Few company names garner as much respect as Berkshire Hathaway. When Warren Buffett’s corporation endorses your brand, it’s more than a compliment: it’s a signal of faith from a business tycoon with an impressive track record. That’s why Maryann Vitale Alles, president and CEO of Prudential Select Properties, is excited to announce that the firm is joining Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a new real estate brokerage network. “When the Berkshire Hathaway name appears on a yard sign, it’s a sign that buyers and sellers want to see,” Vitale says.
Founded in 2002 by Vitale, Deb Colburn and Angie Ignatowski, Prudential Select Properties has more than 500 agents in the St. Louis area. When the name change occurs the weekend of June 14, to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties, associates will hold listing open houses, and all for-sale signs will change to reflect the ‘cabernet and cream’ colors of Berkshire Hathaway. On June 17, each of the 11 St. Louis offices will celebrate the new affiliation with a ribbon cutting and open house. Earl Lee, CEO for HSF Affiliates, will attend to mark the occasion. “This is not simply a name change for us, but really an opportunity to bring a new level of quality and innovation to our future at Prudential Select Properties,” Colburn says. “This name will open many doors for us.”
Buyers and sellers working with the company can expect to benefit from innovative tools and fresh marketing techniques. The company’s new website—optimized for tablet viewing—will offer real estate resources through the Global Network Platform. Luxury Collection will provide maximum exposure to qualified prospective buyers through a sophisticated, integrated marketing program that highlights the unique qualities of your property. And the network’s training and education department will offer agents a new training curriculum.
This is the first time Warren Buffett has allowed use of his corporation’s name in this kind of real estate venture. “In the 32 years that I have been in real estate, I haven’t experienced a brand opportunity of this magnitude,” Vitale says. “It is a game-changer for residential real estate.” The new brokerage network has more than 30,000 agents and 750 offices in 37 states, and was named brand of the year in the Harris Poll EquiTrend study.
Ignatowski believes this partnership is a perfect fit for Prudential Select Properties. “This is the most trusted name; it stands for integrity, stability and success,” she says. “I can’t think of a better name to partner with than Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.” She also believes it will serve the interests of St. Louisans, and Buffett himself seems to agree. As he says on the network’s website: “When people are making the decision of the magnitude of buying a house, it’s the biggest decision a great many families will ever make. They want to know who they’re working with and we think that the Berkshire Hathaway name will be reassuring to many of those people.”
Pictured: Maryann Vitale Alles
Photo: Tim Parker
by Rebecca Koenig
Prudential Select Properties is holding an Open House Blitz June 14 and 15. The house pictured on the cover, at 12940 topping estates drive, will be included. For more information, visit discoverstl.com or call 314.835.6051.