Our History
We've called Michigan home for a century
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 affiliate businesses.
Throughout
History
The real estate industry has changed dramatically over the years, and we've been at the forefront of that evolution. Through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence, we’ve become Michigan’s strongest and most progressive real estate company, proving that experience and fresh thinking can go hand in hand.
1929
Staunton Elsea opened the first office of Elsea Realty and Investment Company on Fort Street in Detroit.
1959
Richard Elsea, Staunton's son, became General Manager.
1967
Richard helped create the nation's first completely computerized Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
1970
Richard negotiated a merger with three other firms to create Real Estate One.
1971
Launched Insurance One, offering a variety of insurance carriers from homeowners to life insurance.
1972
John Adams Mortgage is founded to provide personalized, full-service mortgage-lending.
1974
Introduced Real Estate One Franchises.
1975
First introduced as Detroit Title Agency, Capital Title specializes in title and escrow services.
1982/83
Richard's sons, Dan and Stuart, are the third generation to join Real Estate One.
1985
Relocation America International helps businesses provide smooth relocations for their employees.
1997
Real Estate One is a founding member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a select network of independently owned brokers.
1999
Dan and Stuart assume leadership as Co-Presidents. Stuart is responsible for Financial Services and Dan presides over Brokerage Services.
2002
Max Broock Realtors brings over 100 years of expertise, ushering in a new era for the luxury home market.
2003
Real Estate One was an early leader in professional real estate training evolving into the formal program known as Real Estate One Academy.
2004
The Real Estate One Charitable Foundation is established in honor of our 75th anniversary.
2013
Reinhart Realtors increases our market dominance in the Ann Arbor area, and our family entered the rental management market for investment properties with Rental Management One.
2016/17
Dan's daughter, Camille Elsea Peterek and Stuart's sons, Erik and Evan Elsea are the fourth generation to join the family business.
2018
A real estate investment company, Investments One, is established which includes HouseHop, our i-buyer program.
2020
Remerica expands our presence on the western side of Metro Detroit.
2021
MBA Realty brings Grosse Ile expertise to the brokerage family and Total Home Lending joins our mortgage team.
2023
Michigan Title joins the family bringing more title services to the downriver area.
2024
Preferred, Realtors Ltd, a leading brokerage in Plymouth Twp and along the I-275 corridor, joins our family.
2025
West Edge Real Estate, based in Holland, expands our reach into western Michigan and Client's First in Canton strengthens our Wayne County market.
Today
Top 10 Top Workplace since 2011. Michigan's largest and leading real estate company since 1970. A trusted leader in luxury real estate today.