Harcourts Cements Presence in USA

International real estate group, Harcourts have cemented their presence in the USA by opening their corporate headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California, and appointing Head of Franchise Development, Belinda Barone-Stowers.

The group’s US corporate office is also home to The Harcourts Academy, a state-of-the-art training facility that provides Harcourts’ world renowned training systems free of charge to all Harcourts agents and brokers.

The Harcourts Academy incorporates online learning, in-class training, in-office training and in-the-field projects, and offers learning opportunities for new to seasoned agents in a variety of real estate fields and disciplines.

Tina Sander, Harcourts’ International Operations Manager, is confident that the opening of the corporate headquarters will assist with further growth for the brand within the US.

“Having an established headquarters and a dedicated facility for The Harcourts Academy is fantastic for our team in the US and will allow them to further grow and develop the brand. Harcourts really is starting to make its mark on the US market which is very exciting,” Ms Sander said.

On the heels of opening their corporate US headquarters, Harcourts USA also announced the appointment of Belinda Barone-Stowers to head up the company’s franchise development strategy.

Ms Barone-Stowers’ real estate background incorporates all aspects of sales, recruiting and strategic planning. Formerly associated with a major national real estate franchise, she was credited with increasing agent growth and revenue from $7 million to $419 million in less than three years.

Ms Barone-Stowers’ continued success led to her promotion as the Southern California Regional Director during which time she expanded the company’s 14 franchises to over 1,800 agents during one of the most historical down turns in real estate.

“I’m excited about Belinda’s appointment. She brings an incredible track record of success and a competitive reputation built on trust and integrity. I’m confident that Belinda will further grow and develop the Harcourts brand throughout the US,” Ms Sander said.

Initially, Ms Barone Stowers will be responsible for developing the franchise in the Southern California regions of Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside/Inland Empire and San Diego, and later expanding franchise opportunities throughout the US.