Brokerage Beat: CB gains influencer; E&V, The Agency expand in the West; more 

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.

Actress-influencer-agent joins Coldwell Banker

Los Angeles luxury real estate agent and social media influencer Sandra Vidal has joined Coldwell Banker Exclusive.

Previously with Compass, Vidal specializes in working with developers and entertainment professionals in Los Angeles, Europe and Latin America.

Vidal has more than 24 years of experience in real estate, including rehabbing properties and negotiating deals as a developer as well as representing clients as an agent. She also brings an impressive list of entertainment credits.

She is currently a star of the Estrella network's "Rica, Famosa, Latina" (Rich, Famous, Latina), a Spanish-language reality show inspired by the "Real Housewives" franchise. She has also appeared in several English-language programs, including "The Bold and the Beautiful," and has more than 100,000 Instagram followers.

Her star power extends to her real estate work, having helped composer Henry Mancini's family find a home and closing a deal for a property once owned in part by former First Lady Betty Ford.

"Having exclusive access to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury network was the right fit for me and my local and international clients," said Vidal. "I instantly connected with the team at Coldwell Banker Exclusive. With the strong local leadership and top-tier luxury marketing and networking support, I'm excited about this new partnership."

Coldwell Banker Exclusive is home to more than 180 agents across three offices in Southern California.

Former Compass broker takes exec role at TTR Sotheby's in DC

Lindsay Reishman, the founding broker of Compass Real Estate in the Washington D.C. market, has joined TTR Sotheby's International Realty as senior vice president and associate broker.

"I love the combination of an exceptional international brand, strong local leadership, and a great group of agents. I'm so excited to join the firm and grateful for the opportunity," Reishman said.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lindsay to TTR Sotheby's International Realty," said David DeSantis, co-COO of TTR Sotheby's International Realty.

"Many of us have worked with him for years in Washington real estate, and to have him honor us with his presence at the firm is both an exceptional pleasure and I believe a confirmation that the best years of our business lie ahead."

TTR Sotheby's International Realty has 12 offices and more than 500 agents in the D.C. area, and the firm's agents closed $5 billion in sales in 2022, according to the company.

The Agency opens second Nevada office

The Agency has opened a franchise office in Henderson, Nevada, the firm's second location in the state.

The Agency Henderson is led by managing partner Zar Zanganeh, who also heads the firm's Las Vegas office, and managing director Russ Arnold.

"We're thrilled to expand into Henderson, one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in Nevada and a central hub for homebuyers seeking close proximity to Las Vegas," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency. "We're delighted to partner again with Zar Zanganeh who is a well-respected leader in our industry and possesses a deep knowledge and experience in this market."

Zanganeh got his start in the industry when he was still in high school, working as an assistant to a real estate broker. He has now been in the business for 22 years.

"Following the success of the launch of our office in Las Vegas, I am honored to add to our Agency family in Nevada with the launch of our office in Henderson, which has become a hot spot for Angelenos relocating to the many luxury communities in the area," Zanganeh said.

Independent Central Washington brokerage joins RE/MAX

The Real Estate Collective in Yakima, Washington, has affiliated with the RE/MAX brand.

Now known as RE/MAX The Collective, the brokerage, operated by Haley Larson, reached $55 million in sales volume in 2022. 

Larson opened the office just last year, which she described as a "concierge-style group," and said joining a national brand will help the business grow.

"The education, the systems and the years of tried and true behind the RE/MAX brand is nothing short of excellent," Larson said. "I love the RE/MAX values and the company's emphasis on technology, while not replacing the agent."

Larson has been an active agent in the Yakima Valley for the past seven years, and also does real estate investing and rehabbing.

Anne Hardy returns 'home' to Berkshire Hathaway

Broker Anne Hardy, based in Lake Forest, Illinois, has returned to BHHS Chicago where she previously worked from 2018-2022.

Last year, Hardy joined Coldwell Banker, where she reached the  President's Circle and was  named among the Top 1% of Realtors, based on volume, by the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors.

"I returned to BHHS Chicago for many reasons," Hardy said. "I love the support, collaboration, and leadership here as well as the feeling that it's a family. Clients see and feel that depth of support too in terms of administrative assistance and robust technology offerings as well as mortgage, title and insurance expertise. As I work with my clients to guide them through the process and minimize stress, it's great for them to see I have an experienced team at the ready should they need anything. I truly consider BHHS Chicago my home."

Kevin Rynes, managing broker for the Lake Forest office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, said he welcomed her return.

"I've known Anne for many years and am so glad that she returned to BHHS Chicago," Rynes said. "She has an exceptional reputation as a talented and knowledgeable broker. As a result, her business is largely based on referrals, something she is proud of and takes very seriously."

Engel & Völkers expands in the Denver area

Turner Associates, an independent brokerage based south of Denver, Colorado, is now Engel & Völkers Castle Pines.

Travis Turner, majority license partner and managing broker, has worked for more than a decade in Colorado's Front Range region. He is joined by his sister and minority owner Katie Turner.

"Colorado remains a foothold for our expansion in North America," said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO of Engel & Völkers Americas. "With a shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of client service, Travis is the right partner to bring Castle Pines and its surrounding communities into the Engel & Völkers' fold and continue to strengthen our presence in the Rocky Mountains and beyond."

With a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities luring buyers for upscale homes, Castle Pines is a prime market for the luxury brand, Turner said.

"As the market for luxury properties continues to evolve, Engel & Völkers' proven track record and innovative marketing strategies position our team to capitalize on the growing demand for premium properties in Castle Pines and throughout the Front Range," he said.

Manhattan's Coldwell Banker Warburg adds to roster

Coldwell Banker Warburg, the first company fully branded under the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury umbrella, has added three new agents.

Veteran agent Ha Lim Lee, who has been featured in the New York Times and on HGTV for extensive renovations on her co-op apartment, has worked in the New York, New Jersey and Hong Kong markets.

After three decades as a senior executive in fashion merchandising and production, Michael Ruff, a longtime resident of the Upper East Side, brings a large network of friends and colleagues to the firm, along with business experience.

Former HBO executive Maria Kourepenos has an extensive background in marketing, and since transitioning to real estate in 2023, will now use her expertise in marketing and promotion to build her career at Warburg.  

The firm, previously known as Warburg Realty, is a fixture of the Manhattan real estate market and has been led by President Frederick Warburg Peters for more than three decades.

15 Jersey Shore agents join Compass

Fifteen RE/MAX agents on the Jersey Shore have jumped ship to join Compass.

"For 26 years, we have grown our business and earned the respect of the community we serve," said Kurt Feinstein, an agent and former RE/MAX franchise owner in Ocean City. "Now, there is a new innovator in the industry, and this move is about enhancing our service and setting ourselves up for long-term success."

A popular vacation destination for people in the Philadelphia area, The Shore also has a growing year-round population.

The new recruits include principal agents Ronald Gifford, Daniel Maimone, Craig Troilo, Peter Adams, The Feinstein Group's Kurt Feinstein and Zachery Feinstein, Bob Pitera, Kevin Kozak, Michael Bushong, and Robert Bond. 

"We are excited to welcome talented agents who, along with our technology platform and support, will be able to create amazing experiences for their clients," said Rory Golod, Compass' president of growth and communications.