Brokerage Beat: News from Compass, Redfin, Corcoran, Christie's RE, 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. and globally.

Marcus Skenderian Group in Orange County rejoins Compass

The Marcus Skenderian Real Estate Group in Orange County, California, has returned to Compass after a three-year stint with Coldwell Banker.

Broker Marcus Skenderian has deep roots in the Laguna Beach area, and along with rejoining Compass, he has opened an office in the city. Skendarian and his three team members — Jimmie Russell, Tammy Skenderian and Luke Sydnor — have been operating in Orange County's highly desirable coastal communities for more than 17 years, and their total lifetime sales exceed $500 million. 

The team closed $63 million in sales in 2023 alone, which was a record year for the group.

"We are so thrilled to be returning to our homes right here in Laguna Beach and at Compass," Skenderian said in a news release. He and his team offer clients wide experience in commercial real estate, architecture, construction and development, in addition to high-end home sales.

"With his deep understanding of the local market and firm dedication to his community, we could not be happier to have Marcus and his team return home to Compass," said Robert Reffkin, Compass founder and CEO. "We look forward to supporting their growth."

Redfin Next comes to 25 new markets

Redfin's higher commission split program is expanding into another 25 markets, the company announced.

Redfin Next gives agents splits of up to 70% while allowing them to remain employees of the company, not independent contractors. As employees, the agents qualify for benefits and Redfin pays virtually all business expenses.

The program launched in October of 2023 as a pilot program in San Francisco and Los Angeles but has rapidly grown. With the newest expansion, Redfin Next is available in 36 markets across the country.

NJ brokerage merges with Corcoran franchise

Woodward Realty Group in Rumson, New Jersey, has merged with Corcoran Baer & McIntosh.

Corcoran Baer & McIntosh serves communities north and south of New York City from offices in New York and New Jersey, and prior to its affiliation with Corcoran in 2021, had been operating as an independent brokerage since 1979.

Woodward Realty Group was founded in 1987 by the late Gloria Woodward. Her daughter, Pamela Woodward (Villano), succeeded her mother in ownership and management. Woodward Realty Group has 26 agents and support staff members in their Rumson office. 

"As a company, we have always been impressed with Corcoran's iconic branding, stand-out marketing, business acumen, and stellar reputation," Pamela Woodward said in a news release. 

"By aligning ourselves with Corcoran Baer & McIntosh, the tools, innovative technology, and added support will elevate our agents' business and enable them to provide even greater service to their clients." 

With the addition of the Woodward group, Corcoran Baer & McIntosh now has more than 130 agents in seven offices.

Christie's enters fast-growing Vietnam market

Christie's International Real Estate is the first global brand to enter Vietnam's luxury real estate market.

The new venture, S&S Group Christie's International Real Estate, was formed in partnership with S&S Group, a Vietnamese luxury conglomerate owned and operated by Sassy Nguyen and her husband Sam Vu.

In addition to real estate, S&S Group deals in fine automobiles, timepieces, fashion and art, representing numerous international luxury brands.

The office will open in June in the Hilton Saigon, located in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel is already the home of S&S Group's Lamborghini dealership. The partners plan to open a Hanoi office in two to three years.

"It's an honor to bring Christie's International Real Estate to Vietnam at such an exciting time for the luxury market in our country," Nguyen said in a news release. 

"Launching the Christie's International Real Estate brand in Vietnam is a show of confidence and a signal to luxury buyers and investors around the world that our market is here to stay and will continue to thrive."

The real estate market in Vietnam has grown rapidly in the past decade, fueled by a stable economy, as well as growth in manufacturing and agriculture.

Manhattan's CB Warburg gains new broker

Broker David Sokolowski has joined Coldwell Banker Warburg, a longtime luxury residential real estate firm in Manhattan. 

Sokolowski grew up around real estate, as his parents are investors in north Brooklyn. He began his own real estate career as an agent with Douglas Elliman in 2010, then spent nearly 10 years at Nest Seekers International before moving to CB Warburg.

While at Douglas Elliman, he was the youngest person to win the brokerage's Rookie of the Year prize for Brooklyn agents. 

He serves the entire New York City area and works with a wide range of clients including hedge funds, REITs, foreign buyers and celebrities.