Prudential One Realty changes name, joins Berkshire Hathaway network

Oct. 17--WATERLOO -- Jason Strelow said business was fine at Prudential One Realty Centre, a company he had launched 11 years ago in Waterloo.

Now, under a new name and corporate umbrella, he says he expects new growth, new markets and, perhaps, new employees.

On Wednesday, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC network of real estate brokerage franchises, announced Prudential One Realty Centre had joined the network operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices One Realty Centre.

The company is at 236 National Drive in Waterloo.

One Realty Centre commemorated its brand transition Wednesday with a ceremony at its office complex.

The brokerage now has new yard signs on properties for sale across the Cedar Valley, the company said.

"Just with the recognition behind the brand -- the integrity, the respect, the longevity -- makes it significant," Strelow said Wednesday.

The same could be said for the company's longtime connection to Prudential, but there was some potential confusion there, Strelow said.

"It's just that with Prudential, it was more like an insurance company being in the real estate business," he said. "They started in '87, and it's been a good run for them, but I think it just came down to them having an offer to sell."

Buffett's company has bought up a number of businesses, but there's a difference with this deal, Strelow said.

"He owns MidAmerican Energy, but you don't see the Berkshire Hathaway name underneath it," he said. "There are hundreds of companies you never see the Berkshire Hathaway name associated with it. Here, they're using their name, and that's very important. It's a world-renowned name that's been around a long time."

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was launched a little more than a year ago and has 1,035 offices and 33,765 agents operating in 47 states.

"They're transitioning over about three offices a week," Strelow said.

Strelow said he expects to expand his market coverage beyond the Cedar Valley and likely will open offices in Cedar Falls and Waverly.

The brand also will boost recruiting efforts, he said.

"We believe top agents will want to represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices," he said. "The brand is fresh, exciting and built for a new era in real estate."

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