845.623.5200 or 800.898.0272
ERA: Historical Perspective
The History of ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Real Estate greets its 30th Anniversary year with a record of astonishing growth and a winning combination of unique products, affiliate support and entrepreneurial spirit. Looking back is unusual for a company defined by looking forward, but ERA Real Estate has as many accomplishments to take stock of as it has achievements ahead.
It all started with the ambition and imagination of a man named Jim Jackson, who saw the potential not only in selling property, but also in capitalizing on the fresh territory of technology. This was reflected in his new company's name, Electronic Realty Associates, Inc., which opened for business in 1972.
Long before the fax machine became a household word, ERA Real Estate was using it to sell homes. Known to ERA customers as "The Moving Machine," it was an unprecedented national marketing resource, which could serve the burgeoning relocation market by transmitting listings from anywhere in the country to any ERA location.
ERA continued its technology tradition with the introduction of its first consumer website, TeamERA.com. This was followed by ERA Online, which delivered to consumer's information on properties along with information on our offices and sales associates.
On such a forward-thinking foundation, the ERA system's growth was dramatic, with member brokers in all 50 states by 1979. Shaping the course of real estate history by setting bold precedents, it was also around this time that the ERA system introduced the Sellers Security Plan, a unique program giving member brokers and agents a one-of-a-kind edge among national real estate networks. Assisting sellers whose current home needs to be sold to enable their next home purchase, while guaranteeing that "We Will Sell Your House, or ERA Will Buy It!"
Since 1977, ERA Real Estate has been a national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, helping give new hope to adults and children living with neuromuscular disease. Recently celebrating its 25th anniversary as MDA's exclusive corporate sponsor from the real estate industry, the system reached a landmark of nearly $30 million in donations for the charity, with its commitment set to grow all the more in the coming years.
The ERA system started the new century not just looking ahead, but observing essential American values. The company's entrepreneurial spirit, having driven its expansion into 50 countries and territories, positions it well to serve new markets, with tools such as its growing Hispanic marketing initiative and the ERA Sellers Security Plan. The Plan helps put potential homebuyers at ease, and is tailor-made for the needs of seniors, who are interested in relocating to relatives' homes, smaller houses or retirement communities and need the confidence of a guaranteed sale for their previous home.*
A company that saw the future now enjoys a proud history. As more successes in the next 30 years and beyond beckon, ERA Real Estate is always growing, always evolving, Always There for You.
Further details about ERA visit the website: ERA.com
