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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has announced the expansion of its franchise network into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the opening of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gulf Properties.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a real estate brokerage network with nearly 50,000 advisors and 1,450 offices since launching in 2013. Gulf Properties is the fourth global franchisee of the firm, following Rubina Real Estate in Berlin, Kay & Co in London, and Maggi Properties in Milan.
Gulf Properties is led by Ihsan Husein Al Marzouqi, chairman, and CEO Phil Sheridan, who brings an established team of 30 professional advisors and support staff. Gulf Properties looks to grow quickly by tripling its advisor count and opening a second office in Abu Dhabi within a year.
By becoming a franchisee, Gulf Properties agents gain access to the franchisor’s technology suite for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution, and more; as well as global listing syndication, relocation referrals, professional training, and a marketing program for premier listings. Berkshire Hathaway also will stress ongoing professional development and is working with Salesforce to deliver technology support to its network members.
“Dubai has been a top priority for our network’s global expansion as it represents innovation among world leaders and is a top global center for trade, logistics, tourism, and finance,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chairman Gino Blefari in a press release.
“We believe the brand will be warmly embraced in Dubai and the UAE as residents and property investors will appreciate the brand’s reputation and marketing potential,” said Sheridan. “The brand and its lineage are respected globally.”
“Our franchise agreement allows us to bring best practices from the global real estate network into Dubai and the UAE,” said Al Marzouqi. “Our agents will be annually accredited and accountable to processes, standards, and client satisfaction.”
The timing for Gulf Properties’ brand transition is ideal, added Sheridan, as the Dubai real estate market moves forward with a growing population now exceeding 3 million, many of whom own property, and two-thirds of the world’s population within an 8-hour flight.