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For GMAC Real Estate Franchise Operations, 2005 Was One for the Record Books

With More Than 100 New Offices Across America and a Foothold Established in Europe, the Division Enjoyed Best Year Ever; More of Same Expected in 2006

OAK BROOK, Ill. (BUSINESS WIRE - Jan. 30, 2006) - From Portland, Ore., to Coral Springs, Fla., and across the Atlantic to Lisbon, Portugal, GMAC Real Estate Franchise Operations opened a record number of offices in 2005, propelling it to its best year ever, officials announced today.

All told, Franchise Operations opened more than 100 offices of all sizes throughout the United States, including small, medium and large franchises, startups, and conversions. And for the first time, the franchise division established a foothold in Europe. GMAC Imobiliaria Portugal -- GMAC Real Estate's first European franchise -- introduced the company's unique Premier Service(R) program and comprehensive Home Ownership Services business program to homebuyers and sellers in Lisbon and surrounding Portuguese markets.

Lane Barnett, president and CEO of GMAC Real Estate Franchise Operations, said 2005 laid the foundation for what is shaping up to be another equally impressive year.

"We're going to continue our aggressive expansion across the United States, driven by our belief in our unique service philosophy and our determination to make it available to as many homebuyers and sellers as we possibly can," Barnett said. "In fact, Premier Service is the single factor that unites every GMAC Real Estate franchisee, whether they're on the East Coast or the West Coast or anywhere in between."

Premier Service is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and effective customer-service program in the real estate brokerage industry. Through the program, GMAC Real Estate is the only national real estate brokerage company whose sales associates put in writing, up front, the services they will perform. Following the transaction, GMAC Real Estate agents ask their customers to honestly rate their performance through a survey conducted and tabulated by an independent, third party. Individual survey results provide each sales associate -- and the company as a whole -- with ongoing feedback and insight for continuous improvement.

Through Premier Service, the company has received an unprecedented 94 percent customer satisfaction based upon more than 75,000 completed consumer surveys. "That outstanding rating, along with Franchise Operations' record growth last year and its continued expansion in 2006, are proof that building a brand that stands for something -- in our case, proven superior service -- is something that's quite appealing to many real estate firms and professionals," Barnett said.

Continuing its successful strategy used in 2005, Barnett said Franchise Operations will continue to expand throughout the country, welcoming all sizes of franchisees from a wide array of markets into the GMAC Real Estate family.

Following are just a few of the new franchisees who joined the company last year:

• Courtesy GMAC Real Estate, Lexington, South Carolina
• The Realty Network GMAC Real Estate, Portland, Oregon
• 1st Choice Real Estate, Coral Springs, Florida
• New Beginnings GMAC Real Estate, Florence, Kentucky
• Greater Montana GMAC Real Estate, Hamilton & Florence, Montana
• Dave Crete & Associates GMAC Real Estate, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Mirabal-Reeb Properties GMAC Real Estate, Corpus Christi, Texas
• International Properties GMAC Real Estate, New York, New York

About GMAC Home Services
GMAC Home Services is one of North America's largest real estate organizations, delivering its unique Premier Service(R) business program to homebuyers and sellers through its four operating companies: GMAC Real Estate Franchised Offices; GMAC Real Estate Company Owned Offices; GHS Mortgage, and GMAC Global Relocation Services. Backed by the resources of industry giant General Motors, the GMAC Home Services network has more than 1,300 franchised and owned residential real estate offices throughout the United States, Canada, Portugal and Puerto Rico.

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Siler & Company Public Relations
Hugh Siler, 949-646-6966
Hugh@SilerPR.com