Brokerage Beat: News from Christie's, RE/MAX, Sotheby's Realty, E&V 

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.

California Christie's office nabs agent team

Northern California's Clarke Rose Group has joined Christie's International Real Estate Sereno.

Colleen Clarke and Rob Rose formed a partnership five years ago, under the Better Homes and Gardens brand, where they received the 2020 and 2021 BHGRE Emerald Elite awards and the 2022 Emerald Elite Founder's Club award.

"It brings me immense joy to welcome Colleen and Rob to the Christie's International Real Estate Sereno family," said Chris Trapani, co-founder and chief executive officer. "Seeing the great work they do not only with their clients but also with the community, truly embodies the culture that we have at Sereno, and we are so happy to have them." 

Clarke and Rose will work out of the Christie's International Real Estate Sereno office located in San Luis Obispo.

"When you look at the level of care and service they provide to each of their clients, it's clear to see why they are such a great fit for Sereno," said Ryan Iwanaga, co-founder and chief experience officer.

Independent Dallas-area group affiliates with RE/MAX

RE/MAX has expanded its empire, adding The Morine Group in Arlington, Texas, to the fold.

Now known as RE/MAX Empire, the brokerage of more than 30 agents will continue to serve  the Dallas/Fort Worth metro, now with access to RE/MAX resources.

Broker-owner Johnnie Morine, who founded the group in 2016, is a team leader, coach and author. He leads the group alongside Nicole Rogers, an experienced broker, mentor and recruiter who joined The Morine Group in 2017.

"The move to RE/MAX is going to be a huge benefit to both the agents and their clients," said Morine. "Our agents already have the knowledge and dedication to make it in today's market; now they have a global brand beside them to grow market share, an extended suite of resources and technology to lean into, and robust educational opportunities to help them master new skills — all of which is also a benefit to their clients."

Rogers said RE/MAX brings more than just technology and resources. "Considering the culture of RE/MAX aligns with the values and goals of The Morine Group REALTORS, it can contribute to the success and overall satisfaction," she said. " When individuals feel supported and motivated, they are more likely to strive for greatness in their work."

Premier Sotheby's Realty woos longtime Coldwell Banker VP

Terrence Cook, former regional vice president of Coldwell Banker in Tampa Bay, has joined Premier Sotheby's International Realty to help oversee its Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch offices.

Cook will work alongside Craig Cerreta, current managing broker of the Sarasota office locations, under a new leadership structure where both will jointly oversee all brokerage activities and advisors for the three offices.

Cook worked in other industries as a sales professional before beginning his real estate career with Coldwell Banker more than 20 years ago. During that time, he has also served on several boards and committees, including the Florida Association of Realtors Board of Directors, the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee Board of Directors, and the Stellar MLS Policy and Procedures Committee.

"Terrence has garnered an exceptional reputation and track record of success within the brokerage community over many years, and we are so excited to welcome him to the Premier Sotheby's International Realty family with a role that allows him to be fully committed to the market he loves," said Budge Huskey, president and CEO of Premier Sotheby's International Realty.

Huskey also praised Cerreta, noting that he "is so deserving of this promotion to share his talent across an even larger area of the region."

Linda Bradway will continue in her role as the leader of the company's Venice-based operations.  

Engel & Völkers enters the Pittsburgh market

Engel & Völkers has opened its first shops in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area.

The new locations in Pittsburgh and nearby Sewickley are led by license partner and seasoned entrepreneur Elias Pappan. Pappan is also a license partner of Engel & Völkers Columbus in neighboring Ohio, which opened earlier this year. 

Pappan has extensive business leadership experience, having owned and operated construction, acquisition and investment companies. Austin King will serve as the Sewickley shop's managing broker. 

Engel & Völkers has opened three shops in the region so far this year, expanding the brand's reach to several markets throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area and Eastern Pennsylvania. 

"Our growth in the Great Lakes Region has taken off this year," said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. "Markets like Columbus and now Pittsburgh are important to our expansion strategy, as they provide both a small-town feel and big-city living amenities that our clients desire."