Despite just three years of operations in the US, Harcourts has seen significant growth in the region, under complex market conditions.
Over the past 12 months, the US business has opened two new offices in Southern California, innovated their Harcourts Academy training, and continue to grow their non-distressed auction platform.
Overall, agent numbers have drastically increased in this past year across the business.
A major contributing factor to Harcourts US growth is new offices that recently joined – Harcourts Entourage Realty Group near The Great Park Irvine, and Harcourts Pinnacle in Downtown San Diego.
“When we look at growth, we aren’t just interested in putting on more offices, but we want to make sure we are putting on the very best people,” said Regional Director of Harcourts Pacific, Rob Forde.
“We are a values-based organisation and really care about the way our brand is perceived and our reputation is displayed in the marketplace. This is why we are thrilled to have these two offices on board with leaders that truly embody the Harcourts values.”
In addition to office growth, Harcourts has increased agent count by 44.3 per cent since the beginning of 2017. With their significant growth in people, they have begun broadcasting and live streaming their Harcourts Academy training courses to offices in locations such as Nevada and Hawaii, making it a priority to ensure all team members have an opportunity to attend classes.
Along with live-streaming, Harcourts added Tech Tuesdays. Taught by Harcourts Business Operations Manager, Chris Cochran and available through Harcourts Academy courses, the monthly series covers all the technological aspects of being a real estate agent in today’s market.
Auction platform point of difference in market
Harcourts launched their non-distressed auction platform three years ago in the US, and they continue to utilise it as a key point of difference in the marketplace. It’s a process Harcourts has mastered in New Zealand and Australia, and a process the US has quickly realised delivers a whole new experience to their clients.
“Auction is a breath of fresh air for an industry that has become very bland,” said Harcourts International Managing Director Mike Green.
“Through its transparent, dynamic, and successful approach, buyers know exactly where they stand, sellers are achieving higher prices in less time, and our team is excited and enthusiastic, exactly what you need for success.”
Harcourts Auctions also kicked off their live auction events in three different regions throughout Oregon last month; Clackamas, Bend and Silverton.
Harcourts was founded in 1888, starting with a single office in New Zealand. Today they have over 800 offices in 10 different countries, and over 10,000 people on the team.
“Our growth over the last 20 years has not been by accident. We attract quality people focusing on one thing, the Harcourts Experience,” said Mr Green.
“We are extremely excited about our business in the US and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Harcourts USA plans to expand throughout the country, specifically venturing into Las Vegas to spearhead growth further east. They also have plans to move further north into Los Angeles, Central California, and up into the Bay area in the near future.
“Here we are with 36 offices up and down the west coast of the States, but we are definitely looking into new markets and excited to expand,” Mr Forde said.
“We have no doubt that because of the innovation and our willingness to adapt and change, we are going to be the right solution for people in the real estate industry for years to come.”
