Latest news with #BerkshireHathawayHomeServices
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Vince Leisey Named President of HSF Affiliates, the Franchisor of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HomeServices of America, the nation's premier provider of homeownership services, today named Vince Leisey President of HSF Affiliates, the franchiser of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) network. BHHS is the residential real estate franchise network owned by HomeServices of America, and part of a market-leading family of real estate brokerages, mortgages companies, settlement providers, insurance and corporate relocation services. Leisey has been a member of the brand network for almost 30 years and is renowned for his ability to drive vibrant cultures, innovate practices and realize consistent performance. Most recently CEO of BHHS Ambassador Real Estate in Omaha and surrounding areas, Leisey has led an organization of over 1,000 agents with almost $3 billion in annual sales. He will continue in the CEO role of BHHS Ambassador along with stepping into his new role. Instrumental in developing and embracing business practices that have become industry standards, he is founder of the Explosion Real Estate Conference and a long-standing contributor to the BHHS REthink Council, a platform designed to cultivate the next generation of real estate professionals and amplify forward-thinking ideas within the BHHS network. 'Vince's (Leisey) passion for the network and our franchisees, coupled with his results-oriented approach, makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide our affiliates through the next chapter our rapidly evolving industry,' said Chris Kelly, President & CEO of HomeServices of America. 'He brings a rare combination of energy, insight and operational know-how, along with a deep respect for people. He is ideally suited for this role.' 'I am honored and energized to serve as President of HSF Affiliates,' said Leisey. 'I have so much respect for the leaders across this network, and I look forward to partnering even more closely to drive growth, deliver value, and challenge ourselves to think differently about what's possible. Together, I believe we can continue to build the most trusted, innovative, and agent-empowered brand in real estate." ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA HomeServices of America is, through its operating companies, the country's preeminent provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. HomeServices' operating companies offer integrated real estate services, including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, and other homeownership services. Information about HomeServices is available at About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the world's fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, with more than 50,000 real estate professionals throughout the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Visit
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This rare, modern Sacramento home has Folsom Lake as its backyard. Take a look
Inside Look is a Sacramento Bee series where we take readers behind the scenes at restaurants, new businesses, local landmarks and news stories. One of Bruce and Lisa Bodlak's favorite features of their lakefront home in El Dorado Hills has been watching their kids grow up freely exploring nature. After all, Folsom Lake and its trails are part of their backyard, so the children were inclined to spend more time outdoors than in front of screens. The couple's rare, 5,000-square-foot, single-story modern home, 30 miles east of Sacramento, is for sale for $3.4 million. 'I loved waking up knowing that my kids couldn't wait to go outside and go exploring,' Lisa said. 'They'd take the ATV, pile all their friends in it, go drive around ... My daughter raised 50 chickens. My kids got to have that kind of experience.' Hiking along scenic trails and fishing, swimming and kayaking in the lake are all part of the experience of living on rural Fredlena Lane in El Dorado Hills, the couple said. 'We went from always looking out the front door ... to (here) where they can explore freely,' Bruce said. The secluded property unfolds across three, mostly flat acres and hooks up with trails that lead down to the lake, a two-minute walk. Because it backs onto protected state land and is flanked by sprawling neighboring properties, the residence feels even more cocooned in privacy. The lot sits back on New York Creek Cove, a popular spot for boating and fishing on the south fork of Folsom Lake. In front of the house, a gated courtyard welcomes visitors with a modern streamlined water feature and 'low-maintenance' koi pond, according to Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, the brokerage holding the listing. The upscale interior design of the house is just as impressive as the outdoor space. The Bodlaks purchased the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house in 2014 for about $1 million, according to public property records, and renovated the home to the tune of another million. The open-concept floor plan is augmented by high ceilings, high-end finishes and custom woodwork throughout. The interior is spotlighted by expansive windows, exquisite crown molding, Restoration Hardware lighting, custom furniture-grade cabinetry, designer tile treatments and wood-grain tile flooring. Among other highlights: ▪ An oversized office with access to a covered patio and an attached library with built-in bookcases. ▪ Luxurious primary suite offering outdoor access and a spa-like bathroom with a Hydro Massage tub featuring oxygen and light therapy, large walk-in shower with multiple shower heads and a walk-in closet with floor-to-ceiling built-ins and shoe walls. ▪ Gourmet kitchen appointed with Thermador professional-grade appliances, eight-foot, double-door wine refrigerator, 12-foot Carrara marble slab waterfall island, breakfast nook, informal dining area under a vibrant Restoration Hardware chandelier, two walk-in pantries and expansive windows for lake views. ▪ A great room with a dramatic stone fireplace and access to an outdoor covered patio with lake views. ▪ Formal dining room, big enough to accommodate a 12-foot table, with recessed lighting and views of the front courtyard. ▪ 1,000-square-foot theater and billiards room with platform bar seating and built-ins. Bruce Bodlak's vision for their home always allowed for future versatility. The turnkey home offers buyers the options of enjoying its luxury amenities now or jumping into any number of possible upgrades, such as building a guest house on the upper property, adding a bedroom, dropping in a swimming pool or converting some of the 9,000 square feet of lawn into a vineyard or tennis court. As it lies now, the grassy area is ideal for lawn games, outdoor weddings and large parties. Bruce installed a $75,000 agriculture sprinkler and drip system to pave the way for putting in a wine vineyard or adding more fruit trees. There are four mature citrus trees on the property already. The expansion possibilities attract an even larger pool of potential buyers, according to listing agent Angela Dameri of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. 'This could be a couple with no kids, who just wants to be kind of off-grid and just have a nice view, or it could be somebody (who) wants to expand and turn into multi-family,' she said. 'Somebody who buys this (might be) living in a subdivision when they want to get into some open spaces.' The grounds are punctuated by a quaint and picturesque historic water tower from the days when a farmer owned the land in the 1940s, Bruce said. The structure can still be used to collect water, according to Dameri. Bruce meticulously built the 3,000 square foot garage with a 13-foot ceiling to match the contemporary architecture of the rest of the house. The spacious garage offers a showcase or a work space for car collectors. It's wired for electric vehicle charging. There also enough space to convert a section of the garage into a game room or in-law suite. The sellers are prominent figures in the media buying and advertising industry. Bruce and Lisa Bodlak founded Express Media, having started the company in 1999 and working out of their previous home's garage before growing the firm into a $40 million business based on annual billing. The couple decided to move to be closer to their adult children in Tennessee. 'They had a very good vision... and they imagined this being a legacy home for them,' Dameri said. This luxury Folsom Lake home breaks sales record as one of priciest in Sacramento region
Miami Herald
27-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has crucial advice for first-time homebuyers
One of the most significant barriers to homeownership is affordability. Rising home prices, down payment expectations, elevated mortgage rates, and closing costs have made it challenging for first-time homeowners to enter the housing market. As the size of the average U.S. household shrinks, the need for large and expensive homes is subsiding. Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE daily newsletter To address the dwindling housing supply and waning demand, housing experts suggest ramping up the construction of smaller, more affordable homes to meet buyer needs and price ranges. Smaller homes are less expensive and more appealing to first-time homebuyers hoping to enter the housing market with a lower price range. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services shares why buyers on a budget should set their sights on smaller homes and the long-term payoff of lower square footage. The average U.S. household size is shrinking, and buyers are downsizing their homes to match. The U.S. Census Bureau found that the average household size shrank from over three people in 1975 to 2.5 people in 2024. The number of households without children is also rising, lowering demand for larger homes. During the challenging 1980s housing market, plagued by double-digit mortgage rates, construction projects pivoted toward smaller homes to meet buyers' needs. Smaller homes may be making a resurgence, as the average size of newly built homes dropped to 2,150 square feet in 2024, the lowest level in 15 years. More on homebuying: The White House will take surprising approach to curb mortgage ratesHousing expert reveals surprising ways to reduce your mortgage rateDave Ramsey warns Americans on a homebuying mistake to avoidWarren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sounds the alarm on the 2025 housing market Berkshire Hathaway Home Services highlights why the housing market is pivoting and explains the appeal of smaller homes to budget-conscious buyers. The blog stated, "The trend of smaller households is yet another factor influencing the appetite and need for smaller homes. Bigger homes used to be more desirable to homebuyers, but between lack of affordability and rising eco-awareness, smaller homes are becoming the new standard." In addition to being more affordable and having less space to manage, smaller houses appreciate faster than larger ones. The Federal Housing Agency (FHA) found that the average annual home appreciation rate was 4.5% in October 2024. Though several factors impact property value growth, smaller homes actually appreciate at a faster rate, despite lower home prices. Related: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway drops major mortgage rate revelation "The icing on the cake? Small homes appreciate faster than larger homes." The Berkshire Hathaway Home Service blog elaborated. research found that homes with 1,200 square feet or less appreciated at 7.5% per year pre-Covid, while homes with at least 2,400 square feet saw an appreciation rate of 3.8%. While each home's appreciation rate varies, smaller homes can generate high returns at a more realistic price point for first-time buyers. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reveals bold housing market recommendation
Homebuyers must manage a few key components during the house-hunting process. The location of the home impacts the house size, price, and style, but each neighborhood has unique qualities that may improve quality of life, such as parks, restaurants, and walkability. Where you buy a home will also impact how the property's value will appreciate over time, determining its resale value and overall return on investment. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter However, locations with favorable conditions and highly sought-after benefits tend to be more expensive, so first-time homebuyers may need to be flexible on neighborhoods, amenities, and pricing to stick within their budget. Though the financial implications of a home's location are sometimes overlooked, it may affect the resale value by tens of thousands of dollars. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services dives into how homebuyers can ensure they're making a sound housing investment, and which property red flags to watch for. Purchasing a home is a significant long-term commitment, and it is essential to understand all of the factors that impact property value over time. The average home appreciates 5.5% annually, nearly double the current inflation rate. Research shows that home appreciation is highest in areas with a growing local economy, rising population growth, and a developed infrastructure and public transit. Real estate experts generally agree that location is often more important in determining a home's value than the home's appearance, since it affects homeowner quality of life. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services highlights why the location of your home will shape its resale value, and therefore, ROI. More on homebuying: The White House will take surprising approach to curb mortgage ratesHousing expert reveals surprising ways to reduce your mortgage rateDave Ramsey warns Americans on a homebuying mistake to avoidWarren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sounds the alarm on the 2025 housing market The blog notes that "a desirable neighborhood offers well-maintained homes and public spaces, safety, good schools, thriving businesses, and other amenities. The more of these you have, the smarter your investment, as your home will not only hold its value, but will appreciate faster than if it were located in other areas." However, since desirable locations drive up home prices, first-time homebuyers may need to compromise on house size or location to stay within their budget. Still, finding a neighborhood that is on the upswing - offering advantageous perks while still being fairly affordable - is key to reliable real estate investment. "These neighborhoods come at a higher cost, so your goal should be to obtain as many of these wants and needs as you can affordably." Although 15-year mortgages save homebuyers money in the long run, most younger home buyers opt for a 30-year mortgage to keep mortgage payments lower. When signing up for a 30-year commitment, it is important to research up-and-coming neighborhoods that offer beneficial features at a competitive price. 82% of homeowners have some type of regret about their house or the home-buying process, underscoring the importance of thorough house-hunting research. Related: Fannie Mae makes crucial update to 2025 mortgage rate forecast Berkshire Hathaway Home Services notes that finding the right neighborhood can help save homeowners a significant amount of money - and headache. "Researching the right neighborhood for your family is important for your lifestyle and well-being, as well as your investment in a home, helping you sidestep avoidable problems and enjoy priceless peace of mind." Ultimately, an area with a vibrant culture, ample green space and public parks, and a growing population will almost certainly yield positive home price growth. "That's why location is so important, as appealing aspects will also be attractive to future homebuyers and renters, including the area's natural beauty, historical charm, or cultural flair. It's easier to enjoy your lifestyle if the amenities you want are readily available - from parks and recreational facilities to grocery stores and restaurants." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
83-year-old charged in death of pedestrian in West Hartford last year
The video above aired on November 11, 2024. WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — West Hartford police say they've arrested an 83-year-old driver who allegedly fled the scene after striking a pedestrian last year. The pedestrian later succumbed to their injuries. Sue Deffenbaugh, 83, was arrested by warrant on Tuesday. She was charged with evading responsibility resulting in death and failure to exercise reasonable care near a vulnerable user on a public way. West Hartford street safety advocates hold memorial for woman hit and killed by car The charges stem from a collision on Nov. 9 at the intersection of Oakwood Avenue and St. James Street. Police said a vehicle struck an elderly woman crossing in the area of an uncontrolled crosswalk. After the impact, they believe she was struck again by a second vehicle. The first vehicle remained on scene, and the driver cooperated with police, but the second driver fled the scene. Police said they've determined Deffenbaugh was that driver. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries and later died at a local hospital. She was identified as Patricia Brulotte, a real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services for 20 years. West Hartford raising awareness for pedestrian and road safety At the time of her death, colleagues described 'Patty' as hard-working and soft-spoken and said she never had a bad word to say about anyone. This death happened as the town had been working to prevent deaths and serious injuries on roads in its Vision Zero initiative. The intersection where the collision occurred was already a concern for town engineers. Deffenbaugh's warrant included a $400,000 court-set bond and a stipulation that she not operate a motor vehicle. She was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on April 24. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
