WEICHERT REAL ESTATE AFFILIATES RANKED AS A TOP FRANCHISE BY ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., (Grassroots Newswire) January 25, 2008 - Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., the franchise arm of Weichert, Realtors®, was recently named as one of the nation's top franchises, according to Entrepreneur magazine's 29th Annual Franchise 500®.   The list spotlights the top 500 franchises in the U.S. and Canada for 2008.

Continuing its march up the rankings, Weichert jumped from No. 152 last year to No. 147 in this year's Top Global Franchises list.  Additionally, the company moved to 35th place, from 44th, in the magazine's ranking of the nation's fastest growing franchises.   According to the magazine, this makes Weichert Real Estate Affiliates the second-fastest growing real estate franchise in the nation.

Remarking on the company's continued progression through the franchise standings, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates president, Martin J. Rueter, said, "We are honored to again be recognized by this prestigious ranking.  Our advancements as indicated by Entrepreneur are a true testament to the strength of the Weichert brand, our systems and the network of professionals that represent the company around the nation."

Since launching its first independently owned and operated franchise in January 2002, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates has expanded its franchise network to include more than 7,500 sales associates in 35 states.  Reuter expects the company to continue its steady growth in 2008.  Recently, the company celebrated the signing of its 350th franchise office.

Entrepreneur magazine compiles its annual rankings through the analysis of hundreds of franchise companies.  Only franchise companies that submit full Uniform Franchise Offering Circulars (UFOCs) or Canadian disclosure documents and whose information is verified by the magazine are eligible.  All companies, regardless of size, are judged by the same criteria, including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and system size.

Weichert has nearly 18,300 sales associates in over 520 company-owned and franchised sales offices in key markets throughout the U.S.  A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. 

We Sell More Because We Do More.

Buying or selling a home? Look no further; Weichert, Realtors is your one stop shop for all your home selling or buying needs.

Weichert, Realtors is the largest independently owned real estate company in the United States with 32 years continuing growth. The 4 Myrtle Beach locations have over 75 agents ready to serve your needs. Several of the agents have over 25 years experience in the Real Estate business. Here you will find professionals in the market and industry to ensure you receive the best possible deal. Weichert Southern Coast has a large market share of listings and sales in the area. Why go to just any realtor when you can go to one with the experience you need?