About Us

OF COMPANIES

Be among industry’s leaders.

In the world of real estate, you either continue to evolve or risk getting left behind.

At Real Estate One, constant innovation is our priority. Through innovative strategy, we’ve become the dominant leaders in Michigan markets. This approach has also put us in the national spotlight with our family of companies ranking in the Top 15 independent brokerages in the United States. Simply put, our focus may be local, but our reach is extensive. As an agent, you become a part of a close-knit family with a major market presence.

We believe in treating all of our staff and agents as family. We work hard to create a welcoming environment where they can excel and grow.”

– STUART & DAN ELSEA

Our Story

Founded in 1929 by Staunton Elsea, our very first office was on Fort Street in Detroit. Now, almost a century, four generations and over 90 office locations later, the humble beginnings of Elsea Realty have transformed into the successful dynasty that is the Real Estate One Family of Companies. Consisting of multiple brokerage brands and many affiliate businesses, you have a variety of options and plenty of support when joining our family.

Be part of our history.

Staunton Elsea opened Elsea Realty and Investment on Fort Street in Detroit. 1929

brokerages

Staunton’s son, Richard, negotiates a merger with three other firms to create Real Estate One. 1970 Introduced Real Estate One Franchises. 1974

Richard’s sons, Dan and Stuart, are the third generation to join Real Estate One. 1982/83

Dan and Stuart assume leadership as co-presidents. Stuart is responsible for Financial Services and Dan presides over Brokerage Services.

Max Broock Realtors brings over 100 years of expertise, ushering in a new era for the luxury home market.

The Real Estate One Charitable Foundation is established in honor of our 75th anniversary.

affiliates Real Estate One Academy takes its current name.

Launched Insurance One, offering a variety of insurance carriers for homeowners to life insurance. 1971 John Adams Mortgage is founded to provide personalized, full-service mortgagelending. 1972 First introduced as Detroit Title Agency, Capital Title specializes in title and escrow services. 1975 Relocation America International helps businesses provide smooth relocations for their employees.

Our legacy is strong.

You’re not just selecting a brokerage, you’re joining a family.

Real Estate One is entering into its fourth generation of family ownership. Yes, the Elsea Thanksgiving dinners do typically turn into business strategy meetings. Real estate is our passion and we’ve stuck with it through the good, bad, pretty and ugly. Just like any family would. Our business isn’t something we clock out of at 5pm. We owe our success to developing and executing 30-year plans, not five-year plans. We’ve been around for almost a century because we’re always on edge — forecasting, strategizing and responding to the industry’s evolution.

Be truly local.

Why go with a Michigan-based brokerage?

When considering which brokerage to join, we understand there are many national brands vying for your attention. So why is a local Michigan-based brokerage a better choice? Because real estate is a local business. Yes it’s a global industry, but your success in this business boils down to having the best local knowledge and the most familiar branding. The median distance between homes purchased and previous residence is only 15 miles.* Since Michigan is strategically our only focus, we can intelligently and calculatively execute more and better real estate transactions. National firms leverage sources with deep local data and networks. We are that source. We know this market better than anyone. We educate you on the exact market conditions you’re in, so you can better serve your client and rapidly grow your business.

*According to NAR

2013

Reinhart Realtors increases our market dominance in the Ann Arbor area.

2016/17

Camille, Erik and Evan Elsea are the fourth generation to join the family business.

2020

Remerica expands our presence on the western side of Metro Detroit.

2021

MBA Realty brings Grosse Ile expertise to the family.

2014

Entered the rental management market for investment properties with Rental Management One.

2018

A real estate investment company, Investments One, is established which includes HouseHop, our i-buyer program.

2019

HomeSuite is introduced as our onestop shop for our mortgage, title, insurance and rental management services.

2021/23

We welcomed Total Home Lending and Michigan Title in 2021 and 2023 expanding our mortgage and title services in the state.

2023

Johnstone & Johnstone, a family member since 1995, and Real Estate in the Pointes combine to become Real Estate One –Grosse Pointe.

2024

Preferred, Realtors Ltd, a leading brokerage in Plymouth Twp and along the I-275 corridor, joins our family.

Today

We are market share leaders in metro Detroit and the number one broker in the state of Michigan.