Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, today announced that Prudential Real Estate Professionals has joined the network operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RGV Realty.

The full-service real estate agency, founded in 1986, joins a brokerage network that has grown to nearly 35,000 agents and 1,100 offices in 47 states since the network launched in September 2013. In only its first year, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was named 2014 “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study and “Startup of the Year” among all U.S. industries at the 2014 American Business Awards.

“We are elated to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a network inspired by the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.,” said Broker/Owner Kathy Shepherd. “The brand reflects Berkshire Hathaway’s core values of trust, integrity, stability and longevity, and it’s an ideal match for our brokerage. We couldn’t be more excited for our future.”

Shepherd said she chose “RGV Realty” to better reflect the brokerage’s growing presence throughout the Rio Grande Valley. “We expect to grow our brokerage as part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices,” she explained. “The brand is fresh, exciting and it represents new thinking in real estate. We believe clients will embrace Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and top professionals will want to represent it.”

Broker/Manager Tom Shepherd said the brand already enjoys a sizeable presence in Texas with several affiliates operating in the Lone Star State. “There is a buzz in our market,” he said. “People are excited about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and we’re proud to represent the network locally.”

With the transition, RGV Realty agents gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Global Network Platform – a suite of online tools, applications and services – plus ongoing business consultation, professional education and marketing support. Resources include powerful lead generation, a handy mobile app and other tools driven by the most accurate real estate data available. “These tools will help our team become even more efficient and effective,” Tom Shepherd added. “This is the best news for our clients.”

Gino Blefari, CEO of HSF Affiliates, welcomed RGV Realty. “Kathy, Tom and their team are known for their expertise and terrific customer care,” he said. “They will be fine ambassadors of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand.”

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RGV Realty

RGV Realty, founded in 1986, is a full-service real estate brokerage serving the greater Rio Grande Valley. Visit www.bhhsrgvrealty.com for details.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in early 2014 was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study of the largest real estate networks. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices received the highest numerical Equity Score among real estate brands included in the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com for details.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.