RELO, the Chicago-based relocation network of independent brokers, has released a survey of the nation's hottest relocation markets, naming Atlanta the No. 1 destination in the country.

"Sunbelt cities dominate the list," said RELO CEO Pam O'Connor. "Of the top 25 markets listed, 17 cities are located in the South or West, such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Another key factor, though, is the lure of strong technology markets like Austin, Boston and Seattle."

O'Connor said RELO members generated more than 1,000 referrals to the Atlanta market in 1999, more than to any other city.

In a tangent announcement, O'Connor cited the strong economy as a key factor in the relocation industry's recent growth, with corporations expanding nationwide and technology companies especially adding new offices in major cities.

She said RELO's 1,000 member companies closed a record 30 percent of referrals last year, about 4,000 more than the year before. "Thirty percent is unusually high for broker-to-broker referrals," she said.

RELO members sold nearly 15,000 units last year, compared to about 11,000 units the year before.

She also said member companies generated some 50,000 referrals with an average sales price of $205,207, up from $190,426 in 1998.

"With a continuing strong economy, and consumer confidence at record levels, people are willing and eager to spend big for their dream house," O'Connor said. She also predicted 2000 would be a record year.

"We fully expect to set another record this year in the broker referral arena, while also tapping new institutional sources of business to our members."

Here is RELO's list of top corporate destinations:

1. Atlanta
2. Charlotte, N.C.
3. Morris Plains N.J.
4. Dallas, Tex.
5. Fairfax, Va.
6. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
7. Miami, Fla.
8. Longwood, Fla.
9. Tampa, Fla.
10. Raleigh, N.C.
11. Houston, Tex.
12. Las Vegas, Nev.
13. Scottsdale, Ariz.
14. Jacksonville, Fla.
15. Chicago, Ill.
16. Austin, Tex.
17. Stamford, Conn.
18. Lexington, Mass.
19. Walnut Creek, Calif.
20. Los Angeles, Calif.
21. Bellevue, Wash.
22. Phoenix, Ariz.
23. Minneapolis, Minn.
24. Cincinnati, Ohio
25. Sarasota, Fla.

Published: March 15, 2000

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