Brokerage Beat: Elliman goes global; gains at C21, eXp; 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.

Douglas Elliman sets sights overseas

New York-based Douglas Elliman made a major move earlier this week with the launch of its global brand: Elliman International. As the firm ventures abroad, its initial focus will be establishing a presence in luxury markets in Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

The move is part of a strategy to help meet the international needs of Douglas Elliman's clients, agents and developers, according to a press release. Those efforts will start with providing core services to current clients, with agent recruitment and select office openings expected to follow.

Instead of being "reliant on partnerships to define us," Elliman International is "forging ahead with our own global identity that reflects our commitment to and reputation for excellence at every touchpoint," said Susan de França, president and CEO of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

The launch "represents the natural progression of our legacy as America's premier luxury real estate brokerage now becoming global," President and CEO Michael Liebowitz added.

Since stepping into his leadership position last fall, it has been Liebowitz's mission to take the brand global. "This isn't just an expansion — it's a transformation that positions Douglas Elliman as the truly global brand it is," he said.

Corcoran affiliate opens new East Coast office

Less than three years after launching, Corcoran Group franchisee Corcoran Sawyer Smith has opened its ninth office. The new location is in Westfield, New Jersey, an area full of luxury suburban homes that offers an easy commute to New York City.

Broker and owner Sawyer Smith will lead the Westfield office, which is expected to bring on new recruits alongside the Corcoran Sawyer Smith agents who already work in the area.

Smith described the opening as "a strategic expansion that allows us to better serve our discerning clients in key suburban areas, further solidifying Corcoran Sawyer Smiths' presence within Union County and beyond."

The move "just makes sense for us," Smith said in a press release, adding, "The real estate market in Westfield is incredibly strong and perfectly aligns with the high-end properties we specialize in."

In addition to Westfield, Corcoran Sawyer Smith's New Jersey footprint includes offices in Hoboken, Jersey City, Flemington, Princeton, Lambertville and Pennington. The brokerage also has an office in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

SoCal agent joins eXp with $100M goal

A leading LA-area agent is moving her business to eXp with an eye toward driving her production to new heights.

Costanza Genoese Zerbi, founder of Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates in Long Beach, California, has joined eXp Realty after several years at Redfin. During her decade in real estate, she has established herself as a strong producer, topping $91 million in sales volume in a single year, and ending 2024 at roughly $65 million in volume. 

"I joined eXp to get back to my $91M year — and beyond," Costanza said in a news release. "This is a high-level, high-output environment that rewards drive, collaboration, and results. I've found the platform, the people, and the freedom that will help me scale again."

In addition to offering opportunities for increased production, Costanza believes eXp is a good fit for her needs. "I was looking for that difficult balance between a large organization with lots of tools but without time-wasting bureaucracy — and I think I found it," she said.

Prior to her real estate career, Costanza worked in corporate marketing and holds an MBA from UCLA. Her husband Neil recently obtained his real estate license and will be joining her at eXp. 

Oregon coast indie aligns with Century 21

A brokerage serving residential and commercial clients in the communities along Oregon's northern coastline has teamed up with Century 21.

Shorepine Properties, based in Pacific City, is led by broker/owner Becky Kirkendall. Eleven years after starting her real estate career at Shorepine, Kirkendall purchased the firm from the original owners — one of whom has stayed on as principal broker — in 2017. 

As Kirkendall looks to expand, she believes the affiliation with Century 21 will help with recruitment and growth efforts. "The real estate industry is always evolving, and we knew we needed to work with a brand that has a global presence if we want to stay ahead of the curve," Kirkendall said in a news release.  

Shorepine is staffed by several Oregon coast natives, which has allowed the brokerage to better serve the local community, Kirkendall said — and not just through real estate transactions. "We understand the people here, and we understand the pride that comes with being involved in these communities," she said. 

"We try to give back in any way we can, from charity and fundraising to providing the area's residents with the information they need to make the most informed decisions possible."

The Agency opens a fifth office in Spain

Spain's capital city is now home to The Agency's newest international office, topping off the firm's entry into seven new markets so far this year.

The Agency Madrid will be led by Managing Partner Sara Becnel, who also oversees Florida-based The Agency Sandestin, which opened in January, alongside Regional Director Glen Stegemann and Managing Director Daniel Brian Garcia Padilla. 

"With several thriving offices now established in key markets across Spain, expanding into Madrid is a natural next step as we continue introducing The Agency brand to prominent destinations throughout Europe," Mauricio Umansky, the firm's CEO and founder, said in a news release.

The move builds on The Agency's previously established offices in the Spanish cities of Marbella, Costa Blanca North, Mallorca and Barcelona.