Brokerage Beat: News from Real, Christie's, Realty ONE, C21 and KW
Real snags two D.C.-area teams and enters Delaware; Munich-based REIDEL joins Christie's; Realty ONE and C21 gain Chicago firms; KW recognized for diversity.
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.
The Real Brokerage makes big East Coast push
With the addition of two teams that cover the Washington D.C. and Baltimore region, The Real Brokerage has bolstered its coverage of the mid-Atlantic region.
Combined, Garner & Co. and the Kilner & Kirk Group add 29 agents to The Real Brokerage, the company said. The 20-person Garner & Co. completed 275 real estate transactions valued at over $100 million in 2022, while the nine-agent Kilner & Kirk Group closed 100 deals worth $80 million in sales.
The publicly traded company also announced its entrance into the Delaware market, further flexing its commitment to tackling the affluent East Coast market. Ray Petkevis will serve as Real's principal broker in Delaware.
"Delaware is a natural bridge between our presence in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the D.C. region, and allows our existing agents to better serve their clients as they explore their homeownership opportunities," said Tamir Poleg, Real chairman and CEO.
German brokerage joins Christie's International
Christie's International Real Estate has made good on its name by announcing the addition of the Munich-based RIEDEL brokerage firm to its network. Christie's says that incorporating the team bolsters its footprint in upscale markets in Western Europe, such as London, Milan, Venice and the Swiss Alps.
The previously independent brokerage brings a team of 50, including 23 agents, and an in-house marketing division to Christie's.
A family business, RIEDEL was founded more than 40 years ago by Heiner and Ingrid Reidel. It is led today by their son Markus Riedel, who is the firm's managing director, and their nephews Max Riedel and Ralf Heidemann.
"RIEDEL is honored to be Munich's exclusive affiliate for Christie's International Real Estate, a brand that aligns so well with our firm's values and vision," said Markus Riedel. "The relationship will undoubtedly enhance our services and create exciting opportunities for our agents and clients."
Chicago brokerage moves to Realty ONE Group Heartland
The Chicago-based Classic Realty Group, Inc., has found a new home at Realty ONE Group Heartland.
Managed by father-son duo John and Adam Mendez, the Classic Realty Group, which was founded by Adam Mendez in 2003, adds 130 real estate professionals to Realty ONE's ranks. In the announcement, the Mendezes set an ambitious goal of growing their team to 1,000 agents.
"The industry is constantly evolving and partnering with ROG gives us the best opportunity for continued growth and success in the near future and beyond," John Mendez said.
Realty ONE has more than 18,000 real estate agents in over 400 offices throughout the U.S. and globally, and remains on a high-growth trajectory with a strategic plan to add 100 new franchises a year.
Suburban Chicago office joins Century 21
Another Chicagoland-based brokerage, Utmost Real Estate Group, has also announced a move. The boutique firm, which is located in the northwest suburb of Wheeling, has affiliated with Century 21 and plans to open an office in the major western suburb of Naperville.
The formerly independent brokerage is now doing business as Century 21 Utmost. Helmed by Grace Ryu, the firm has established connections with the Chicago-area Korean community, but seeks to expand its reach and footprint among the diverse population of the region.
"After four years as an independent firm, I knew that in order to provide the best service to my affiliated agents and valued clients, and fuel growth, I needed the additional resources of a strong franchise brand," Ryu said in the announcement. "Not only do we have the tools and technology to bolster our firm's presence in the market, but we also have the ability to uphold the core values of our company's unique culture."
Keller Williams named one of the best employers for diversity
Keller Williams announced that it has been named to Forbes' America's Best Employers for Diversity 2023. The financial news publication, which partnered with research firm Statista, surveyed workers and asked them to rate their company's commitment to hiring and employing a diverse workforce by measuring criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability and LGBTQ+ equality.
"It's more important than ever to meet the changing needs of our increasingly diverse consumers," Julia Lashay Israel, head of inclusion and belonging for KW, said in a statement. "By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices within our agent's businesses, we're empowering and serving our communities best."
Just a few of the internal KW affinity groups include the KW Rainbow Network, KW Coalition of Hispanics for Progressive Action, KW Black Real Estate Network and Lady Leaders of Real Estate.