® Realty Announces Record Growth Company Adds Over 12,500 Agents in 2004   AUSTIN, TX ? (Tuesday, March 22, 2005) ? Keller Williams® Realty the fifth largest real estate company in North America, announced today that the company experienced a 52 percent increase, growing by over 12,500 agents to more than 38,000 in 2004.   ?Our company continues to grow exponentially, and the old-fashioned way ? we?re on target to become the fourth largest real estate firm in 2005 with over 55,000 agents by the end of this year," said Mark Willis, president of Keller Williams Realty. ?Most of your traditional real estate companies are growing only through mergers and acquisitions; specifically they are buying other real estate businesses to increase their size," Willis said. ?Unlike our competitors, Keller Williams Realty is growing purely by a grass-roots effort; agents are joining our family by word-of-mouth, which is truly an anomaly in today?s world of real estate."   A value proposition for Keller Williams Realty has been its willingness to ?share the wealth" through its unique profit sharing model and an agent-centric business model where the belief system is that agents should be treated like partners. This unique and innovative philosophy has propelled Keller Williams Realty into the forefront of the industry.   In 2004, the company profit shared approximately $28.2 million, a 120 percent increase over 2003. In 2005, the company anticipates that it will pay its associates close to $50 million in profit share.   Another reason associates are coming to Keller Williams Realty is the unparalleled learning initiatives that Keller Williams Realty provides through its training arm, Keller Williams University. Training is an integral part of the Keller Williams Realty culture, and it is exemplified during Family Reunion, the company?s largest training and consulting event of the year?held in February in Las Vegas. ?Last month we experienced a real tribute to the culture of our company, almost 20 percent of KW agents attended our Family Reunion. We greeted 7,400 people in Vegas to celebrate individual and team successes and to share best practices," said Mo Anderson, chief executive officer.   Also contributing to the phenomenal growth of the company is that in February 2004, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board Gary Keller authored The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. Keller developed this step-by-step guide to transforming a real estate sales practice into a business that generates a million dollars annually in net income as an answer to meet the needs of thousands of real estate professionals frustrated with the lack of training and information on how to grow their business. ?The goal from the beginning was to fill a void," Keller said. ?This book is truly a business plan that provides models and systems to become a mega-producing agent, and is founded on extensive research and interviews with the best agents in our industry."   For months in 2004, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent has been on BusinessWeek?s bestseller list, steadily climbing from the 12th to the 8th bestselling paperback business book. In 2003, the self-published edition of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent sold over 100,000 copies and was ranked as the number one real estate career guide on Amazon.com before being acquired by McGraw-Hill. Keller Williams Realty has grown 12 times larger in just six-and-a-half years, and its 10-year plan envisions 600 market centers with 150,000 associates and 15,000 millionaires. The company is on track to meet these goals. In 1983, its first year, Keller Williams Realty opened with one office and 32 agents and an annual sales volume of $28 million. The company began franchising its offices ? called market centers ? in 1990. Today, the company has an annual gross sales volume of $50 billion.   ###   About Keller Williams Realty: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) is an international real estate company with more than 420 offices located across the U.S. and Canada. Currently the fifth largest U.S. residential real estate firm in North America, Keller Williams began franchising its offices in 1990. The company has succeeded by treating its 39,000-plus associates as partners, and shares its knowledge, policy control, and company profits on a system-wide basis. KWRI?s agents are distinguished by their level of professional education, their full-time commitment to real estate sales, and their level of business success. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at www.kw.com.
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Announces New Agent and Office Benefits through Strategic Alliance with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Keller Williams Realty Announces New Agent and Office Benefits through Strategic Alliance with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty     AUSTIN, TX ? February 14, 2011 ? Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today its new strategic alliance with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty® (2-10 HBW), one of the nation's leading home warranty providers.   Through the program, Keller Williams Realty market centers have the option to include 2-10 HBW as a Home Warranty provider within their market centers and in addition, all Keller Williams associates will receive enhanced benefits that increase their value proposition to consumers.   ?In this industry, we?re all aware of how crucial it is to make our clients? real estate transaction as seamless as possible. It helps us build long-term relationships and trust," said Anthony Azar, director of Strategic Business Alliances for Keller Williams Realty International. ?2-10 HBW?s long-standing reputation and commitment to customer service were key factors in our decision to bring this program to our offices and associates." 2-10 HBW offers Keller Williams agents value-added services, including: Major home appliance purchase discounts for Keller Williams clients KW associate notification on all homeowner claims and renewals Custom newsletters and complementary marketing tools New home construction warranties for associates working with builders   Keller Williams Realty offices will also have the opportunity to create a local alliance with 2-10 HBW for an even greater market footprint and full-service approach.   ?2-10 HBW has been in the home warranty business for more than 30 years and strives to offer the highest quality service, the best coverage and a competitive price, so Keller Williams associates can focus on delivering the joy of home ownership to their clients," said Sue Ellen Burchfield, vice president for Strategic Alliances from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.   ###     About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 690 offices and more than 80,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).   About 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty® For more than 30 years, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has offered customers and their homeowners the most comprehensive warranty program available. Whether you?re building, selling or buying a home, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers a complete line of warranty, service contracts and risk management products. Since 1980, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has provided warranties and service contracts for over 2.5 million new and pre-owned homes. For more information about 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, please call (877) 777-1344 or visit www.2-10.com.    
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Now #1 Real Estate Company by agent count!

Keller Williams Realty Now #1 Real Estate Company in the United States by Agent Count Company also announces franchise expansion into Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey   DALLAS, TEXAS (February 17, 2013) — Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that it is the largest real estate franchise company by agent count in the United States, with approximately 80,000 associates. In recent years, Keller Williams Realty has posted record growth numbers, surpassing RE/MAX, Century 21, and now Coldwell Banker to secure the industry's top position. The news, based on publically available information as of February 6, 2013, was announced in front of more than 10,000 Keller Williams associates during the company's annual convention in Dallas, Texas.   During his standing-room-only, annual State of the Company address, CEO Mark Willis made the announcement, stating, "Keller Williams associates: We are one family. We have one destiny. We share one thing...We are America's #1 real estate company by agent count!"   Willis also reported strong productivity gains by Keller Williams associates in 2012. Year over year, per-agent units increased 23 percent, closed volume was up 31 percent, and gross commission income rose 28 percent. Moreover, a record 91 percent of the company's offices were profitable for the year. The company also announced its final profit share total for the year, which added up to more than $55 million in profits distributed to Keller Williams associates – an increase of 44 percent over the previous year.   Keller Williams Realty President Mary Tennant updated attendees on the company's charitable 501(c)(3) entity, KW Cares, which in 2012 awarded $2.7 million in grants to associates and their families in need.   And finally, Keller Williams Worldwide President Chris Heller announced plans to expand into two new regions: (1) Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; and (2) Turkey. The company previously announced global franchise agreements in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Southern Africa. Heller also extended a big welcome to more than 70 international guests who were visiting from 18 countries.   "One of the keys to Keller Williams Realty's phenomenal success has been our ability to grow organically – from agent to agent, from market center to market center, from country to country – earning our reputation one person at a time," Heller said.   Willis' presentation was followed by a 30th anniversary party. The No. 1 announcement and celebration capped a remarkable year for the Austin, TX-based company: J.D. Power and Associates ranked Keller Williams "Highest in Customer Satisfaction" among both home buyers and home sellers.* Keller Williams was ranked No. 9 on America's Top 150 Workplaces – the only national real estate company on the list. And in April, Keller Williams co-founder and bestselling author Gary Keller will publish his latest book, The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results.   Willis thanked associates and implored them to "Never back down" from their new position as the largest real estate company in the United States: "Let's celebrate tonight, but watch out, competition. Tomorrow we're going to be working harder than we've ever worked before. The real prize we're pursuing is to be #1 in agent count and transactions and volume all across the world!"   # # # *Disclaimer: Keller Williams received the highest numerical score among full service real estate firms for home buyers and home sellers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM. Study based on 2,994 total evaluations measuring five firms and measures opinions of individuals who bought or sold a home between March 2011 and April 2012. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March-May 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com   About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the largest real estate franchise company in the United States, with approximately 700 offices and 80,000 associates around the world. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate an agent-centric, education-based, technology-driven culture that rewards associates as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). For more information about KWWorldwide, please visit (www.kwworldwide.com).  
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Welcomes One of Manhattan's Top Teams

  Keller Williams Realty Welcomes One of Manhattan?s Top Teams Ilan Bracha to lead Keller Williams Manhattan in New York City    AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 4, 2011) ? Keller Williams® Realty Inc. announced today that Ilan Bracha of the Bracha Group, former managing director and top ranked Prudential Douglas Elliman team, is now at the helm of the new Keller Williams Manhattan office. The top producing Bracha Group, winner of three of the company?s highest honors including #1 Group in Prudential Douglas Elliman for the past five years, projects to close over 200 transactions in 2010, with $200 million in sales volume. Bracha Group is also ranked #2 in the entire Prudential Real Estate Network nationwide. Also joining Keller Williams will be 18 members of Bracha?s team.   ?Keller Williams Realty has weathered many changes by focusing on mindset and perseverance, which is exactly how I have driven my business to success in these times," said Bracha. ?I just clicked with the team at Keller Williams Realty-I knew it was the right move for us. The company believes as we do, that you put people before business. We envision our office growing stronger and larger with the support system they provide."   In 2009, Bracha and his team were impacted by the industry downturn. It was then that they decided to go ?back to the basics" by hitting the streets and working from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. With this approach, his office went from number 69 back to number one in the Prudential Douglas Elliman system in six months, closing out the year in the top spot.   Bracha added, ?In that time and in this market, I really fell in love with the business all over again. I am excited to join a company that has also seen the opportunity for growth and is seizing it."   ?We are thrilled to have Ilan and his team join the Keller Williams family, and we cannot express enough what an honor it is to have a business leader of this magnitude join us," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?We knew right off the bat we were going into business with a group that was incredibly passionate about the growth of their careers and the industry. We couldn?t ask for more."   Bracha Group brings an experienced presence in the New York City market that KW agents all over the nation can utilize and benefit from through referral relationships.   Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Bracha served as commander in the Israeli Army before traveling the world and moving to N.Y. in 1996. He worked at a boutique brokerage then quickly set off on his own, founding the Bracha Group. His focus is on residential and commercial real estate, with a specialty in luxury properties and new developments.   In the past year, Keller Williams Realty has continued to grow despite the well-publicized turmoil in the real estate industry. Recently, the company received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from homebuyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the third year in a row. Additionally, the company was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine.   ### About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 680 offices and more than 80,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).    
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Keller Williams Realty Associates Growing and Building Their Communities on May 12

Keller Williams Realty Associates Growing and Building Their Communities on May 12 Thousands of associates step out for 3rd annual RED Day   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 12, 2011)?Keller Williams Realty agents across North America will be building their communities in a different way on May 12?by participating in the company?s 3rd annual RED Day. As part of the annual RED Day, Keller Williams associates have given more than 275,000 hours of community service work volunteering in the past two years.  ?As a company, this is a day we say?put down your phone and pick up a paint brush! Our communities are what make our jobs so rewarding and so unique-and we look forward to giving back on this day especially each year," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?We have enjoyed hearing the countless stories about the impact our associates make on their local neighborhoods and look forward to hearing even more this year!" On the company?s Facebook page, many Keller Williams offices have shared their plans for RED Day including: in Anchorage, the Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a home; in Aurora, Colorado, the Keller Williams Realty Park Meadows Market Center will be repairing and cleaning up their local Ronald McDonald House; and many offices including those in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Gig Harbor, Washington, plan to hold food drives and blood drives.  ?RED Day is successful and continuing to grow because of our associates? passion and love for their communities," added Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?They have embraced the opportunity to give back in such an inspiring way?we feel so fortunate to be in business with such an amazing group of people." For more information about RED Day visit www.kw.com/redday.  # # #   About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 701 offices and almost 80,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com) Information about Keller Williams Realty?s international expansion can be found at (www.kwworldwide.com).      
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

SHIFT Tour Steels Real Estate Agents Against Tumultuous Market

SHIFT Tour Steels Real Estate Agents Against Tumultuous Market Keller Williams Realty seminar attracts more than 19,000 attendees     AUSTIN, TEXAS ? December 23, 2008 ? The SHIFT Tour, an instructive one-day seminar based on Gary Keller?s newest book, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times, wrapped in December after touching down in 29 cities across North America. As the real estate industry face today?s increasingly bleak news of bailouts and the credit crunch, more than 19,600 came to hear Keller?s advice for building their business in a new market.     The book SHIFT, written by Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of Keller Williams Realty, along with co-authors Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, is drawn from the experiences of hundreds of top performing agents and outlines 12 proven tactics to jump-start a real estate business in tough times. Specifically written for this real estate market, the book stresses expense management and lead generation ? tactics that can go overlooked during good times.   "This is simply the most challenging real estate market on record," says Suman Olney, director of research for Keller Williams Realty. "Since the National Association of REALTORS® began tracking numbers on a national level in 1968, average home prices had gone up year over year for 39 straight years. Now, we're on pace for two consecutive years of national home price declines."   ?We are committed to supporting our associates at the highest level during this market," said Keller. ?As I toured the country I saw renewed energy in the faces of every real estate agent I met. I firmly believe that by adopting the tactics of SHIFT, agents can master this market and build a business that thrives during any market."   Despite the market conditions, agents are finding ways to refocus their business using the tactics of the book. ?I attended the SHIFT tour in Charlotte and gained more knowledge in that one afternoon than I had in my previous four years in the business," said Greg Worley, real estate agent in Columbia, South Carolina. ?As an agent who is re-launching my career in the midst of these tough times, SHIFT has given me the tools, knowledge and confidence to get real and do it the right way. In addition to having the right mindset, the positive energy that surrounds my office is unbelievable."   A podcast based on the book is also now available on iTunes. The 8- part podcast features Keller, and co-author Dave Jenks discussing each of the 12 tactics outlined in the book.   The authors of SHIFT are also the real estate experts behind national bestsellers The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, which, as part of The Millionaire Real Estate Series, have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. For information about SHIFT, visit www.millionairesystems.com. ###   About Gary Keller: Gary Keller is a self-made multimillionaire and founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams® Realty Inc. He has 25 years of industry and investing experience, and his first two books, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor both enjoyed multiple weeks as national bestsellers, as did a third book, FLIP: How To Find, Fix, and Sell Houses For Profit, on which he collaborated.   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with more than 670 offices and 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]

Green Your Home Offers Specialized Focus on Green Practices at Home

Green Your HomeOffers Specialized Focus on Green Practices at Home New book focuses on home for a healthy, money-smart and sustainable lifestyle   AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 15, 2011) ? Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced that it has published Green Your Home, a book for green-conscious home buyers and homeowners. Serving as an easy guide to make the greenest impact, Green Your Home provides tips drawn from the collective experience of home buyers and homeowners, sustainability experts and thousands of top real estate professionals.   ?Green Your Home is unique because it focuses on the grassroots level where we can make the greenest impact?at home," said Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of the board for Keller Williams Realty. ?Since the housing and building industries account for nearly 40 percent of the world?s energy and raw material consumption?we realized that this is a smart place to begin. Greening our homes truly has the ability to change the world."   Green Your Home delves into the tactics to start planting the seeds today for a more sustainable future tomorrow including a focus on: Laying the groundwork for a green adventure Determining green priorities Recharging air quality and interior living spaces Increasing a home?s power and performance Creating a sustainable, high-functioning yard   Keller added, ?We aren?t seeing green in everything we do because of our mindset, habits and lifestyle. Each requires commitment and change. So with Green Your Home, our goal was to offer tips and action items that are realistic for everyone." In addition to launching Green Your Home, this year Keller Williams Realty set the new standard in the real estate industry by becoming the first franchise to implement an end-to-end business system that allows for a completely paperless real estate transaction (where allowed by law) in every one of its offices across the United States and Canada. The company estimates that it has collectively saved over $6 million dollars in paper savings across the company with the system.     To celebrate its growing environmental initiatives, the company is holding ?Green Week" through this Friday, offering green educational opportunities to its 80,000 associates through webinars and blog posts focused on green subject matter, as well as green tips to share with their sphere and opportunities to win free copies of Green Your Home on the Green Your Home Facebook page.   Green Your Home is the second in a guide series, following Your First Home, a how-to guide to home ownership. For more information on Green Your Home or the series, visit www.kellerink.com or the company?s Facebook page for the book, www.facebook.com/GreenYourHome. ### About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 700 offices and more than 80,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate its agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).
Read More... [Source: kw.com news channel]