Keller Williams Realty Inc., announced yesterday that it is now the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States based on the total number of sales professionals, surpassing Century 21, according to research conducted by REAL Trends. The company claimed the No. 2 spot with 77,672 U.S.-based associates at the end of 2010, just two years after claiming the No. 3 spot from RE/MAX International.
“Once again, this milestone achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our associates and the stability and profitability of the Keller Williams business models,” says Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “It’s incredible to see the momentum that our associates and our offices have right now.”
This news comes one week after the announcement of positive growth by the company at their annual convention in Anaheim. Including its presence in Canada, Keller Williams closed the year with 79,315 associates and 701 market centers (offices). At the convention, Willis also shared that Keller Williams associate profit share was up 7.2 percent, with its agents receiving $34.6 million dollars back in 2010. Despite industry contraction, Keller Williams associates across North America also showed significant percentage gains in listings taken (+13%), contracts closed volume (+9%) and contracts closed units (+6%).
The company also formed Keller Williams Worldwide with Chris Heller as president, citing plans for global expansion, with plans to grow the division by an additional 75,000 associates in 10 years.
“Our goals are to expand the Keller Williams Realty model – with the focus on training and our sound business models,” says Chris Heller, president of KW Worldwide. “And, when looking for the right country and business partners in planning for expansion, we will not sacrifice the perfect fit with our mission, vision and the KW culture, those are absolutely necessary.”
Despite the sharp downturn in the real estate market, since 2005 Keller Williams Realty has grown 30 percent in agents, 40 percent in market centers, 21 percent in closed units and 11 percent in closed GCI.