Acquisition creates global residential real estate and employee relocation services leader

(Southern Pines, NC) December 7, 2011 – Brookfield Residential Property Services (“Brookfield”), a Brookfield Asset Management Inc. affiliate, announced that it has purchased Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services (“PRERS”), a recognized leader in employee relocation and real estate franchising from Prudential Financial, Inc. Prudential Relocation Services operates as Pricoa Relocation in Asia and Europe.

William P. Saunders, Jr., owner of Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate said, “I am pleased with this announcement and the combination of the two forward thinking real estate groups.” He continued saying, “Prudential Real Estate has given us the opportunity to reach out to the nation for our clients, now we have been given an even larger world-wide audience.” 

Kay Beran, president of Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate, stated that she is looking forward to working with a larger network for relocation and referrals. “It will be business as usual but on a larger scale.  We are excited by the opportunities this merger brings to the table.” 

The addition of PRERS to Brookfield’s existing residential real estate franchising and employee relocation services businesses establishes Brookfield as the world’s second largest employee relocation services provider and the third largest residential real estate franchising business.

Under a licensing agreement, Prudential Real Estate brokerage affiliates will be able to continue to use the Prudential brand based on the terms of their franchise agreements.

“This transaction creates a global employee relocation services and real estate franchising leader,” explained Graham Badun, CEO, Brookfield Residential Property Services. “We have now increased the breadth and depth of our service offering, keeping pace with the evolving needs of our clients around the world.”

 A North American & Global Leader

Through its various brands, Brookfield’s residential real estate franchisees are now present in all 50 U.S. states, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and Portugal, with a network of approximately 80,000 real estate agents, 2,800 real estate brokerage locations and more than $150 billion in annual residential real estate transactions.

U.S.‐based Brookfield Global Relocation Services moves nearly 85,000 families in and out of over 125 countries around the world each year. With the acquisition, more than one‐third of Fortune 100 companies are its clients. In addition, Brookfield is now the largest provider of relocation services to government, with long term relationships with the U.S. and Canadian governments.

The acquisition greatly strengthens Brookfield’s existing U.S. business and results in the expansion of its operations in nine countries, with a rapidly growing presence in China, Brazil and India.

“Today, Prudential’s Real Estate and Relocation Services businesses join a global company with a track record of over 100 years of success,” said Earl Lee, President of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services. “We’re excited to become part of a company that is focused on and deeply immersed in the real estate sector and is in the business for the long‐term.”

Earl Lee will continue to lead the U.S. real estate business, and Rick Schwartz, President, Brookfield Global Relocation Services, will assume responsibility for the combined global relocation services business.

Brookfield’s parent company, Brookfield Asset Management, is a global asset manager with approximately $150 billion in assets under management. Brookfield is co‐listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges under the symbol BAM and on NYSE Euronext under the symbol BAMA.

 About Brookfield Residential Property Services

Brookfield Residential Property Services is a leading global provider of real estate and relocation services, analytics and knowledge. The company’s portfolio consists of leading brands, including Brookfield Global Relocation Services, the second largest provider of global relocation services, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Brookfield Real Estate Services, Royal LePage, Real Living, Via Capitale and Centract.  Through its real estate brands, it has nearly 80,000 real estate professionals in more than 2,800 locations, who transact over $150 billion annually. Its global footprint spans North America, the United Kingdom, France, China, Singapore, India, Brazil and Australia, and includes more than 2,500 employees worldwide. It is a division of Brookfield Asset Management, a global asset manager with approximately $150 billion of assets under management.

Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate has been affiliated with Prudential Real Estate since 1995 and has provided real estate services to the residents of Moore County for more than 40 years.

Southern Pines Horse Country is a prized destination and a dream come true for the equine and the equestrian.  Although Moore County Horse County has been enjoyed for many years, you seldom see it advertised outside the local area. Rest assured it is one of the best kept secrets in Real Estate.

One would be hard pressed to come up with a location anywhere on the East Coast that has as much to offer for the horse lover. Whether you’re a professional, an amateur or just enjoy having pasture pets, horse country is a community shared and enjoyed by horse lovers.

The sandy soil supports the perfect footing for riding year round. Comfortable for the horse, safe for the rider. The diversity of disciplines, as well as the many breeds represented in Horse Country makes it fun and interesting. Driving, eventing, western, pleasure, hunters, jumpers, and fox hunters. They’re all here taking advantage of the best kept secret.

The Walthour Moss Foundation provides over 4,000 acres for riders to experience and enjoy with their horses. Live on 10 or more acres and ride on 4,000. It just doesn’t get any better.

One important decision homebuyers face is whether to secure a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage or go for a 15-year one, which carries a lower interest rate.

“All things equal, a 15-year mortgage allows you to pay off your mortgage twice as fast while saving a significant chunk of money on interest,” explains Mark Crosby, a mortgage expert in Wilmington, Del. Still, “I think the 30-year mortgage is a logical choice for most people because it has more advantages.”

For starters, mortgage payments are less expensive with a 30-year mortgage, enabling more consumers to qualify for home purchases. “With a 30-year mortgage you are almost always free to make additional principal payments necessary to pay off your loan [faster] without penalty,” Crosby says. “With the 15-year loan, you are committed to giving that extra money to your lender each month, whether you can really afford to at the time or not.”

Higher payments that come with a 15-year mortgage make little sense if they keep you from building savings or contributing to a 401(k) plan, IRA, and perhaps your kids’ college funds, adds Dan Green, a loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage in Laurel, Md. “You could be needlessly tying up too much of your money into your house.”  

Green said another reason people favor a 30-year fixed mortgage is the tax benefit that can be achieved. “This is because the amortization schedule of 30-year fixed is back-heavy, with early-term payments big on interest and light in principal,” he explains. “By contrast, the 15-year fixed is always light on interest which lowers its taxpayer benefits.”

While it’s true you gain more of a tax break from a 30-year loan, it shouldn’t be the main consideration when deciding on a term. The 30-year borrower pays less in yearly taxes because he or she pays significantly more in interest.

So it all comes down to choice and circumstances. Choose the 15-year loan if you have the financial wherewithal to assume the payments. Your interest savings will be substantial and you’ll own your home faster. Opt for the 30-year loan for lower payments and greater flexibility. You can always choose to pay more on your mortgage when the money is available.

Kay Beran can be reached at(910 692-2635.  Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Located in Moore County, the “Sandhills” of central North Carolina, Pinehurst has the best compromise climate in the States.  Our winter, or as we like to call it, winter-lite, doesn’t really get started until after Christmas and generally ends when the daffodils come up in the middle of February…just two months!  Even better, no gray winters here.  Being blessed with abundant lob-lolly and longleaf pine trees, which were planted by the famous nineteenth century landscape designer and city planner, Frederick Law Olmsted, Pinehurst is “green” all year.  Adding to the greenery and providing further proof of our mild climate, the village each year plants pansies all over town in November, which then bloom all winter.

The average daytime winter temperature in Pinehurst is just above 50 degrees.  Snow is infrequent, light and gone in a day or two…and nary a pothole in our beautiful roads!  This means golfers are likely to be able to enjoy a round golf on any one of Moore County’s over forty courses most of the winter.  Non-golfers, too, will be happy to get around easily all winter to participate in the many other interests, activities and events Pinehurst has to offer.

And a short winter has a side benefit; spring in Pinehurst is long and wonderfully pleasant.  It seems the spring blooming season is extended as well in the Sandhills.  Instead of all bushes and trees flowering all at once in one big burst of beauty, as experienced in northern states, Pinehurst blooms take their time, seemingly taking turns, each having their time in the sun and time for Pinehurstians to enjoy them. 

So, if you’d like to enjoy the benefits of living in a mild climate, especially winter-lite, be sure to visit Pinehurst, NC . . . it’s a great place to live!

For Immediate Release                                                                     10/20/2011

This report is the ultimate resource for buyers, investors, sellers and all those who like to keep abreast of the ever-changing Moore County Area market.  Comprised by Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate, this quarterly report details residential, land and all classes of properties with sales prices and trends in every part our sales area.   

Some highlights of the 3rd quarter report include:

• The current number of listings in all classes has decreased from 3,928 to 3,330     down 9% from the 3rd quarter of 2010.
• The current number of residential listings has decreased from 2,295 to 2069 down 10% from 3^rd quarter of 2010.
• The average sales price is now $246,732 for residential properties and $221,419 for all classes of properties which includes land, residential, commercial, and multi-family. This is almost identical to 2010.
• The number of days on the market is 184 for all properties vs 183 for this time last year – a very stable number by all standards.
• The units sold for 2010 in all classes are down 8% and residential sales are down 12%.

Although we still face economic challenges, record low mortgage rates and improved
affordability continue to drive the market in Moore County and surrounding area. Our mortgage rates are averaging 4 to 4.25% for the 30 year fixed.  Good credit is key to locking in an excellent rate.  See www.bankrate.com for current updates. The easiest way to find out about our market is by logging in to www.prudentialpinehurst.com.

The statistics on the reports are derived from the PSP MLS and are subject to verification.
 

The second quarter of 2011

The “Southern Part” of heaven is located here in the Sandhills of North Carolina! If you are looking for the perfect spot to build your dream home . . . this it! You’ll find homesites ranging from a standard sized lot to large sized acreage to accommodate a horse farm. Whatever you decide, you’ll be glad you chose the Sandhills to call home.

 •  Pinehurst Building Lots
•  5 Acres and Up
•  10 Acres and Up
•  Golf Front Lots – All Areas
•  Southern Pines Building Lots
•  Building Lots Under $50K
•  Building Lots $50K – $100K
•  Equestrian Acreage – 3 Acres & Up

Most of the homes here in Moore County North Carolina are located in non-gated communities. Some of these developments have golf facilities, and a few were designed as all adult living areas.  All are within 10 minutes to shopping areas, FirstHealth hospital, and a variety of restaurants.  

 • Pinehurst No. 6 – Pinehurst, Around the No. 6 Course (Fazio), 5 other courses
•  Old Town Pinehurst – Pinehurst, Walk to the Village, Older Historic Homes
•  Village Acres – Pinehurst, Close to Hospital, Not on Golf Course, Homes from $130k’s
•  Pinehurst Trace – Pinehurst, 55 & Up Community, Convenient to the Hospital
•  Longleaf C.C. – Southern Pines, 1 Course, Good Access to Greenway
•  Talamore – Southern Pines, 1 Golf Course,  Access to Greenway
•  Whispering Pines – Whispering Pines
•  Foxfire Homes, Condos & Building Lots – Foxfire, 2 Golf Courses, 10 Minutes from Pinehurst

The best kept secrets on the East Coast are the gated golf communities located here in the Sandhills of North Carolina. In addition to premiere golf courses, many of these clubs also have tennis, swimming pools and fine club dining.

Country Club of North Carolina -
Pinehurst, 2 Golf Courses, Private.  
Search CCNC Listings

Pinewild Country Club -
Pinehurst, 2 1/2 Golf Course, Private. 
Search Pinewild CC Listings

National Golf Club -
Pinehurst, 1 Jack Nicklaus Course, Private. 
Search National GC Listings

Forest Creek Golf Club -
Pinehurst, 2 Fazio Courses, Private. 
Search Forest Creek GC Listings

Mid South Club -
Southern Pines, 2 Golf Courses.  
Search Mid South Club Listings

Beacon Ridge Country Club (7 Lakes West) -
7 Lakes, 1 Course, Large Lake. 
Search Beacon Ridge CG Listings

Seven Lakes Country Club -
7 Lakes, 1 Golf Course, Several Nice Lakes.  
Search 7 Lakes CC Listings

Fairwoods on 7 (Pinehurst Course 7) -
Pinehurst, 7 Golf Courses.  
Search Fairwoods on 7 Listings

Woodlake Country Club -
Vass, 2 Courses, 20 Minutes from Southern Pines, Large Lake.
Search Woodlake CC Listings

Are looking for a specific type of property, maybe a waterfront home or land, a golf front property, a horse farm, or could it be a gated community?  If so, this is the perfect search page to help you find your preferred real estate.

 •  Gated Golf Communites in Moore County - All Locations
•  Waterfront Homes & Condos - All Locations
•  Golf Properties in Moore County
•  All Condos & Townhomes
•  All Horse Farms
•  Southern Pines Horse Farms