http://www.kw.com Press Releases and News Articles from the Keller Williams Newsroom. en-us Copyright 1996 to 2012 Keller Williams Realty, Inc. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=501 More than 80,000 Keller Williams Realty Associates to Give Back to Their Communities Through Worldwide Day of Service   AUSTIN, TX (May 7, 2013) — Keller Williams Realty, Inc. recently made headlines when a team of agents in Florida shared their lotto winnings with a brand new employee who couldn't participate in the pool. The company's culture of caring will once again be on full display on Thursday, May 9, when more than 80,000 associates and their families will take part in RED Day, the company's annual day of service, dedicated to renewing, energizing, and donating to their local communities.   "As busy as our lives are, it is important to turn off the phone, step away from the office and give back to the communities that support our agents and offices around the world," CEO Mark Willis said. "We feel so fortunate to have associates who don't see this as a dollar lost in a day off work, but so much more gained in the community."   Since the first RED Day in 2009, Keller Williams Realty associates have contributed over half a million volunteer hours to community projects around the world (Video: http://youtu.be/f4FNFWX4iS8). RED Day 2013 promises to make an even bigger impact on the communities Keller Williams Realty associates serve: Six offices in the Baltimore, Md., region will come together for the second consecutive year to provide a "makeover" for two inner-city schools and host field days for more than 700 students while raising funds for the Open Door Ministries organization. (Video: http://youtu.be/2hW51gW3FAY) Offices across Texas are collecting water, food, and other supplies and driving to assist residents affected by the recent fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. And for the first RED Day outside of North America, agents in South Africa are teaming up to provide financial support, clothing, and toiletries and spend the day visiting with residents of the Margaretha Ackerman Old Age Home in Pretoria West.   "RED Day is built on the belief that people can and should come together to achieve extraordinary things to help others," President Mary Tennant said. "We all know that filling all the gaps in our communities can't be accomplished by serving just once a year. RED Day just happens to be the one-day expression of the constant state of the Keller Williams culture. We see a need, discover who can meet it, and get it done."   "Our culture is what defines us as a company, and part of that means taking time to remember what is most important - our communities," Vice Chairman Mo Anderson said. "I am so proud to see our associates adopting RED Day with such passion and love for their communities. They truly are making an incredible difference around the world."   For more information about RED Day visit www.kw.com/redday.   ###   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)   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=501 Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=481 Keller Williams Realty Founder Hits #1 on Wall Street Journal Bestseller List   AUSTIN, TX (May 3, 2013) — Keller Williams Realty co-founder and bestselling author Gary Keller has reached the coveted #1 spot on the Wall Street Journal Hardcover Business bestseller list with his latest book, The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results.   The book has appeared on more than 30 bestseller lists, including: The New York Times, where it is currently #2 on the Advice/How-To bestseller list; USA Today, where it is the top selling Psychology/Self-Help title; and Amazon.com, where it has been the highest selling book overall.   Keller and his co-author, Jay Papasan, have been touring North America teaching a half-day seminar based on the book's lessons. The tour, which has reached more than 12,000 business leaders, concludes in the authors' hometown of Austin, Texas, on Thursday, May 30, 2013.   According to Nielsen BookScan, The ONE Thing has sold more than 60,000 copies since it was published by Bard Press last month.   In the book, Keller and Papasan present the lies that block your success and how to identify and thwart the thieves that steal your time. They model the laws of purpose, priority and productivity and teach you that strategies laid out in The ONE Thing can radically change the way you work, the choices you make and the results you achieve. Official trailer: http://youtu.be/AM96rFUDiF8   Keller is the bestselling author of several books and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In 1983, he co-founded Keller Williams Realty, which recently became the largest real estate company by agent count in the United States.   "We're honored to be #1", Keller said. "The only way you succeed in business is through others. We are so grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our associates around the world, who have bought into this message and the The ONE Thing approach".   For more information about The ONE Thing, including media coverage, resources and coaching opportunities, visit www.the1thing.com   ###   About the Authors: Gary Keller is co-founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams Realty. Jay Papasan is vice president of publishing and executive editor of KellerINK, the publishing arm of Keller Williams Realty.   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=481 Fri, 3 May 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=522 Keller Williams Realty Expands into Turkey   AUSTIN, TX (April 22, 2013) — Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the largest real estate company by agent count in the United States, is continuing its international expansion by launching a new region serving Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.   "All of the education and tools that Keller Williams provides will set a new standard for the whole Turkish real estate market," said Erol Emre, the master franchisee who is leading the new venture. "This is training. This is education. It's detailed, extensive, and very well structured. It will be a game changer for our market."   In addition to degrees from Middlesex University and Harvard Business School, Emre brings a strong international business background and cross-cultural skills to the new venture. Prior to joining Keller Williams Realty, he helped found Platin Real Estate, which primarily focused on the Istanbul real estate market, promoting exclusive high-end properties. The team was recognized numerous times as the highest income-generating Century21 office in Turkey.   "We are constantly looking for the right people to foster and spread the Keller Williams Realty mission, vision, and culture around the world," said Chris Heller, president of Keller Williams Worldwide. "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Emre and his team to serve Turkish sales associates and clients at the highest level."   In 2010, Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis announced the expansion of Keller Williams Realty beyond North America. Since then, the company has awarded franchise agreements in Vietnam, Indonesia, Southern Africa, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The company plans to become the worldwide leader in agent count, transactions, and volume.   "We are so pleased to join Keller Williams," Emre said. "This company has such a unique culture focused on the agents and the people. It's a huge difference compared with the traditional models where everything is done to benefit the brand. This really attracted me from the first day because we have wanted to be part of a company like this for a long time."   ###   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 KW Worldwide, please visit www.kwworldwide.org.   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=522 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=521 Keller Williams Realty Expands into Austria, Germany, and Switzerland   AUSTIN, TX (April 15, 2013) — Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the largest real estate company by agent count in the United States, is continuing its international expansion by launching a new region serving Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.   "Despite their sophistication, the German, Swiss and Austrian real estate markets all lack companies with a clear commitment to professional services and their associates," said Rauert Peters, the master franchisee who is leading the new venture. "Keller Williams has clearly shown its commitment to a high level of agent education by remaining a company 'by agents, for agents.'"   Peters brings a strong international business background and cross-cultural skills to the new venture. Born and raised in Germany, Peters received a master's degree in International Relations and Business from San Francisco State University. Prior to joining Keller Williams Realty, he spearheaded U.S. expansion for a major European real estate company as COO and CEO.   "We are constantly looking for the right people to foster and spread the Keller Williams Realty mission, vision, and culture around the world," said Chris Heller, president of Keller Williams Worldwide. "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Rauert and his team to serve international clients at the highest level."   In 2010, Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis announced the expansion of Keller Williams Realty beyond North America. Since then, the company has awarded franchise agreements in Vietnam, Indonesia, Southern Africa, and Turkey. The company plans to become the worldwide leader in agent count, transactions, and volume.   "Keller Williams has been incredibly successful in the USA and Canada," Peters said. "We look forward to the proven systems and models delivering game-changing results in the German-speaking regions of Europe and beyond."   ###   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 KW Worldwide, please visit www.kwworldwide.org.   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=521 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=461 Global Real Estate Company Keller Williams Realty Rallies to Pay Commissions Denied to Des Moines Agents Vice Chairman of the Board to Deliver $107,040 Check on Friday   DES MOINES, IOWA (March 21, 2013) — Mo Anderson, Vice Chairman of the Board of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the largest real estate franchise in agent count in the United States, will visit the Greater Des Moines market center on Friday, March 22nd, to deliver a gift of $107,040 to agents who have been denied commissions for helping their clients buy homes listed by a local competitor.   The Keller Williams Greater Des Moines market center opened in March 2012 with 23 agents. Since that time, its largest local competitor has paid Keller Williams associates only $1 in commissions on each of the listings the competitor controls. Driven by Keller Williams Realty's belief in doing the right thing, the Greater Des Moines associates have continued to put their clients first and sell the competitors' listings despite earning only $1. To date, the associates in Des Moines have been denied more than $100,000 in rightfully earned commissions.   Last month, during Keller Williams Realty's annual convention in Dallas, Anderson brought several Greater Des Moines associates on stage to honor their commitment to serving the Des Moines community and challenged the Keller Williams family to support their fellow agents.   "We are committed to making our Greater Des Moines family whole again," Anderson announced from the stage. "And we are going to continue to help them until these business practices end."   The response was overwhelming. Within minutes, fellow associates wrote checks and stuffed envelopes, more than covering the over $100,000 in commissions denied to associates to date.   Anderson will visit the Greater Des Moines market center on Friday, March 22nd at noon to meet with the agents, honor their commitment to client service, and deliver this first gift from the newly established KW Family Fund.   "The support of our Keller Williams family is a powerful statement of who we are. What an honor it is to be in business with a real estate organization who stands united, supports each other and is unwavering in their commitment to do the right thing always," said Brian Wentz, Team Leader, KWDSM.   DETAILS FOR MEDIA: What: Vice Chairman of the Board to deliver $107,040 check to local agents. Interviews available. When: Friday, March 22nd at noon Where: Keller Williams Realty Greater Des Moines market center, 10200 Hickman Court, Clive, IA   # # #   About Keller Williams Greater Des Moines KWDSM opened in March of 2012 led by Operating Principal, Kacy Bell and Team Leader, Brian Wentz. Since opening, Keller Williams Greater Des Moines has nearly tripled in size and just recently, opened their Commercial Real Estate Division. The Keller Williams Realty Greater Des Moines Market Center, located at 10200 Hickman Court, Clive, Iowa is a full-service real estate firm with 67 sales associates. For more information or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Greater Des Moines online at www.kwdsm.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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=461 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=441 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=441 Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=422 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=422 Fri, 1 Feb 2013 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=401 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=401 Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=381 Keller Williams Realty Ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Home Buyer and Seller Segments" by J.D. Power and Associates   AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 16, 2012) ? According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM released yesterday, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ranks highest in customer satisfaction in both the homebuyer and home seller segments. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. achieved the highest scores in all measured factors across both segments, receiving the highest JDPower.com Power Circle RatingSM among its competitors overall.   ?We are so proud to have our associates be recognized once again for leading the industry with the influence and reputations they have in their local communities. They continually demonstrate not only their level of talent, but their commitment to serving our communities with the utmost integrity and highest level of service," Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., stated. ?Congratulations to all Keller Williams Realty associates. They have certainly earned this prestigious distinction."   The fifth annual J.D. Power and Associates study measures customer satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies within the home buyer and seller segments. Scores are determined by examining three factors of the home-buying experience: agent/salesperson; office; and variety of additional services. For the home-selling segment, agent/salesperson; marketing; office; and variety of additional services are examined.   J.D. Power and Associates stated, ?[The uncertain economic times] present a challenge for the real estate companies to really work closely with the customers and really hold their hand through the entire process to make them feel more comfortable in the decisions. Keller Williams has set itself apart by performing high in all the areas that are most important to customers specifically with the agent, the offices, and the services that they provide."   ?Our agents go above and beyond to help their clients at one of the most personal times in their lives ? when they are buying or selling a home. We are incredibly honored and humbled that our associates have been recognized yet again for their incredible levels of service," says Mary Tennant, President of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.   ### 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.: 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=381 Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=361 Keller Williams Realty Associates, Teams Named Top Performers by REAL Trends and the Wall Street Journal   AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 22, 2012) ? Keller Williams Realty?s agents and teams have, once again, made a strong showing in the REAL Trends/Wall Street Journal  ?The Thousand? report, released today. The WSJ and REAL Trends, Inc., a leading source of analysis of the real estate industry, annually compile the industry summary of the Top 1,000 real estate agents and teams in the United States. Rankings are categorized by Top 250 Real Estate Professionals by Transaction Sides, Top 250 Real Estate Professionals by Transaction Volume, Top 250 Teams by Transaction Sides and Top 250 Teams by Transaction Volume.   In the report, Keller Williams associates represent more than 15 percent of the Top 1,000 agents and 35 percent of the list of Top Teams ranked by Transaction Sides, making Keller Williams Realty the No. 1 team brand based on the number of closed transaction sides.   ?We are so proud to be in business with so many talented agents and teams who are once again leading us to the top of the industry," Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., stated. ?Congratulations to the winners, as well as our entire team of associates. It is the agents? hard work and dedication that drives our success."   Just last month REAL Trends, Inc. released their 500 report, in which Keller Williams brokerages represented 23 percent (116 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed transactions and 24 percent (119 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed volume. The number of KW brokers ranked on the list far surpassed all other major franchise players.   For more details, full reports are available on the REAL Trends Website: http://www.realtrends.com/products/rt1000. ### 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 700 offices and almost 75,000 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).     http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=361 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=341 Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Ranked in America?s Top 10 Workplaces   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 16, 2012) - Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today it has been recognized as one of America?s Top 10 Workplaces, according to the first annual National Top Workplaces list compiled by Workplace Dynamics.   ?Our culture is our strongest asset and the reason that so many people want to be with us," Mary Tennant, COO of Keller Williams Realty shares. ?Imagine what it would be like to work in a culture every day with people that you feel love, kindness, caring and humor with. Imagine working in an environment where there is a passion for every single person to succeed at the highest level."   ?If this award proves anything, it?s that we only succeed when our associates do," added Mark Willis, CEO. ?We are proud to be in business with the best who are lifting us up each day and proud to be fulfilling our mission of building careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living."   The list of National Top Workplaces is based solely on employee feedback surveyed from 805 companies of more than 1,000 employees, which included over half a million survey responses. According to survey results, Keller Williams? ranking was based on its overall culture and high levels of organizational health including training, benefits, compensation, and work-life balance. ?Put simply, the most successful companies appear to be the ones that employees believe in," said Doug Claffey, CEO at WorkplaceDynamics.   For more information and the full list of the Workplace Dynamics Nation?s Top Workplaces, please visit http://topworkplaces.com/stories/americas-top10-workplaces.php   # # #   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).       http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=341 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=322 Keller Williams Realty Dominates REAL Trends Rankings, Continues Strong Growth Trajectory   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 14, 2012) ? Keller Williams Realty?s brokerages have, once again, dominated the newly released REAL Trends 500, an annual industry ranking published by REAL Trends, Inc., a leading source of analysis and information on the residential brokerage and housing industry.   On the REAL Trends 500 report, Keller Williams brokerages represented 23 percent (116 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed transactions and 24 percent (119 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed volume. The number of KW brokers ranked on the list far surpassed all other major franchise players.  Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., stated: ?These results are proof that our people and their businesses are thriving. We?ve provided a strong platform and economic model that supports their productivity and profitability and they are winning in their local markets. We are so proud and honored to be in business with every agent and offices that contributed to this success." In addition to the overall rankings, Keller Williams offices made up more than 50 percent of the following lists: Top Firms Ranked by Closed Transactions per Office (more than 165 percent more transactions per office than its closest competitors), Top Firms Ranked by Closed Sales Volume per Office, Top Movers with Largest Percentage Increase in Volume, Top Movers with Largest Percentage Increase in Number of Transactions. The rankings reflect a year of strong growth and forward momentum for the company in several key areas. 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. And the company gave back more than $38 million to its associates in profit share in 2011, an 11 percent increase over the previous year. Willis stated: ?Our goal is to always be moving forward in every single key metric and we are -- in agent count, agent productivity, office profitability and profit share. Just last month, our company grew by almost 1,000 associates. We?re not sure that any other company can say that in today?s market. Once again, our agents and offices are once again leading us to the top of the industry."   ?Our agents drive the success," added Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?None of this would be possible without their dedication and tenacity in today?s market." Last year, Keller Williams Realty surpassed Century 21 to become the 2nd largest real estate company in the United States and also recently announced its first overseas franchise in Vietnam and plans to add 50,000 global associates over the next 10 years. For more details, the full reports are available on the REAL Trends Website: http://www.realtrends.com.   ### 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 700 offices and almost 75,000 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=322 Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=321 Keller Williams Realty Associates to Renew, Energize and Donate in Their Communities on May 10, 2012   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 8, 2012)?This Thursday, May 10, more than 700 communities across North America will receive a helping hand from Keller Williams Realty agents participating in the company?s 4th annual RED Day. Since the first RED Day in 2009, Keller Williams associates have given almost a half million hours of community service.   ?Our associates 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," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.   On the company?s Facebook page, many Keller Williams offices have shared their plans for RED Day. Six offices in the Baltimore, Md. area will come together to make over two inner city schools and host field days for more than 700 kids while raising funds for the Open Door Ministries organization. In Hermosa Beach, Fla. associates will be beautifying local beaches. Nearby, associate in Atlanta, Ga. have chosen to spend the day with the Action Ministries Atlanta, serving lunches to homeless women and children in the morning followed by tutoring sessions for neighborhood youth in the afternoon. Several offices will also be dedicating their day to collecting food for local food pantries.      ?Keller Williams is so much more than just a company that assists with their housing concerns," added Don Santucci, associate with the San Antonio, Texas Heritage market center. ?It?s a family of caring, considerate and loving professionals who care so much about their community that [we] come together as one to give. It?s a small gesture that comes back to all of us in the form of a smile, a tear or a happy child."   ?There are many things that set our company apart, but none is more impressive than the tremendous culture that our associates have built," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.?Through that culture, RED Day was born. And its impact will continue to grow exponentially because of our associates? passion and love for their communities."   For more information about RED Day visit www.kw.com/redday.    # # #   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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=321 Tue, 8 May 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=301 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=301 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=281 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=281 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=262 Top-Ranking Idaho Agents Join Keller Williams Realty Top Teams Unite to Form Keller Williams Realty East Idaho   AUSTIN, Texas (October 3, 2011)?Keller Williams® Realty Inc. announced today that top-ranked RE/MAX Homestead Realty of Idaho Falls is merging with Keller Williams Winstar, launching the Keller Williams Realty East Idaho market center. Open since 1983, RE/MAX Homestead Realty was one of the top RE/MAX offices in the Pacific Northwest region and was named the RE/MAX 2010 Office of the Year for the Pacific Northwest.   ?We are thrilled to be a part of a merger that is bringing together two of Idaho Fall?s biggest and brightest real estate players," said Jim Windmiller, operating principal and co-owner at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. ?We see great things in our future. This new office will kick-off with nearly 60% market share, so needless to say we are ready to hit the ground running for our clients!"    Mike Hicks, co-owner of Keller Williams Realty East Idaho, formerly with Homestead Realty, added, ?Keller Williams offers its associates unparalleled training, coaching and technology at the agent level. Because we want our agents to be aggressive in growing their business providing one-of-a-kind market-leading tools is of the upmost importance to us, so it was a clear business decision."   The new Keller Williams agents will have access to award-winning coaching and training through MAPS Coaching and Keller Williams University, as well as the company?s proprietary lead-to-close business solution, eEdge, which was recently named the Most Innovative Web Service of the Year by Inman News. It includes tools for lead management, contact management, development of custom marketing materials and a transaction manager. By focusing on training and technology for its associates, Keller Williams Realty has continued to grow despite the well-publicized turmoil in the real estate industry, and this year became the 2nd largest real estate company in the U.S., surpassing Century 21.   ?The Keller Williams business models include sharing knowledge and a focus on team building?these are essential to growing in this market," said Greg Vinnola, broker of the Keller Williams Realty East Idaho market center. ?By following those business models, agents can find success at their current business levels or grow to the next level whether they have been in the business two years or 20 years."   Keller Williams Realty East Idaho will also introduce KW Commercial, the commercial real estate division of the company, to the market.   ?Our goal was to find a strong commercial real estate group with the latest technology tools, great customer care and vast networking options. In my research, KW Commercial offered the most user-friendly, progressive and diverse capabilities that I have been able to find available anywhere else," said Dennis Stevens, former owner of Realty of the Rockies, Inc., and the newly appointed managing director of KW Commercial for Keller Williams Realty East Idaho.   ?This is an exciting week for us?we are incredibly honored to welcome these new associates to the Keller Williams family! This merger represents two giants, who are a strong cultural fit, coming together to reach new heights," said Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis. ?We can?t wait to see how high Keller Williams East Idaho can go!"   ### 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=262 Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=261 SHIFT Commercial Offers Timeless Tactics for Market Succes New book offers strategies for commercial brokers AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 20, 2011) ? Keller Williams Realty, Inc. today announced the launch of the latest book in the Millionaire Real Estate Series, SHIFT Commercial: How Top Commercial Brokers Tackle Tough Times. The new book is a companion to the best-selling SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times (SHIFT), offering proven models, tactics and insight from top brokers thriving in today?s commercial real estate market. Written by Buddy Norman with co-author Jay Papasan, SHIFT Commercial outlines 12 tactics to success during a commercial market shift. Norman enlisted the knowledge of more than 40 commercial veterans with over 800 years of combined commercial real estate experience. He also drew upon more than 20 years of experience as a commercial broker, business owner and president of Keller Williams Realty?s commercial arm, KW Commercial. Papasan is a real estate expert and co-author of national bestsellers including SHIFT, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent (MREA) and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor (MREI), which have sold more than a million copies worldwide. The Millionaire Real Estate Series best-selling books including SHIFT, MREA and MREI, are authored by Gary Keller, chairman of the board and co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, the second largest real estate franchise in the United States. Keller, a self-made millionaire with over 30 years experience in the real estate industry, wrote the foreword for SHIFT Commercial. ?Gary Keller says there is only one certainty in the real estate business?that it is cyclical, and what goes up must come down. When the residential real estate market shifted, we knew that it wouldn?t be long until the commercial market followed suit," says Norman. ?The tactics we spell out in SHIFT Commercial are unique to commercial real estate and provide crucial insight that brokers can immediately incorporate in their business." SHIFT Commercial focuses on 12 proven tactics, including: Find the Motivated ? Lead Generation Get to the Table ? Lead Capture and Conversion Catch People in Your Web ? Internet Lead Conversion Expand the Options ? Creative Financing Master the Market of the Moment ? Identify and Establish Needed Expertise ?SHIFT Commercial is not only an extraordinary, pertinent publication for the times we face, but also a super guide for newcomers and a refresher for those who have labored long and hard in the commercial real estate industry," said Henry ?Hank" White, Jr., executive vice president and CEO, CCIM Institute. ?Buddy has incredible industry insight, which he has shown while continually bucking business trends making KW Commercial the fastest growing commercial brokerage in North America," said Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis. ?SHIFT Commercial offers an enduring set of tactics and knowledge from those finding uncommon success in today?s commercial real estate market. This book provides the roadmap for those that are ready to make the commitment and take their business to the next level." For more information on SHIFT Commercial visit www.millionairesystems.com.   ### 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=261 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=242 Keller Williams Realty?s eEdge Awarded Most Innovative Web Service by Inman News   AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 2, 2011) ? eEdge, Keller Williams Realty?s proprietary lead-to-close business solution has been recognized by Inman News as the real estate industry?s Most Innovative Web Service of 2011. The award was announced last week during Inman News? annual Inman Connect event in San Francisco, Calif. ?We are thrilled to have received such a prestigious award from Inman News," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?The truth is that the true innovators are our agents. They conceived of this product and continue to drive us to improve it every day. They earned this honor and we want to congratulate them!" The company partnered with industry-leading technology companies, Market Leader (NASDAQ: LEDR) and DotLoop to provide the components of eEdge. Market Leader provides the lead management, contact management and marketing design solution, while DotLoop provides the seamless platform for completing paperless transactions. Keller Williams Realty provides the central platform that allows for a single point of entry and seamless data flow between each component of product.  ?We congratulate Keller Williams and their agents in having the vision and the leadership to create a franchise-wide lead-to-close solution with eEdge," said Ian Morris, CEO, Market Leader. ?This represents an important milestone in the real estate industry, and we are honored to be a part of it." eEdge is the real estate industry?s first fully-integrated front and backend platform for real estate professionals. The single platform enables agents to: Receive lead notifications from 40 Keller Williams and 350+ syndication sources into one agent dashboard, text and email Add leads to automated marketing campaigns to increase conversion rates Create custom property marketing and sales materials Facilitate a secure, transparent and paperless transaction To date, more than 40,000 KW associates are activated on eEdge and the company anticipates that completely paperless transactions will be available to consumers in every Keller Williams Realty office by September 2011. "Keller Williams Realty truly understands the needs of their agents and brokers." said Austin Allison, Founder & CEO of DotLoop. "This award is a recognition for their desire to improve the lives of their agents and deliver great client satisfaction. DotLoop set out to eliminate the need for multiple real estate transaction tools by launching one, integrated solution that would change the industry. The partnership between DotLoop and Keller Williams Realty has begun that transformation." ?This is quite an honor for our associates, our company and our partners," said Cary Sylvester, executive director of IT for Keller Williams Realty. ?As we all know, no one succeeds alone and this was a true collaboration on every level."   ### 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=242 Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=241 40,000 Keller Williams Realty Associates Are Live on eEdge, the Real Estate Industry?s First Comprehensive Business Platform Product Grows with New Developments and Market Leader Add-Ons   AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 25, 2011) ? Keller Williams Realty announced today that, less than five months since its launch, more than 40,000 associates have adopted and are utilizing eEdge, the company?s complete, online lead-to-close business solution. eEdge, a 2011 Inman Innovator Award finalist for Most Innovative Real Estate Service, is the real estate industry?s first fully-integrated front and backend platform for real estate professionals. The single platform enables agents to: Receive lead notifications from 40 Keller Williams and 350+ syndication sources into one agent dashboard, text and email Add leads to automated marketing campaigns to increase conversion rates Create custom property marketing and sales materials Facilitate a secure, transparent and paperless transaction   Since inception, eEdge was designed to provide a one-stop shop where associates manage all their business rather than logging into multiple systems to manage daily tasks. The company, along with eEdge partner Market Leader (NASDAQ: LEDR), have integrated additional products and services seamlessly into the eEdge platform. ?We realize that every associate?s business is different," said KW Executive Director of IT Cary Sylvester. ?That?s why since the very earliest days of planning eEdge, we knew we had to build a platform that could support the addition of the most cutting-edge technology and marketing tools in our industry." The first of these integrations is Market Leader?s Professional Edition, which gives eEdge users additional functionality including: virtual tours, deluxe listing packages and Craigslist postings. At the same time, Market Leader?s best-selling RealtyGenerator product is also fully compatible with eEdge, and offers robust team accountability, internet lead generation and conversion solutions to thousands of Keller Williams associates. Development of the product continues, as the roll-out of the paperless transaction component of eEdge is more than 77 percent complete and on target for company-wide implementation by September 2011.  ?The speed at which our associates have adopted and embraced eEdge has exceeded all expectations and is a testament to the outstanding execution by our people and by our partners at Market Leader and DotLoop," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. Cindy Gomez, an associate with Keller Williams Realty in Pearland, Texas said, ?eEdge has allowed me to pick up more listings! It allows me to create impressive presentations, get documents to and from clients easily, and I can find all the training videos with the click of a button. ?Keller Williams is an innovative real estate industry leader, and we are proud to be their partner in delivering this groundbreaking software to their 80,000 associates across the United States and Canada. We look forward to the continued expansion of the eEdge platform and in helping both Keller Williams and their associates continue to grow their businesses and exceed their goals," said Ian Morris, CEO of Market Leader.     ### 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=241 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=222 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.     http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=222 Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=221 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).       http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=221 Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=201 Keller Williams Realty Dominates REAL Trends 500 Survey 2nd largest real estate franchise in U.S. continues to show growth   AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 13, 2011) ? On the heels of announcing its position as the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States by agent count, Keller Williams Realty continues to post positive growth and strong presence in industry rankings.    The company?s brokerages dominated the recently released REAL Trends 500, an annual industry ranking published by REAL Trends, Inc., a leading source of analysis and information on the residential brokerage and housing industry. Keller Williams brokerages represented 24 percent (119 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed transactions and 28 percent (138 offices) of the top 500 brokerages ranked by closed volume. The number of brokers ranked on the list surpassed all other major franchise players ? with twice the number of brokers represented (by closed transactions) and almost three times the number of brokers represented (by closed volume) compared to Coldwell Banker, currently the largest real estate company in the U.S. by agent count.   ?These rankings serve as proof to the entire industry that we?re not just growing in agent count, the productivity of our already successful associates and offices is rising higher as well," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.   ?We recognize that the success of our brokers and our associates on these rankings is a direct result of the quality of people we?re in business with," added Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?Time and time again, we?re reminded how resilient and positive our leaders and associates are in today?s real estate market."   In March of this year, the company announced that it had surpassed Century 21 as the second largest real estate franchise in agent count in the United States.   Along with growth in numbers, the company received many accolades in 2010 including: ·         Entrepreneur magazine, No. 1 ranked real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list ·         J.D. Power and Associates, highest in overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row ·         Inman News, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Gary Keller named one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate ·         Training Magazine, highest ranking real estate franchise on the annual Training Top 125, #47 Overall   For more details, the full report is available on the REAL Trends Website: http://www.realtrends.com/products/rt500.   ###   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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=201 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=185 Keller Williams Realty Climbs to Second-Largest Real Estate Franchise in United States Goals set for worldwide expansion to add 75,000 international associates   AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 8, 2011)?Keller Williams® Realty Inc., announced today that it is now the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States based on the total number of sales professionals, surpassing Century 21, according to research conducted by REAL Trends, a leading source of analysis and information in the residential real estate industry. The company claimed the number two spot with 77,672 U.S.-based associates at the end of 2010, just two years after claiming the number three spot from RE/MAX® International.   ?Once again, this milestone achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our associates and the stability and profitability of the Keller Williams business models," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?It?s incredible to see the momentum that our associates and our offices have right now."   This news comes one week after the announcement of positive growth by the company at their annual convention in Anaheim. Including its presence in Canada, Keller Williams closed the year with 79,315 associates and 701 market centers (offices). At the convention, Willis also shared that Keller Williams associate profit share was up 7.2 percent, with its agents receiving $34.6 million dollars back in 2010. Despite industry contraction, Keller Williams associates across North America also showed significant percentage gains in listings taken (+13%), contracts closed volume (+9%) and contracts closed units (+6%).     The company also formed Keller Williams Worldwide with Chris Heller as president, citing plans for global expansion, with plans to grow the division by an additional 75,000 associates in 10 years.     ?Our goals are to expand the Keller Williams Realty model ? with the focus on training and our sound business models," said Chris Heller, president of KW Worldwide. ?And, when looking for the right country and business partners in planning for expansion, we will not sacrifice the perfect fit with our mission, vision and the KW culture, those are absolutely necessary."   Despite the sharp downturn in the real estate market, since 2005 Keller Williams Realty has grown 30 percent in agents, 40 percent in market centers, 21 percent in closed units and 11 percent in closed GCI.   Keller Williams Realty received many accolades in 2010 including: ·         Entrepreneur magazine, No. 1 ranked real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list ·         J.D. Power and Associates, highest in overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row ·         Inman News, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Gary Keller named one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate ·         Training Magazine, highest ranking real estate franchise on the annual Training Top 125, #47 Overall   ?It is such an honor to be a part of a company with such dedicated and driven people," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. ?Our associates are setting the pace in the industry. It is truly an exciting time to be in real estate and to be a part of the Keller Williams family." ###   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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=185 Tue, 8 Mar 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=183 Keller Williams Realty Announces Numbers for 2010, Continued Growth During Real Estate Downturn Company Launches eEdge Industry?s First Lead-To-Close Business Solution Today   AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 21, 2011)?Keller Williams Realty reported today at its national convention that it ended 2010 with 79,315 associates, 701 market centers (offices), and associate profit share up 7.2 percent, with its agents receiving $34.6 million dollars back. Since the inception of the profit sharing program, the company has given back over $304 million in earnings to its agents. Additionally, CEO Mark Willis shared in his annual State of the Company address to more than 8,000 convention attendees that, since the real estate market?s sharp downturn in 2005, the company has grown 30 percent in agents, 40 percent in market centers, 21 percent in closed units and 11 percent in closed GCI.   ?Keller Williams agents have outpaced the market in every way, through productivity and profit share. As a company, we are better off now than we were before the shift?and we have our associates to thank for that," said Willis.   The growth of the company can be attributed to the growth of its agents. Agent productivity continued to rise with units closed up 6 percent from December 2009 to 2010, while comparably, the NAR membership as a whole went down in closed units 4.8 percent. Overall the company?s associates saw productivity year on year percentage increases across the board in listings taken (up 13 percent), contracts closed volume (up 9 percent) and contracts closed units (6 percent).   ?These numbers are the most important to us because they are proof that our agents are succeeding, making more money and growing their businesses. They are truly breaking through," Willis added.   Willis also did the honors of ?turning on" the industry?s firstcomplete lead-to-close business solution, eEdge, during his address. This unique tool is now available to every Keller Williams associate at a fraction of the cost they would normally pay with functionality to build their leads, database and sales. Additionally, with the company-wide paperless transaction system, consumers can expect a faster, more seamless closing process.   ?We want to thank our associates and their unwavering commitment to the growth of their businesses and leading the way in the industry in technology," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. ?Keller Williams Realty wouldn?t be forging ahead with such an important product like eEdge without the support of our agents and their vote!"   In addition to reporting positive growth and technological advancement, the company received many accolades in 2010 including: ·         Entrepreneur magazine, No. 1 ranked real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list ·         J.D. Power and Associates, highest in overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row ·         Inman News, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Gary Keller named one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate ·         Training Magazine, highest ranking real estate franchise on the annual Training Top 125, #47 Overall   ### 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 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=183 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=182 KW Commercial Announces International Alliances with LoopNet and GreenPoint Partners   AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 15, 2011) ? KW Commercial, the commercial arm of Keller Williams Realty, announced today new strategic alliances with two industry heavy-weights: listing portal, LoopNet and environmental commercial real estate consultancy, GreenPoint Partners.   LoopNet, the #1 commercial listing website in the world, is now powering the listing search on kwcommercial.com.   Benefits that KW Commercial agents will now have include: Designated Point of Entry: Listings entered on LoopNet.com automatically appear on KWCommercial.com as well Improved Search and Mapping: Sophisticated search criteria, maps and aerial images quickly connect prospects to agents? properties Enhanced Branding: the KW Commercial logo now appears on all agents? LoopNet.com listings.   At the same time KW Commercial and GreenPoint Partners have launched a strategic alliance dedicated to helping commercial real estate clients achieve profitable environmental sustainability.   More than 1,200 KW Commercial agents in 680 offices across the United States and Canada now have access to GreenPoint?s training, resources and sustainability consultants to pursue green building initiatives. Services include energy audits, efficiency retrofits, solar and wind installations, and LEED and Energy Star certification.   ?Since our inception, we have prided ourselves on delivering leading-edge services to our network." said Buddy Norman, president of KW Commercial. "We are proud that with these two new partnerships, KW Commercial is delivering more value to our associate-base and, in turn, our agents and brokers can deliver even greater client service."   Questions regarding KW Commercial?s new partnerships can be sent to commercial@kw.com.   ### 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 properties, visit Keller Williams Realty at www.kw.com or KW Commercial at www.kwcommercial.com.   About LoopNet: LoopNet is a leading commercial real estate information services provider offering a suite of products and services tailored to the national and local needs of the commercial investments industry. LoopNet operates the largest and most heavily trafficked commercial real estate listing service online with over 4 million registered members and 1.5 Million average monthly unique visitors. LoopNet attracts the largest community of commercial real estate brokers, appraisers and other professionals to its rich resource of commercial real estate news and property listings. LoopNet's market-leading LoopLink product powers the web sites of more than 1,000 commercial real estate organizations and seamlessly integrates their web sites with commercial properties from LoopNet's listing service at www.LoopNet.com.   About GreenPoint Partners, LLC: GreenPoint helps property owners increase net operating income by implementing energy and sustainability initiatives. The company conducts energy audits, facilitates energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, and performs LEED and Energy Star certification. GreenPoint delivers profitable sustainability from a team of partners with a breadth of experience across energy, real estate, engineering, finance, and law. To learn more about GreenPoint, visit www.greenpointpartners.com.       http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=182 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=181 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.     http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=181 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=184 Keller Williams® Realty Aligns with The CE Shop to Offer Online Continuing Education to Associate Base     Austin, TX (February 10, 2011) -- Keller Williams Realty announced today that The CE Shop, the U.S.?s leading provider of state approved online continuing education courses, will begin giving Keller Williams associates direct access to online continuing education through Keller Williams University (KWU).   KWU is the educational arm for Keller Williams Realty?s 80,000 associates. The CE Shop provides state approved and 100 percent certified continuing education courses in 45 states across the country.   ?It?s simple, our goal is to provide our agents with access to the best tools in the business," said Bryon Ellington, chief products officer of Keller Williams Realty International. ?With the addition of The CE Shop?s online continuing education offering, we now have the opportunity to give our agents access to on-demand continuing education that works with their schedule, and on their own terms."   ?The partnership with KWU and The CE Shop will provide real estate professionals with an excellent opportunity to better serve their clients, while fulfilling their education requirements," said Michael McAllister, President and CEO of The CE Shop. ?This partnership will allow Keller Williams to provide more options for their agents to be even more successful."   The CE Shop provides professional real estate agents with an account to manage their online education, which includes courses on foreclosures, the environmental movement in real estate, the mortgage process, and fair housing practices.   Keller Williams Realty associates can immediately access The CE Shop through Keller Williams University by logging onto the KW Intranet, myKW, clicking on Education, then The CE Shop.     ###   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 The CE Shop, Inc The CE Shop, Inc. was founded with the mission to serve the licensed real estate professional with high quality, hassle-free and simple online continuing education. The CE Shop team includes real estate industry experts from across the country as well as knowledgeable content and curriculum designers, marketing and sales professionals, compliance and operation specialists, distance learning technologists, financial and legal experts and our outstanding customer service team. For information on The CE Shop, visit http://www.theceshop.com. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=184 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=161 Keller Williams Realty Signs Deal with CitiMortgage to Provide Unique Money-Saving Benefits to Consumers   AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 24, 2011)?Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with CitiMortgage to create a customized mortgage services program for the company?s offices across the United States. This type of agreement is the first of its kind for Keller Williams Realty and CitiMortgage.   CitiMortgage will now offer Keller Williams Realty clients reduced fees on jumbo loans, and as a part of the SureStart Pre-Approval® program, will not charge a pre-approval fee for Keller Williams agent?s buyers. As a part of CitiMortgage?s commitment to exceptional service, they also offer all Keller Williams borrowers an On Time Closing Guarantee of $1,500.     ?Our goal is to ensure that our associates have access to the best resources possible so they can focus on their main priority-their client. We are confident that with five million mortgage customers, CitiMortgage has the experience and expertise to support our Market Centers and associates at the highest level possible," said Anthony Azar, director of strategic business alliances at Keller Williams Realty.   CitiMortgage will also support Keller Williams Realty in its efforts to help associates win more business. In addition, Market Centers will have the opportunity for an in-house mortgage representative, as well as a dedicated support and fulfillment team for Keller Williams associates and their clients.   ?CitiMortgage was looking for a national realtor partner and after reviewing Keller Williams business model and culture, we realized this was a perfect fit for both companies," said Fred Bolstad, managing director of National Sales for CitiMortgage.  ?CitiMortgage can provide the strong training and tools their agents need to succeed. Our service-oriented national lending platform can help their customers realize the dream of home ownership in a more efficient and effective way."   ### About CitiMortgage: CitiMortgage is headquartered in St. Louis and is a division of Citigroup. Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.   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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=161 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=142 Keller Williams Realty to Launch eEdge, the Real Estate Industry?s First Comprehensive Agent Business Platform Seamless Solution Available to Network of More Than 80,000 Associates in February   AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 10, 2011) ? Keller Williams Realty announced  today that it will launch the real estate industry?s first complete lead-to-close business solution for every agent in the company, eEdge. The first phase of eEdge, voted on and ratified by the company?s Associate Leadership Councils, will officially launch at the company?s annual convention in February 2011.   While many agents spend their day logging into several different systems to manage their business, eEdge will be the first fully-integrated front and back-end platform for real estate professionals. This single platform will enable agents to: ? Funnel and maintain all their contacts, leads and clients into one database ? Create, print and send custom marketing and sales material ? Manage their Web site and their listings ? Facilitate and complete their transactions paperlessly, with an online portal for clients and co-op agents ?Keller Williams is determined to stay ahead of the curve to provide the most services and  support in the industry to our entire network ? especially in today?s real estate climate," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?This is just the latest demonstration of our commitment to helping our agents accelerate their leadership internationally as well as in their local markets." The company has partnered with industry leaders, Market Leader and DotLoop to provide components of eEdge. Market Leader will provide the lead management, contact management and marketing design solution, while DotLoop will provide the seamless platform for sending, signing and managing documents online. Keller Williams Realty will be providing the central platform that allows for a single point of entry and seamless information sharing between each component of product.    ?The launch of the eEdge platform represents a major milestone in the real estate industry and we at Market Leader are proud of our role in helping create this innovative platform for every Keller Williams associate," said Ian Morris, CEO of Market Leader.    "The current process of taking a client through the lifecycle of a transaction is inefficient and cumbersome. The platform we are partnering with Keller Williams to provide to its associates will accelerate this process and improve the overall experience of buying and selling a home," said Austin Allison, co-founder and CEO of DotLoop. ?Essentially, we have aligned the business needs of agents and the expectations of their clients by providing a win-win for all parties involved, including the agent on the other side of the transaction."   The eEdge product was originally masterminded by the company?s Agent Technology Council, or ATC, a leadership committee made up of top-producing, technology-minded associates. In order to ensure that eEdge was the right product at the right time, the company then conducted a North American-wide company vote among its Associate Leadership Councils, a decision-making body of agents that exists in every office and guides the strategic direction of the company and its initiatives.   ?eEdge will do everything except make calls for you," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. ?It?s designed to help our agents? businesses run more smoothly so that they can do what they do best ? provide the highest level of service to their buyers and sellers."     ### 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=142 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=141   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).     http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=141 Tue, 4 Jan 2011 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=121 Keller Williams Realty Named Highest Ranked in Home Buyer Satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates for Third Straight Year AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 30, 2010) ?According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in the United States, has received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row. The company also ranked second among home sellers in the study for the second year in a row.   ?We are incredibly proud of our associates for earning this distinction and want to thank them for their commitment to their clients and communities," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?We see this honor as demonstration of our company philosophy that it is the agent?s brand that matters most and no amount of money spent on advertising can replace the influence and reputations our agents have in their local communities. Our associates have earned this on their own, by building relationships in their communities."   The study was produced by J.D. Power and Associates to measure home buyers and sellers customer satisfaction. The results of the home-buying experience were determined by three factors including the buyer?s experience with their agent, the real estate office and a variety of additional services. Keller Williams Realty performed particularly well in the agent and office factors. And, overall satisfaction of buyers for the industry was up over last year.   Additionally, the study noted that the importance of real estate agents has increased substantially in the past year, with buyers and sellers relying on the negotiating skills of their chosen agent and help in navigating the market.   ?It is thrilling to see our firm, once again, get public recognition for its incredible focus on customer satisfaction from such a prestigious group. Our associates continually demonstrate that it is possible to deliver the highest level of customer service in one of the toughest real estate markets on record," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. ?We feel incredibly fortunate to be in business with them, and want to congratulate them on their hard work and dedication."   In the past year, Keller Williams Realty has continued to grow despite the well-publicized turmoil in the real estate industry. In addition to becoming the 3rd largest real estate company in the U.S., surpassing RE/MAX®, Keller Williams Realty was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine and was voted the Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises and the Trendsetter of the year for 2009 in an industry-wide survey for the Swanepoel TRENDS Report. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=121 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=101 Keller Williams Realty Associates Lead REALTOR® 30 Under 30 List   AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 11, 2010)? Keller Williams Realty Inc. is thrilled to announce that five associates have been included on REALTOR® Magazine?s 10th annual 30 Under 30 List. The prestigious list recognizes 30 rising stars in the real estate industry, selecting them by business success, community and professional leadership, diversity in business through niches, gender, ethnic background and geographic location, as well as interesting business strategies or obstacles they have overcome.   The Keller Williams Realty associates recognized by REALTOR® Magazine include: ·         Valerie Almanzar, sales associate in Albuquerque, N.M., who holds two degrees from the University of New Mexico, yielded nearly $4 million in sales in 2009 and was featured on HGTV when she introduced Albuquerque as the site of the 2010 Dream Home. ·         Spring Bengtzen, sales associate and broker in South Ogden, Utah, just joined Keller Williams in the past month. A former hair stylist, she has sold$100 million in real estate from 2004 to 2007 with her partner. Additionally, she has expertise in bank notes and short-selling. ·         Brette Boettge, CEO, sales associate and team leader in Madison, Wisconsin, was promoted to CEO in the first 14 months of having his real estate license. Now, he also manages and motivates a roster of 65 Keller Williams associates.   ·         Matthew Hayes, sales associate, Crystal Lake, Ill, has doubled his personal income and sales volumes in each of the past four years, and as a steward to his community started a recruitment program for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. ·         Hemi "Christine" Lee, team leader, broker, Jacksonville, Fla. started her first of many online businesses, a video distribution service that served 16 countries, at age 16. She then earned a degree in computer information systems, and most recently doubled her business from 2008 to 2009, aiming for $40 million in sales this year. ·         Christina C. Valkanoff, broker, Raleigh, N.C., doubled her sales from 2008 to 2009 and is focused on growing her office and community involvement by owning three Dairy Queen franchises that raise money for the local children's hospital.   ?We couldn?t be more proud to be in business with this outstanding group of young professionals," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?When you look at their accomplishments thus far, you also see the drive and energy it takes to be leaders in the real estate arena for a long time."   Added Mary Tennant, president of Keller Williams Realty, ?It is amazing to see such determination and focus right out of the gates in their young business. We cannot wait to see what is to come from them?they have set the bar high for everyone that follows in their footsteps!"   # # #   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 78,000 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).     http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=101 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=82 Keller Williams Realty Takes the Day Off for 2nd Annual RED Day More than 77,000 associates encouraged to volunteer on May 13   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 12, 2009)?On Thursday, May 13, Keller Williams Realty associates across the United States and Canada will take the day off for the company?s second annual day of service, RED Day. Last year, the inaugural RED Day was one of the biggest collective community service events in real estate history, with more than 130,000 hours of service work performed in one day.    ?A busy as our lives are, it is important to turn off the phone, step away from the office and give back to the community that supports our agents and offices," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?We feel so fortunate to have associates that don?t see this as a dollar lost in a day off from work, but much more gained in the community."   On the company?s Facebook page, many Keller Williams offices have shared their plans for RED Day including: Woodbridge, Virginia, where the local office has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a home; Syracuse, New York, an office will be creating a community vegetable garden and pumpkin patch with assistance from the parks and recreation department; in Redondo Beach, California, offices will be cleaning up Redondo and Hermosa beach; Toronto, ON, has teamed up with police and local businesses to remove graffiti and repaint buildings in need; and many offices including Atlanta, Georgia, Phoenix, Arizona, Ottawa, Ontario, and Bernardsville, New Jersey, plan to hold food drives and blood drives.     ?Our culture is what defines us as a company and part of that means taking time to remember what is most important, our communities," said Mo Anderson, vice chairman with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?I am so proud to see how our associates have adopted RED Day and are making an incredible difference across North America. With our agents? dedication and hard work, I?m looking forward to seeing us outdo last year?s tremendous effort!"   ?When we decided to move forward with RED Day, we were thrilled that our associates embraced the day with such excitement and tenacity. They have truly shown us what community is all about," added Mary Tennant, president and COO with Keller Williams Realty, Inc.   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 third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 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).       http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=82 Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=61 Keller Williams Realty Launches Enhanced Consumer-Centric KW.com New site offers mobile open house search and home valuations in one click   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 3, 2010) ? Keller Williams® Realty Inc. announced today that it has released a new, upgraded version of its company website, KW.com. Among the new features specifically designed to give consumers all the real estate information they want, are local featured listings on the landing page and a mobile optimized version of the site that features area KW listings and allows mobile open house searches and home valuations from a consumer?s mobile device. The new features are designed to give consumers real estate information when and where they want it most and drive home buyers and sellers to Keller Williams agents.   ?When you add up KW.com and our network of more than 70,000 office and agent Websites, our Web network boasts 2.6 million unique visitors per month," said Cary Sylvester, executive director of technology, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?That gets us really excited about our new mobile open house search feature, which will now gives our agents? busy customers an on-the-go home search tool."   The new KW.com will also showcase profile pages for each Keller Williams agent through a new search element. Now with the feature, consumers will be able to find a local agent by locality, specialty, and expertise, and see their listings on an agent-centric page.   ?We believe real estate is a local business, and our goal is to get visitors to local associates as quickly as possible. The new mobile features, especially the open house search, are a convenient and simple way for our agents? customers to find what they are looking for," said Bryon Ellington, chief products officer, Keller Williams Realty, Inc.   The Keller Williams Realty technology platform was developed with an overarching emphasis on the needs of associates and their customers. The KW.com network continues to drive innovations with its partnership with WolfNet? Technologies, Keller Williams? IDX vendor, the Keller Williams Listing System (KWLS), which provides agents with increased exposure for listings online, as well as the lead-routing philosophy My Listings, My Leads. This unique guiding philosophy dictates that all Keller Williams Realty Web sites and third-party partnership sites will send Keller Williams agents all the leads from their own listings, wherever they appear on the Web, at no charge.   ### 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=61 Mon, 3 May 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=21 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=21 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=2 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).   http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=2 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=3 Keller Williams Realty Welcomes Top Producing  Southern Arizona Real Estate Brokerage to its Ranks   AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 9, 2010) ? Keller Williams® Realty Inc. announced today the launch of Keller Williams Southern Arizona. The new operation, formerly with Realty Executives®, includes seven offices, with more than 375 top-producing real estate agents and staff.   ?We felt it was our responsibility to be the stewards of our agents? careers and, based on our research and what we have seen, it is obvious that Keller Williams Realty is the right choice for a positive future," said Anthony Azar, operating principal of Keller Williams Southern  Arizona. ?We absolutely have the best agents in the city, and that is statistically supported by their rankings and their designations. We are thrilled to be a part of a company that is as serious about growth and success as we are."   Sue Cartun, operations manager of the new organization, added, ?KW?s philosophy of putting agents and ownership on the same side of the table was an incredibly important part of our decision to join Keller Williams Realty."   This 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, 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.   ?We make it our business to get in business with the best ? and Anthony and his associates are proven leaders in the Southern Arizona marketplace,¿ said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?It?s our honor to welcome them to the Keller Williams family."   In 2009, in addition to becoming  the 3rd largest real estate company in the U.S., surpassing Re/Max®, 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.   "I am so thrilled to be a part of the Keller Williams family," said Nancy Colvin, team leader for the new Kolb La Playa office. "Joining forces with Keller Williams Realty is a huge benefit for our agents and was the best decision for our team as a whole."   ?We are confident that with this change, Tucson-area residents will think of us when they think of real estate," added David Jones, senior team leader in the new operation?s Joesler Village location. "We?re proud to be one of the leading real estate companies in the state."   ### 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 668 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=3 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=4 Keller Williams Realty Reports Record Growth Numbers for 2009   Company gives back $32.2 million in profit share to agents, moves to third-largest real estate franchise in the United States   AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 22, 2010) ? Keller Williams Realty Inc. reported today at its national convention that, despite the battered economy, it closed out 2009 with increased profit, profit share and associate growth. According to CEO Mark Willis, who delivered his annual State of the Company address to more than 8,500 convention attendees, the company gave back $32.2 million in profit share to its agents in 2009, up six percent year-over-year. Since the inception of the profit sharing program, the company has given back $270 million in earnings to its agents.   The gains were driven by an increase in agent productivity, with the number of contracts closed per agent increasing by 16 percent year-over-year. Accordingly, Keller Williams Realty office owners closed the year with a cumulative 86 percent increase in owner profit for the year. On average, the company has grown its business (as measured by the number of closed units) at an annual rate of 27 percent for the past 12 years. The company also continued to grow by number of associates. While the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) saw a seven percent decrease in its membership in 2009, Keller Williams Realty grew its associate base by three percent, ending the year with more than 76,879 associates across North America. ?We are incredibly proud of the milestones we?ve achieved this year and the accolades we received; and it is all thanks to our incredibly resilient agents and market centers," said Mark Willis, CEO, Keller Williams Realty. ?It is no secret that we have our eyes on growth and we place a lot of emphasis on recruiting and gaining market share because that?s what drives our economic model. Our growth this year was also driven by more than 90 mergers and roll-ins that our office owners completed and we?re proud to say that we?ve done it all without one cent of operating debt." ?That?s why as we?re looking into the future, we envision becoming the No. 1 real estate franchise in North America and even further expansion globally in the coming years," Willis added. In addition to being named the third-largest real estate franchise in the United States by REAL Trends, the company received accolades throughout the year including: Entrepreneur magazine, No. 1 ranked real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list J.D. Power and Associates, highest in overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the second year in a row Inman News, President and COO Mary Tennant named one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate Swanepoel TRENDS Report survey, No. 1 Industry Trendsetter of 2009 and 2009 Most Recognizable Real Estate Franchise Brand REAL Trends 500, Keller Williams offices comprised more than a quarter of the entire list, and of the major brands represented in the report, was the only company to boast growth in both number of agents added to its ranks and in total transactions closed. RISMedia?s Power Broker Report, KW again had the largest majority of offices on the list ? accounting for 35 percent of all the brokerages listed and was No.1 in number of agents and total closed transactions. Stevie Awards, Sales Training and Coaching Program of the Year for MAPS Coaching "Momentum is the most powerful competitive tool that you can posses," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. ?And our agents have it. We?ve seen them tackle the tough market and embrace new trends that make them stronger every day. The groundwork has been paved for an extraordinary 2010, and even more productive and profitable years to come." Throughout 2009, Keller Williams Realty launched new products and services specifically to boost its agents? businesses. The company provided no-cost, open access to downloadable training from its training arm, Keller Williams University (KWU). Additionally, company chairman and co-founder Gary Keller?s hit the road to teach the 12 tactics from his book, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times, which just became a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Amazon.com best-seller.   ### 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 668 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=4 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=5 Keller Williams Realty?s MAPS Coaching Division Welcomes World Class Coaches   AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 8, 2010)?Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is proud to announce the award-winning MAPS Coaching program has entered into a coaching alliance with World Class Coaches.   MAPS Coaching offers its clients market-specific, customizable real estate coaching programs. In addition to one-one-one and group coaching, MAPS hosts productivity camps and annual events, Masterminds and Mega Camp, for agents to network and hear the latest insights, trends and skills to propel their careers. MAPS Coaching earned multiple accolades in 2009, including being awarded a Stevie Award for Sales Training and Coaching Program of the year, and was the first real estate company to be nominated for the PRISM Award for its excellence in coaching.   ?Our coaches show an incredible commitment to the industry and their clients following our KW models and systems as well as the MAPS Coaching process. It is their constant goal to grow their clients business, no matter the market," said Dianna Kokoszka, president of MAPS Coaching. ?We are excited about our alliance with World Class Coaches."   Kokoszka has 27 years experience selling real estate, with over 4,000 transactions closed. Currently she leads more than 40 MAPS coaches, all with real estate and/or corporate backgrounds and more than 40,000 coaching hours under their belts. Her guidance has grown MAPS Coaching during the dramatic economic downturn, breaking attendance records to Mega Camp, while also developing and offering the new BOLD program, an intensive seven-week, six-hour-a-day program taught within the real estate office. Kokoszka has authored 21 books and has been honored four times as the Business Woman of the Year by Denver Business Magazine and Business Council, Entrepreneur of the Year by Champions of Free Enterprise, and Best of the Best in Real Estate by Real Trends in Dallas, Texas.   ?Perform to your potential ? achieve your goals," said Johnnie Johnson, president and CEO of World Class Coaches. ?During my National Football League career, we utilized a coaching process to work consistently on taking daily incremental steps to achieve more of our full potential against the world?s greatest competition."    ?As in the sports world, coaching is a process," Johnson said. Driven by its vision, mission, and coaching processes, it?s World Class Coaches? understanding of the true meaning of a coaching process that?s assisted it to become a leader in its field. The company coaches across all industries lines.    ?Its part of the World Class Coaches? vision to make coaching available to all associates at any level in their career," said Johnson, a former top producing real estate professional himself. ?We are honored to have a coaching alliance with MAPS Coaching.   World Class Coaches provides coaching programs, seminars, workshops and consulting services to enhance personal and organizational performance. Johnson is an author, inspirational speaker and executive peak performance coach. After ten years in the NFL, he went on to a nine-year career in real estate where he produced in excess of 100 transactions per year. In 2007, Johnnie was elected into the National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame.  In 2009 he was named to the University Interscholastic League All-Century Defensive Football Team.     ###   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). About World Class Coaches: Growing Tree Learning Center, Inc. produces worldclasscoaches.com. The company is an international coaching organization offering individuals and organizations educational tools and services to maximize their potential. The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service in the personal growth and development industry in helping our clients achieve their God-given potential and realize their goals. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=5 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=22 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=22 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=23 Keller Williams Realty Rolls Out New Maximum Annual Benefit Plans for All Associates Small Business United Association Joins Health Providers Program   AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 11, 2009) ? Keller Williams Realty announced today that it has added a new Approved Vendor to the company?s Health Providers Program which now offers all KW associates group annual maximum benefit plans. Small Business United Association (SBU) is an association which offers a variety of benefits to its members, and by adding SBU to its roster of Health Providers, Keller Williams associates will be able to enroll in this unique group platform. In February of 2009, the company first launched its Health Providers Program which included options for limited medical benefit plans, vision, dental, cancer and catastrophic coverage. The addition of SBU?s plans, including the Maximum Annual Benefit Plans will give KW associates coverage comparable to major medical plans traditionally offered to employees of a company. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors®, more than one out of every four Realtors® has no health insurance, and additionally, only 17 percent of real estate firms offer health care coverage for independent contractors, who are the largest segment of real estate professionals. ?We are simply thrilled to be able to offer yet another option for our family members to take care of their own and their families? health," said Mary Tennant, Keller Williams Realty?s President and COO. ?The benefit plans that SBU is offering are very comparable to what they would receive from a regular, full-time employer!" She added: ?We have been dedicated to finding our associates health options that will make their lives easier and help to ease some of their worries and stresses. We are grateful to SBU for offering this to our family." SBU will also offer Keller Williams associates several 401K plan options for self-employed persons as of October 1, 2009. Additionally, SBU brings a large variety of other services to Keller Williams associates, including Group Term Life, Group Short Term Disability, Group Long Term Disability and purchasing discounts for legal services, human resources services, and more. ?The plans we are providing for Keller Williams associates are unique because it allows them, for the first time, access to a wide range of health insurance programs on a group basis. All of our health insurance plans are guaranteed issue with no health questions asked and some don?t even have a pre-existing exclusion. In addition, KW associates can now get AFLAC plans to supplement their existing health insurance or our own plans," said Tom Newby, president of SBU. Keller Williams Realty associates can take advantage of the new health options now by visiting the KW Intranet. Log on to the KW Intranet from kw.com Click on the ?Resources" tab Click on ?KW Wellness Program" ###   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 687 offices and 75,000 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).     About Small Business United (SBU)   Small Business United, Inc. (SBU) is an Association chartered in 1992 as a State of Texas nonprofit corporation.  SBU?s mission is the furtherance of small to mid-sized employer needs.  Additionally, SBU provides an opportunity for trade associations, interest groups, professional employer organizations (PEO?s), unions, and other organizations comprised of or serving small businesses.  We are dedicated to making group purchasing programs available for our association clients and their members.  SBU provides its clients and member?s access to a vetted group of tools, discounts, welfare, benefit, and group purchasing plans. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=23 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=24 Keller Williams Realty Receives Nod as the Highest Ranked in Customer Satisfaction J.D. Power and Associates names company highest in customer satisfaction for second year in a row   AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 2, 2009) ?According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in North America, received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the second year in a row. The company also ranked second-highest among home sellers in the study.    ?We couldn?t be prouder. This is an achievement our associates have truly earned. It is the face-to-face interaction and the relationships they build daily that has impacted this study and elevated Keller Williams Realty to another level in customer service," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?Knowing that this study was conducted during the toughest times the market has seen shows that spirit and dedication can make an impact."   The study was produced by J.D. Power and Associates to measure home buyers? and sellers? customer satisfaction. The results of the home-buying experience were determined by three factors including the agent, office and the package of additional services.   ?I am absolutely beaming with pride that our agents have been honored in such a fantastic way," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. ?We are lucky to be in business with such incredible business people, who have shown incredible resolve over the past two years. If there was a time to build their business, it is now."     ### 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=24 Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=25 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 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=25 Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=26 Keller Williams Realty Launches Company-Wide Community Service Day 73,000 agents gear up to give back to their communities on May 14   AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 12, 2009) ?Committed to setting a new standard in business citizenship and community outreach, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today its first annual RED Day will take place on May 14, 2009. RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, is a community service initiative engaging the company?s associates in giving back to the communities they serve across the United States and Canada.   ?Given the current economic climate, we know there are countless non-profits or community projects that are in need of resources and volunteers. We see this as an opportunity to give back to the communities that support our agents and offices," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?With 73,000 associates, we have the numbers to go out into our communities and really make an impact ? and there couldn?t be a better time to lend that helping hand."   RED Day is dedicated in honor of the company?s Vice Chairman, Mo Anderson, because of her constant commitment to the company?s culture and tireless support of her community. Anderson will be participating in the inaugural annual event in the Keller Williams Oklahoma Region, where she will be visiting the community projects of four Oklahoma City offices. The community projects she will join include work at the Boys Ranch of Edmond, a women's shelter and a home rehab effort.   "As real estate agents, we live and breathe our neighborhoods and our communities," said Anderson. ?I am thrilled that our agents are taking this opportunity to show the world that the third largest real estate company in the United States is a leader in real estate ? and in our community, I can only imagine how this will grow in the coming years."   With more than 690 offices across the United States and Canada, RED Day is expected to be the biggest community service event in the real estate industry?s history.  On the company?s Facebook page, many offices have shared their plans for RED Day including: Monroe, Louisiana, where the local office is working with a non-profit to build three houses; Midwest City, Oklahoma, plans to decorate and furnish a newly-built shelter; Houston, Texas-area agents will be working on dune restoration on the beaches of Galveston, to restore damage from Hurricane Ike; Boise, Idaho, will be putting together backpacks and donating them to children in foster care; a Denver, Colorado, office is going to the Redistribution Center Warehouse to help pack and ship new donated items for disabled vets; and, many offices including the Franklin, North Carolina, and Phoenix, Arizona offices are holding food drives and blood drives.   ?When we heard that this would be a collective effort ? it was so exciting to think of the impact that we all will make in one day," said Dona White-Gilbody, real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty in Easton, Massachusetts. ?There were so many things we wanted to do that we actually decided to make it a week-long RED Day celebration. We are holding a food drive, cleaning up parks in the area and working on the homes of elderly ? not only does this feel great, but it has been a lot of fun for us to plan."   ?We know that time is money for our agents, but we also know that without the support of our communities, we wouldn?t have the opportunity to succeed and grow in today?s market," said Mary Tennant, president and COO with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ?As Mark and I volunteer in Austin --we?ll be proud to know that our associates are painting towns red all across North America!"   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 third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 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. The company also has 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=26 Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=27 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=27 Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=28 Keller Williams® Realty Adds Comparative Home Valuation Tool to National Web site   AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 29, 2009) ?Keller Williams Realty announced today the release of a powerful new home valuation tool on the company?s national Web site, KW.com. The new tool displays home value estimates from both Zillow (www.zillow.com) and Cyberhomes (www.cyberhomes.com) for any address in the United States, generating a side-by-side comparison for consumers.    ?We already know that consumers are going to the Web to find out how much their home is worth, now they can get the same information without going to multiple Web sites. And, the tool provides Keller Williams Realty with another way to generate leads for our agents at no cost to them," said Bryon Ellington, chief products officer with Keller Williams Realty International. With the new home valuation tool, the consumer is taken to the estimate and is asked to submit their contact information to receive assistance in interpreting the results. The lead is then sent to the Keller Williams Realty office that matches the request based on zip code.   The new estimate tool aligns with the goals of KW.com, according to Ellington. ?KW.com was designed to give consumers the information they want, and get them in touch with a real estate expert as quickly as possible to help them interpret it. We know that no online tool can replace the local expertise that an agent brings to the table ? and our hope is that this will start the conversation with an agent."   ?Especially in this market, consumers need guidance from a real estate professional," said Cary Sylvester, executive director of technology for Keller Williams Realty International.  ?By hosting this tool on KW.com, we hope to create a place where home sellers can get a snapshot of their home?s value and locate an agent in their city who can help guide them."   This new tool follows in a series of technological innovations by the company, including an agreement with WolfNet? Technologies to provide IDX to all its agents at no cost, the development of the Keller Williams Listing System (KWLS), which provides agents with increased exposure for their listings by automatically displaying them on more than 100 popular home search engines and is the further implementation of the company-wide lead routing philosophy ? dubbed, ?My Listings, My Leads," where every lead generated from these new tools goes directly back to the listing agent at no cost.   ### About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with over 690 offices and 70,000 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=28 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=29 Keller Williams Realty Bucks National Business Trends During the Toughest Real Estate Market on Record Company celebrates 25 years as it outpaces market through its financial model   AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 27, 2009) ? Bailout. Credit crunch. Foreclosure. Despite these words permeating the headlines and airwaves, there are companies out there moving forward ? even in real estate. Keller Williams® Realty Inc., the fourth largest real estate company in North America, announced today that it outpaced the market in 2008, while remaining completely financially solvent, and gave back more than $30 million in profits to its agents. ?Our strategy is no secret. We faithfully follow the sound financial model of leading with revenue ? the same model our market centers follow," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty Inc. ?As we watch companies throughout the country take on billions of dollars of debt, we are proud to say that our company has not one dollar of financing debt and we remain strong and financially sound. It is our joy to be able to give back to our agents during these times." Despite pervasive downward trends in the real estate industry, Keller Williams Realty continues to outperform the industry. For 2008, existing home sales for the United States fell 13 percent as reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).  By comparison, Keller Williams Realty saw sales decline by only 7 percent. In addition, the company experienced a much smaller contraction in its agent base compared to NAR, who saw a 10 percent decline in membership. ?Keller Williams was founded 25 years ago during one of the toughest markets on record ? when interest rates were higher than 18 percent. We continue to urge our agents to zero in on lead generation and reducing expenses so they can thrive during this market," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty Inc. ?We admire our agents? spirit, tenacity, and dedication to their businesses. They just keep powering forward." Throughout 2008 Keller Williams Realty launched new products and services specifically to boost its agents? businesses, including two new books: Your First Home: The Proven Path to Home Ownership for first-time home buyers, and SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. Both books are written by Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams Realty, who also authored national best sellers The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. Additionally, Keller, co-author Dave Jenks and trainer and coach Tony DiCello hit the road to teach the 12 tactics laid out in SHIFT, drawing more than 20,000 attendees in 29 cities. The company also continued to provide agents support through Operation Heart to Heart 2, a training initiative designed to help agents and market centers deal with today?s market.   ### 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 70,000 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=29 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=30 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=30 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=31 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=31 Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=32 Keller Williams® Realty Vice Chairman Mo Anderson Honored by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers   AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 24, 2008) ?Keller Williams Realty Vice Chairman Mo Anderson, CRB, has been announced as this year?s inductee into the Council of Real Estate Brokerage (CRB) Managers? Hall of Leaders. The Hall of Leaders Award was established to honor CRB designees whose significant contributions shape and influence the real estate industry locally and nationally.   ?Words cannot express how honored I feel to be chosen by the CRB Council and included among such impressive real estate leaders," said Anderson. ?Every day, I am truly amazed at how blessed I am to be a part of the real estate industry ? a business I truly love. It is very meaningful for others to recognize that passion."   Anderson established the first KW franchise outside of the state of Texas in 1991. Gary Keller, the company?s chairman and co-founder recognized her talent and quickly brought her on board as the President and CEO of the burgeoning international company. Anderson now serves as Vice Chairman.   In 2003, Anderson founded the company?s non-profit arm, KW Cares, a 501(c)(3) charity that provides emergency financial assistance to members of the KW family in need and their immediate families, as well as outside charitable organizations. In 2005, KW Cares raised over $5 million for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Anderson has been named twice as Oklahoma's Women in Business Advocate of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. She was also named one of real estate?s most influential leaders in 2007 by the Women?s Council of Realtors in their magazine, Connections. Most recently she was a finalist for REALTOR® Magazine?s 2006 Good Neighbor Award, and named one of the magazine?s Top 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate.   ?The CRB Council couldn?t have picked a better candidate to honor than Mo Anderson ? she has been a driving force in the growth we have seen at Keller Williams Realty. Mo walks the walk and talks the talk in her commitment to the industry and the people who work around her," says Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty International. ?Mo is the face of our company?s culture of family. She is not only our cultural leader, but an icon in our company that inspires everyone to reach their fullest potential."   Anderson joins an impressive group in the Hall of Leaders. Past inductees include Ebby Halliday, Joseph F. Hanauer, Gail Liniger, Art Godi, A. Watson, Jr., J. Lennox Scott, Richard Mendenhall and most recently Harley E. Rouda, Sr.   The Award will be presented at a special reception and dinner during the National Association of REALTORS® Conference & Expo on Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort.   ### About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with over 690 offices and over 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=32 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=33 Keller Williams® Realty Announces Plans for Commercial Division Buddy Norman joins the company as division president     AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 16, 2008) ?Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the fourth largest real estate company in North America, announced plans to launch a Keller Williams Realty Commercial Division this fall.   ?Our goal is to expand our platform and make Keller Williams Realty the real estate company of choice in both the residential and commercial worlds by providing our associates the technology, marketing tools, and resources to succeed in the commercial business," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. ?We want to create synergy and referrals between the residential and commercial sides of our Keller Williams offices, increasing the income and production potential of all our agents." Buddy Norman, a veteran of commercial real estate has joined Keller Williams as president of the new division. Norman has more than 18 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, including leadership within international firms, such as The Staubach Company and Burnham Real Estate, which was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield. He has led the development of new business divisions and trained commercial agents all over the U.S. including Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and San Diego. A consistent top producer, Norman has averaged approximately 400,000 square feet per year of commercial leasing and sales transactions over the last 10 years.   ?There?s such a wide spectrum of commercial real estate experience within Keller Williams Realty," said Norman. ?We intend to build a strong commercial division paralleling the success and growth of the Keller Williams residential division."   Norman willwork with a newly created Commercial Leadership Council (CLC) ? a group of 25 top Keller Williams commercial brokers from across North America to guide the launch and implementation of the new division.   ### About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the fourth-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, with over 690 offices and over 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=33 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=34 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=34 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=35 Keller Williams Realty Launches Company Wide Support Effort to Combat Turbulent Real Estate Market Operation Heart to Heart 2 delivers critical training at a critical hour   AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 19, 2007) ? Keller Williams Realty, Inc. has announced the kick-off of a wide sweeping, action-focused, outreach program to bring tools and support as a response to the well-publicized turmoil within the real estate market. The effort is funded as a gift from the company?s leadership to its 77,000-plus associates across North America.   Coined Operation Heart to Heart 2, in the spirit of the company?s effort to support its Gulf States associates in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the program includes Web sites, teleclasses, live seminars and new training courses, all tailored to the reality of the current real estate market and designed to support office profitability and agent productivity.   ?At the heart of our Keller Williams culture is the inherent responsibility to protect those we care about and shore each other up in tough times. Coming from a place of love and true understanding of how the market is affecting our people, Keller Williams Realty is launching an unprecedented support effort for our associates," says Mark Willis, CEO.   Operation Heart to Heart 2 offerings include 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 new nationwide, skills-based seminar tour, Thriving in a Shifting Market; a Web portal for scripts, training products and more (www.kellerwilliamsuniversity.com/h2h2); and regional courses to teach agents the do?s and don?ts of enhanced financing options for their clients.   In addition, the company?s annual convention, Family Reunion, has been refocused on an entirely new market-specific curriculum from Keller Williams? training arm, Keller Williams University, including courses on:   1.      Being an Opportunity Warrior: Role of the Agent as Lead Converter 2.      Lead Generation in a Shifted Market 3.      Seller Pricing Strategies 4.      Seller Staging Strategies 5.      Creating a Sense of Urgency in Buyers 6.      Expense Management for Solo Agents and Teams 7.      Cost Effective Leverage?Getting More Done with Less People 8.      Lead Capture Conversion to Appointment 9.      Internet Lead Capture Conversion to Appointment 10. Transaction Issues and Solutions 11. Creative Financing 12. Foreclosures, Short Sales and REOs     Office leadership teams also have new resources available to them including: lease negotiation and compensation specialists, regular brainstorming conference calls with top owners and brokers in the Keller Williams system and scholarships to training courses on how to maximize staff by hiring talent.   Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty says, ?Our company was born out of a extremely tough real estate market, and so we have no doubt that our roots will help us weather the challenges of today."   Tennant says the level of support and caring encapsulated in Operation Heart to Heart 2 will continue throughout 2008, and even increase, if needed.    She adds: ?Never before have our Keller Williams culture and training opportunities been more critical for our associates? success. And never before has it been more important for us to reach out ? both to each other and to the opportunity that will be created for those who persevere during this market." 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 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=35 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=36 Keller Center for Research in Residential Real Estate Marketing Launches Ground Breaking Initiatives Drilling Down to What Really Works   AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 8, 2007) ?More than 50 of the top producing real estate agents in the country gathered at Baylor University in Waco, Texas recently for the Inaugural Research Summit at the Keller Center for Research in Residential Real Estate Marketing. The Summit was led by Gary Keller,founder and Chairman of Keller Williams Realty, the fourth-largest residential real estate franchise in North America and a Baylor alumnus.   Focused on Getting Leads and Making Sales: What Really Works, the event represented an unprecedented step toward academic, quantitative research within the residential real estate business.   The Keller Center was funded through a $5 million donation by Keller in January 2007.   ?The Millionaire Real Estate Agent [MREA] was actually the impetus behind the founding of the Keller Center," said Keller. ?While that book was a success on many levels, our research revealed that so much of what the real estate industry believes about what works is learned by word-of-mouth, or anecdotally, rather than being based on solid quantitative analysis."   Attendees spent two days discussing what research needed to be done in the areas of Lead Generation, Lead Conversion and Branding with Baylor faculty, Keller Williams Realty researchers and course writers, and MREA co-authors, Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan.   Keller asked attendees: ?If you could know one thing, that if you knew it, would have a tremendous impact on your business, what would it be?" The results of this masterminding will serve as the direction for the research that will be developed by Keller Center?s faculty in the coming years.   ?The summit was a tremendous success and very productive. The agents in attendance confirmed resoundingly that they are most interested in issues surrounding lead generation and conversion, so that will be our first focus," says Laura Indergard, associate director of the Keller Center.    ?The Keller Center?s upcoming research initiatives will have a far-reaching impact among real estate professionals, ? asserted Sami Inkinen, COO and co-founderof the real estate search engine,Trulia.com, who was one of several real estate industry heavyweights in attendance. ?Not only will the rigorous and methodological research approach create a framework for best practices that will help real estate professionals to become more productive and more savvy business people, it will also serve to improve the image of the entire industry."   At the close of the Summit, Keller emphasized to attendees, ?What you are a part of is historic. The research that Baylor University will do now, based on your input, will make a truly important contribution to the real estate industry."   Keller graduated from Baylor University in 1979 with a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing, with a specialization in real estate and insurance. In 2006, the university honored Keller with its Distinguished Alumni Award. That same year, REALTOR® Magazine named Keller one of the Top 25 Most Influential Thought Leaders in real estate. In 2007, Inman News recognized Keller as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate. 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 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, is growing by more than a thousand agents a month. Keller Williams Realty associates 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 Baylor Business: The Hankamer School of Business holds to a visionary standard of excellence whereby integrity stands shoulder to shoulder with analytic and strategic strengths to build leaders, not simply careers. In the Ethics rankings done by BusinessWeek magazine, the undergraduate business program is ranked 3rd in the nation. Among private business schools, the undergraduate program is ranked 22nd by U.S.News and World Report and 23rd by BusinessWeek. Baylor?s Entrepreneurship program is ranked 14th by U.S. News and its Accounting program is ranked 18th by Public Accounting Report. Visit (www.baylor.edu/business) for more information. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=36 Thu, 8 Nov 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=37 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=37 Thu, 1 Nov 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=38 Keller Williams Realty Stakes a Claim in Luxury Homes Market   4th Largest Real Estate Company Launches Luxury Homes by Keller Williams   AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 18, 2007) ? Keller Williams Realty announced today that it will be launching a new division of the company dedicated to serving the high-end home market.   The new venture, introduced at the company?s recent annual Mega Camp event, is the product of more than a year of researching and Masterminding by a group of Keller Williams leadership and associates.   ?We know that when we listen to what our agents need, we develop the right product for them," says Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty Inc. ?This program was built by our agents, for our agents. As an agent-centric company, we wouldn?t do it any other way."   Luxury Homes by Keller Williams is a members-only program that gives eligible associates a designation as experts in serving luxury home buyers and sellers. The training component of the program will be provided by industry heavyweight, The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (www.luxuryhomemarketing.com), as part of a new partnership between the Institute and Keller Williams Realty.   Institute founder Laurie Moore-Moore says, ?The luxury home market is out-performing the real estate market nationally, so the timing of the Keller Williams Luxury Homes program is absolutely perfect."   The new program is spearheaded by Dee Shultz, a long time leader in the luxury homes market in Austin, Texas, and she says the new program will allow more KW associates to capitalize on the luxury homes market across North America.   ?When you look at the luxury homes market ? it?s been more stable than the real estate market as a whole, so we want to arm our agents to capitalize on that opportunity," says Shultz.   ?We know that this program will provide both a strong support system for our agents currently servicing affluent clients, and a firm foundation for growth to our associates who are looking to key into the market," she adds.   When the program makes its official debut October 1, KW Luxury Home Consultants will be able to take advantage of new branding and marketing materials, an International Web presence (www.kwluxuryhomes.com) and agent-to-agent referral opportunities, as well as discounted pricing for advertising in targeted print publications including the Robb Report, DuPont Registry, Unique Homes, The Wall Street Journal, L.A. Times and The New York Times.   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 660 offices and 78,000 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=38 Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=39 Mega Camp Sets the Stage for Success During Any Market   Proven models, leading-edge systems provide framework for success   AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 5, 2007) ? Committed to providing agents and market center leaders with targeted training and tools designed to build their businesses during uncertain real estate market conditions, Keller Williams Realty attracted more than 5,000 associates and guests to its annual week-long Mega Camp event August 20-24.   Mark Willis, CEO, Keller Williams Realty, emphasized that real estate markets such as the current one, "offer untold opportunities for agents to differentiate themselves on the basis on skills, service and knowledge," and urged attendees to refine their resolve to sharpen skills and ?make lead generation a daily discipline."   Indeed ?understanding the need for two to three hours of lead generation every day is central to success in real estate," emphasized Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman. ?You need to get focused on the one thing that is going to make your business thrive in this market," Keller emphasized.   Introducing Keller Williams University?s (KWU) new Lead Generation 36:12:3course as the ?new cornerstone of KWU?s curriculum," Mary Tennant, president and COO, pointed out that the intensely researched curriculum provides a proven pathway for agents to:   Close at least 36 transactions, In 12 months, By committing to 3 hours every workday on lead generation,   ?This groundbreaking course is our most important new focus as a company right now," added Willis. ?It?s about arming our agents with practical guidance and a set of skills to raise productivity and to help them to generate a consistent and continuous pipeline of leads."   Mega Camp also provided a forum for the introduction of the new Luxury Homes by Keller Williams program. Slated for an Oct. 1, 2007 debut, Luxury Homes by Keller Williams will provide qualifying members with access to international networking capabilities and distinct branding and marketing opportunities.   Of course, no major Keller Williams Realty event would be complete without the company?s signature cultural component. KW Cares, a 501(3)(C) nonprofit created to support associates throughout North America during times of severe hardship, grossed more than $250,000 during Mega Camp. Revenues resulted from ticket sales to a Kenny Loggins concert sponsored by KW Cares, live and silent auctions and general donations.   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 660 offices and 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. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=39 Wed, 5 Sep 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=40 Keller Williams Realty Case Study now part of Stanford and Yale?s core MBA curriculum   Distinct cultural and economic models presented as inherently intertwined   AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 11, 2007) ? Keller Williams Realty Inc., announced today that both the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Yale School of Management have added a Keller Williams Realty Case Study to their core MBA curriculums.    Completed earlier this year by Brian Tayan, research associate with the case writing office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business and James N. Baron, Ph.D., formerly with Stanford, who since the publication of the study has taken a professor of management position at the Yale School of Management, the case study describes the economic and cultural models that have led to the success of Keller Williams Realty.     ?Case studies are fundamentally teaching materials," Tayan explains. He adds that he anticipates that the most predominant impact of this case study will be a realization among MBA students of the ?significant impact that culture can play in the strategy of an organization."   ?This level of recognition from two such prestigious universities is among the greatest honors that this company has ever received," emphasizes Mo Anderson, vice chairman, Keller Williams Realty. ?It?s a reflection of the combined talents and unique contributions of all of our associates throughout North America."   Anderson was on hand at Yale when the case study was first presented to students at the Yale School of Management by Dr. Baron.   Baron noted, ?One of the things I heard from several students was how refreshing it was for them to hear the perspective of a highly effective executive with a leadership style so different from the formulaic one they encounter over and over throughout business school."   Having spent a considerable amount of time talking to associates and interviewing top executives at Keller Williams Realty, Tayan notes that the Keller Williams ?business model and culture operate very much in conjunction with each other. The company?s culture has not been developed for the sake of it."   Keller Williams Realty has become the fourth largest and fastest growing real estate agency in North America by building a culture that rewards its agents as partners through its profit sharing program and by empowering its agents to fulfill the company mission of ?building careers worth having, business worth owning and lives worth living.?   ?The Keller Williams Realty case study should serve as a source of pride for associates throughout the organization and a validation of the way the company is proceeding," Tayan says. Noting the distinct business model and rapid growth of Keller Williams Realty, he adds, ?I?m surprised that more has not been written about it."   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 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. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=40 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=41 Keller Williams Realty Rewrites Rules for Brand Strategy   Research reinforces impact of agent-centric philosophy     AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 23, 2007) ? Keller Williams Realty ranks among the top five established and recognized real estate brands, according to the recently released Swanepoel Trends Report 2007, published by RISMedia.   While other national real estate franchises spend tens of millions of dollars every year inundating the airwaves and print media with professionally crafted consumer advertising campaigns designed to establish their brand as the best, Keller Williams Realty ?has never spent a dime on national advertising to consumers," says Gary Keller, chairman and co-founder, Keller Williams Realty.     ?We put our agents first at all times, which means the focus is on their name and their brand," Keller explains. ?Our company was founded on the belief that real estate is a local business and our agents businesses are built on the strength of their local reputation, not the company or the brand the agent is affiliated with. This research proves, once again, that if you encourage your people to build their own business, the market will respond. We know that it?s our agents businesses that build our brand, not the other way around."   Keller Williams Realty has become the fourth largest and fastest growing real estate agency in North America by building a culture that rewards its agents as partners through its profit sharing program and by empowering its agents to fulfill the company mission of ?building careers worth having, business worth owning and lives worth living.?   "We built this company based on the conviction that the company worked for its people," says CEO Mark Willis. ?We believe that if we devote our attention to educating and treating people right, they will build this company beyond our wildest dreams," Willis explains. ?That has proven to be the case many times over."     ### 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 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. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=41 Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=42 Keller Williams Realty grows to 72,303 associates in shifting market Firm strengthens its lead as the fourth-largest real estate franchise in North America   AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 28, 2006) ? Keller Williams Realty Inc., the fourth-largest real estate franchise company in North America, continues to attract associates despite shifting markets in cities across the nation. In October, the company reported having 72,303 associates and 591 market centers.   The latest tally widens the gap between Keller Williams Realty and the fifth-largest real estate franchise company, Prudential Real Estate Affiliates Inc., which reported having 64,000 associates in October of this year.   Keller Williams Realty CEO Mark Willis attributes the company?s steady growth rate in the midst of a shifting market to Keller Williams Realty?s agent-centric, learning-based business model and razor-sharp focus on technology and the Internet.   ?Market trends are a non-issue at Keller Williams Realty, because no matter what the analysts say, our No. 1 mission has been ? and will always be ? to provide our associates with proven business tools, models and technology that get results in any market," Willis says. ?I think the associates who are choosing to be in business with us embrace our stance that you can leverage the marketplace to work to your advantage."   In addition to adding Keller Williams University courses that address business tactics in a shifting market, the company has taken great measures to expand the Internet presence of Keller Williams Realty associates and their listings ? targeting an ever increasing market segment of real estate consumers online.   ?The National Association of Realtors® reports that 77 percent of today?s home buyers surf the Internet for properties prior to contacting an agent," Willis says. ?We want our associates to have an undeniable presence on the Internet, and we want them to have more control over where and how their listings are displayed."   The recently introduced Keller Williams Listing System (KWLS) will enable associates to enter their listings data in one place and have that information displayed on Keller Williams Realty agent and office websites everywhere. Keller Williams Realty also is negotiating partnerships with some of the most popular search engines in the world, so associates can display their listings on those sites.   ?The organic growth we?ve experienced in the past few years is a testament to our mission to build businesses worth owning and careers worth having," Willis says. ?Simply surviving a tough market is not enough; we teach our associates how to thrive in any market."   ### http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=42 Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=43 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=43 Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=44 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). http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=44 Fri, 2 Sep 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=45 Gary Keller once again recognized for his influence in Real Estate Inman News names Keller one of the Top 100 most influential people in the industry   Austin, Texas (Monday, August 29, 2005) ? Gary Keller, founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams Realty Inc., has been named as one of the most influential people in real estate by Inman News, one of the most respected, independent real estate news services.   Gary Keller and partner Joe Williams founded Keller Williams in 1983 and the company today has more than 49,000 agents, with an average annual agent growth of 52 percent. The company continues to grow at the grassroots level, attracting agents with profit-sharing, its agent-centric culture and strong focus on education and training.   Keller was a driving force behind the company's innovative profit-sharing model, which allows any Keller Williams Realty associate, affiliate broker or employee to participate in company profits they help generate without assuming any financial risks.   Based on his leadership qualities and contributions to the real estate industry, Keller was voted as one of the five "Most Admired People" in a survey conducted by REAL TrendsTM magazine in 2000. He was also named one of the Most Influential People in Real Estate by REALTOR® Magazine in 2003. Keller's success as a business owner was acknowledged multiple times when the gross profit of his two Austin, Texas based real estate brokerages earned him a place in REAL Trends elite 100-member Billionaire Club. In 2004, Keller was a finalist for Inc. Magazine?s Entrepreneur of the Year award.   Further adding to his sphere of influence, Keller first became a best-selling author in 2003, with his self-published book, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. The book was picked up by McGraw-Hill in 2003 and became a mainstay on BusinessWeek?s paperback best-seller list, rising to number 8 and selling over 100,000 copies.   Keller released his second book, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, in March 2005, and the book recently made the New York Times business book best seller list.   About Keller Williams Realty Inc. Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is an international real estate company with 470 offices located across the United States and Canada. It is the fifth-largest and fastest growing U.S. residential real estate firm in North America, distinguished by its unique culture, leading-edge education, and an economic model that rewards its 49,000 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   About Inman News Inman News (www.inman.com) is the nation's leading independent real estate news service and content provider to 250+ U.S. newspapers and 50,000 Web sites, reaching millions of consumers each day through clients and partners such as The Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Washington Post, Denver Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Google, The Wall Street Journal Online, CBS Marketwatch, and many more. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=45 Mon, 29 Aug 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=46 Tennessee Market Center demonstrates ?extreme? volunteerism Keller Williams Realty associates work around the clock on set of ?Extreme Makeover: Home Edition?   CLARKSVILLE, TENN. (Friday, July 22, 2005) ? In keeping with Keller Williams Realty International?s mission to build lives worth living, a dedicated group of associates from the Clarksville, Tenn., market center put their busy schedules on hold to ensure an injured Iraq war veteran could live a better life ? in the comfort of a brand-new home.   More than 60 Clarksville associates and their families worked through five days and four nights to help construct a new house for Army Master Sgt. Luis Rodriguez and his family as part of the ABC television hit show, ?Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."   ?We had more agents volunteer than we knew what to do with," Market center Owner Maurice Vaughn says. ?Some of these people would come out and work from midnight to 6 a.m. and then go home, shower and go off to work. It was just amazing."   In 2004, Rodriguez, an Army medic, lost his right leg when a roadside bomb struck his envoy that was en route to a hospital. Rodriguez spent four months in an amputee ward and endured 16 surgeries before returning home to Tennessee to discover that his small house did not accommodate his new physical challenges.   When ABC selected the Rodriguez family for a home makeover, the ?Extreme Makeover: Home Edition? designers tapped Clarksville contractor Clay Powers, a longtime business associate of Vaughn?s, to lead the project.   ?I immediately asked Clay how we could help," Vaughn recalls. ?Because it was such a heartwarming effort, it was the kind of situation that Keller Williams Realty needed to be involved in."   Keller Williams Realty International CEO Mo Anderson traveled from Texas to Tennessee to witness the Clarksville market center in action. She says she saw a ?sea of Keller Williams agents" upon arriving at the construction site. Not only were the associates responsible for staffing the only entrance to the secured television set, but they also handled errands for supplies and prepared and delivered meals to the workers.   ?I believe if anybody has ever displayed their outstanding leadership abilities, it?s Maurice and Terri Vaughn," Anderson says. ?Believe me, it took strong leadership to pull this off. I am so proud of the Vaughns and their team, my buttons are about to pop off." Vaughn?s son, Jon, an associate in the Clarksville market, says he estimates his team members clocked more than 1,500 hours of volunteer time.   ?I personally logged 125 hours in five days, sleeping in my truck most nights," he admits.   Anderson says she watched the Clarksville associates as they worked nonstop in the boiling summer heat, sacrificing time normally spent with their families and clients.   ?But when the Rodriguez family stepped out of that limousine and saw their new home for the first time, I understood why our agents did what they did," Anderson says. ?It was one of the most special moments in my life."   About Keller Williams Realty International: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) is the fifth largest residential brand in North America. With 46,000-plus agents and 450 offices across the United States and Canada, the real estate company is fast growing, attracting an average of 1,500 agents a month. KWRI, which began franchising in 1990, distinguishes itself in the industry by treating its agents as partners, sharing in company profits and in decisions about leadership and policy control.   About ?Extreme Makeover: Home Edition": ?Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The executive producer of the series is Tom Forman. The show airs Sundays (8p.m. - 9 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=46 Fri, 22 Jul 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=48 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. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=48 Wed, 22 Jun 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=47 Keller Williams Realty Reports Continuing Record Growth   AUSTIN, TX ? June 20, 2005 ? Keller Williams Realty Inc., the fifth-largest and fastest growing residential real estate company in North America, continues on a recordbreaking growth pace in the first quarter of 2005.   Keller Williams Realty?s agent roster grew to 42,691 associates across the United States and Canada ? a 50 percent increase from the first quarter of 2004. This marks the third consecutive year that the company?s growth has averaged more than 50 percent.   ?Much of the industry is growing by company acquisitions, yet what?s happening at Keller Williams Realty is something substantially different," President Mark Willis says. ?It?s more of a grassroots movement. REALTORS® are discovering that it?s not about touting a national brand; it?s about being empowered at the local level to excel in their businesses."   Willis says the company?s agent-centric, family-oriented culture is drawing an average of 1,500 new associates a month. As of May, the agent roster was at 46,000-plus ? less than 9,000 agents away from the year-end goal of 55,000. Meeting this goal would move up Keller Williams Realty to the fourth-largest residential real estate firm in North America.   ?People tend to find their way to good business models," founder and Chairman Gary Keller says. ?How did Google get so big when it never advertised? The real estate world is finding a good thing in Keller Williams Realty. Our agents are leading our growth with their passion for their businesses."   Keller says the company is structured so that the agents not only share in management decisions about the company?s future, but they also share in the profits. Keller Williams Realty?s first-of-a-kind interdependent profit-sharing business model is now serving as a blueprint for other companies, even outside the real estate industry. Inman News, the nation?s leading independent real estate news service, recently cited Keller Williams Realty as the ?most innovative real estate company." Moreover, in 2003, the National Association of REALTORS named Gary Keller among the Top 25 Most Influential in Real Estate. He also was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Central Texas that year.   The chairman?s systems also work for the Keller Williams Realty International franchise headquarters, which employs 89 people. Today that office was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in America by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Great Place to Work Institute.   ?The word about Keller Williams Realty is spreading rapidly and exponentially," says Dave Jenks, vice president of research and development. ?Agents are joining us because of our continued efforts to innovate and provide support for our agents."   Education is an integral part of the Keller Williams Realty?s agent-centric culture. Keller Williams University offers courses that help agents resolve in-the-trenches business issues, such as generating leads, hiring talent and maximizing customer service. This year, the company expanded its curriculum to include KWConnect, a multimedia, Internet-based, distance-learning program that offers classes and seminars to associates on demand.   About Keller Williams Realty Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is an international real estate company with 450 offices located across the United States and Canada. It is the fifth-largest and fastest growing U.S. residential real estate firm in North America, distinguished by it unique culture, leading-edge education, and an economic model that rewards its 46,000 associates as stakeholders and partners. Keller Williams Realty, which began franchising in 1990, is growing by more than 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. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=47 Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=49 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. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=49 Fri, 1 Apr 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=50 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. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=50 Tue, 22 Mar 2005 00:00:00 http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=51 Annual Keller Williams® Realty Family Reunion Brings Over 7,400 Associates to Las Vegas February 21-24   AUSTIN, TX ? (Thursday, March 10, 2005) ? More than 7,400 Keller Williams® Realty associates gathered in Las Vegas to network, learn, mastermind and share their talents at the Annual Keller Williams Realty Family Reunion.   From a surprise ?rock ?n? roll" guitar solo by Gary Keller, to stirring presentations by best-selling authors John Maxwell and Mitch Albom, this Reunion had it all.   ?I am so proud of the turnout. It shows me our precious culture is strong and thriving," said Mo Anderson, chief executive officer of Keller Williams Realty. ?I only wish we could have accommodated everyone who wanted to attend. We?re already planning for record attendance of 12,000 for next year."   In addition to his virtuoso guitar solo, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board Gary Keller shared his insights on the industry in his annual Vision speech. ?I really don?t look at it like a speech so much as it is a chat," said Keller. ?This is an opportunity for me to share industry trends and future economic indicators that may affect the way our associates do business."   Convention attendees also learned about KW Connect, the new distance learning initiative from Keller Williams University and ProManage?a suite of agent marketing and training tools supported by eAgentC and TOP PRODUCER® 7i.   Reunion was also the perfect place to launch Gary Keller?s new book The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, co-authored with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan. Pre-orders for the book were brisk. "We believe the timing for this book is very good," said Jenks. ?People have long awaited a principles-based book on the how-to?s of real estate investing."   President Mark Willis expects record attendance next year as well. ?Keller Williams Realty is on track to surpass 55,000 agents in 2005, which will make us the fourth largest real estate company in North America. I?m confident our agents will continue their phenomenal support of Family Reunion with massive participation again next year."   ?Our associates enjoy coming together each year to learn and celebrate our successes," said Willis. ?It is evident when you look at the percentage of our agents attending Reunion compared to other brands? conventions." The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino will play host to the 2006 Keller Williams Realty Family Reunion, slated for February 20-23.   ###   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. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=51 Thu, 10 Mar 2005 00:00:00