Brokerage Beat: News from United, Compass, The Agency, 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. and globally.

'Mega' brokerage affiliates with United

Premiere Plus Realty, a 1,500-agent brokerage based in Naples Florida, is now part of United Real Estate.

The affiliation boosts United's Florida agent count by more than 40% to nearly 5,000, and increases its nationwide agent count by almost 7% to 23,000. Premiere Plus will retain its name, leadership and staff. 

"It became evident that if we wanted to take our company to the next level, we needed a strong, collaborative partner," said Premiere Plus Owner Eric Gallus. "We are most excited about United leadership's dedication to staff, agents and families and their focus on helping us achieve our goals." 

The brokerage had more than $3.29 billion in sales volume and 5,004 transaction sides in 2023. The firm ranked 88th in the U.S. by sales volume in T3 Sixty's 2023 Mega 1000 list, based on 2022 sales. (Note: T3 Sixty and Real Estate News share a founder, Stefan Swanepoel.)

Premiere Plus President Jillian Young said the affiliation will help the brokerage grow without sacrificing its values or culture. "United is making us better versions of ourselves," she said.

United President Rick Haase said the affiliation will likewise improve United. "The talent, knowledge and people-centric comportment they bring to our organization will improve us and our competitiveness and make us a better company."

Coulter and Castillo Group joins Compass

Pittsburgh's Coulter and Castillo Group has joined Compass Realty's South Hills office.

Led by Principal Agents Lauren Coulter and Dina Castillo, the team also includes Abby Daniels, Meagan Brannon and Christi Fredrick, whose combined sales in Western Pennsylvania totaled $30 million in sales volume last year.

"Our entirely female team has the unique ability to provide thorough and conscientious service to all our clients, allowing them to find the homes they're truly looking for with top-of-the-line service," said Coulter. 

The Coulter and Castillo group specializes in the luxury market and has represented historically and architecturally significant homes.

"We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the Coulter and Castillo Group, a renowned and diligent team known for their distinctive approach to marketing and client services," said John Bilek, Pennsylvania regional VP for Compass. 

"At the heart of our team is a group of amazing women who are dedicated to providing personalized and attentive service to our clients," said Castillo. "With our unique approach, we help our clients find their dream homes while offering top-notch support every step of the journey."

The Agency opens in Hilton Head

The Agency now has an office on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The Agency Hilton Head will be led by Managing Partner Alison Melton and Managing Directors Sabeth Biangone and Paige Rose.  

"We are thrilled to continue The Agency's expansion in the Southeast with the opening of our first office on beautiful Hilton Head Island," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of  the brokerage.

Melton brings a decade of real estate experience, and specializes in private, gated communities and equestrian properties. She has career sales of more than $250 million.

"As we are looking to bring our business to the next level, there is no denying that our strong local community aligns perfectly with The Agency's unique culture of collaboration."

Biangone has more than $100 million in sales over her eight years in real estate, specializing in the luxury market and private communities. 

Rose, who also serves as marketing accounts manager, brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate and real estate marketing.

"There is undeniable synergy between our region and The Agency brand and we look forward to showcasing Hilton Head Island and its surrounding regions to our new global network of Agency partners," she said.

Veteran NYC broker, agent join Coldwell Banker Warburg 

Broker Kathy Kaye and agent Lorraine Baker, each with $200 million in career sales so far,  have joined Manhattan's Coldwell Banker Warburg.

"Lorraine is a powerhouse in the Manhattan luxury scene, boasting almost two decades of expertise, and Kathy is synonymous with excellence, and her extensive knowledge of Manhattan luxury and new developments across the city makes her an unstoppable force," said Kevelyn Guzman, regional VP of Coldwell Banker Warburg

Kaye was most recently a broker with Compass and previously served as president of Sotheby's International Realty Development Advisors and SVP at The Related Companies.

"Throughout my career, I have always respected Warburg's esteemed presence in the Manhattan market, and I am very excited to join the prestigious Coldwell Banker Warburg Global Luxury team," she said.

Baker comes from Douglas Elliman and brings nearly two decades of Manhattan real estate experience.

Coldwell Banker Warburg also recently added several other new brokers and agents with a range of experience, including Andrea Saturno-Sanjana, Michael Yehuda, Alana Lindsay, Dan Ragone, Victoria Adamo, Corrina Drost, Christopher Hall, and Sally Chame.

John R. Wood Christie's names new president 

Corey McCloskey has been promoted to president of Southwest Florida's John R. Wood Christie's International Real Estate.

McCloskey has been with the Naples, Florida-based company for 20 years and was executive vice president of operations before her promotion.

Since beginning her career in real estate, McCloskey has earned several awards, including the  Naples Association of Realtors' Citizen of the Year Award in 2018. Most recently she was recognized as NABOR's 2023 Realtor of the Year.

McCloskey is also an active association member, serving on committees at NAR and the Florida Association of Realtors.

"Her dedication, strategic vision and commitment to our mission have been exemplary," said John R. Wood's CEO Phil Wood. "As she begins this new role, I have full confidence in her ability to lead with integrity, drive and innovation. I look forward to our continued collaboration and success."

Engel & Völkers Gestalt Group names new marketing director

Madelyn Levesque has been named marketing director for the Engel & Vökers Gestalt Group.

The Gestalt Group, headquartered in Park City, Utah, operates 42 Engel & Völkers offices in Washington, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Levesque is based in the group's Beverly Hills office.

Levesque comes from Compass, where she worked in various marketing roles for more than five years, most recently as marketing manager in Los Angeles. 

She is also a two-time All-American collegiate athlete in volleyball, which the Gestalt Group said highlights her experience working with teams and individual contributors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Maddy to our team. Her perfect blend of seasoned experience and competitive spirit is exactly what we need to navigate the evolving landscape of real estate," said Gestalt Group President and CEO Paul Benson.

"Madelyn's track record, combined with her inspirational approach and ability to connect with her team, aligns seamlessly with our objectives. We are confident her leadership will lead us to new heights," Benson added.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misattributed the quote from United President Rick Haase.