If you are the average consumer (or even real estate agent), you have probably not heard of Realogy (which is/was also known as NRT in some circles and Cendant in others). Realogy is the massive corporation based in Parsippany, NJ that owns Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, and Sotheby’s Realty. That’s right…if you are buying from Coldwell Banker instead of Century 21 - it doesn’t really matter - in the end, it’s basically the same company.

Anyway, Realogy has accepted an offer of $9 billion (including debt) - or $30/share from a private equity firm. The deal allows for Realogy to continue shopping themselves around through February ‘07. Realogy CEO Henry Silverman hopes to create an auction type atomosphere - and Wall Street thinks he can do it. The stock is up to $31/share (at the time of this post) from a $25 Friday close - based on specualation.

So what does this mean for you - the consumer (or real estate agent)? I have no idea.

My guess is that it does not mean much at all. But if you are doing business with -or- employed by a company that has agreed to sell, you may want to ask someone who can provide the answers…or maybe not - that would be up to you.

Note: Most (but not all) Realogy franchises/offices are independently owned and operated.