Record-Breaking Month: $1.1 Billion in Sales, 2,000 Families Served

Month-end numbers have been tallied at the Ebby Halliday Companies and results confirm the local residential real estate powerhouse, comprising Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate and Williams Trew, has again broken a 75-year sales record achieved less than a year ago. 

June 2021 is now officially the North Texas market leader’s best month ever, totaling $1.1 billion in closed sales.  

Chris Kelly, CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, took to video email and social media to congratulate more than 2,000+ agents across North Texas on the accomplishment.

“Your previous record did not stand the test of time,” Kelly said, “as less than a year later, you broke it again. Thank you for the unparalleled service you provide to your clients, as that is what this record represents. In just 30 days, you helped almost 2,000 individuals and families. At this rate, we can anticipate year-end numbers to break even more company records.”

So far in the first half of 2021, agents of the Ebby Halliday Companies have helped over 9,000 individuals and families and closed $5 billion in real estate. 

Having celebrated last year 75 years of service to North Texans and those moving to the region, the Ebby Halliday Companies are No. 1 in Texas by transaction sides. The Ebby Halliday Companies were acquired by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the country’s largest residential real estate company based on transactions, in 2018. The Ebby Halliday Companies’ core-services brands include Prosperity Home Mortgage, Home Team Insurance, Texas Premier Title and HSTX Title. For more information, visit ebby.com.

Don Tomlinson Named President of Texas Premier Title

Don Tomlinson has been named President of Ebby Halliday Companies’ Texas Premier Title. Tomlinson assumes the role from Martin Ripoll, who, after a 40+ year career in the title industry, has announced his retirement and desire to spend more time with his wife and family.

In 2011, Ripoll helped create Texas Premier Title to better serve the real estate industry across North Texas. Over the last decade, he and his team have closed over 30,000 real estate transactions and collaborated with thousands of real estate professionals to provide a stellar closing experience. Ripoll is known as both a true student of and a teacher in the title industry, and helped develop and launch the careers of countless professionals. His dedication to employees, real estate professionals and clients is renowned in the industry, as is his commitment to service and willingness to solve any issue or challenge. 

Tomlinson assumes the role of President as of June 21. He and Ripoll have been working closely together during the transition period. 

Tomlinson comes to the Ebby Halliday Companies from HomeServices of America sister-company Long & Foster, where he has served as Regional Vice President of RGS Title since 2013.

“During my roles as Managing Attorney and Regional Vice President, I learned something new each day,” Tomlinson says. “This type of role has been my goal for many years, and I’ve spent my time at RGS honing the skills I would need for it through additional education, networking, reading, and listening.” 

“Martin has built something special that will last long into the future,” he continues. “It’s an incredible accomplishment. I have to respect the foundation he built while looking toward the future. My approach will be to take things step-by-step. Current team members are working hard every day, and I will support them while also finding new avenues of growth.” 

Tomlinson is coming from a similar, very active market in the Washington, D.C. area. He plans to use his understanding of the commonalities and adjust to the unique elements of the North Texas market, thinking about the rest of this year but also planning for five, 10 and 20 years from now.

Catherine Sims, Vice President Core Services, spoke of the transition, saying, “While Martin is responsible for elevating Texas Premier Title to the level it is today, we are confident Don is the right leader to continue the upward trajectory with his visionary thinking. We are looking forward to having his title savvy and expertise here in Texas.”

“I’m looking forward to a lot of things about Texas, but the people really stand out to me,” Tomlinson says. “I’ve only met a few on prior visits, but they have been incredibly welcoming. It will be a big move for my East Coast family. We’re really looking forward to becoming part of the community and getting to know the people and places that make Texas unique.”

Texas Premier Title is a full-service title company that take pride in building strong, long-lasting relationships with clients. Strategically located branch offices located throughout the D-FW area provide clients the ability to close at a convenient location. Escrow officers and associates are dedicated to ensuring that every detail of the “contract-to-close” process is executed with excellence for an exceptional customer service experience. For more information, visit txprem.com.

Having celebrated 75 years of service to North Texans and those moving to the region in 2020, the Ebby Halliday Companies are No. 1 in Texas by sales volume. The Ebby Halliday Companies were acquired by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the country’s largest residential real estate company based on transactions, in 2018. In addition to three real estate brands: Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate and Williams Trew, the Ebby Halliday Companies’ core-services brands include Prosperity Home Mortgage, Home Team Insurance, Texas Premier Title and HSTX Title. For more information, visit ebby.com.

Stacey Buettner Named Sales Leader of Arlington, Mansfield Offices

Stacey Buettner is the new Sales Leader of Ebby Halliday Realtors’ Arlington and Mansfield Offices. Chris Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ebby Halliday Companies, and Carolyn Rosson, Vice President of Brokerage, recently made the announcement.

“Stacey brings a thorough understanding of all aspects of real estate, from marketing and lead generation to coaching agents and teams to reach their full potential,” Kelly says. “She is the ideal person to succeed Cathy Keetch, who has been an incredible leader of our Arlington and Mansfield Offices.” Keetch was recently named co-sales leader of Ebby’s Southlake Office, where she will join Rosson in leading the office.

Says Rosson, “We are very excited to welcome Stacey to her new role with our Arlington and Mansfield Offices and we are so grateful for Cathy’s continuing leadership. Both Stacey and Cathy live our People First mission daily.”

Buettner started her career with Ebby Halliday in 1998. In 2004, she created and opened her own brokerage firm, which she successfully operated for over a decade. Since 2014, she has been the Team Leader for two well-known North Texas real estate offices.

“I definitely feel like I am back at home,” Buettner says. “I am so excited with the direction of the Ebby Halliday Companies and to be a part of the momentum.”

Buettner is a servant leader at heart who leads by example. “When working with agents, I like to cheer, to educate, and to always create leaders around me. I get a lot of joy from watching others succeed. I’m excited about growing our Arlington and Mansfield Offices to the next level and I am very much looking forward to working with each of our agents on their business plans and helping them achieve their goals.”

Buettner’s passion for real estate and leadership is second only to her family. She has been married for 24 years to her college sweetheart Matt and they have two daughters, one at the University of Maryland on a softball scholarship and the other in the 8th grade and also a stellar softball athlete. 

Stacey Buettner is committed to North Texas and the real estate industry. She served seven years on the Board of Directors for the Collin County Association of Realtors and was the recipient of the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. She has also served as the President of the Women’s Council of Realtors. 

“I am honored and excited to take on this new leadership role,” Buettner says. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build on our Arlington and Mansfield Offices’ extraordinary success and growing the Ebby brand across North Texas and beyond.”

For more information on Ebby’s Arlington and Mansfield Offices, visit ebby.com. To contact Stacey Buettner, email staceybuettner@ebby.com.

Kristi Wallace Named Recruiting Specialist for Ebby Halliday Companies

The Ebby Halliday Companies announced today that Kristi Wallace will assume the duties of Recruiting Specialist its brokerage brands (Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate and Williams Trew). Wallace earned her real estate license in 2003 and has most recently been an agent with the top-producing Paulette Greene Group at the Ebby Frisco office. 

With talent attraction and productivity being among the Ebby Halliday Companies’ top goals for 2021, President & CEO Chris Kelly confirmed that Wallace will be the right recruiter to help reach these goals. 

“Recruiters tend to be hired from outside,” Kelly says. “Kristi brings to this corporate position an insider’s knowledge that will no doubt be invaluable. She already knows and champions the culture here and has the mindset of an agent. Recruits will find her knowledgeable, relatable and empathetic.”

Wallace will report to Betsy Cameron, vice president of business initiatives and also sales leader for the Ebby’s Little White House and Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Lakewood offices. 

“I am thrilled with the perspective Kristi brings to this vital role,” Cameron says. “Recruits are often choosing from more than one brokerage, and she will be able to offer the benefit of her personal experiences here to them. And do so with confidence!” 

Wallace confirms that this is her intent. “I wholeheartedly believe the Ebby Halliday Companies are incredible, from the leadership team to the Marketing Department, to the technology, education and coaching available. I believe my passion for the brand will shine through in every conversation I have with current agents and prospective candidates alike.”

“I have an intimate understanding of the trials and tribulations agents face every day,” Wallace continues. “From the outside looking in, it seems quite easy, right? Just put a sign in the yard and the house sells with multiple offers and on to the next.  But it’s not an easy job, especially in this market. I hope to alleviate any concerns agents have and get them started on the right foot.” 

When asked what she’s most looking forward to in her new role, Wallace replies, “I’m excited about the opportunity to not only contribute to the growth of our brands, but also to have an impact on individual agents’ lives by introducing them to the Ebby Halliday Companies and helping them elevate their careers. One of my all-time favorite Ebby quotes is, ‘Improve your life by improving the lives of those around you’ and this position will allow me to do just that!” 

Wallace is a native of Colorado. She and her husband spend their free time with their fur babies and seek ways to improve the lives of all four-legged friends through various animal welfare programs.

To contact Kristi Wallace, call 972-834-1961 or email kristiwallace@ebby.com.

Ebby Halliday Realtors Announces First Oklahoma-Based Agent

In historic news for the Ebby Halliday Companies, President & CEO Chris Kelly announced that the first agent has been hired for the first Ebby Halliday office outside of Texas. Stan Gardner, an established real estate professional in Owasso, Oklahoma, near Tulsa, will carry this unique distinction into his new role. 

“Stan is a highly respected agent and member of the community,” Kelly says, “with qualities that dovetail nicely with our mission of ‘People First. Lasting Relationships. Elevating Real Estate.’ He has proven a visionary and entrepreneur in his career decisions thus far, so becoming our first resident Oklahoma agent seems to be a natural progression of that.”

The Ebby Halliday Companies first expanded into Oklahoma in October 2020 with a virtual presence. Since that time, more than a dozen Ebby Halliday agents have become dual licensed in both states. 

Sherry Smith, who currently manages Ebby offices in Sherman and Whitesboro near the Texas/Oklahoma border, has been appointed as the Oklahoma office’s first sales leader. 

About Gardner’s hiring, Smith says, “As we cross the Red River and begin building rapport with our neighbors to the north, it was crucial to bring someone onboard who could help us lay a firm foundation there. From Stan’s military service to his successful business ventures to his work with local Eagle Scouts, he invests himself wholeheartedly in whatever he does. We are excited to watch him do that in this case as well.”

Originally from Boston, Gardner attended Norwich University, a Military Academy in Vermont. He started a stainless-steel pipe business from the ground up at the age of 30 and was also the No. 1 recommended service distributor to the pulp and paper industry in the Northeast for 20 years. Outside of work, Stan has served as a local Scoutmaster with Boy Scouts, helping over 30 young men become Eagle Scouts. He once started a Boy Scout troop in an urban Tulsa neighborhood and promoted three Eagle Scouts from it, which was a first in the history of a HUD Housing Development.

His diverse background has provided Gardner the opportunity to work with professional men and women, city council members and people from all walks of life – the perfect segue to his career in real estate.

Once licensed, it didn’t take long for Gardner and his team to become No. 1 in sales production in Owasso. 

“My specialty is selling custom homes and working with developments,” Gardner says. “I have been one of the Top 25 Realtors in Tulsa for the past 10 years and am the No. 1 luxury Realtor in Stone Canyon in Owasso. My clients say that I’m the hardest-working Realtor they know. ‘Like a dog with a bone, finds it and moves it!’ I’m excited to work hard at growing the Ebby Halliday brand in Oklahoma.” 

Stan is a USMC Vietnam Veteran and lives with his wife, Maria, whom he enjoys traveling with all over the country. 

Stan Gardner can be reached at 918-430-8247 or stangardner@ebby.com.

For more information about Ebby’s Oklahoma office, contact Sherry Smith at 903-893-5921 or sherrysmith@ebby.com. For more information about Ebby Halliday Realtors, visit the award-winning ebby.com.

‘Tis the Season to Sell Your Home

Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season – especially this holiday season – may actually be an ideal time to offer your North Texas home for sale! Why?

  • The average home sales price in North Texas is up almost 15 percent over this time last year.
  • Interest rates are at historic lows, which means buyers have more buying power than ever before.
  • Inventory of homes for sale remains at historic lows while showing activity is still tracking higher than this same time last year. 
  • Many people are still working from home, which means a lot of them may want more space, home offices, or just a change of scenery. Combined with lighter work schedules and less (anticipated) travel during the holidays, prospective buyers may use the extra time to search for a new home. 
  • Consumers who shop for a home during the holidays are serious, motivated buyers.
  • Typically there are even fewer homes on the market during the holiday season. Translation: less competition for you.
  • Homes “show” better when decorated for the holidays.
  • Many transferees are not able to wait until the spring market to buy. They are here now and need a home now.
  • By selling now, you’ll have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses will be for sale, which may mean lower prices. This could allow you to sell high and buy low.

To get started, visit ebby.com.

‘Tis the Season to Sell Your Home

Christmas Decorations At Front Door of House.

Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season – especially this holiday season – may actually be an ideal time to offer your North Texas home for sale! Why?

  • The average home sales price in North Texas is up almost 15 percent over this time last year.
  • Interest rates are at historic lows, which means buyers have more buying power than ever before.
  • Inventory of homes for sale remains at historic lows while showing activity is still tracking higher than this same time last year. 
  • Many people are still working from home, which means a lot of them may want more space, home offices, or just a change of scenery. Combined with lighter work schedules and less (anticipated) travel during the holidays, prospective buyers may use the extra time to search for a new home. 
  • Consumers who shop for a home during the holidays are serious, motivated buyers.
  • Typically there are even fewer homes on the market during the holiday season. Translation: less competition for you.
  • Homes “show” better when decorated for the holidays.
  • Many transferees are not able to wait until the spring market to buy. They are here now and need a home now.
  • By selling now, you’ll have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses will be for sale, which may mean lower prices. This could allow you to sell high and buy low.

To get started, visit ebby.com.

Ebby Acquires Cedar Creek Lake Brokerage

North Texas-based Ebby Halliday Companies announced today it has acquired Johnson Monroe Realtors, a leader in the Cedar Creek Lake residential real estate market for the past 38 years. 

Johnson Monroe Realtors has long been a premier real estate company at Cedar Creek Lake. Its heritage goes back to the original real estate agency in the area, Paschal Real Estate, which began prior to the creation of the Cedar Creek Lake reservoir in 1966.

“Timing is everything, and the timing of this move meets current market needs and positions our combined companies to better serve current and future residents, as well as second-home buyers and sellers, in the Cedar Creek Lake area,” says President & CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies Chris Kelly. “This acquisition brings together two like-minded companies with over 100 years of residential real estate experience.”

Malinda Howell, Vice President of Brokerage for the Ebby Halliday Companies, adds, “Over our 75-year history, our company has been built on strategic moves and we believe the addition of the outstanding real estate professionals of Johnson Monroe will help ensure our leading market position for many years to come.” 

Natalie Thomas, Sales Leader of Ebby’s Cedar Creek Lake office, will lead the newly combined teams. “We are thrilled to welcome our colleagues from Johnson Monroe and believe this move significantly strengthens our leading position in the Cedar Creek marketplace. Their team has a proven record of integrity, service and client satisfaction. We like and respect their approach to the business of people and are very pleased that these highly respected agents will be joining our office.”

Travis Mathews, Vice President of Strategic Growth for the Ebby Halliday Companies, led the efforts on the acquisition along with Tracy Nowell, the owner and broker for Johnson Monroe. “We are working hard to ensure clients and agents alike will enjoy a smooth transition,” says Mathews. Adds Nowell, “It was important for me to find a partner that fits our company culturally and shares the same values on how to service our clients. I truly believe that we found that partner in Ebby Halliday.”

In addition to the latest and most relevant real estate technologies, as well as an integrated mortgage, title and insurance experience, Johnson Monroe agents joining Ebby Halliday will benefit from the firm’s longtime affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global network of more than 550 premier real estate brokers, and its luxury division, Luxury Portfolio International. LeadingRE affiliates produce more annual home sales than any other real estate network. 

“We take pride in offering our clients knowledgeable sales associates who provide exceptional service. Simply put, Johnson Monroe agents are a perfect fit for the Ebby Halliday Companies,” concluded Thomas.

Throughout 2020, the Ebby Halliday Companies are celebrating 75 years of serving the real estate needs of North Texans and those relocating to the region. It all began in 1945, when one bold woman parlayed her wisdom, generosity, business acumen and endurance into what is today the No. 1 residential real estate brokerage in Texas. The legacy of Ebby Halliday is now amplified by the company’s affiliation with HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the country’s No. 1 residential real estate company. The Ebby Halliday Companies’ core-services brands include Prosperity Mortgage, Home Team Insurance and Texas Premier Title. 

For more information about Ebby’s Cedar Creek Lake Office, its sales associates and listings, visit the award-winning ebby.com.

Ebby Halliday Companies Expand Into Oklahoma

The Ebby Halliday Companies announced today that the largest residential real estate services company in Texas is expanding into Oklahoma. 

“We are so excited to announce today that the Ebby Halliday Companies are open for business in Oklahoma,” says President & CEO Chris Kelly. “Ebby clients benefit from knowledgeable, respected agents and a team of professionals dedicated to making buying or selling a home or property one convenient experience. While our skilled agents help them navigate the market, our affiliated core-services companies handle mortgage, insurance and title needs with the utmost care. We are thrilled to offer those looking to buy or sell in Oklahoma the same great service we have long been known for in North Texas.” 

Says Marsha Butler, Ebby’s Broker of Record in Oklahoma, “As a company, we are passionate about this expansion and the opportunity to serve the real estate needs of Oklahomans and those looking to purchase property in the Sooner State.”

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Butler is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. Her family has resided in the state since before it became one. Butler has been affiliated with the Ebby Halliday Companies for five years as an agent and mentor in the company’s Prosper | Celina Office.

Butler says exceptional recreational, farm, ranch and residential opportunities are abundant in Oklahoma and she is excited to introduce clients to all the state has to offer. 

“I am so grateful to be a part of Ebby’s Oklahoma expansion,” Butler says. “It has been a team effort for many months now involving an extraordinary group of agents, executives and employees. We are ready to hit the ground running and are so excited about assisting North Texans with their real estate needs in Oklahoma as well as introducing our incredible company to those that already call the Sooner State home.”

Adds Kelly, “2020 has been a memorable year for the Ebby Halliday Companies as we’ve celebrated our 75thanniversary. But more importantly, 2020 has been a significant year of growth as we open new offices in Cedar Hill, Prosper and Forney, and as we expand into the Oklahoma market to serve the needs of our valued clients. At the Ebby Halliday Companies, we can’t wait to further grow our ‘footprint’ across this great region as we seek to provide the professional representation and attention to every detail of each transaction that our valued clients so deserve.”

For more information about Ebby Halliday’s residential real estate services in Oklahoma and to search for your Oklahoma home, visit ebby.com/oklahoma. Contact Marsha Butler at marshabutler@ebby.com.

Texas Top Destination for Corporate Moves

Texas Top Destination for Corporate Moves

When it comes to corporate moves, Texas was the top destination for people packing up and heading across the country in 2019.

Texas topped the list, which also includes California, Florida, Illinois and North Carolina as the states that were the most popular destinations for corporate transfers, according to Allied Van Lines.

Texas, with its business-friendly climate, has ranked as the top move destination for Allied corporate customers for the past six years, the moving company said in its most recent Magnet States Report. The high influx of corporations moving to Texas makes it a highly desirable destination for top talent.

A few other interesting findings:

* The most popular month for Allied corporate moves was June, and the most popular day of the week to move was Friday.

* Allied consumer customers still prefer to move in June; however, in 2019 the most popular day to move changed from Tuesday to Friday, allowing for a full weekend of unpacking and settling in.

* Allied consumer and corporate customers moved a total of 421,780,231 miles over the last six years, which is equal to over 16,937 trips around the world.

Considering a move to North Texas? The Ebby Halliday Companies are here to help. Our complete offering of brokerage, mortgage, title and insurance homeownership services ensures you have the easiest and most secure real estate experience. In good times and most importantly, in challenging times, we have stood by North Texas for over 75 years. It would be our honor to put our experience and strength to work for you.

To learn more and to get started, contact an Ebby Halliday agent today. People First. Lasting Relationships. Elevating Real Estate.