Brokerage Beat: News from Lamacchia, Compass, The Agency, Real, ERA, BHGRE 

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.

Lamacchia expands with Sears acquisition

Massachusetts-based Lamacchia Realty has acquired the family firm Sears Real Estate, led by Broker/Owner and current NAR President Kevin Sears alongside Managing Broker Brian Sears and Broker/Owner Dan Rodriguez.

Lamacchia has a sizable presence in Massachusetts, with multiple offices in the state as well as branches in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine and Florida. The acquisition of Sears Real Estate, which was founded more than 50 years ago, will greatly expand the firm's presence in Springfield, one of the largest metros in Central Massachusetts.

"I'm so excited to be finally entering the Springfield market by joining forces with Sears Real Estate and making them a part of Lamacchia Realty," said Anthony Lamacchia, the firm's broker/owner.

"It is an absolute honor and is comforting to me that [Sears Real Estate Founder] Paul Sears was aware of this planned acquisition and that he approved of it. I take the legacy that Paul Sears started in 1971 very seriously and I plan to carry it on so that he's looking down proud of not only his family, but also of me in the years to come," Lamacchia added.

The Sears team expressed similar enthusiasm for the merger: "I would like to say from Sears Real Estate, and more importantly from the Paul Sears family, that we are thrilled to join the Lamacchia Realty family. Sears Real Estate was founded and operated for over 50 years on not only helping buyers and sellers but more importantly being an involved and responsible member of the local community. Anthony and Lamacchia Realty live that every day," said Brian Sears.

Sears Real Estate will retain its name during a transition period, and Lamacchia has been increasing marketing efforts to bring more visibility to the Springfield firm. The expansion represents Lamacchia's fourth acquisition in Massachusetts in less that a year.

REBNY award winner rejoins Compass

David Mayer, REBNY's Deal of the Year 2022 winner, is back at Compass after a stint with Corcoran. Mayer specializes in luxury real estate from New York City to South Florida.

"We are thrilled to welcome David back to the Compass family," said Gordon Golub, Compass Tri-State regional vice president. "David will be able to leverage our technology platform along with the unique Compass network of agents to fuel his business."

Mayer is known for his wide international experience, personal network and ability to speak four languages, and he expressed enthusiasm about using Compass' technology and data to enhance listings. 

"Compass's technology is light years ahead of other brokerages," he said in a news release. "Thanks to this advantage, I believe I will have the opportunity to devote more time to other areas that are essential for success as a dual-market agent, such as nurturing client relationships, developing marketing strategies, and, ultimately, business expansion."

The Agency opens in Steamboat Springs

The Agency had opened its fifth office in Colorado, The Agency Steamboat Springs. Chris Paoli is the managing partner.

"We are thrilled to be opening … in the coveted ski town of  Steamboat Springs," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency, in a news release. Umansky said Paoli was "a fantastic partner" and "a trusted local expert who we know will represent The Agency well as we continue to introduce our brand to sought-after destinations around the globe."

Hailing from Suffern, New York, Chris Paoli specializes in luxury properties and new developments in the Yampa Valley region. His and his team, the Paoli Group, are market leaders in Steamboat Springs, having been No. 1 in sales volume in both 2021 and 2022. 

"Steamboat Springs is such a unique and tight-knit community that aligns perfectly with the ethos of The Agency," Paoli said in the release. "We are excited to introduce the brand's unparalleled culture of collaboration and cutting edge marketing to provide the best service possible to this beloved area."

Kai Real Estate joins Real's 'Private Label'

Jodi Nishimura, ranked in the top 1% of agents in the East Bay market, has brought her 12-agent firm, Kai Real Estate, to the Real Brokerage.

Nishimura has completed several renovations of million-dollar homes and specializes in helping clients do the same. In the past three years, she has closed transactions worth approximately $200 million.

"The more I learn about Real, the more impressed I am. Everything from the culture to how the company is leveraging technology aligns with what I was looking for," Nishimura said in a news release. "I'm excited to be part of Real, while also being able to nurture the Kai Real Estate brand."

"We are thrilled by the momentum we have seen from some of our industry's most successful entrepreneurs who believe in the strong value proposition of joining Real under our Private Label program," Real President Sharran Srivatsaa said in the news release. 

"Private Label was built for people like Jodi who have established great brands and who also want to be a part of something bigger." Real has more than 3,000 agents in California. 

Multi-office firm joins ERA in Southern Maryland

O'Brien Realty, a firm with more than 100 agents in five offices, is now doing business as O'Brien Realty ERA Powered.

Owner, principal broker and Vietnam veteran Mike O'Brien founded the company in 1980 after working in corporate finance. Toni Lowman is the firm's vice president of development and manages the company's offices in Calvert County.

O'Brien has a background in land development, and in addition to residential sales, his agents are experienced in new construction, waterfront properties, farms and land sales. He hopes to use the affiliation with ERA to connect with more clients outside the South Maryland market and ensure the future success of his firm. 

"Longevity is the ultimate goal, and that means securing future growth and taking a look at potential succession plans," O'Brien said in a news release.

"While this process comes with plenty of moving parts, ERA Real Estate can provide the formal infrastructure to keep us grounded and always make sure we're moving in the right direction while we handle more complex needs," he added.

Kentucky's Fern Leaf Group joins BHGRE

A brokerage that serves clients in 15 counties of Western Kentucky has joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

Based in Paducah, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fern Leaf Group supports clients with residential and commercial listings as well as farm and land deals. Broker/owner Cindy Hart founded the firm in 2010 and is also a director and co-chair on the Paducah Board of Realtors. 

Hart originally worked as an interior designer who branched into real estate in 2004 with the support of her mother, Georgia Fern — the firm's namesake. Hart said her company was founded on the principles of cooperation, mutual support and service excellence.

"Our company motto is that no deal is too tall or too small for us to handle. We're happy to help people from all walks of life to achieve the lifestyle of their choice, and we'll never shy away from going above and beyond to make that happen," Hart noted in a news release. 

She added that being part of a national brand "allows us to leverage the trust and awareness of an iconic brand in ways that align with our market and elevate our services without sacrificing who we already are."