Brokerage Beat: New additions at eXp, Real, Coldwell Banker; The Agency expands 

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.

Central Valley team joins eXp Realty

Prime Real Estate, led by Robert and Angelica Yost, has moved to eXp Realty, bolstering the cloud-based brokerage's growing network of large teams. The team is based in California's Central Valley in the greater Sacramento area.

"We had hit a ceiling with our previous brokerage and needed a platform that would give us more room to grow and, in turn, offer more value to our agents," Robert Yost said in a news release. He added, "eXp Realty's unique structure, its Fast Forward Movement and the collaborative culture all stood out to us as being perfectly aligned with our goals."

The Yosts were affiliated with Side for the past seven years.

"We are thrilled to welcome Robert, Angelica and their team to eXp Realty," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. "Their commitment to excellence and focus on growth perfectly align with our mission. eXp Realty continues to attract the best of the best, and we're seeing tremendous quality growth globally as more top-tier agents recognize the value of our platform."

Prime Real Estate brings 21 agents to eXp. The team closed more than 211 units in 2023, generating $126 million in sales.

Real tops 22,000 agents with addition of Minnesota team

The Real Brokerage has passed a new milestone. Grant Johnson Group, a 55-agent team based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, has joined the firm, boosting Real to more than 22,000 agents in the U.S. and Canada.

Johnson has been working in real estate for 30 years, establishing his current team in 2021 with 12 agents. Johnson credits the agents themselves for the group's rapid growth, and says joining Real will help them further expand their business. "Real is in alignment with our culture," he said in a news release. "Its collaborative approach is designed to prevent silos and offers the best platform from which to grow."

"We're thrilled to welcome Grant and his powerhouse team," said Real President Sharran Srivatsaa. "It's fitting that a fast-growing team, focused on building a strong culture, has helped us surpass 22,000 agents."

Johnson's team attributes more than 70% of its business to online lead generation. Since 2021, the group has completed more than 1,000 home sales with a value of nearly $370 million. The group logged 300 sales in 2021 and expects to close 450 home sales this year.

The Agency expands in Florida

The Agency announced the launch of its fourth office in Florida this week with the addition of The Agency Orlando, the global brokerage's first inland location in the state.

Brian Hyser will lead the office as managing partner. Hyser has been an agent in Central Florida since 2018 and opened his own brokerage in 2021. Prior to real estate, he owned a multi-office personal injury company, which he sold to focus on real estate full time.

"Orlando is experiencing remarkable growth, with home sales increasing by 10% over the past year, making it one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the U.S.," said James Ramsay, EVP of The Agency's franchise division. 

"With Brian Hyser at the helm, we are confident that The Agency Orlando will effectively meet the evolving needs of our clients in this thriving market," Ramsay added.

The Orlando office marks The Agency's 27th new location in 2024.

Independent Hudson Valley firm affiliates with Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker Realty has expanded its footprint in Upstate New York with its first satellite office in Dutchess County.

Daniel Aubry Realty, an independent firm led by broker/owner Daniel Aubry, will now operate under the Coldwell Banker brand. The six-agent office, located in Beacon, New York, was established over 15 years ago and serves renters and buyers at all price points.

Aubry himself boasts more than five decades of industry experience, with a background spanning all aspects of real estate. He is also a longtime resident of the area with expertise in both the mid-Hudson Valley and New York City markets.

"My passion for real estate stems from the belief that owning property has a truly beneficial effect on people's lives," Aubry said. "Whether we're working with buyers, sellers, or investors, I have taught my team to always try to create a win-win situation for both sides of the transaction. Now, as we embark on this journey with Coldwell Banker Realty, I'm confident that with their expansive network, advanced technology, and tailored marketing tools, our team is going to continue creating positive outcomes for our clients."

The new office will be managed by Senior Managing Director Tammy Benkwitt.