Brandon Twp.-Real Estate One is on the move.
The area’s largest real estate brokerage, with 20 agents, will shift operations from their location, since 1993, at 2245 S. Ortonville Road to 875 S. Ortonville Road (just north of McDonald’s).
‘The new facility has greater open space? better to serve our customers,? said Sharon Williams, Real Estate One manager.
The modern, single story 2,800 square-foot building will open on April 1.
‘This move coincides with our purchasing the Real Estate One franchise for this area,? said Williams, who along with 10 partners will join in the agreement.
‘This decision will keep all our business locally owned’rather than through a corporation. Essentially, all dollars will stay right here in the area.?
Real Estate One is based in Michigan and has been in business since 1929. In 2006, the company was involved in more than 22,000 transactions generating $3.1 billion in home sales. Real Estate One is the largest real estate company in Michigan and the nation’s 15th largest real estate service company. Real Estate One began franchising in the state of Michigan in 1971 and offered franchises in Wisconsin from 1981 to 1985. From 1975 to 1986, the franchising activities of REO were conducted through Real Estate One Licensing Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, according to a company report.
‘For our customers, the transition to a Real Estate One franchise will be seamless,? said Williams. ‘The same great service and support will be there for our customers.?
While the company is making some changes locally, Williams said the current real estate market is also in transition.
‘Right now is the best buyer’s market ever,? said Williams. ‘A few years ago you’d be lucky to have five homes on the market to choose from. Today we’ve had as many as 30 listings in a variety of price ranges. This type of market activity is normal ‘it was a seller’s market just a few years ago, now it’s changed.?
After a rather dismal 2006, Williams added that the real estate market has hit bottom in Michigan.
‘We’re on our way back up’by summer, things will have improved drastically.?