Brokerage Beat: News from eXp, The Agency, Coldwell Banker
eXp nabs Maryland mega-team and Vancouver group; The Agency opens new Brooklyn office; Coldwell Banker gains top producers in Boston.
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.
eXp lands top teams in Maryland and Vancouver Island
eXp Realty announced this week that Maryland-based Brandon Brittingham and his 30-person team have joined the company.
Brittingham was previously at Long & Foster, where his team ranked as the No. 1 large team in Maryland and No. 2 in the U.S. in 2022. In total, the team sold more than 7,000 homes worth $1.5 billion in sales volume while at Long & Foster.
"In 2022 alone, he sold over 300 homes single-handedly, with his team selling more than 777 homes for $228 million in sales volume," eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja said in the announcement. "We look forward to working with Brandon as he continues to grow and set the standard for excellence."
Brittingham said eXp's model was the right fit for his team's growth.
"For me, by far, what eXp could do to support the growth of my business along with their vision, hands down, made the most sense," said Brittingham. "eXp stood out due to its innovative approach, community of top producers, and alignment with my vision."
eXp has also announced the addition of Bryce Hansen and his five-agent team from Vancouver Island's Comox Valley. The team, previously with RE/MAX, achieved nearly $178.5 million in closed sales in 2023.
Hansen, who started in real estate nearly 15 years ago, is known for his deep local roots and market expertise, the company said in the announcement. He described the move to eXp as "a game-changer for our team" and a growth opportunity that "will allow us to better serve our clients and build a sustainable future for our agents."
Hansen noted that the move "was also heavily influenced by the support and mentorship of Justin Havre, one of eXp's top producers, who played a pivotal role in helping us understand the immense value eXp brings to real estate professionals." Havre brought his 60-agent team to eXp in November 2023.
The Agency opens Park Slope office
The Agency has announced the opening of a new office in Park Slope, Brooklyn, its eighth location in New York.
Known as The Agency Brooklyn Park Slope, the office will be led by industry veterans Michael Smith and Donald Mastroianni, who also manage The Agency's Long Island offices.
"With the launch of our new office in Brooklyn's highly desirable Park Slope neighborhood, our continued New York expansion marks a significant milestone in The Agency's strategic growth in the region," Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency, said in the announcement.
"We are thrilled to expand our brand in Brooklyn and look forward to the success our office is primed to achieve," Umansky added. The Brooklyn-based office is one of nearly two dozen new offices the luxury brokerage has opened this year.
Smith and Mastroianni are also executives with The SafeGuard Group, which offers real estate and personal finance services. Smith serves as president and CEO of the company, while Mastroianni is CFO and COO.
Boston duo moves to Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker Realty in New England announced that Katherine Bell and Maddy Petrini, leaders of the Bell Petrini Group, have joined its office. Previously with Compass, Bell and Petrini are bringing three team members along.
Based in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, the Bell Petrini Group has over 20 years of experience with more than $47 million in sales this year. Bell and Petrini have each sold more than $100 million in real estate throughout their real estate careers and bring extensive industry knowledge and a deep understanding of Boston's neighborhoods.
"The reputation and recognition that Coldwell Banker Realty has were reasons enough for us to affiliate. I'm excited to continue expanding our reach in Greater Boston utilizing the numerous resources that Coldwell Banker Realty offers," said Bell.
Bell and Petrini cited Coldwell Banker Realty's reputation and resources as key factors in their decision to join. They look forward to leveraging the company's tools and support to enhance their services.