A legacy built to last.
Real Estate One is proud to be entering its fourth generation of family ownership. Real estate isn’t just our business—it’s our legacy. For nearly a century, our family has remained dedicated to the communities we serve and the people we work with. What started as a single office has grown into one of the most respected names in Michigan real estate, built on long-term vision, hard work, and a deep commitment to doing right by our clients and partners.
Our history.
Founded in 1929 by Staunton Elsea, our first office was on Fort Street in Detroit. Almost a century, four generations and 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.
Staunton Elsea opened Elsea Realty and Investment on Fort Street in Detroit. 1929
Staunton’s son, Richard, negotiates a merger with three other firms to create Real Estate One 1970 Introduced Real Estate One Franchises 1974
Our brokerages Our affiliates
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. 1999
Max Broock Realtors brings over 100 years of expertise, ushering in a new era for the luxury home market. 2002
The Real Estate One Charitable Foundation is established in honor of our 75th anniversary. 2004 Launched Insurance One, offering a variety of insurance carriers for homeowners to life insurance. 1971
John Adams Mortgage is founded to provide personalized, fullservice 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. 1985
Real Estate One Academy takes its current name. 2003
Rooted in Michigan.
As a Michigan-based brokerage, we live and breathe the local market. With our deep community connections and unmatched knowledge of Michigan neighborhoods, we’re uniquely equipped to serve clients where it matters most—close to home. Real estate may be a global industry, but success happens on a local level, and that’s where we shine. Our exclusive focus on Michigan allows us to offer a level of insight and service that national brands simply can’t match.
Reinhart Realtors increases our market dominance in the Ann Arbor area.
Camille, Erik and Evan Elsea are the fourth generation to join the family business.
Remerica expands our presence on the western side of Metro Detroit while MBA Realty brings Grosse Ile expertise to the family.
Innovative by nature.
Real Estate One Family of Companies has always believed in staying ahead of the curve. Our forwardthinking approach and long-term vision have made us industry leaders and a nationally recognized one-stop shop for mortgage, title, and insurance services. While we’re proud to be ranked among the top private independent brokerages in the country, we’re most proud of how we’ve maintained our close-knit culture along the way. We innovate, we adapt, and we grow—while never losing sight of the values that got us here.
Entered the rental management market for investment properties with Rental Management One.
A real estate investment company, Investments One, is established which includes HouseHop, our i-buyer program.
HomeSuite is introduced as our one-stop shop for our mortgage, title, insurance and rental management services.
Johnstone & Johnstone, a family member since 1995, and Real Estate in the Pointes combine to become Real Estate One –Grosse Pointe
West Edge Real Estate, based in Holland, expands our reach into western Michigan. 2025 We welcomed Total Home Lending and Michigan Title in 2021 and 2023 expanding our mortgage and title services in the state.
Preferred, Realtors Ltd and Dwellings, leading brokerages in Plymouth Twp, joins our family.
We are market share leaders in metro Detroit and the number one broker in the state of Michigan
