Brokerage Beat: News from C21, Realty ONE, Pinnacle, Christie's 

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.

Boutique Arkansas firm joins Century 21 

Bentonville-based Heartfelt Homes has affiliated with Century 21.

The independent brokerage was founded in 2019 by broker/owner Amber Green. The firm, now doing business as Century 21 Heartfelt Homes, was named a top-producing real estate company by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal in 2022, ranking at the highest tier for sales volume. 

In addition to exceeding $21 million in sales, the brokerage is known for its customer service orientation and support of local businesses. 

With the brand strength and resources of C21, Green is looking to expand her firm's size and footprint. Within the next year, she plans to double the number of agents in the existing office and open three additional offices in neighboring regions. 

"I'm always looking to provide the best opportunities for my firm's affiliated agents," said Green. "When the Century 21 brand came knocking, I knew I would be able to provide things I could not offer as a non-franchised company. Both myself and the agents are excited to leverage the power of the brand to propel ourselves even further in our work so that we can better execute on our mission of helping our clients find a home that holds their heart."

Realty ONE opens in Belize

The fast-growing real estate brand announced its entry into Belize this week, bringing Realty ONE's global reach to 17 countries. The brokerage company also has offices in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Franchise owner Sergio E. Gonzalez, who previously purchased the franchise rights to Costa Rica and is the regional owner of Realty ONE Group Central America and Western Caribbean, is leading the Belize expansion. 

Gonzalez intends to open the first Realty ONE locations on Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island.

"Sergio and his partners are family, and they've become some of the most impassioned and progressive leaders in our global network," said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and Founder of Realty ONE Group. "I have no doubt that with his partners and supporters, he'll be radically changing the lives of real estate professionals, and entire communities, in and around Belize."

Texas mega-team joins Pinnacle

Nest Finders, with agents across Texas and Florida, has partnered with Pinnacle Realty Advisors, the self-described "Brokerage-as-a-Service" platform.

The Nest Finders team, led by founder and native Houstonian Carlo Mercado, will retain its independence while using Pinnacle's platform to expand into new markets.  

Mercado and his Texas team recently ranked among the top producers statewide and in Houston, according to a news release, achieving more than $150 million in sales volume since their formation in 2020.

In discussing his motivation to partner with Pinnacle, Mercado said, "I'm a firm believer in the proverb: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. This mentality is the epitome of team, and we are excited to partner with Pinnacle Realty Advisors."

Pinnacle CEO Sam Sawyer noted that his company gives "more power back to the agents to run their business on their terms, and we are excited to keep adding more teams like Nest Finders to our platform as we grow!"

Multi-state C21 brokerage names new CEO

Century 21 Circle, which serves Illinois, Indiana and Florida, has a new leader. Melissa Archer-Wirtz, the former chief operating officer of two Chicagoland firms, will bring her 15 years of real estate leadership experience to the Century 21 affiliate. 

Originally supporting the Illinois operations of another C21 firm, Century 21 Circle formed its own firm and rebranded in 2023. In addition to its brokerage operations, the company offers title and insurance services and supports more than 1,200 agents across 40+ offices. 

Archer-Wirtz, who will oversee the company's full spectrum of operations, started in real estate nearly 20 years ago as a sales and marketing professional at Neumann Homes. She later worked as a consultant for another Century 21 affiliate before moving into COO roles at CONLON/Christie's International Real Estate and Jameson Sotheby's International Realty.

"I cut my teeth on this brand," said Archer-Wirtz. "This new role quite literally brings me 'full-circle,' and I can't wait to get to know everyone and learn more about the opportunities we have to fuel further growth for the company and our affiliated agents."

Christie's Real Estate nabs top Atlanta agent

Ansley Christie's International Real Estate has wooed Shirley Gary, Engel & Völkers' top agent by unit sales, to their Atlanta firm. 

Gary previously owned an Engel & Völkers franchise with two Atlanta-area offices, and she brings more than 25 former E&V agents with her to Ansley Christie's.

Gary has ranked #1 for closed transactions in the Engel & Völkers Americas network for nine consecutive years, and in 2022 she achieved more than $191 million in sales volume, according to a news release. In addition to closing a high number of existing-home sales, Gary has represented multiple new construction developments.

Gary pointed to Ansley Christie's technology, reach and resources, including luxury marketing programs, as the impetus for her move. 

"I wanted to find the best place for me and my colleagues, and Ansley Christie's International Real Estate was the only firm in Atlanta that had all these benefits along with an incredible culture. We're thrilled with the possibilities to grow our business and provide additional value to our clients," Gary said.