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ERA Franchise Systems LLC
1 Campus Drive Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 428-9700 |
Media contact: Stacy Quinn
(973) 496-7904 stacy.quinn@ERA.com |
For long-time innovator, the future is both then and now
PARSIPPANY, NJ, July 24, 2002 - ERA Real Estate greets its 30th anniversary with a record of astonishing growth and a winning combination of unique products, affiliate support and entrepreneurial spirit.
ERA Real Estate greets its 30th anniversary with a record of astonishing growth and a winning combination of unique products, affiliate support and entrepreneurial spirit.
"As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we can look back with pride and look ahead with optimism," says Brenda W. Casserly, president and COO, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. "The ERA® system has always led the way in adopting technological advances and helping consumers worldwide achieve the dream of homeownership."
ERA Real Estate began with the vision of founder Jim Jackson, who foresaw how the fax machine, then a new technology, could give his company a competitive edge. Re-branded by the company as "The Moving Machine," the fax machine transmitted affiliates' listings to ERA offices across the country in record time. The company continued to break ground with new tools and innovative ideas through featuring the first nationwide home warranty programs.
"The ERA system continues the legacy established by our founder in 1972," says Casserly. "We've grown in size and scope with 15 new countries and territories joining our international network since 1996."
"Despite the economic challenges of 2001, the ERA system had a record year with a 62 percent increase in franchise sales over the previous year. Also, in the last five years, our sales volume has doubled. Not only have we experienced tremendous external growth, but we have retained some of the best brokerages in the industry," she adds.
Casserly also notes ERA® products and services allow affiliates to better serve customers and remain competitive, and are among the brand's strongest vehicles for growth.
One of the company's most valuable tools is the ERA Sellers Security® Plan, which offers up to $100,000 equity for a new home while guaranteeing that "We Will Sell Your House, or ERA Will Buy It!®" Not only was this program revolutionary when it launched in 1980, but it now helps the booming seniors market, serving mature Americans who wish to right-size their home.
In keeping with the tradition of equipping its network to better serve their communities, ERA Real Estate created marketing and training materials specifically designed to guide brokers and sales associates in assisting Hispanic families through the home-buying process.
Community spirit is also behind the dedication ERA affiliates have for helping to find a cure for neuromuscular diseases through a variety of fundraising events. Since 1977, the company has been the Muscular Dystrophy Association's exclusive corporate sponsor from the real estate industry, raising $30 million for the charity.
ERA Real Estate continues its dedication to giving back and its consistent drive to improve its business through a variety of training and awards programs for affiliates. These programs include the ERA Top Gun® Academy, a rigorous course designed to help sales associates sharpen their skills, as well as the Beyond Excellence and President's Circle conferences for top-producing affiliates. At these events, attendees have the opportunity to network with peers, participate in idea-sharing sessions and learn from renowned speakers.
In addition to fulfilling the needs of its membership, ERA has responded to consumer demand for a one-stop shopping real estate transaction through a variety of programs including ERA Mortgage. Another program that helps to ease the homebuying process is ERA® Select ServicesSM. It gives affiliates a competitive edge by offering the opportunity to provide value-added national service and local discount services to customers-from moving companies to neighborhood plumbers-for the lifetime of their homeownership.
"ERA is 'the relationship company,'" Casserly explains. "Our culture is to be customer-centric. As a result of the dedication of our brokers and sales associates worldwide, we can look ahead to a bright and prosperous future."
About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. It is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD) and part of its Real Estate Franchise Group. The ERA real estate network includes more than 28,000 brokers and sales associates throughout the United States and 29 other countries and territories. Each ERA office is independently owned and operated. ERA information is available to consumers on the Internet at www.ERA.com. ERA properties can also be viewed at www.REALTOR.com®.
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