Brokerage Beat: Partnerships and affiliations, plus a new look for BHHS 

Editor's note: The brokerage business is a busy one, with frequent moves, mergers and milestones. Here we highlight some of the latest activity among brokerages across the U.S.

ERA adds presence in California's Central Valley

ERA Real Estate recently announced that the brokerage Valley Wide Homes has become affiliated with the company.

Based in Fresno, ERA Valley Wide Homes serves several areas in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills.

The brokerage is led by Craig Barton, who started his career in mortgages and opened his own mortgage company in 1997. After getting his broker license, Barton opened a real estate office in 2000. The company now has both real estate and mortgage divisions. 

"Craig and his team possess a tireless entrepreneurial spirit that fuels their passion for providing clients with unparalleled expertise and service. In addition to Craig's knowledge of the real estate and mortgage industries, his emphasis on positive company culture embodies the collaborative spirit of the ERA affiliated network," said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate.

Hubble Bisbee partners with Christie's

Maryland's Hubble Bisbee is the latest real estate brokerage to join the Christie's International Real Estate network, partnering as an independent agency. 

Hubble Bisbee will serve as Christie's exclusive affiliate for Central and Northeast Maryland as well as the entire state of Delaware.

The century-old brokerage, founded by L.L. Hubble in Baltimore in 1918, is led by third-generation Hubble family member Karen Hubble Bisbee.

"As representatives of many of Maryland's most important homes, the Christie's International Real Estate affiliation is incredibly important to us," said Karen Hubble Bisbee. "With best-in-class technology and marketing and an extensive referral network, the partnership offers enhanced opportunities that will greatly benefit our buyers, sellers and agents." 

In addition to Hubble Bisbee, in the past 12 months Christie's has partnered with market-leading affiliates in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta, as well as international brokerages in the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Malta and Estonia.  

Engel & Völkers expands in North Carolina

Engel & Völkers recently announced its expansion into the North Carolina foothills with three locations.

The new shops will be led by license partners Steve Leadbetter and Polly Leadbetter, who will also serve as managing broker. The Leadbetters opened Lake James Real Estate 20 years ago, serving communities throughout the Carolina foothills with a focus on luxury homes, second homes and lakefront properties. 

Now doing business as Engel & Völkers Foothills, the team will continue offering local expertise while leveraging the global brand's reach, resources and reputation. 

"Our expansion in North Carolina is a strategic response to the market right now," said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. "Home prices are up significantly across the state compared to last year. As a result, home buyers are seeking out destinations like the Carolina foothills that can provide a slower pace of life with convenient access to larger cities like Charlotte and Asheville. We have full confidence in the Leadbetters and their team of advisors to continue Engel & Völkers' success and expansion in North Carolina." 

Engel & Völkers Foothills will have two shops in Morganton and one in Nebo.

The Agency adds Dallas location

Global real estate brokerage The Agency announced the launch of its new franchise office in Dallas on Jan. 31.

It's the brokerage's second office in Texas after opening an Austin location in June 2022. The brokerage has more than 70 offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. The Dallas office will be led by managing partners Damon Williamson, a 20-year real estate veteran, and Megan Williamson, who brings expertise in marketing, branding and strategic growth.

"We're thrilled to expand our presence in Texas with the launch of our new franchise in Dallas," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency. "Damon and Megan Williamson are two of the most celebrated real estate authorities in their region and we are confident that they will be incredible stewards of our brand and culture."

AKG | Christie's bolsters new commercial division with the addition of Davis Saadian Group

The Davis Saadian Group has joined AKG | Christie's International Real Estate, leading the company's new commercial real estate division.

The addition of a commercial division represents a growth opportunity for AKG. Saadian, who specializes in the acquisition and selling of multifamily Investments & Developments in Southern California, will be responsible for leading and growing the new division's presence in the market as well as identifying and developing new business opportunities in the commercial real estate sector. The group has also expanded into the luxury sales market.

"We are thrilled to have Davis and his world-class team join us," said Aaron Kirman, CEO of AKG | Christie's International Real Estate. "This partnership reflects the growing trend towards mixed-use buildings, which will allow us to offer a wider array of investment opportunities to our influential and discerning clientele. This new division also offers countless avenues for growth and expansion, both within the new division and for our company at large."

AKG also recently acquired the Morgan Trent team, which serves athletes and entertainers, among other clients.

Robust Real Estate partners with Side

Southern California's Robust Real Estate announced its partnership with boutique brokerage Side. 

Longtime top-producer Corey Nelson founded Robust Real Estate to help homebuyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in Southern California. Nelson and his established team have a total transaction volume of approximately $300 million.

"Robust Real Estate is unique in that we combine modern methods with the best of traditional real estate practices, such as communicating face-to-face, going above and beyond expectations, and building enduring relationships," Nelson said.

Robust Real Estate serves homebuyers and sellers in Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has a new look

Ahead of its 10-year anniversary, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is getting a mini-makeover, sprucing up its branding with a new design and colors.

"Our refreshed look pays respect to our past and our core foundations of who we are as a brand and perfectly positions us for the exciting future ahead," said BHHS CEO Christy Budnick. "We are a brand that stands apart due to our guiding principles and commitment to excellence, and this contemporary new design aligns with our goals as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary later this year and begin a new decade in a pivotal time for real estate companies."  

The company and its franchisees will incorporate the refreshed look-and-feel in a phased approach.

ONE Street Company merges with Samson Properties

The ONE Street Company brokerage and its 48 agents are joining Samson Properties, a family-owned brokerage led by Donny Samson and founded by his father, Danny Samson, more than 20 years ago.

ONE Street was founded by Samer Kuraishi and has done more than $2.1 billion in sales volume over the past 10 years, according to a Samson announcement. ONE Street serves markets in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

ONE Street's Washington D.C. office will be the second location in the area for Samson, which is based in Chantilly, Virginia. Samson has 34 offices and more than 5,500 agents.