Coldwell Banker Real Estate Wins Emmy Award with NBC's Open House and is Recognized for Exceptional Content by Numerous Associations

Recognition from outside the real estate industry showcases 

How Coldwell Banker content is impacting marketing efforts

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the original Silicon Valley real estate startup founded in 1906, was recently honored with a number of accolades from various organizations for its exceptional content, public relations and marketing campaigns. The real estate giant recently won an Emmy and took home the award for the best designed mobile app from the Best Mobile App Awards. The company also recently received three of the highest honors for extraordinary public relations campaigns, being named a finalist for a Silver Anvil award and winning a PRSA Award of Excellence and a gold SABRE.

"I am very proud of the efforts of the Coldwell Banker marketing group, and to be recognized by such a broad and diverse group of voters is very rewarding," said Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "It takes breakthrough content, strategic partnerships and visionary thought leadership to succeed in today's environment. These awards further demonstrate what makes Coldwell Banker a leader in our industry."


LXTV Open House NYC: Winner at the 59th Annual New York Emmy® Awards
The Coldwell Banker co-produced "Escape to Saint Martin" episode of LXTV's Open House NYC won an Emmy at the 59th annual New York Emmy® Awards. The show featured two segments hosted by Sherrylle DeHaarte, an independent sales associate affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate St. Maarten, Hidden Gems of St. Martin and Villa Little Bay Is Island Living at Its Finest. The program was selected by the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NY NATAS) for its creativity as well as its artistic and technical excellence.

CBx: Platinum Award for Design Winner at the Best Mobile App Awards
CBx was named the Best Designed Mobile App for transforming the way Coldwell Banker® affiliated agents engage with home sellers to list their home. The award was given at the Best Mobile App Awards, which recognize the most intuitive, creative and unique mobile interface designs for apps across all mobile platforms, from Android, iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Phones to wearables like Android and Apple Watch. Special attention is paid to mobile apps that focus on user experience and interaction. CBx marries the power of big data with an agent's local expertise to help create a custom listing price that is relevant to the most likely buyer profile in a given community.

Smart Home PR Campaign: Finalist for PRSA Silver Anvil, winner PRSA Award of Excellence
Coldwell Banker Real Estate was named a finalist for a PRSA Silver Anvil Award, and won a PRSA Award of Excellence, for the public relations campaign covering smart home technology. As part of the campaign, Coldwell Banker conducted primary research among real estate sales associates and consumers, established relationships with the biggest names in home technology and drove awareness of smart home technology for real estate professionals, home buyers and home sellers throughsponsorship of the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show and the CNET Smart Home in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual award honors organizations that have successfully addressed a contemporary public relations issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.

Homes for Dogs Project: Winner of a Holmes Report SABRE and PRSA Big Apple Award
Coldwell Banker Real Estate was awarded a gold SABRE in the "Real Estate & Construction" category at the Holmes Report SABRE Awards for the "Homes for Dogs Project," a campaign to find homes for 20,000 dogs with Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website. The campaign helped drive more than 10 million online views of the "Home's Best Friend" commercial, which was rated the highest performing advertisement in the real estate category by AceMetrix, a leader in advertising measurement and analytics. The Homes for Dogs project and Coldwell Banker Real Estate also won a PRSA Big Apple Award in the "Marketing Targeted Specifically to Animal Care" category. Both the SABRE and Big Apple Awards recognize superior achievement in PR, branding, reputation and engagement.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. Coldwell Banker Real Estate is the oldest national real estate brand and franchisor in the United States, and today has a global network of approximately 3,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 47 countries and territories with almost 85,000 affiliated sales professionals. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by taking a leadership role in the smart home space, being the first national real estate brand with an iPad app, the first to augment its website www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create an iPhone application with international listings, the first to develop an iPad application (CBx) to easily bring big data into home listing presentations, and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On LocationSM YouTube channel. Coldwell Banker is a leader in niche markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program delivering exceptional experiences for all consumers served.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Announces Leadership Succession

Charlie Young appointed President & CEO effective September 1; Budge Huskey announces retirement

 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the original Silicon Valley real estate startup founded in 1906, today announced the appointment of Charlie Young as the brand's president and CEO, which will take effectSeptember 1, 2016. Young is a well-respected leader in the residential real estate and franchising industries, and this marks his return to Coldwell Banker after serving with distinction as president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems LLC since 2009. Prior to that, Young spent five years in senior executive leadership roles with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, most recently as its chief operating officer.

"Charlie Young has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, solid strategic thinking and a passion for innovation during his 12 years with Realogy," said Alex Perriello, president and CEO of the Re "It will be a privilege and an honor for me to lead the Coldwell Banker Real Estate franchise system," said Young. "I have a wealth of respect for the brand's 100-plus year heritage and the tradition of innovation that has been the hallmark of Coldwell Banker for many years. I also look forward to reconnecting with the members of its distinguished network as we work together on growing the brand's considerable market presence, both domestically and internationally."

Young succeeds Budge Huskey, who elected to retire from the position after spending the past 18 years with the Coldwell Banker system in both franchising and brokerage executive roles. Huskey led the Coldwell Banker brand for the past six years, first as president and chief operating officer in June 2010 before becoming president and CEO in January 2013. During his tenure, Huskey was recognized for his industry leadership, which included being named among the top 10 most influential real estate leaders in the annual Swanepoel Power 200 ranking for 2016. Huskey plans to return to his home state of Florida where he eventually intends to return to the real estate brokerage business.

"I am incredibly grateful to Realogy for the amazing opportunities afforded to me over these many years, none more rewarding than the privilege of leading the iconic Coldwell Banker franchise network," said Huskey.

"I would like to thank Budge Huskey for his hard work, dedication and service to Coldwell Banker at both the brand and brokerage operations level," added Perriello. "He is a consummate professional, and we wish him well in the future."

About Charlie Young:Charlie Young was appointed as president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, which will take effect September 1, 2016. He is a well-respected leader in the residential real estate and franchising industries, and this marks his return to the Coldwell Banker brand after serving with distinction as president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems LLC since 2009. Prior to that, Young spent five years in senior executive leadership roles with Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Both franchise brands are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), and Young is a 12-year veteran of Realogy.

Young has more than 20 years of experience in business management, field operations, marketing and real estate operations. He was promoted to president and CEO of ERA Real Estate in April 2009, a role he held for seven and a half years after joining the ERA executive team in February 2009 as chief operating officer. During his tenure, Young was primarily responsible for repositioning the ERA brand with a number of key initiatives, including a major rebranding effort and most recently becoming the first real estate franchise system to connect its entire network on the innovative Zap® technology platform, which was developed by another Realogy subsidiary, ZapLabs. Young also has served in leadership roles on a number of Realogy Franchise Group projects through the years.

Between 2004 and 2009, Young served at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, as senior vice president of marketing and later as chief operating officer. During his initial term with Coldwell Banker, Young spearheaded several innovative programs that served as industry firsts while establishing him as a recognized leader in the industry.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. Coldwell Banker Real Estate is the oldest national real estate brand and franchisor in the United States, and today has a global network of approximately 3,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 47 countries and territories with almost 85,000 affiliated sales professionals. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by taking a leadership role in the smart home space, being the first national real estate brand with an iPad app, the first to augment its website www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create an iPhone application with international listings, the first to develop an iPad application (CBx) to easily bring big data into home listing presentations, and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On LocationSM YouTube channel. Coldwell Banker is a leader in niche markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program delivering exceptional experiences for all consumers served. alogy Franchise Group, the parent company of both Coldwell Banker and ERA. "He is well prepared to return to his roots and lead Coldwell Banker into the future. The leadership succession plan we have executed speaks to the management talent we have assembled within the Realogy Franchise Group."

June Dallas Fort Worth Housing Market Statistics

Hot Off The Grill: 3 Bar-B-Q Trends To Fire Up The Dog Days Of Summer

National Grilling Month marks the mid-point of the summer grilling season, and is the perfect time for backyard cooks to expand their repertoires with hot new Bar-B-Q trends. Barbecue pro Rocky Stubblefield ofAustin, Texas-based Stubb's Legendary Bar-B-Q offers easy tips to help grill masters and newbies alike bring these top trends to life.

"You've been doing the basics all summer, and now it's time to kick it up a notch. But you don't have to be an expert to make delicious, flavorful dishes in your backyard," said Stubblefield. "High quality ingredients – from sauces and rubs to your favorite meats and produce – and a few of my simple tips are all you need to grill up this summer's hottest trends."

Three Bar-B-Q trends to try now:

• Boosted burgers: Stubb used to say, "It all starts with a great rub," and in 2016 that includes not only steaks, brisket and ribs, but also burgers.
  • Rocky's tips: Create over–the-top burgers by coating each patty with Stubb's Bar-B-Q Rub, then sprinkle with a little smoked sea salt to really enhance that smoky barbecue taste. Let the patties sit for a while before cooking – you can actually see the flavor seeping into the meat! Before you throw them on the grill, make a thumbprint in the middle of the patty to get a flat, evenly cooked burger instead of a plump, rounded one that is undercooked in the middle.
• Steak stand-ins: Thick-sliced, marinated and grilled cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant and even watermelon make surprising sides, appetizers or meatless main dishes topped with bacon, cheeses, nuts or other savory ingredients.
  • Rocky's tips: No barbecue is complete without coleslaw, so deconstruct the classic with grilled cabbage "steaks" marinated in 3/4 cup Stubb's Sweet Black Pepper Anytime Sauce with a quarter cup of mayo mixed in. Grill them over medium heat and use the extra mixture to baste the cabbage as it cooks – just a few minutes on each side. Serve with shredded carrots and finely chopped onions on top.                 
• Smoky heat: Americans are craving more and more heat, and smoking is the hottest new trend in backyard grilling. Join the two for a combo that can't be beat.
  • Rocky's tips: Get just the right amount of heat to suit your taste by mixing your favorite hot sauce with Stubb's Original or Sticky Sweet Bar-B-Q Sauce, then heat together in a pan. Throw in a little finely chopped onion for some extra tang and texture.
  • For smoking meats on a charcoal grill, use hardwood chunks, or on a gas grill, use wood chips. Soak wood chunks in water for 1 hour, or chips for 30 minutes, then drain before using. Burn two wood chunks for each hour of smoking, and 1 cup of wood chips for an hour or less of smoking. Try a variety of wood – hickory, mesquite or apple wood – to experiment with flavors.

Celebrate Your Independence with a New Home

Realtors® to Congress: Flood Insurance Rates Pose Threat to Business, Homeownership

Flood insurance costs continue to put small businesses and homeownership at risk, but the National Association of Realtors® told U.S. Senators today that a range of solutions are on the horizon.

David McKey, 2016 vice chair of NAR's Insurance Committee, testified on NAR's behalf before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee. McKey told Senators in attendance that Realtors® continue to report that their clients face significant hurdles due to excessive flood insurance costs and future uncertainty.

 
 
 

David McKey, National Association of Realtors 2016 Insurance Committee vice chair testifies before the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee on flood insurance.

"Despite everything that's been done on this issue, the threat of a$30,000 flood insurance premium still looms," said McKey. "A few years ago, the uncertainty over future rate increases was enough for buyers to direct Realtors® not to show them any listings in the floodplain. That's enough to worry business owners and homeowners alike, and it's something that needs to be addressed."

In his testimony, McKey praised the "Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act," which became law in 2014 and reined in the most inaccurate rate increases across the country. Before the Affordability Act, thousands of small business owners faced immediate and excessive rate increases under FEMA's implementation of the "Biggert Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012."

But McKey warned the committee that significant concerns still remain. He noted that even now, rates continue to rise exponentially by 25 percent each year until policy-holders reach their "full-cost rate."

For a business or a homeowner to prove that they've reached the full-cost rate, they must hire a licensed surveyor and provide FEMA with a costly elevation certificate. If the certificate shows that the property owner has already reached full cost, the owner may request an optional full-risk rating to end the 25 percent increases. Otherwise, the increases continue.

This creates what McKey described as an "endless escalator" of rising costs for businesses and homeowners.

Although it isn't possible to determine how many properties will ultimately be affected, current estimates show that roughly 1 million properties have subsidized insurance rates that may be subject to significant increases.

McKey reiterated NAR's support for a range of solutions to address the problem, including:

• Reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program, which sunsets in October 2017;
• Using advanced technology to improve the accuracy of flood maps to provide the data needed to determine how many face unaffordable rates and also reduce the number of property owners who have to file expensive appeals; and
• Fostering a private insurance market to complement the NFIP.  

Additionally, McKey suggested an NAR-backed strategy for actually preventing flood damage. By authorizing the use of funds to proactively mitigate properties located in hazard areas, McKey noted that it's possible to protect property owners while saving taxpayers' money. This might include flood proofing, elevating, or otherwise strengthening a property.

Unfortunately, while funding is currently available for mitigation efforts, funds typically aren't accessible until after a flood event, when costs are higher and the damage has already occurred.

"Realtors® see the effect of rising flood insurance rates firsthand in their businesses and in the local communities," McKey said. "But commonsense solutions to the problem are well within reach. NAR is thankful for the opportunity to testify and applauds the Committee's attention to this important issue."  

David McKey is the managing broker/owner of Coldwell Banker One in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was the 2013 president of the Louisiana Realtors® Association.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.