Petty, Lauritsen acquire RE/MAX franchise

El Campo Realtors John Petty and Lane Lauritsen have joined forces and affiliated with RE/MAX of Texas. Formerly known as John Petty Realtors, the office owned by Petty since 1984 affiliated with RE/MAX in late April.

After a brief banking career, Petty followed his passion for people and service and entered the Real Estate business. For the past seven years, he has found a particular niche in helping customers with farm and ranch sales.

Co-owner Lane Lauritsen is a selfdescribed hometown boy who recently returned to El Campo after 18 years in the business and banking world.

"Ironically, John and I met when my wife and I purchased his home in El Campo," Lauritsen said. The two have formed a solid business relationship over the last year as Lauritsen researched the RE/MAX franchise opportunity.

"We definitely want to use the power of the RE/MAX brand name to enhance the John Petty brand, an established name with a powerful reputation in El Campo," Lauritsen said.

"El Campo is poised for a great deal of long-term growth as the expansion of the Houston metro area, which has already reached Rosenberg, makes it way to El Campo in the coming years. We feel this is an excellent opportunity to expand our brand and diversify our office's specialties in the areas of residential, relocation and land development to name a few."

The office plans to expand its team of agents by the end of 2008 and will host a grand opening celebration on May 22. The seven-story high RE/MAX Hot air balloon will be in attendance along with children's entertainment, food and giveaways. The grand prize giveaway will include a RE/ MAX hot air balloon ride for two.