Scottsdale-based HomeSmart International nearly doubled its nationwide presence with the addition of franchises in 12 new states: Idaho, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Kansas, North Carolina, Maine, Florida, Georgia and New Mexico. Among the 28 overall states with HomeSmart franchises, 32 new franchise agreements were signed in 2018. This brings the nationwide franchise location count to 166. 

“It’s been a busy year for HomeSmart International and our franchisees across the country,” said Wendy Forsythe, HomeSmart International chief operating officer. “We continue to see real estate professionals and brokerage owners adopt our business model and business systems.” 

In 2018, HomeSmart International franchises were very active with acquisitions. In Arizona, the corporately-owned brokerage acquired a former Coldwell Banker in Mesa and Stephanie Sandoval, of HomeSmart Lifestyles, added to her Queen Creek business with a Fountain Hills acquisition. Irvine, Calif.-based Evergreen Realty, led by Randy Rector, added 500 agents through two acquisitions. Richard Raspantini, owner of HomeSmart Premier Living Realty in Long Island, NY, also acquired an independent company. 

HomeSmart’s industry leadership and community presence didn’t go unrecognized. HomeSmart International CEO and Founder Matt Widdows received RISMedia’s inaugural Newsmaker award and was inducted into the inaugural Newsmaker Hall of Fame. Dean deTonnancourt, president and CEO of HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate in Rhode Island and Maine, also received a Newsmaker award and was named the president of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. 

“Transitioning HomeSmart’s RealSmart Broker and RealSmart Agent softwares to an entirely updated technology platform has paved the way for rapid development over the last half of the year,” said Widdows. “Now we’re ready to launch a number of new operational innovations in the first part of 2019 and throughout the year which will bring on even more efficiencies for our agents and franchise owners.” 

In December, Arizona Foothills magazine named Widdows “Best CEO” and HomeSmart International the “Best Valley-Based National Company” for 2019. HomeSmart International was also recognized among the Top Companies to Work for in Arizona by AzCentral and made the Inc. 5000 Hall of Fame for its sixth year as one of the fastest growing companies in the country. For its most recent ranking of No. 2256, HomeSmart had 195-percent, three-year growth.