Warren Buffett has been buying real-estate brokerages. He recently partnered with Brookfield Asset Management to more than double the size of his brokerage business. A new franchise brand, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has been created joining the existing brands and affiliate networks of Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate. HomeServices of America is “defined” by over two dozen local brands offering a full-service approach. (http://www.homeservices.com/companies/)
Warren Buffett is betting significant amounts of money on the value of “full-service” real estate companies, and thus also on the future of real estate sales.