Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

When Art Herling began his real estate career in 1980, he was already deeply connected to Philadelphia. Born in Lawncrest and raised in Flourtown, his understanding of the city has always been rooted in people, neighborhoods, and long-standing relationships. A former Philadelphia public school teacher, Art built his career around a simple belief: trust comes first, and success is earned over time.

Over more than four decades, Art emerged as both a respected leader and a hands-on advisor—building a high-performing team known for agent excellence, deep market expertise, and service across every segment of real estate. His approach has always focused on empowering agents and serving clients with care and integrity.

That philosophy aligns naturally with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, founded in Pittsburgh in 1957 and built on the same people-first values. Together, Art Herling and Howard Hanna bring a shared legacy of trust, family leadership, and an agent-first platform to Philadelphia—strengthening what already works and building for what’s next.

When Art Herling began his real estate career in 1980, he was already deeply connected to Philadelphia. Born in Lawncrest and raised in Flourtown, his understanding of the city has always been rooted in people, neighborhoods, and long-standing relationships. A former Philadelphia public school teacher, Art built his career around a simple belief: trust comes first, and success is earned over time.

Over more than four decades, Art emerged as both a respected leader and a hands-on advisor—building a high-performing team known for agent excellence, deep market expertise, and service across every segment of real estate. His approach has always focused on empowering agents and serving clients with care and integrity.

That philosophy aligns naturally with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, founded in Pittsburgh in 1957 and built on the same people-first values. Together, Art Herling and Howard Hanna bring a shared legacy of trust, family leadership, and an agent-first platform to Philadelphia—strengthening what already works and building for what’s next.

Founded in 1957

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Privately held; family-owned for three generations

Operating across 15 states

Approximately 15,000 sales associates and staff

More than 500 offices

Nearly 107,000 transactions closed in 2025

Approximately $40 billion in closed sales volume in 2025

Largest real estate brokerage in Pennsylvania

Howard "Hoby" Hanna IV

Hoby-Hanna_BW

Howard “Hoby” Hanna IV is Chief Executive Officer of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the nation’s largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage. A third-generation leader, he has guided the company’s growth across 15 states while maintaining a privately held, agent-first model focused on long-term stewardship and local leadership.

“We’ve spent nearly 70 years building our business in Pennsylvania, and entering the Philadelphia market allows us to carry that legacy forward while continuing to invest in agents, families, and the communities they serve.”

Art Herling

Art-Herling_BW

Art Herling is a 45-year real estate veteran and trusted leader in the Philadelphia market. A former public school teacher, he is known for hands-on service, agent development, and deep local expertise across residential, luxury, new construction, land, and investment real estate. His approach is grounded in trust, relationships, and long-term success.

“This partnership felt right because it’s about people and values. This alignment allows our agents to continue doing what they do best while gaining long-term support from a company that shares our commitment to service, independence, and growth.”

F. Duffy Hanna

Duffy-Hanna_BW

F. Duffy Hanna is President of Howard Hanna Financial Services, overseeing the company’s wholly owned mortgage and title operations. A licensed attorney, he brings deep expertise in real estate finance, risk management, and strategic growth, playing a key role in expanding Howard Hanna’s integrated, full-service platform while supporting long-term investment in communities and agents.

“Philadelphia is home for our family, and this is a market we’re committed to for the long term. As we grow alongside Art and his agents, we’re building a full-service presence across the Delaware Valley—expanding support for agents and bringing mortgage, title, and insurance capabilities closer to the transaction.”

Dennis Cestra Jr.

Dennis-Cestra_BW

Dennis Cestra Jr. is President of Howard Hanna’s Pennsylvania region, overseeing operations, strategy, and growth across the state. A third-generation leader within the Hanna family of companies, he brings deep experience across brokerage, mortgage, title, and insurance, with a track record of expanding regional footprints and empowering local leadership.

“Philadelphia is a key market for our company, and we see significant opportunity to continue growing our presence across the city and the surrounding region while empowering great agents to lead.”