Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the United States-based real estate brokerage franchise network whose namesake is Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., plans to expand internationally starting in 2017.
As part of its first phase of expansion, the network launched a powerful, new property-search platform on its website. A listing-syndication program is now broadcasting Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network listings to 70 real estate websites worldwide.
The platform, developed in conjunction with Aliso Viejo, California-based Real Estate Digital, offers the industry’s most complete search experience for global shoppers of U.S. real estate.
With two mouse clicks, consumers may choose to translate the website in any of 10 languages besides English including Chinese, French (European and Canadian), German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazilian and European) and Spanish (European and Latin American). The site also seamlessly converts currency and measurements.
Consumers may then search for homes in any U.S. city or state serviced by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchisees. On the site, folks will find full Multiple Listing Service data containing all listings in their search area. By registering on the site, consumers also gain proprietary “Inside Access” features including the latest pending and sold information, market reports and property-price history.
“Until now, global shoppers of U.S. real estate see only a portion of homes for sale in their searches of states, cities and postal ZIP codes,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “When you register and search for U.S. real estate on our website, you see every property for sale in your search area, and then you can filter and sort those searches as you would on other sites. It’s a much more effective way to begin searches of homes in America.”
To complement the home-search platform, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is now broadcasting its network listings abroad. Most of the residential listings priced at $200,000 (USD) and above are now displayed on 70 real estate websites serving consumers in 37 countries on five continents.
“Our listings will be seen by buyers throughout the world, and that’s terrific news for our agents and home-selling clients.” said Mark Stark, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties. “Global exposure will also help our team win more listings and recruit and retain more top professionals. We’re excited by all the possibilities.”
