HUNT Real Estate ERA and TL Metzger merge

Buffalo-based HUNT Real Estate ERA expanded its geographic footprint through the acquisition of TL Metzger Associates, LLC located in the heart of the downtown Albany business corridor. TL Metzger operates both commercial and residential real estate brokerage divisions and the new, combined entity will conduct business as HUNT Commercial Real Estate | TL Metzger and HUNT Real Estate ERA, respectively. Until now, HUNT Real Estate Corporation operated two residential real estate brokerage offices in the Saratoga Springs and Queensbury areas as HUNT Real Estate ERA with 40 agents affiliated with the firm. The former TL Metzger operates two commercial and residential sales offices in downtown Albany and the Loudonville areas housing its commercial and residential agents. According to Eric Eckardt, general manager and partner of the HUNT Capital Region district, "The combination of our two sales forces and the scope of services we offer to our customers will further solidify our presence in the Greater Albany Capital Region and lay an even stronger foundation for our future acquisition opportunities." A key factor in pursuing this acquisition and the ability to successfully merge the two organizations has been TL Metzger's strong brand recognition in the Greater Capital District Region and HUNT's aggressive plans to penetrate the Albany market. "Our core competency has always been relationship-building," said Tracy Metzger, former owner of TL Metzger and Associates, LLC who will remain with HUNT as the Commercial Director for the combined entity. "More than anything, our organization has been built on long-term relationships with our own people and with our business community. We are proud of what we have accomplished in building a legacy of goodwill and superior client representation. We know that the HUNT organization shares our values and our commitment to our agents, our customers, and our overall growth in the region," she added. "The HUNT platform will provide our agents with extensive tools and training needed to compete in today's market." In December of 2009, HUNT Real Estate Corporation entered the Capital Region by forming a joint venture with Empire Home Realty, Inc. of Saratoga Springs. At the time, Empire Home Realty operated two offices with over 30 agents associated with the firm with an average sale price of over $450,000. Eric Eckardt, who was the founder and president of Empire Home Realty, became a general manager and partner with HUNT Real Estate ERA in the joint venture. HUNT has been the number one broker with the Cartus Broker Network, the leading real estate referral network consisting of over 425 principal and over 600 associate brokers nationwide. Cartus, the premier provider of global employee relocation and workforce development solutions, serves the corporate, government and affinity markets with clients large and small, including nearly one-half of the FORTUNE 100 corporations. Cartus represents the largest market share for relocation nationwide. HUNT Real Estate ERA is ranked 17th in closed transaction sides among the nation's largest real estate brokers (as reported in sales figures for 2009) with multiple offices in New York and Arizona. The company was also recognized by REALTOR® among the fastest growing real estate brokerages in the United States. HUNT Real Estate ERA will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year in servicing homebuyers and sellers throughout the State of New York.