Teams on the Move: @properties, KW, Compass gain teams
Chicago duo takes North Shore business to @properties; No. 1 New Orleans agent joins Keller Williams; Compass team increases brokerage's Milwaukee presence.
Editor's note: Here we highlight top agent teams that have joined new brokerages or formed partnerships as they look to grow their business.
@properties gains Chicago team
@properties has snagged a pair of longtime Chicagoland agents and North Shore experts.
The Tesar Group, led by Justin and Aly Tesar, recently made the move from Compass to @properties Christie's International Real Estate, according to a news release. The Tesars, natives of Chicago's North Shore, have more than 20 years of combined real estate experience and have topped $25 million in sales so far this year.
Prior to Compass, the duo worked together at Coldwell Banker, where they initially formed their team.
"The Tesars' deep connections to the community, their knowledge of all things North Shore, and their energetic and empathetic approach to this business have made them popular among homebuyers and sellers as well as fellow agents. We're thrilled to welcome them to @properties Christie's International Real Estate," said Thomas Downing, vice president of brokerage services for @properties Christie's International Real Estate in Winnetka.
Top New Orleans agent chooses KW
Chris Smith, the top real estate agent by volume and units sold last year in New Orleans, has made the move to Keller Williams.
Smith has consistently closed around $60 million in sales annually over the past decade, according to a news release, with a career total of more than 1,500 transactions.
Most recently with Latter & Blum, Smith has more than 20 years of experience in the New Orleans market. In discussing his decision to join KW, Smith said the leadership of the KW New Orleans office and the potential to grow personally and professionally were important factors.
"Their mission is focused on lifting everyone up and helping them reach their fullest potential," Smith said. "The strong sense of community at Keller WIlliams New Orleans impresses me," he added. "There's a wealth of social offerings, a welcoming spirit of openness and inclusivity and a genuine desire to help others strengthen their lives."
Compass team with MLB connection expands
A Wisconsin-based Compass team has grown and rebranded as Yelich Realty Group.
Kyle Ristow has joined Compass agent Collin Yelich to form the new team. Yelich is the brother of Milwaukee Brewers player Christian Yelich and has worked with several of the MLB team's members to assist with their leasing needs, according to a news release.
Collin Yelich also has family ties within Compass: His mother and aunt have been with the brokerage for the past four years.
Ristow, who has been working in real estate since graduating from high school, was previously at Keller Williams.
Compass' tech platform, which it has invested heavily in, was a major draw for Yelich when he first joined the firm. Compass also recently announced a new marketing tool, Compass AI.
"I found that, especially in the last few years, the power of technology and active technological advancement is imperative to running a successful business," said Yelich.