Hedges Realty unveils new identity after 138 years

Hedges Realty, one of the oldest operating real estate companies in Iowa, is moving forward as Realty87, the company announced Friday.

The rebrand comes as the company moves to become an independent organization, ending a relationship with Coldwell Banker the group had since 1989.

The ownership, agents and staff -- a team of more than 100 -- will all remain the same, said Mike Esker, president of newly launched Realty87.

“Real estate is -- and has always been -- a local business,” Esker said. “Our expertise and focus have always been right here in lowa.”

Established in 1887 by George T. Hedges, Hedges Realty is one of the longest-continuously operated real estate firms in Iowa. In the new brand, Realty87, the 87 stands for the company’s founding year, 1887.

“We’ve built something special over the last 138 years,” Esker said. “This move is about carrying the legacy forward and continuing to lead the way for generations to come.”

The company will continue to work with residential, commercial, luxury, land and farm real estate as it has, Esker said.

The company’s website is now at www.realty87.com. The new signage -- both on the building and in listings in the field -- are entering the market now.