Prudential firm changes hands in amicable exchange

Proving that the local real estate brokerage industry once again shows great promise for revenues and profits, an Orange County brokerage firm has been sold to a friendly competitor. Prudential California Realty, with offices in Mission Viejo and Anaheim Hills, has been sold by owners Rich Cosner and Cheryl Bender to a firm operating under the same name owned by Steve Games and Nida Sterritt. The sale price and terms were not disclosed. Games and Sterritt entered the Orange County landscape last year when they partnered with Rich Cosner to acquire the Ellis Group Better Homes and Gardens. Since then, the firm had risen to become the eighth leading firm in representing Orange County home sellers, according to both local Multiple Listing Services. The sale included a smaller Villa Park satellite office, as well as the firm's mortgage and escrow operations. The sale did not include Cosner's Brea office, which he individually owns, or additional Riverside County offices he individually acquired in recent weeks. Cosner plans to develop his Brea and Riverside County operations in much the same way he did with Cheryl Bender. Bender has not made her plans public. Set on over one acre of impeccably manicured grounds with an impressive circular drive, this exquisite custom estate is being offered by Stephanie Francoeur and Annette Scherrer of Prudential California Realty for $1.450 million. Tennis court, pool and spa, gazebo with outdoor cooking area, and a putting green with sand trap make this home an entertainer's delight. The 6,452 square-foot, five-bedroom, 5.5-bath home with game room, bonus room and solarium features French doors and custom built-ins throughout, recessed lighting, four fireplaces, and a four-oven kitchen. Located on a private cul-de-sac with panoramic mountain and city light views is a contemporary Spanish villa presented by Liz Grech of Coldwell Banker Previews. There is space for the entire family in this twostory, approximately 7,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece. Amenities include two separate staircases, a private phone booth, and a uniquely designed wine cellar with tasting room. The home has five bedrooms and five baths, media room, solarium breakfast room, formal dining room with built-in cabinetry, and a formal living room with see-through fireplace. With the grace of its original integrity, the home provides the setting for gracious private living and features beautiful craftsmanship throughout.