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Lee Covington to Succeed Frank Nutter as RAA President

SFAA

The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers, today announced that Lee Covington, current President and CEO of The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), has been named President-elect of the RAA, succeeding Frank Nutter, who will retire effective December 31, 2023, after 32 years as President of the Association. Mr. Covington will assume the role of President on January 1, 2024. Mr. Covington has led the SFAA since 2018. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and General Counsel of the Insured Retirement Institute. He has also held positions at Squire Patton Boggs, PWC, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, and Deputy Director of the Arkansas Insurance Department. In announcing these developments Justin O’Keefe, Chair of the RAA’s Board of Directors said, “Over the last four decades, Frank has grown the RAA into the leading voice for the reinsurance industry in the United States. Guided by Frank’s leadership, integrity, and vision, the RAA team has addressed some of our industry’s most complex issues at both a federal and state level. On behalf of the RAA Membership, Board of Directors and staff I would like to thank Frank for his unwavering commitment to the RAA and wish him and his family a happy retirement.” Mr. O’Keefe continued, “I am delighted to welcome Lee to the RAA. He is an immensely qualified leader and his deep expertise and extensive career in insurance industry advocacy and regulation will be invaluable to the RAA. The board and I look forward to working with Lee as he continues to advance the RAA’s strategic priorities and advocate on behalf of our members.” The Reinsurance Association of America is the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers doing business in the United States. RAA membership is diverse, including reinsurance underwriters and intermediaries licensed in the U.S. and those that conduct business on a cross-border basis. The RAA also has life reinsurance affiliates and insurance-linked securities (ILS) fund managers and market participants that are engaged in the assumption of property/casualty risks. The RAA represents its members before state, federal and international bodies. Contact Details Reinsurance Association of America Barb Carroll +1 202-783-8390 carroll@reinsurance.org Company Website https://www.reinsurance.org/

September 06, 2023 04:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Stamford Office Furniture Announces the Launch of its New Website

Stamford Office Furniture

Stamford office Furniture (SOF), a leading MillerKnoll Certified Dealer proudly serving the Connecticut and Westchester New York area, is pleased to announce the official launch of our new website: stamfordofficefurniture.com The website has been carefully designed to provide an enhanced user experience and offer our valued customers an easily accessible platform to explore our wide range of workplace furniture solutions and services. Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, the website showcases our dedication to providing exceptional furniture solutions for A&D project managers, real estate brokers and all users: Businesses, Education, Healthcare and Government. Key Features of the New Website: 1. Comprehensive Product Overview: Browse through the site to see examples of the furniture we offer, from high performance office chairs to stylish conference tables, all designed to elevate your workspace for greater productivity, worker satisfaction and company profitability. We have partnerships with over 200 creative and innovative manufacturers featuring Herman Miller, Knoll, OFS, BRC and NaughtOne. 2. Project Portfolio: Discover inspiring workplace images and products showcasing the transformative power that furniture can have in delivering inspiring spaces for Business, Healthcare facilities and Education institutions. 3. Expert Guidance: Gain valuable insights, with tips and recommendations on creating ergonomic, productive, and visually appealing workplace environments. 4. Contact Information: At the point you feel inspired connect with us easily through the website to schedule free consultations, request quotes, or inquire about specific products and services. 5. Responsive Design: Our website is optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, ensuring a seamless browsing experience on any platform. At SOF, we are passionate about helping clients create workspaces that inspire creativity and innovation, increase productivity, and foster a greater sense of well-being. As a certified MillerKnoll dealer, we uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability in all our offerings. Greg Durkin, President of SOF, "I am proud to present our new website to our valued clients and partners. This platform represents a significant milestone in our commitment to provide exceptional furniture solutions. The website's user-friendly design and imagery reflect our dedication to delivering the best possible experience to our clients. With the new website, we aim to inspire businesses across Connecticut and Westchester by showcasing the endless possibilities of our furniture solutions. Whether it's enhancing ergonomics, elevating aesthetics, or boosting productivity, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. I invite you all to explore the website and discover how we can transform your workspace into an environment that fosters success and well-being. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence.” Durkin said. For further inquiries or assistance, call 203-388-2297 or email to gdurkin@sof328.com About Stamford Office furniture: SOF is a leading supplier of workplace furniture to Business, Healthcare, Education and Government sectors. Family operated; SOF has been in business for almost 50 years with clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. SOF boasts one of the top performing sales teams in the industry, represents over 200 creative & innovative furniture brands and is a MillerKnoll Certified Dealer, which is a “big deal” and a coveted designation we have been proud to be for almost 2 decades. SOF features an actual working showroom, with all our associates’ workspaces specifically developed in a way to showcase the solutions and fine furniture we sell. Contact Details Greg Durkin gdurkin@sof328.com

September 06, 2023 11:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Newport Beach Plastic Surgeons Dr. Joseph Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi Sued for Fraud and Retention of Stolen Property

Stone LLP

Karen A. Sunday & Associates Inc., a well-regarded commercial real estate broker, recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against Dr. Joseph S. Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi, along with their affiliated medical practices and others, for failing to pay, and unlawfully withholding, an earned real estate commission. The lawsuit alleges fraud, breach of contract and unlawful retention of stolen property, among other counts. According to the lawsuit, in May 2022, Dr. Nadir Qazi reached out to Karen Sunday, President of Karen A. Sunday & Associates, seeking her expertise to acquire a building for his Newport Beach cosmetic surgery practice, the Qazi Cosmetic Center. Responding quickly, Sunday reached out to one of her long-time clients, well-known Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph S. Cerni, owner of Forever Ageless in Newport Beach, inquiring about his interest in selling his office to Qazi. According to court documents, in July 2022, Sunday sent a binding letter of intent to both doctors for the sale of the building, located at 20271 Southwest Birch Street, Suite 100, in Newport Beach with a sale price of $4.75 million. The lawsuit contains various transactional details, including the purchase price, deposit contingencies, escrow conditions, and most crucially, the broker commission. As part of the agreement, Sunday was set to receive a 4% commission from Cerni. Additionally, Court documents allege Qazi was to pay an additional 2% commission for his participation in the transaction. Neither Cerni nor Qazi ever paid for the brokerage services rendered by Sunday and instead aided and abetted each other by unlawfully withholding Sunday’s earned commission. According to the complaint on file in Orange County Superior Court, when the sale closed in December 2022, both Dr. Cerni and Dr. Qazi reneged on their commitment, denying Sunday her rightfully earned commission totaling $285,000. The lawsuit sheds light on the doctors’ intentional deceit, alleging they misled Sunday with a promise to pay their respective commissions to Sunday upon the close of escrow yet failed to do so. The lawsuit seeks damages of no less than $4 million, citing California’s fraud statute in addition to the breach of contract claims. Sunday is represented by Elliott H. Stone, Esq., of Stone LLP, in Irvine California. The lawsuit names among the defendants: Joseph S. Cerni, D.O. a Professional Corporation, JSC Holdings LLC, Rockitgram LLC, Belle Vie Wellness and Medical Aesthetics Inc., Beautiful Reflections Inc., Forever Ageless, Inc., Nubella Med Spa, Inc., Pure Fix Medical Institute, Inc., Qazcorp, Qazi Cosmetic and Monumental Investments LLC. Karen Sunday & Associates, Inc., is a commercial real estate broker specializing in both Tenant and Landlord Representation headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Karen’s expertise is in the leasing and sales of office, industrial, and retail real estate in Southern California. More information at karensunday.com. Stone LLP is a law firm that represents businesses throughout California in complex litigation involving business, construction, real estate, and employment disputes. Download a copy of the lawsuit here and at LawsuitPressRelease.com. Contact Details LawsuitPressRelease.com John P. David +1 888-859-6637 john@LawsuitPressRelease.com Company Website https://stonellp.com/

September 05, 2023 11:16 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Belvoir Group increases dividend by 25% after strong first half

Belvoir Group PLC

Belvoir Group PLC (AIM:BLV) chief executive Dorian Gonsalves speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the nationwide property franchise group released its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2023. Gonsalves gives an overview of the results, noting that the group's share price has rise by 29% since its last report in March and that its strong H1 2023 performance has prompted a decision to raise the dividend by 25%. Gonsalves attributes part of the group's success to its franchise model, emphasising the self-employed aspect, which is proving resilient in a challenging market. Lettings, which account for 60% of gross profit, performed exceptionally well. While the estate agency sector saw a 9% decline, the overall market dropped by nearly 20%. Financial services, driven by acquisitions, showed growth. He expects investors tuning into a presentation scheduled for 16:30 BST on 4 September to inquire about the lettings side of the business, given rising rents, as well the outlook for the wider housing market. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

September 04, 2023 09:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tribe Property Technologies second-quarter financial sets path to profitability

Tribe Property Technologies Inc.

Tribe Property Technologies CEO Joseph Nakhla discussed the company's financial performance and strategic developments during an interview with Steve Darling from Proactive. Nakhla highlighted the financial results for the three and six months ending on June 30, 2023, showcasing notable growth and progress. Tribe Property Technologies witnessed a commendable 11.3% increase in revenue during 2Q 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This growth was attributed to a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company's efforts to reduce costs have also contributed to its path towards profitability, a key milestone in its strategic plan. Nakhla provided insights into the financial figures, shedding light on the company's strategy for growth. He discussed the significant opportunities that exist for Tribe Property Technologies to continue expanding its operations and increasing its market presence. Strategic acquisitions have played a pivotal role in the company's growth trajectory. One of the recent acquisitions highlighted by Nakhla was the property management firm, Meritus Group Management. With a portfolio encompassing over 5,000 homes under management, this acquisition strengthens Tribe's national presence significantly. The addition of Meritus Group Management positions Tribe Property Technologies with a total of 8 offices across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Nakhla further outlined the company's approach to integration, mentioning that Meritus will continue to operate independently until mid-2024. At that point, the Meritus team, led by Dean McCabe, will formally join Tribe Property Technologies. This strategic approach ensures a seamless transition and leverages the strengths and expertise of both companies. Tribe Property Technologies' pursuit of growth through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion underscores its commitment to becoming a key player in the property management industry. The company's financial results and continued efforts towards profitability highlight its ability to execute on its strategic goals and create value for stakeholders. Contact Details Proactive Investors Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

August 31, 2023 12:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Belvoir Group swoops for two "rock solid businesses"

Belvoir Group PLC

Belvoir Group PLC (AIM:BLV) chief executive Dorian Gonsalves speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after announcing that the nationwide property franchise group has acquired two financial services business in the southwest of the UK for a combined sum of around £2.1mln. Belvoir recently wrapped up the acquisition of MAB (South West) Ltd following the conclusion of a deal for BMA Bristol Limited earlier in the summer. The acquisitions, with over £3 million in combined turnover, are projected to contribute around £0.6 million in profits. While acknowledging sector challenges, he attributes their success to franchisees and self-employed advisors' strong performance, highlighting their resilience during tough times. He describes the businesses acquired as "rock solid... that exactly fit our model." Gonsalves suggests that while it is in the nature of the group to continue making acquisitions, the two acquisitions made this summer already equal the total for a typical year. He also highlights that he expects a high level of investor interest in Belvoir's forthcoming results, set for release on 4 September. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

August 31, 2023 06:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Keller Williams Realty, Keller Williams Leaders Sued for Racketeering

Omodt & Associates

(Austin, TX – August 29, 2023) In a far-reaching civil complaint filed today, former Keller Williams President and CEO John Davis alleges Keller Williams Realty, Chairman Gary Keller, former executive Josh Team and Keller Williams-affiliated MAPS Coaching of racketeering and conspiracy to defraud Davis and others through orchestrated schemes to induce, diminish, devalue and cheat Davis and other parties. The suit seeks a jury trial and financial damages in the millions of dollars. The suit pulls back the curtain on Keller Williams’ inner workings to reveal a brazen “why buy what you can steal” culture that Gary Keller and his associates promoted. According to the complaint, Keller is quoted in one email exchange as saying: “Because we’re private, we’re not under a microscope. We can do what we want, any way we want with no penalty.” Under one of the schemes in Keller’s playbook, Davis and other local market center and region owners were defrauded out of millions of dollars by forcing sales of their holdings at deflated values to Keller and his hand-picked buyers. The suit outlines how “KWRI undermines independently owned and operated Market Centers by tortiously interfering with independently owned and operated investment groups, intentionally creating chaos to pit the independently owned and operated Market Centers each other and forcing out Market Center leadership in bad faith for improper purposes, so that in their weakened state, Keller and his associates can demand that a sale be made to them at a price that is criminally low.” “Through this scheme, KWRI itself and the other Defendants suffer no loss, and only gains, from the harm caused to the individual owners. Unless stopped, Defendants will continue to subject franchisees to the same scheme for the purposes of substantial interest and profit,” the complaint alleges. The suit also lays out Keller’s ruthless pursuit of unilaterally altering franchise agreements, including agent commission caps, to enrich himself and his cohorts. Keller’s insistence in lowering caps eventually led to Davis’ voluntary resignation in early January 2019 Indeed, following Davis’ departure, Keller and his cohorts did order the lowering of caps which had the negative impacts Davis warned of, namely a loss for the local market center, a loss for the region, yet a win of KWRI’s royalty fee, which did not change. “Nothing in the individual franchise agreements gave Keller or KWRI the power to set market caps themselves for independently owned and operated Market Centers,” the complaint states. “Indeed, in recommending specific and universal Market Center cap amounts, Keller was overstepping the franchisee’s role in leading an independently owned and operated Market Center.” The filing in The United States District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division, outlines five causes of action, including two civil RICO causes, one Sherman Act restraint upon commerce cause, one intentional fraud in the inducement, and one breach of contract cause. ### Media contact: Paul Omodt, Omodt & Associates Critical Communications (for Nesenoff and Miltenberg, LLP) 952-607-9434 paul@omodtandassociates.com Contact Details Omodt & Associates Critical Communications (for Nesenoff & Miltenberg, LLP) Paul G. Omodt +1 952-607-9434 paul@omodtandassociates.com

August 29, 2023 01:30 PM Central Daylight Time

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New Survey Reveals Rise of Tethered Nomading: Digital Nomads Answer the Office's Beckoning

MBO Partners

The latest research conducted by​ MBO Partners® has uncovered a new workforce phenomenon - "Tethered Nomading" - redefining the world of digital nomadism. Contrary to traditional globetrotting norms, more than half (53%) of American digital nomads now plan to embrace their work-travel lifestyle exclusively within the United States; 47% plan on spending at least some time in another country. Only 10% of all digital nomads intend to spend the entire year abroad. As employers call employees back to the office, digital nomads still plan to continue their nomadic lifestyle. However, the data underscores an uptick in "slomading"- visiting fewer locations but spending more time at each stop. The MBO Partners 2023 State of Independence study found that 17.3 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads, increasing 2% from 2022 after increasing a staggering 131% from the pre-pandemic year 2019 to 2022. "As employers enforce back-to-office mandates, a paradigm shift is unfolding, revealing the dynamic evolution of the modern-day nomad," said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. "While a considerable number of digital nomads are gravitating towards domestic pursuits, this presents an opportune moment for employers to embrace that spirit of exploration while fostering seamless connections to local communities. It calls for innovative policies and practices as employers navigate a world that includes adventure and productivity." This year's study showed five additional key insights about digital nomads, including: The Silver Nomads Are Rising… and Fast. While digital nomads have traditionally skewed young, older cohorts -- Gen Xers (born 1965-1980) and Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) -- increased their share of digital nomads from 36% in 2022 to 42% in 2023. With the decline of the pandemic, older workers are more willing to travel and more interested in becoming digital nomads. Digital Nomads Hit the Road with Their Kids (and Pets). The survey showed that nearly a quarter (24%) of digital nomads travel with their children, and 14% even bring their pets. But traveling with kids is more challenging and complex than traveling alone or even as a couple. The top challenges digital nomads with kids cited are the expenses associated with traveling as a family, safety, and health concerns, the lack of stability and routines, educational challenges, and socialization issues for their children. Geoarbitrage Becomes Hack for Financial Freedom. To help stretch their income, many digital nomads work from places with relatively low living costs, including destinations like Southeast Asia or Portugal, which has established itself as a European hotspot popular with nomads. At the same time, they often serve customers virtually in higher-wage labor markets, or their employers are in higher-wage countries. Combining low-cost living with higher expat income, they can take advantage of income/living cost "geo-arbitrage." This enables lower-income digital nomads to fund their travels and spend less time working to support themselves and more time enjoying their adventures. Nomadic Camouflage Becomes the New Workforce Hue. In this year's survey, 14% of digital nomads with traditional jobs reported that their employer does not know they are nomadic. An additional 18% say their company has no digital nomad policy, but their boss has permitted them to work nomadically. In other words, about one-third of digital nomads with traditional jobs are "hidden nomads," meaning the company does not know where they are working. This means they could break local employment laws and regulations without their employer knowing they are doing so. The Nomad Rush: Countries and Cities Vying Hard for Digital Wanderers. Five years ago, digital nomads were considered an eccentric and fringe group of nomadic workers. But digital nomadism is now mainstream, and this year 17.3 million Americans – a stunning 11% of American workers – are digital nomads. Governments at all levels, both in the U.S. and abroad, realize that digital nomads spend more money than tourists, create jobs for locals - and even start local businesses. Because of this, 58 countries have created special digital nomad visas and other programs, smoothing out red tape and making it easier for digital nomads to locate in their countries. To obtain a copy of the 2023 MBO Partners Digital Nomad research brief, please visit www.mbopartners.com/state-of-independence/digital-nomads. About MBO Partners®​ MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit​ ​mbopartners.com. Contact Details Karen Swim +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

August 29, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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REALTORS® share updated home price data, homeowners’ wealth gain trends over the last decade, and a real estate forecast for the rest of 2023

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/iLFi4scvBfQ Given the ever-changing housing market, many Americans are questioning whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a home. Despite fluctuating mortgage rates and limited housing inventory, there are many reasons to consider making a move in the current market. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®: • The national median home price in June was slightly less than the record high of nearly $414,000 in June of last year. Although existing-home sales saw a 3.3% decrease, home prices have held firm in most parts of the country. • While mortgage rates are significantly higher than last year, they are still considered historically low and have remained relatively steady. • Sales in the second half of the year should be notably better than the first half as job gains continue and more favorable mortgage rates are expected. • Existing-home sales are expected to increase by 15.4% in 2024. Moreover, homeownership continues to be a catalyst for Americans to build generational wealth. Over the past decade, the median-priced home in the U.S. gained nearly $200,000 in value, making the typical homeowner 40 times wealthier than if they had not purchased a home or remained a renter. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you achieve the dream of homeownership and create long-term wealth and financial stability for your family. A nationwide media tour was conducted on August 15th, live from the 2023 REALTORS® Leadership Summit, featuring senior leaders from the National Association of REALTORS®. Topics that were discussed during live TV and Radio interviews included: · Highlights from the National Association of REALTORS® 2023 Second Quarter Metro Home Prices Report. · Trends REALTORS® are seeing in national and regional markets this summer and expectations for the remainder of 2023. · How REALTORS® are helping their clients navigate today’s housing market and build generational wealth through homeownership. · Resources any homeowner or potential buyer can use to make more informed, efficient decisions. To learn more about REALTORS® and to find a real estate agent visit realtor.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 24, 2023 12:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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