RE/MAX International is the nation’s number one real estate franchise, and the number ten franchise overall, according to Entrepreneur Magazine’s 29th Annual “Franchise 500 Survey.” RE/MAX has held the honor of the top real estate franchiser for eight of the past ten years. The survey, which appears in this month’s edition of Entrepreneur Magazine ranks RE/MAX among the top ten in four different franchise categories. The Denver-based real estate franchiser was ranked #1 in the low-cost franchise category, #7 among global franchises, #10 in the fastest-growing franchise category, and 10th among ALL franchises. Its closest competitor in the real estate industry was ranked in the 43rd position.

“We are not surprised by our high ranking, given the quality of our affiliated broker/owners and sales associates,” said Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX International. “They lead the industry in experience and productivity and we’re proud to offer them a comprehensive array of support services.”

The Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Survey is the most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world. The initial survey was conducted in 1980, and it was the first ranking of franchises in the industry. Over the years, the ranking procedure has been refined to provide the most accurate formula for identifying today’s top franchises.

Through extensive online search capabilities, HomeZill.com servicing Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland has provided home buyers with one of the best DC Metro MLS searches on the web. Not only does HomeZill provide a great home buyer search tool, but they give up to 2% cash back in home buyer rebates, saving consumers thousands of dollars on commissions!

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HomeZill is like having a real estate professional at your fingertips 24 hours a day! You can make an offer online for real estate in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Whether it’s a town house in Fairfax Virginia, a new construction DC condo in Georgetown, or investment property in Bethesda MD, simply fill out the Express Offer to get started! And, since you are doing a good amount of the leg-work, shouldn’t you benefit? Well, with HomeZill you do! Whether you’re a first time home buyer or seasoned real estate investor, you will receive a home buyer rebate up to a 2% cash back for real estate in Northern VA, DC or MD - there’s no catch!

Search for a Home
Our online navigation tools allow you to search condominiums, town homes or single family homes in all price ranges, styles and locations in the DC Metro area. Many Realtors only show you their listings, at HomeZill.com, we show you ALL the listings in the MLS from every Realtor! HomeZill incorporates the listings, location maps and aerial imagery for you to see for yourself. Once you find homes that interest you, select and save them to your favorites so you can view them later before scheduling appointments and making an offer online.

Get in Touch
If you are interested in a home you find, contact HomeZill’s 24-hour customer service line to schedule a time to view the property at 888-998-ZILL (9455).

Let’s Buy a Home
When you have decided on a NEW construction home that you would like to purchase, simply contact a HomeZill agent to schedule an appointment with the builder. For RESALE or EXISTING homes, simply fill out our HomeZill Express Offer and a real estate professional will contact you to review your offer and answer any questions you may have. You’ll have the comfort and guidance of an experienced ReMax agent every step of the way to help you understand and explain each document you sign.

HomeZill in your Corner
Your Re/Max agent will negotiate to get you the best deal by consulting the builder or listing agent about any competing offers or special terms. We do this through our years of experience negotiating real estate transactions and the extra mile we are willing to go to get it right the first time.

Closing up Shop
One last step before you move in…closing time. Closing usually takes place at an attorney’s office or title/settlement company and typically lasts about an hour. This is where the home buyer and seller gather to sign the documents, say our thank you’s and hand over the keys.

Begin searching for homes in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC, or buy your home online by making an offer.

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Home Search (median):

• Number of Weeks Searched - 8
• Number of Homes seen -9

Method of Home Purchase, By Use of Internet:

• Real Estate Agent/Broker - 81%
• Direct from Builder (new homes only) - 10%
• Direct from previous owner whom buyer didn’t know - 5 %

Actions Taken by Buyers After Using Internet Site:

• Drove by/viewed a home - 74%
• Walked through a home viewed online- 61%
• Found agent used to search/buy home - 23%

Prior Living Arrangement:

• Owned previous residence- 49%
• Rented an apartment or house - 38%
• Lived with relatives or friends- 9%

Information Sources Used in Home Search:

• Real estate agent - 85%
• Internet - 80%
• Yard sign - 63%
• Newspaper - 55%
• Open house - 47%
• Home book/magazine - 34%
• Builders (new homes) - 26%
• Television - 11%
• Relocation company - 5%

Where Buyer Found the Home They Purchased:

• Real estate agent- 36%
• Internet- 24%
• Yard sign- 15%
• Relative or friend- 8%
• Builder (new homes)- 8%
• Newspaper- 5%
• Knew the seller -3%
• Home book/magazine- 1%
• OPEN HOUSE -Less than 1%!

What Repeat Buyers Want Most From Real Estate Professionals:

• Help you find the right house to purchase -53%
• Help with price negotiations - 13%
• Tell you what comparable homes are selling for - 11%
• Help determining how much buyer can afford - 11%
• Help with paperwork - 8%
• Help find and arrange financing - 2%

Definitely Would Use Same Agent Again: 66%

*Data from 2006-07 National Association of Realtors

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Since HomeZill.com’s launch, I’ve been asked the same question repeatedly: “What was your reason for creating HomeZill?” -I’ll answer that question, but first let me give you a little background….

When I was younger, I remember thinking that homeownership in Northern VA was something that I’d be considering after getting married, and having a few little ones while rounding the corner into my 40’s. At least at the time, it was on track with what my parents and everything I saw on tv mirrored.

Every book that I have read dealing with success and becoming wealthy, centers around the fact that purchasing a home is the largest, and most rewarding investment of your life. Fortunately, and only recently, with the creativity of lenders and the predominantly low interest rates, people have been able to purchase a home at an incredibly young age. With this opportunity opens up a whole new ball game for a generation of younger, savvy homebuyers. Through the rise of technology, home buyers can search almost every property listed– soley on the internet without ever leaving their home. Unlike today, just a few years ago home buyers needed the assistance of a Real Estate agent in order to see what homes were on the market. Through MLS search feeds and New Construction databases, younger generation home buyers in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC are preferring to do their own search, on their own time without the pressure of dealing with an agent until the time comes to buy.

Gen-X home buyers, born from 1965-1977, comprise of 48 million people, or 33% of all home buyers and 40% of all first time buyers. These “latchkey” kids are extremely independent, thrive on change, and need a work/life balance. They want their real estate agent to be “hands-off” and are a little skeptical of working with real estate agents in general.

Gen-Y home buyers, 12 to 29 year-olds, comprise of 73 million people, or 32% of all home buyers and 39% of first time buyers. This generation values their uniqueness and thrives on a sense of community when buying their home. They want the new condo or town home community with all the amenities like shops, services, restaurants, schools and parks. These internet savvy consumers frequently scour VA, DC & MD real estate blogs, YouTube, Craig’s List and podcasts.

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Empowering home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland through the use of technology, while giving cash back to our clients, produces a win/win for everyone… This ‘niche’ was the motivation and driving force behind the creation of HomeZill.com. -

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