Phoenix broker Re/Max closes

Gilbert, Ariz.-based Re/Max 2000, one of the Phoenix area’s largest real estate brokerages, shut down its 13 offices this week, as the housing bust hits a city that was once one of the nation’s hottest markets.

Robert Kline, who started the franchise in 2000 and grew the business through acquisitions, said his decision to close was made after a particularly rough patch in December, when it became clear he no longer could afford to pay overhead expenses.

The closure puts 350 agents and 20 others out of work.