Press Release

Weichert, Realtors Announces Opening of New 12-Office Orlando Franchise: Weichert, Realtors - Hallmark Properties

Orlando, FL, - Weichert, Realtors, the nation’s largest privately owned provider of home ownership services, is pleased to announce the addition of a new 12-office Orlando, FL., franchise, WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties, through its Weichert Real Estate Affiliates organization. Weichert launched its first franchise in Jupiter, FL., in January 2002 and now has 128 open offices in 16 states.

WREA President Marty Rueter welcomed the company saying, “It is exciting to see one of the top real estate organizations in the Orlando metro area join the Weichert Family. The addition of this outstanding group, led by Steve Pilchick, gives credence to our reputation of servicing our franchisees and customers in the committed and results-focused way that defines Weichert, Realtors.” Headquartered in downtown Orlando, the firm has 12 central Florida offices that became affiliated with Weichert on March 1 in the following locations: Orlando, Winter Park, Longwood, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Clermont, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Kissimmee and St. Cloud.

Entrepreneur magazine recently listed Weichert Real Estate Affiliates as #10 in its list of the 50 top new franchises started up within the past five years. The company also placed high as one of the fastest growing franchises.

Weichert, based in Morris Plains, N.J., has more than 14,300 sales associates in nearly 320 company-owned and franchised sales offices in key markets throughout the U.S. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. For more information, call Weichert's customer service center at 1-800-USA SOLD or visit Weichert's Web site, www.weichert.com. Each Weichert franchised office is independently owned and operated.