Brokerage Beat: Former eXp execs launch new venture; movers in S. Florida 

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.

eXp execs, indie founders form new brokerage

The leaders of Realty of America (ROA), a new national residential real estate brokerage, announced the official launch of their firm during the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) conference in San Diego this week

Founded by industry veterans Eddie Garcia, Mark Dimas, Erinn Nobel and Peter Nobel, ROA aims to redefine the real estate landscape with new tech, revenue sharing and equity, and a focus on inclusive culture and community building, the company said.

Garcia, founder and CEO of Realty of Chicago, and Dimas, founder and president of Mark Dimas Properties, bring extensive experience, having grown their brokerages into multibillion-dollar enterprises in the lucrative Chicago and Houston markets. The Nobels, who founded ENRG Realty earlier this year, contribute their expertise in scaling operations and implementing technology, with key roles in the growth of eXp Realty and Real Brokerage as C-level executives.

"Our strength lies in uplifting our agents and the communities they serve," said Garcia. Erinn Nobel added: "We are committed to a people-first culture where agents can thrive." ROA seeks to set a new standard in the real estate industry through operational excellence and agent empowerment.

Florida luxury team joins The Agency

South Florida-based real estate leader Steven Seigel and his team have moved to The Agency Miami from Compass. 

Seigel's group, dubbed The Luxury Team, has closed more than $100 million in transactions so far in 2024, the company said. The team, which was founded in 2006, includes Seigel, Beth Hendler, Kelly Charles and David Simonetta, who bring a combined 47 years of experience in real estate.

"With the recent changes and challenges facing residential realtors, I wanted to position our team to ensure continued success in a complicated market," Seigel told Real Estate News. "The team and I decided The Agency's superior marketing capabilities and brand recognition, combined with a collaborative culture of more than 120 offices worldwide, would provide our clients with an advantage when buying or selling luxury properties."

The Agency, which has focused aggressively on expansion in recent years, has two offices in South Florida — Miami and Palm Beach — with 64 agents based out of these locations.

Elliman picks up founding Compass agent 

In other Miami news, longtime South Florida agent Bobby Jones has moved to Douglas Elliman after nine years with Compass, where he was a founding agent in the upscale Florida market.

During his tenure with Compass, Jones focused on waterfront and luxury estates, achieving a sales volume of more than $125 million, according to a news release. He previously spent seven years as the director of acquisitions and eMarketing for a multifamily and commercial real estate company, where he closed $85 million in deals.

In his new role as executive director of luxury sales for Douglas Elliman, he will continue to work in an area where he has established deep roots over the past two decades.

"For the past 9 years, I established myself as a top agent specializing in luxury waterfront homes," Jones told Real Estate News over email. "I'm excited to continue my growth with Douglass Elliman and expand my opportunities by combining their brand recognition and bespoke clients with my in-depth knowledge of both development and luxury residential real estate here in South Florida."

Christie's Real Estate expands to Madrid

Christie's International Real Estate has announced its expansion into the booming Madrid market with the launch of Christie's International Real Estate Madrid. Led by owner and CEO Hans Veenhuijsen and managing director Olga García Hernández, the new office aims to capitalize on rising demand for high-end properties. 

Veenhuijsen, who also owns Christie's International Real Estate Costa del Sol, brings extensive knowledge of the Spanish market. García Hernández, with over 20 years of experience in Madrid's luxury sector, is known for her deep industry connections and leadership on the board of Women in Real Estate Spain.

"Madrid's luxury real estate market is extremely well-positioned for continued growth, driven by a mix of economic, demographic, and professional factors, making this the right time to enter this market," said Veenhuijsen. "The worldwide brand recognition and broad global network that Christie's International Real Estate provides, along with our exclusive product offerings, will enable our firm to establish a prominent position in this marketplace in a short timeframe."

The flagship office, opening this month, will focus on Madrid's most prestigious neighborhoods.

E&V opens 5th Mexico office

Engel & Völkers has expanded its presence in Mexico with the opening of Engel & Völkers San Miguel, formerly known as Agave Real Estate. The new shop will operate under the leadership of managing broker Wesley Gleason, founder of Agave Real Estate, and managing partner Jim Castro. The team specializes in assisting foreign buyers with residential purchases, vacation rentals and concierge services in the San Miguel de Allende market.

"Mexico is a critical area of growth for Engel & Völkers," said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO of Engel & Völkers Americas. "San Miguel de Allende's dynamic market aligns with our commitment to providing unparalleled service through exceptional local partners."

Engel & Völkers San Miguel joins the brand's existing locations in Mexico City, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Los Cabos. The market offers diverse property options, from countryside estates to vineyard homes, and appeals to U.S. and Canadian buyers, as well as Mexican nationals from major cities.

"About two-thirds of our buyers are from the U.S. and Canada," said Gleason. "Our partnership with Engel & Völkers provides access to a powerful global network, enhancing our ability to serve international clients and grow our business."

Corcoran moves into Raleigh

The Corcoran Group has announced the launch of Corcoran DeRonja Real Estate, the brokerage company's first franchise in Raleigh, North Carolina, led by Frank DeRonja. 

DeRonja originally founded his independent brokerage, DeRonja Real Estate, in 2010. The firm  quickly earned a reputation for excellence in the Raleigh market, and in 2017, DeRonja partnered with Amy Butler, a local industry veteran who serves as managing broker and helped grow the firm to a team of 36 highly respected agents. 

"Joining Corcoran is a tremendous honor," said DeRonja. "Their iconic branding, advanced marketing systems, and global network will elevate the service we offer our clients."

"I'm thrilled to welcome Corcoran DeRonja Real Estate as our newest affiliate in North Carolina," said Pamela Liebman, president and CEO of the Corcoran Group. "Raleigh's dynamic market presents a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to seeing Frank and his team continue to deliver outstanding client service."

Raleigh is a key part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, known for its booming industries, top-tier universities and high quality of life.