Brokerage Beat: News from BHGRE, Corcoran, Christie's, C21, 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.

Illinois indie joins BHGRE

Vieweg Real Estate's residential side has joined the Better Homes and Gardens brand.

Now known as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service First, the brokerage was founded nine years ago by 40-year commercial real estate veteran Tim Vieweg.

The commercial side of the Decatur, Illinois-based brokerage will remain under the Vieweg Real Estate Brand.

"One of the biggest things that sets us apart is our ability to keep up with the evolving real estate market, but it requires a great deal of effort to achieve," Vieweg said, adding that the affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens "will not only provide us with enhanced tools and services, but it will also streamline our back-end operations and allow us to spend more time on what really matters — taking care of our clients."

BHGRE President Ginger Wilcox said the company is impressed with the caliber of Vieweg's agents and believes the strength of the brand will help the firm "attract even more local talent."

Tri-Star Team joins Corcoran Centric in Connecticut

The Tri-Star Team has left Compass for Corcoran Centric in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Formed by Ronald Nyman in 2019, the team includes agents Susanne Lapsien and Alec Nyman and has transacted around $20 million in sales each of the last three years.

Jeff Jackson, broker/owner of Corcoran Centric Realty, highlighted the team's success in several markets along the Long Island Sound: "Over the past 5 years they've quickly risen to become one of the top ranked teams in the Stamford, Darien, and Rowayton markets. Combining exceptional local knowledge with a commitment to best in class client service, makes them an ideal addition to our brokerage as we expand throughout Fairfield County."

Nyman began his real estate career in 2016 after holding several executive roles in the healthcare industry.

He said his team is excited for what comes next: "As we transition to our new home brokerage, our commitment to delivering unparalleled service to our clients remains unwavering, and together with Corcoran, we look forward to setting new milestones for our team and setting new standards within the local market." 

Christie's brings on new talent in NYC, Hamptons

Christie's International Real Estate Group announced a new managing director in its New York City office and the recruitment of a top agent in the Hamptons.

Brett Forman is now managing director of the brand's New York City operations. Meanwhile, veteran agent Bonita DeWolf has joined its Hamptons office after more than two decades with Corcoran.

Forman has over $1 billion in transactions over his 15 years in sales and six years in real estate management. As part of Christie's International Real Estate Group's leadership team, he is expected to spearhead agent growth and recruitment efforts in New York City. 

"I am thrilled to become a part of Christie's International Real Estate Group, the fastest growing real estate brokerage in New York City and the tri-state area," Forman said.

DeWolf, who has been in real estate for nearly 30 years, joined the company's Hamptons office and cited the brand's "strong emphasis on client care" as a factor behind her move. 

"Building and nurturing enduring relationships is at the heart of real estate, and Christie's International Real Estate Group shares this commitment," she said.

Sherri Balassone, VP and corporate broker of record for Christie's International Real Estate Group, called DeWolf "an esteemed figure in the Hamptons real estate market."

"We are excited to welcome Bonita, whose impressive track record is set to elevate client experiences and influence the future of real estate transactions in this region." 

Century 21 adds 2 affiliates in Texas, 1 in Ohio

Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo's Key Realty is now Century 21 Key Realty. Broker/owner David Velasquez, who also served a combined 15 years in the U.S. Marines and Navy, opened the full-service brokerage in 2008, offering residential, commercial and property management services.

"We're always hungry for more when it comes to expanding our business and improving our capabilities," said Velasquez. "We're more than willing to get into the weeds of real estate and ensure no detail goes unnoticed, but we've also still got the ability to recognize big picture opportunities. The Century 21 brand is the key to unlocking more of those opportunities."

Houston

Boutique brokerage Goldman Meyer Properties, which has served the Greater Houston metro area since 2015, is now Century 21 Energy.

Broker/owner Sam Chaudry started his career in the world of finance and got his first taste of real estate while managing commercial investments. He began selling real estate full time in 2009 and earned his broker's license in 2012.

His understanding of finance has bolstered his commitment to ensuring clients are fully informed. "We don't believe in making a transaction for the sake of a transaction," said Chaudhry. "We always keep our focus on the big picture — protecting our clients' best interest and going above and beyond to satisfy their real estate needs. Their interest comes first and if that requires putting extra effort into the deal, we're more than willing to do so."

Ohio

Suburban Cincinnati brokerage RedSun, founded five years ago by owner Donna Sundin, is now operating under the Century 21 brand.

"I have a vested interest in hands-on mentoring and professional development, and the Century 21 brand provides some of the best resources in that area, while still allowing me to provide individualized counsel to everyone in my company," said Sundin. "We'll be able to be free, but we'll also be able to be better."

The brokerage is based in Milford, about 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati.

"Donna is the perfect archetype of the passionate, capable and entrepreneurial women that we want to lead the Century 21 brand into the future," said Mike Miedler, Century 21 president and CEO.

CB Warburg welcomes four new agents

Coldwell Banker Warburg has recently added four new agents to its Manhattan office. The firm is well established in the NYC market, and prior to its affiliation with Coldwell Banker in 2021, was the longest-standing independent residential real estate firm in Manhattan.

The new additions are Alana Lindsay, Sally Chame, Victoria Adamo and Daniel Ragone.

Alana Lindsay is a Long Island native with a background as an analyst in renewable energy and building efficiency. 

Sally Chame is from Paris, France, and speaks three languages. She is a broker and brings 15 years of experience and several high-profile French clients.

Victoria Adamo has a decade of experience in the Manhattan real estate and more than $150 million in sales.

Daniel Ragone brings a background in advertising, media and publishing, and has extensive experience renovating, decorating and selling properties in Manhattan, the Hamptons and the Hudson Valley. 

RE/MAX added two dozen offices at the end of 2023

RE/MAX had a busy third quarter, opening 24 new offices in the last three months of 2023 and adding nearly 330 agents to the brand.

The additions are a mix of new offices, conversions of formerly unaffiliated brokerages, and expansions of existing RE/MAX companies across the U.S.

"It's hard to deny that this has been one of the most turbulent markets in memory, but the strength of the RE/MAX brand was apparent," said Peter Luft, RE/MAX vice president of franchise sales. "I think it speaks volumes about the character of our franchisees."

The eight new brokerages are located in Florida, Texas, New York, Kentucky, Georgia and Wisconsin.

The five conversions were in Texas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California.

And the 11 expansions and acquisitions were in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Maryland, Wisconsin and New Jersey.