Fourth-generation Hunt appointed chief executive officer of HUNT Real Estate Corp.

Boston, MA HUNT Real Estate Corp., the parent company of ERA Key Realty Services, has appointed Charles F. Hunt (Charlie) as chief executive officer. Founded in 1911 by Charles S. Hunt and headquartered in Buffalo, NY, HUNT Real Estate has grown into one of the most comprehensive real estate and homeownership organizations in the northeast. The company acquired ERA Key in 2018 and continues to support its expansion across Massachusetts and the Greater Boston region.

In 1975, Peter Hunt joined the firm following his college graduation. By that time, the real estate industry had become increasingly competitive. Peter led a new era of growth that restored HUNT’s leadership in residential real estate and, in 1984, founded what would become one of New York State’s largest independent mortgage bankers – HUNT Mortgage. 

As the company evolved, so did its next generation of leadership. Charles F. Hunt, Peter’s son and great-grandson of the company’s founder, first joined HUNT during his high school years, working across various departments. After graduating from Canisius High School, he earned a Management degree from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 2006. While in college, Charlie began selling real estate in the Greater Boston market. Following graduation, he remained in Massachusetts before relocating to Florida in 2008 to lead HUNT’s expansion into the Sarasota market. The onset of the Great Recession soon reshaped the industry nationwide, prompting the company to refocus operations in New York State.

In 2011, Charlie returned to Buffalo, taking on increasing leadership responsibilities while earning his MBA. He became executive vice president in 2015, was named chief operating officer in 2019, and assumed the role of president of residential brokerage in 2022, leading HUNT’s strategic expansion into the Greater Boston market through acquisition.

HUNT Real Estate ranks 29^th in the nation in residential sales. Peter Hunt announced that the company will enter a new phase of growth under fourth-generation leadership, with Charles Hunt appointed chief executive officer. Peter Hunt will transition to the role of executive chairman.

“The industry has changed significantly and requires a new generation of leadership,” said Peter Hunt. “My son Charlie is uniquely positioned to continue building our organization’s prominence in all the regions we serve and beyond.” 

Very few companies survive into the second generation of family ownership and leadership. Fewer still reach a third. Only a rare few endure, owned and led by a fourth. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead our company into its 115^th year of continuous service to buyers and sellers of all forms of real estate and to expand our reach across all related elements of the industry,” said Charles Hunt. “We have a powerful leadership team and the finest sales professionals in the business. Together we will continue to deliver exceptional real estate and homeownership experiences to our clients.”