Brokerage Beat: News from United, eXp, SERHANT., and 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.

Central Virginia firm merges with United

RVA Blue Realty is officially in business following the merger of United Real Estate Richmond and RiverCity Blues Realty. United's merger with the Dinwiddie-based firm, which has specialized in helping buyers with grants and down payment assistance for the last 25 years, will enable the combined operation to provide expertise in everything from first-time homebuyer grants to luxury real estate.

RiverCity's Smitty Smith, who brings more than 30 years of experience, will be RVA Blue's lead broker and United Real Estate Richmond's new managing broker. With June Smith also joining the fold as an associate broker, United Real Estate Richmond principal broker Jeffrey Finn said the company is "forming a powerhouse of knowledge, innovation, and support for both agents and clients." 

"This merger presents an exciting opportunity to enhance our services and expand our footprint in the Richmond market," Smitty said. "United Real Estate's national network offers vast resources and innovative property marketing and client services. We are positioning our agents for success and excellent transaction experiences."

Former MMA champ joins eXp

Mixed martial arts champion-turned-Realtor Tim Stout and his 16-agent team have joined forces with eXp Realty.

Stout entered real estate in 2012 at RE/MAX and most recently worked at True North Real Estate Advisors, where he built The Tim Stout Group. The team, based in Newnan, Georgia, closed more than $70 million in sales last year.

Following the advice of his mentor, real estate investing pro Brandon Brittingham, Stout decided to partner with eXp to join "a collaborative environment that allows my team to scale while maintaining exceptional service," Stout said in a news release.

Stout "represents the kind of disciplined, high-performance leadership that thrives at eXp Realty," CEO Leo Pareja said. "His relentless drive and focus on team growth align perfectly with our mission. We are thrilled to welcome Tim and his team and look forward to supporting their continued success."

SERHANT. expands its footprint in the West

SERHANT. is officially going westward with its first brokerage in Phoenix, Arizona. Rather than partnering with another firm, SERHANT. will be launching a new office from the ground up and has already recruited some of the top names in the Phoenix market, including members of The Santistevan Group, The Bray Team and Fine Homes Group.

The 50 founding agents, who closed $500 million in sales in the last 12 months, will be led by Todd Lee, designated broker for SERHANT. Arizona.

This is the ninth state expansion for SERHANT., which began reaching beyond New York in 2023. The company also now operates in Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Founder and CEO Ryan Serhant said the company's expansion "has been an organic journey, not a race to be the biggest or the fastest for the sake of being big, or fast."

"Our focus is on aligning with people who share our vision, and are committed to pushing boundaries and redefining the real estate industry through innovation and game changing technology," he added. "Our momentum in the West is just beginning, and we're excited to grow our SerFam and open SERHANT. Arizona with such an accomplished and dynamic group of entrepreneurs."

2 Sotheby's firms join forces in New York

William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty has gained its first office in Dutchess County by uniting with the Millbrook-based Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby's International Realty, founded in 1980 by principal broker Heather Croner.

The merged firm will now operate as William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty — Heather Croner Brokerage.

With 31 offices and more than 1,100 advisors in the Northeast, William Pitt Sotheby's is the global brand's third-largest operation. The union with Croner's firm follows an expansion last year into nearby Columbia County.

Croner brings over four decades of experience handling sales and purchases of mansions, cottages, farms and more in New York's Dutchess, Columbia and Ulster counties. She is "an icon of Hudson Valley real estate," William Pitt Sotheby's Chairman and CEO Paul Breunich said in a news release.

The communities Croner works in "have long been destinations for those seeking a Hamptons-like retreat in an area renowned for its historic small communities, art and culture, and country lifestyle," Breunich said, adding that his company will "continue providing excellent service to existing and future clients here."

More brokerage news

Sotheby's International Realty is opening its 18th office in Asia. The new location in Makati, Philippines, will be led by Catherine Ocariz-Florencio, an industry professional with over 15 years of experience. Makati is a "prime location for high-end residences offering premium amenities and security," Sotheby's International Realty President and CEO Philip White said in a news release.

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates has finalized an agreement with HomeLovers, a Portuguese real estate company, to bring its brand into Portugal. HomeLovers was founded in 2011 by Miguel Tilli in Lisbon with a focus on the artistic and detailed presentation of local home listings. With the rise of U.S. home shoppers in Portugal, Tilli said the new partnership will enable his company to "align with a successful American brand that can help build our credibility with these buyers."

Coldwell Banker Realty welcomes Massoud Atallah as regional vice president of the Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin areas. Atallah, who will oversee over 1,000 agents in 15 offices across the region, previously served as Coldwell Banker's regional VP of the Atlanta area and was senior vice president of franchise sales for the national brand. He also worked as a top-producing real estate sales agent for nearly 11 years.

Coldwell Banker Beiswanger Realty Group has formed out of a new partnership between Coldwell Banker and BNR Realty Group in Jackson, Michigan. The affiliate will continue to be led by BNR founder Doug Beiswanger. This newest Coldwell Banker location currently is home to 20 sales agents who focus on residential, commercial and luxury real estate. The partnership is part of Coldwell Banker's Inclusive Ownership Program, which works to increase representation of military veteran ownership in the industry.

Bartlett Realty Group's three-person team has left eXp Realty to join Coldwell Banker Realty's Allendale/Saddle River Valley office in New Jersey. Glenn Bartlett, Diana Bartlett and Emily Cheng — who largely focus on new construction and land development — brought in $33 million in sales in 2024. The new partnership "provides the backing needed to successfully market and sell these projects once they reach completion," Glenn said in a news release.