Released on = November 9, 2006, 3:28 am

Press Release Author = Mark Humphreys

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Amidst celebrations, CEO calls for tougher real estate
regulation

Press Release Body = Dubai's premier real estate agency, Better Homes, is
celebrating two decades of accomplishment and growth this November. The company's
development is mirrored in the maturation of the city itself. With its humble
beginnings, as a one-woman business in the garage of a Jumeirah villa, today the
firm has 10 offices throughout Dubai and has expanded internationally employing over
400 people and boasting the largest selection of property in the region.

Despite all the success, CEO Linda Mahoney isn't getting too heady about it and is
calling for tougher regulation of the real estate industry. "The boom of the
property industry has seen some players come in for short-term gains, lowering the
ethical standards within the industry," said Mahoney. Claims of rogue agents
cheating investors out of their money have risen this year and Mahoney advises all
potential investors to first seek legal advice. "Think of investing in property as
if you were having an operation. You wouldn't let just anyone perform surgery on
you.so why trust just anybody with your property?" she said, emphasizing that buyers
should check the legitimacy of their agents through reference checks. "Going
through a reputable broker is the best way to limit these sorts of problems. By the
same token real estate agencies are affected by either unscrupulous developers or
investors and until a form of legal protection is in place, even they will be at the
mercy of these people."

In 1986, Better Homes' first leasing contract was signed on a piece of cardboard
ripped from an old box. Reflecting on the secret to her success Mahoney said, "It's
all about the people you employ, if it wasn't for the determination of our staff
this company would not be where it is today - hard work, focus and luck have been
crucial for us. My goal when I first started Better Homes was just to put my kids
through high school, it was a lot of hard work and tears along the way and I got
lucky in a lot of respects". The hard-working, family atmosphere of the company is
encapsulated by the big part the Mahoney family has played in the company's
development. Mahoney's daughter Kilby was instrumental in setting up many of its
original services and son Ryan, who is now Managing Director, has lead the company
into its new international guise and pioneered many new initiatives to keep Better
Homes one of the most respected names in real estate. When asked if she ever
thought that the company she started from home would end up a multinational company,
founder, Linda says "I never think of being successful, because we're so busy
thinking of what we've got to do to keep the wheels turning."

The wheels are definitely turning in the right direction for Better Homes. At the
recent CNBC awards, the firm picked up winning awards in three categories for best
real-estate agency, best estate agency website and best property portal. The 20th
anniversary month also sees the launch of its first in-house creative advertising
campaign. Furthermore, to commemorate the milestone, Better Homes is planning a
special event for staff where everyone in Better Homes worldwide will come together
to celebrate its 20 years. Commentating on the number of awards this year
recognizing its success, Mahoney says "I think Churchill put it best - it's all
about 'blood, toil, tears and sweat'."


Web Site = http://www.bhomes.com

Contact Details = Mark Humphreys
Communication Manager
Better Homes, Dubai 957 (04) 398 9739,
Email: mark.humphreys@bhomes.com.