In 1929, on the verge of the great depression, Staunton Elsea opened his own real estate company in Detroit. It was there that, in spite of the severity of the Depression and its unprecedented unemployment, the Elsea Realty and Investment Company grew to become one of the largest real estate firms in Michigan.
The company continued to grow and expand its base until 1970 when Staunton’s son, Richard, negotiated a merge with three other well established Metro Detroit real estate companies: Gordon Williamson Company (est. 1942), Mathers, Stevens and Martin (est. 1959), and Deremo & Sons Inc. (est. 1914). Together, they formed Real Estate One, with Richard named President, who then took ownership during the next few years following the merger.
For years, Real Estate One has changed the face of real estate. They helped pioneer the computerized MLS system, homes magazines, open houses, and web marketing.
One of the largest brokerages in Michigan and 24th in the United States, the company has over 85 offices, over 2,200 agents, and a gross annual sales volume of $4 billion.