Showhomes-Houston Franchise Expands Services to North Houston Realtors® and Homeowners

Showhomes, the leader in adding value to vacant home sales, today announces that Andy Wilson has purchased the Showhomes-North Houston Franchise to complement his existing Showhomes-Central Houston office and provide expanded service to the rapidly growing north Houston area, including Spring, Katy, Kingwood and the Woodlands. The new Showhomes office is the first step in a master plan to open several Showhomes offices across Houston to help Realtors and homeowners sell vacant homes faster and at 10-20% hgher prices. As local real estate markets begin to cool, vacant houses become more difficult to sell. "We are excited about Andy's ability to help speed sales by delivering top-notch staging and show-to-sell home care across Houston, at a time when the market needs it most," said Bert Lyles, Showhomes chairman and CEO. "With his passion for real estate, talent for design and staging, and enthusiasm for helping Realtors succeed, Andy is a natural to extend our offerings in the greater Houston area. He'll be a wonderful resource for Realtors and homeowners in those neighborhoods."

A native Houstonian and local staging expert, Wilson brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with more than 20 years of real estate, high-end interior design and property management background. Wilson is an affiliate member of the Houston Association of Realtors, the Women's Council of Realtors and is an active participant in the Houston area American Society of Interior Designers.

"I've worked with Andy many times and always found him to be professional and conscientious," said Arlene Rolsen, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Sugarland. "He and his staff consistently exceed expectations." Sharee Richardson has been named marketing manager for the North Houston Showhomes franchise. Previously, Richardson served as business director, responsible for human resources, accounting, payroll and training.

Teresa Cwik, a Showhomes home manager herself, will oversee placement for North Houston home managers, as well as operations. Cwik brings 16 years of property management experience and has supported Showhomes for the past nine years in various roles in the Houston and Atlanta offices.

"I'm excited about the growth potential in this market and the opportunity to work more closely with Houston area Realtors and homeowners," said Wilson. "I can't think of any other business model that benefits so many parties with a single transaction."

Houston is the fourth largest city in the US, and home to one of the largest real estate markets in the country. The Houston Association of Realtors currently counts more than 36,000 single-family homes on the market, in a diverse range of new and historic neighborhoods, and in a variety of price ranges. A survey taken at last year's National Association of Realtors Conference showed an average vacancy rate of 25% o active listings nationwide.

About Showhomes
Since its founding in 1986, Showhomes has helped Realtors and homeowners sell more than 23,000 homes worth more than $8 billion across the U.S. by transforming vacant houses into valuable homes. The Showhomes business model is based on the fact that well-furnished homes kept in show-to-sell condition sell faster, and for higher prices, than vacant houses. Showhomes provides homeowners and their Realtors a turnkey package that includes whole-house furnishing, professional decorating, staging, a live-in home manager and marketing support services.