Brokerage Beat: News from E&V, Corcoran, Compass, The Agency 

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. and globally.

Engle & Völkers nabs top broker from The Agency Seattle

Alee Heidar, The Agency Seattle's top broker for the past two years, has moved to Engel & Völkers Kirkland.

Alee Heidar is joined in the move by his brother and business partner Yama Heidar, who together form The Heidar Group.

"My business partner Phil Isle and I are very pleased to welcome The Heidar Group to Engel & Völkers Kirkland," said Marcel Dolak, license partner at the Kirkland shop. "Alee and Yama's professionalism and real estate know-how are a benefit to all who surround them, clients and colleagues alike."

Alee Heidar said he and his brother are "thrilled and honored" to join Engel & Völkers. "Our values align, and we are eager to surround ourselves with like-minded professionals who share our passion for excellence, honesty, and integrity," he said. "This move allows us to accelerate our growth while maintaining our boutique-style service and unwavering dedication to our clients, vendors, and partners."

Corcoran lands veteran team in NYC, launches in Massachusetts

Espinal Adler Team joins Corcoran

Marie Espinal and Jeff Adler of The Espinal Adler Team have made the move to the Corcoran Group.

The 11-person team serves clients throughout New York City, Westchester County and Miami.

Both Espinal and Adler cited changes in the real estate industry in explaining their decision to move on after 15 years with Douglas Ellliman. 

"In the last three years in real estate, we've seen more change than we've experienced in the previous ten, which signaled to the team that we needed to pivot," Espinal said. "It is bittersweet leaving Elliman after 15 years; however, I am extremely excited for the future of my partnership with Jeff and continuing to be a catalyst for change in the industry, with the innovative team at Corcoran propelling us forward," she said.

Adler agreed. "I have spent my entire real estate career thus far at Douglas Elliman, but our move to Corcoran is a strategic decision that allows Marie and I to focus on our long-term goals and branding," he said. "This move is opportune for our team considering the tectonic shifts in the industry and the strategy that Corcoran has helped us envision."

The team joins Corcoran's Park Avenue South office, which is led by Senior Managing Directors Alex Cho and Brian Ullman. 

Massachusetts team leaves Compass to launch Corcoran brokerage

The Corcoran Group has its first affiliate in Massachusetts, Corcoran Property Advisors.

The new brokerage is owned and operated by Brian Dougherty and Nick Robert, formerly with The Private Brokerage Team at Compass. The brokerage will have a primary office in Boston and a secondary office in Cohasset, located on the South Shore where greater Boston Harbor ends and Massachusetts Bay begins.

Dougherty and Robert founded The Private Brokerage agent team at Compass in 2019. Corcoran Property Advisors currently has eight licensed agents.

"There has always been a strong northeast synergy between New York City, Corcoran's first market, and the greater Boston area," said Pamela Liebman, president and CEO of The Corcoran Group. "Therefore, I couldn't be happier to solidify that union with the launch of Corcoran Property Advisors. The team's strong business acumen, paired with Corcoran's tools, support, and world-class brand, is sure to spur exciting growth across Boston and its luxury coastal communities."

New York "Super Brokers" join Compass

Brokers Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon, known for roles on HGTV's "Selling New York" and Page Six TV's "Billion Dollar Brokers," have left Douglas Elliman for Compass.

With more than $3 billion in career sales, Postilio and Conlong bring a celebrity-laden client list that includes Barry Manilow, Liza Minnelli, David Sanborn and Joan Collins.

"We are excited to welcome Tom & Mickey," said Compass Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin. "Their craft mastery, exceptional marketing acumen, and our end-to-end technology platform will elevate their business to new heights."

The pair bring an active listings portfolio of $60 million to Compass along with ambitions to grow their reach.

"We look forward to expanding our team nationally to better serve our clients' needs in the markets where they maintain a presence," said Conlon. "With a broader reach, we aim to solidify our position as industry leaders and strengthen our capacity to exceed client expectations with every interaction."

Postilio said Compass' technology will also be an asset to the team. "As we look at the future of the real estate industry and our role within it, we know that Compass is innovating and evolving miles ahead of the pack," Postilio noted. "It's beyond exciting to imagine what the next decade will bring, where human connectivity and technology can work in tandem, not as competitors."

The Agency opens in Mexico City

The Agency has opened its eighth office in Mexico with a new branch in Mexico City, birthplace of the company's founder.

The Agency Mexico City is led by Managing Partner Ricardo Umansky and Managing Director  Alex Cuttler.

"Mexico holds special significance for The Agency as it was the first country we expanded to in 2015, and it continues to be a formidable force in the real estate sector, said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency.

Ricardo Umansky has previously worked as a developer in Mexico City and New York and holds a Master's Degree in Architecture.

"Mexico City is truly a one-of-a-kind metropolitan city," he said. "Alexander and I cannot wait to introduce this incredible region of Mexico to The Agency's global network."

Cuttler brings more than two decades of real estate experience to the office as well as background as a developer. Like both Mauricio and Ricardo Umansky, he was born in Mexico City.

"I'm honored to represent the brand in Mexico City alongside Ricardo Umansky and know that together we will raise the bar for the real estate industry within our incredible city," he said.