Plan Highlights
A 401(k) plan is one of the most powerful ways you can save for your future. All employees are immediately eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.
How to Enroll
To enroll, visit the Merrill website and choose:
- How much to contribute
- How to invest your contributions
- What type of contributions to make: pre-tax, Roth 401(k), and/or after-ta
Company Matching Contributions
Fifty percent of the first 8 percent of eligible compensation that you contribute on a pre-tax/Roth 401(k) basis.
Vesting
You are always 100 percent vested in your own contributions, as well as any amount you roll over to the Plan. HomeServices of America matching contributions are vested according to the following schedule:
| Years of Vesting Service | Vesting Percentage |
| Less than 1 | 0% |
| 1 | 50% |
| 2 or more | 100% |
You receive credit for one year of vesting for each calendar year in which you have completed 1,000 hours.
Employee Contributions
Convenient payroll deductions

Your contributions are deducted from your paychecks automatically and invested in your account. It is an easy and convenient way to invest for your future.
Pre-tax contributions
With pre-tax contributions, you can defer current income taxes. Any earnings on your contributions are also tax-deferred.
Roth 401(k) contributions

Roth 401(k) contributions are made after taxes are withheld, but any earnings are tax-free if you take a qualified distribution.
Traditional after-tax contributions

After-tax contributions are made after taxes are withheld, but taxes are deferred on any earnings. Taxes on earnings are due upon withdrawal.
You can contribute up to 75 percent of your pay up to the current IRS maximum of $23,000. If you are 50 or older, you may contribute an extra $7,500 in catch-up contributions.
Automatic Enrollment
To help you plan for retirement, HomeServices has an auto enrollment feature which enrolls you in the Plan automatically. Here is how it works:
- All newly eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Plan after 45 days of employment.
- Beginning with your first paycheck following this 45-day period, HomeServices will begin deducting 6 percent from your pay automatically on a pre-tax basis.
- Your contributions will be invested in a State Street Target Retirement Fund based on your date of birth and anticipated retirement at age 65.
Once you are enrolled, you can change your contribution rate, change your investment direction, or cancel your participation at any time by contacting Merrill on the Merrill website.
Investment options
Whether you are new to investing or consider yourself to be a knowledgeable investor, the Plan allows you to determine which approach may be right for you.
If you are looking for a simple way to invest based on your age, you could select one of the Plan’s target date funds. For personalized investment recommendations, you could take advantage of Advice Access. And if you are comfortable selecting your own mix of individual investments, you could choose from the core investment menu and/or use the Self-Directed Brokerage service for additional choices.
If no action is taken you will be invested in the State Street Target Retirement Fund based on your age.
Beneficiary Designation
Naming your beneficiary means your account balance will go to who you want it to in the event of your death. Visit the Merrill website  to name or change your beneficiary.Â
For additional plan information, download the 401(k) Plan Highlights PDF:
Visit the Merrill website to enroll, update your contribution amounts, change your investment elections, and designate your beneficiaries.
Financial Wellness
Visit Merrill’s Education Center  for additional articles, videos, and tools related to financial topics. Interested in weekly webinars, seminars or audio casts? Click below to see what Merrill is offering.
