Brokerage Beat: News from RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, ERA, C21, 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.

RE/MAX gains top team in Tucson and veteran Indiana brokerage

Two former RE/MAX agents have made the move to broker-ownership and opened RE/MAX Horizon in Tucson, Ariz.

Becky Dwaileebe and Melody Contreras have brought their team of 20 agents from Eclipse Real Estate Group at Realty Executives to a new office where they want to "provide the tools, guidance, and opportunities agents need to succeed, no matter where they are in their careers," Dwaileebe said.

"This is a natural next step for us, but it's really just the beginning of what's to come," Contreras said. Choosing RE/MAX "gives us the freedom to do things our way, while still benefiting from the brand's powerful presence," she added.

Dwaileebe is a second-generation agent, and prior to her career in real estate, owned and operated a local trucking company in Tucson. Contreras has been a licensed agent since 2005 and has a background in management and interior design. 

Meanwhile, broker/owner Susan Falck-Neal expressed similar sentiments about her company's rebrand to RE/MAX First Integrity from ERA Integrity Real Estate, calling it "a step toward long-term growth and sustainability."  

"This was a decision I didn't take lightly," said Falck-Neal, who began her real estate career more than three decades ago as an agent at ERA. She eventually took the helm at the brokerage where she got her start, continuing to lead the firm for nearly 15 years as a solo broker/owner.  

"I'm very proud of the company and culture I established. Ultimately, my responsibility is to my agents, clients, and community." Falck-Neal has a team of nearly 20 agents who share a commitment to the New Castle, Indiana, area. 

Coldwell Banker Premier expands its presence in Virginia

Fast-growing Coldwell Banker Premier and longtime firm Coldwell Banker NOW have merged, creating a combined entity with $600 million in sales volume in 2023 and a shared "agent-first focus," said CB Premier CEO Steve DuBrueler.

Coldwell Banker Premier now has 21 offices and more than 300 agents in Washington, D.C., and five states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and Virginia, where Coldwell Banker NOW is based. Coldwell Banker NOW, which joined the brand in 1989, will now operate as Coldwell Banker Premier. Its owners, Dorcas Helfant-Browning, Tim Gifford and Rick West will retain leadership roles.

 "Our company was built by finding and merging with the best companies in the area," said Helfant-Browning, the first female president of both the Virginia Association of Realtors (in 1984) and the National Associations of Realtors (in 1992). The decision to merge with Premier, she added, was based on the recognition that NOW "could provide so much more support and opportunities for our agents and clients by joining forces" with DuBrueler and his team.

For his part, DuBrueler called Helfant-Browning "a real estate legend" with a like-minded vision. He believes his firm, which has "a track record of improving agents' lives" in its existing markets, "can now do the same for another incredible Atlantic seaboard market." 

Florida merger brings 200 agents under ERA banner

SVR Realty, an independent firm based in greater Jacksonville, Florida, has merged with ERA Davis & Linn. The combined brokerage, now known as ERA ONETEAM Realty, has a roster of more than 200 agents across five offices in Northeast Florida.

Jeffrey Terwilliger founded SVR — "Service, Value, Results" — in 2016, while ERA Davis & Linn was established nearly 50 years ago and has been led by broker Andrew Linn since 2005. Together, the firms brought in $450 million in sales volume in 2023.

"In today's competitive environment, it's essential to adapt and grow," said Linn. "By joining forces together, we can leverage our combined strengths to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions to our residential real estate clients while also bolstering our commercial and development lines of business."

Terwilliger, who will continue to serve as a broker, said the merger will also give SVR's agents access to ERA's "robust tools, technology and resources to bring their business to the next level."

Century 21 gains Brew City affiliate, debuts 'Joy of Home' 

This week, Century 21 announced its expansion in the Midwest and introduced a new ad campaign that leans into the human side of homebuying.

Benefit Realty, based in the Milwaukee suburbs, has moved under the Century 21 banner. The 20-year-old independent firm has been led by broker/owner Angela Kallay since 2010.

Kallay is a longtime Wisconsin resident and has spent her entire real estate career serving the state's southeast region. In addition to working as an agent and broker, she has been a board member for the Milwaukee branch of the Women's Council of Realtors.

Growth was a key factor in Kallay's decision to affiliate with Century 21, which she called "a win-win" for her firm of more than a dozen agents. "We can maintain the values and community connection that we've built as a small business over the past twenty years, while also adding a global support network and internationally recognized name to our services," she said.

"The CENTURY 21 brand already has a strong presence in the Milwaukee area, and we only trust the best of the best to fortify that network, which is why we looked to Angela," said Mike Miedler, president and CEO of C21, highlighting Kallay's success in growing her firm beyond greater Milwaukee while maintaining its identity and values. 

The idea of trust — and connection — is also a cornerstone of a new media campaign the brand unveiled this week. Dubbed "The Joy of Home," the broad-based campaign will include two billboards in Times Square. Core themes are connection, community and the "deeply emotional experience" of homeownership, said Tori Keichinger, VP and head of marketing at C21.

Added Miedler: "We understand that there may be challenges along that road, especially in today's market, but what lies at the heart of their journey is creating a future for their families. Debuting this campaign in Times Square during the holiday season perfectly captures this sentiment and serves as an invitation for everyone to reflect on the pride, warmth, and connection that comes with owning a home."

More brokerage news

Engel & Völkers opens Central Oregon shop: The luxury real estate brand has expanded its Northwest presence with a new shop in Madras, Oregon. Located less than an hour north of the recreational hub of Bend, Oregon, Engel & Völkers Madras will be led by license partners Charles Sweet and Kristen Sweet, who also lead E&V Boise. 

The region is home to numerous farm and ranch properties and is also a ski destination, situated between the resort areas of Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor.

Christie's launches in Bulgaria: Christie's International Real Estate has partnered with Unique Estates, a 90-person firm founded in 2006, to introduce the global brand to Bulgaria's luxury market. Unique Estates, led by managing partner Vesela Ilieva and managing director Svetoslava Georgieva, caters to the high-end markets and serves an international clientele including diplomats, embassies and global corporations. 

The partnership expands Christie's presence in Europe, bringing its affiliate count to 47 across the continent and seven in Eastern Europe.

Compass adds Madison office: Compass' latest expansion bolsters its presence in Southeastern Wisconsin, where it has captured nearly 7% market share growth since establishing a presence in the Madison area last year with the addition of the Husky Homes team, according to a news release.

The Madison office includes more than 30 agents — an increase of 190% year-over-year — who collectively achieved nearly $300 million in sales volume in 2023.