Marks House Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Hanahara; hereinafter "the Company"), which pursues the potential of real estate and works to solve social issues, has opened the "Funabashi Branch" to further strengthen its response to diverse consultations related to real estate and living, such as inherited properties and vacant houses in Chiba Prefecture. Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture is one of the most populous cities in the prefecture and an area where a wide range of generations live due to its high transportation convenience. As a result, real estate-related issues such as management and sale of inherited properties, utilization of vacant houses, and moving are becoming more diverse. By opening the new Funabashi Branch in addition to the existing Chiba Branch, the Company will strengthen its consultation support system for customers in the prefecture and realize faster and more detailed service provision. With the opening of the Funabashi Branch, the Company's locations will increase to 22 nationwide. ■ Background of Opening: Expanding Response to Consultation Needs in Chiba Prefecture and Strengthening Local Engagement In recent years, against the backdrop of advancing aging and changes in household composition nationwide, issues related to real estate such as property management, sales, vacant house utilization, and relocation are expanding. According to the 2023 Survey of Land and Housing by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of vacant houses nationwide is approximately 9 million, and the vacancy rate is approximately 13.8%, both reaching record highs. These are important issues that concern society as a whole, including disaster prevention, crime prevention, maintenance of community ties, and impact on the landscape. * Funabashi City and its surrounding areas have high demand as residential areas, and consultation opportunities regarding inheritance, sale of real estate, and vacant house utiliz