Prudential Gardner Realtors drops franchise, goes independent

Prudential Gardner Realtors, which has offices across south Louisiana and Mississippi, is returning to its roots as an independent company. The New Orleans-based firm, which has offices in Baton Rouge and Hammond, dropped “Prudential” from its name and is now once again Gardner Realtors. Gertrude Gardner Realtors was founded in 1943 and joined with Prudential Louisiana Properties in 2001, becoming the biggest real estate firm in metro New Orleans. Norris Songe, president of financial services, told The Times-Picayune that over the past five years the company has seen a decline in relocation referrals from the Prudential system. At the same time, Gardner made investments in its own technology and analytical tools. “In the past, national affiliation was important,” Barbara Blades, president of residential services, told The Times-Picayune. “Now it is results and reputation that drive the business. This, we have.” Gardner has 42 agents at its South Sherwood Forest offices. Read the rest of Real Estate Weekly here.