Fort Collins, CO – The Group Real Estate, serving Northern Colorado, has been selected for membership in the prestigious Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), announced Group President Eric Thompson, President .

As an affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ®, The Group joins a global network comprised of 600 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms, with 5,000 offices and 150,000 sales associates in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries on four continents. Collectively, these firms sell almost 1 million homes annually in the U.S. valued at nearly $250 billion, which is more than that of any national brand or franchise. In addition the network generates 30,000 p 40,000 broker-to-broker referrals annually, with an over 40% conversion rate, double the national average and higher than any other network.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is the country’s largest network of residential real estate firms, and its network affiliates are widely recognized as the premier providers of quality residential real estate and relocation services including rental assistance and community orientation .

As an affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, The Group can assist individuals purchasing or selling property in virtually any community in the U.S. or abroad with services including real estate assistance, comprehensive destination orientation programs, household goods move management and more. The membership also enables The Group to assist with corporate relocation accounts through RELO Direct, LeadingRE’s third party relocation company.

Thompson notes that selection as an affiliate of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® network represents another step in the development of the firm and its ability to meet the real estate needs of Northern Colorado.

The Group, with 200 sales associates, was selected for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® membership only after meeting the network’s exacting standards.

“We are delighted that The Group has joined Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®,” commented Pam O’Connor, President and CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. “The Group’s selection was based on the company’s outstanding reputation, as well as the demonstrated ability to deliver the same high quality service and reliability as our other affiliates. This level of service is the foundation of our network and is the basis for our longevity and success as one of the industry’s leading providers of real estate and relocation services.”

The Group, Inc. has six offices in Fort Collins, Greeley, and Loveland, and is celebrating its 35th year as leaders in Real Estate in Northern Colorado. www.thegroupinc.com

Real estate agents in Colorado are licensed to serve, not just sell.  A new ruling by the Colorado Real Estate Commission declared that licensees in the state must provide licensed services – such as property presentation, negotiation of offers, and communications through the transaction process – if they intend to list their properties on the Multiple Listing Service.  This ruling is intended to stop the practice of agents who might sell access to the MLS to other sellers – such as “For Sale by Owner” – then not take part in any service that supports the transacation.

By working with a Group Realtor, you can be confident you are working with a true real estate professional who adheres to the Real Estate Commission’s principles.

The number of homes for sale has decreased across Northern Colorado compared to this time last year, likely an indication that would-be sellers are shying away from what they see as a buyers’ market.

Not so fast. In fact, The Group’s assessment of the listings shows a distinct lack of supply within certain geographical and pricing pockets. What does it mean? If your property is priced at a fair market value, is in ‘parade-ready’ condition for showing, and in one of these low-supply property categories, it can be a prime time to place it on the market. A property is ‘parade-ready’ after it is detailed, staged and in its best possible condition.

For instance the availability of single-family homes under $300,000 is down across the region. In Greeley, there’s a shortage of multi-family units on the west side of the city, and Loveland’s supply of ranch-style homes under $225,000 is lean. Meanwhile, Fort Collins is low on properties under $450,000 in the southeast quadrant of the city.

Remember, all markets are local. The opportunities may be greater than you think. Call today for a copy of the full list of hot properties in the regions.