Brokerage Beat: eXp adds star power in Texas; growth at KW, CIRE; 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.

eXp welcomes star-powered team in the Lone Star State

YouTuber Kyler Ferris of the "Living in Houston, Texas" channel is bringing his 45-agent team to eXp Realty. Ferris Realty, which Ferris founded in Conroe, Texas, closed $164 million in sales last year.

Ferris and his team previously partnered with eXp two years ago before leaving to work independently. As part of the new union, Ferris has named fellow influencer and eXp agent Joe Rodriguez of "The Original Living in Houston Team" YouTube channel as his primary sponsor within eXp's co-sponsor program. Their combined efforts are expected to create over 5,000 annual inbound leads, according to an eXp press release.

Ferris and Rodriguez "are using content to build trust at scale and eXp's platform is the perfect foundation for this next evolution of agent-led growth," eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja said. "This is a textbook example of how innovation and authenticity can reshape an entire market."

The new partnership "lets us keep the Ferris Realty brand while gaining the infrastructure and scale we needed," according to Ferris Realty Director of Operations Jason Mayo. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Rodriguez gives the team "access to an unmatched YouTube ecosystem," Mayo added.

Billion-dollar agent joins Compass

Terry Cohen, an agent who closed $150 million in sales last year and more than $2.5 billion over the course of her career, is joining Compass in New York, according to a company press release. Cohen will work out of the brokerage's Bridgehampton office with a focus on real estate in the Hamptons.

Cohen most recently worked in the area as a partner at Hedgerow Executive Properties and previously served as a senior vice president at Saunders & Associates. Leaving her most recent position "wasn't an easy decision, but it was met with understanding and goodwill — something I deeply appreciate," Cohen said.

Compass' "collaborative culture and expansive network made it the ideal choice for the next chapter of my journey," Cohen said. She welcomes the move, which she views as "an opportunity for growth."

Joe Fuer, managing director for Compass in the Hamptons, praised Cohen's "deep knowledge of the East End market" in the release. "It's a perfect alignment of talent, resources, and shared values. We're going to have a lot of fun together," Fuer said.

NorCal Coldwell Banker firm adds 3-person team

The Santa Cruz County-based EF Homes team has moved to Coldwell Banker after 13 years with Keller Williams.

Real estate veteran and EF Homes founder Erick Fernandez is joining the firm along with team members Laif McClellan and Cecilia Baron. Fernandez's knowledge of the tech sector has enabled him to better serve buyers and sellers in the greater Silicon Valley region and Santa Cruz, according to a Coldwell Banker press release.

 "We are thrilled to welcome EF Homes to our Aptos office," said Alan Scearce, district manager of Coldwell Banker Realty in the Monterey Bay region, who praised Fernandez's "ability to listen deeply and negotiate effectively."

In a LinkedIn post, Fernandez acknowledged that switching to Coldwell Banker was "a big move," but he said "change challenges us to adapt, develop new skills, and see things from different perspectives." 

His decision to join the firm was driven by the strength of its brand: "CB Realty is the oldest brokerage in the country and they too have evolved and changed for over 100 years," Fernandez wrote. "The reputation and commitment that they have in our market is strong and backed by results. … I am looking forward to change, growth, and uncovering even more potential in our business."

Pennsylvania ERA affiliate acquires local indie

Mountain Realty ERA Powered, founded in 2021 by owner Nathan Mountain, has acquired a formerly independent firm based in Gettysburg. The addition of Miller & Associates Real Estate, which will now operate as Mountain Realty, brings the ERA Powered firm's agent count to 34.

Mountain Realty will continue to be led by Nathan Mountain, while Miller & Associates owner Marty Miller will focus on recruitment and growth.

"Joining forces with Marty and his associates allows us to expand our reach in central Pennsylvania specifically in Adams, Franklin and York counties and into Northern Maryland," Mountain said in a press release. 

In discussing his decision to join Mountain Realty "after nearly 20 years as a successful independent brokerage," Miller said he wanted to provide his agents with "a stepping stone to even greater success." 

"As part of the ERA network, we now have access to cutting-edge tools, streamlined processes, and improved training programs, along with a larger network for collaboration and referrals. Nathan and I greatly respect each other and I'm certain we will take the company to a whole new level as partners."

More brokerage news

Keller Williams is expanding its footprint in Europe with a new master franchise in North Macedonia, bringing its number of market centers across the continent to 18. Aleksandar Siljanoski, who brings over 25 years of business experience in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will lead KW North Macedonia as its regional operating principal. KW's North Macedonia team is expected to open its first market center by the end of June.

@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate is opening a new office in Traverse City, Michigan, the brokerage's 10th location in the state since its launch in 2021. Molly Buttleman, one of the region's top producers who recently parted ways with Coldwell Banker, will work out of the new location alongside seven other agents, according to a Christie's press release. Broker Ken Kleinrichert will manage growth efforts at the office, which is slated to open next month.

The Agency has opened two new offices in the Atlanta area. Deborah Morton, who closed over $89 million in sales last year, will lead both offices in the Midtown and Marietta areas. James Ramsay, executive vice president of The Agency's Franchise Division, said in a press release that Atlanta's "strong economic growth, robust housing market, and growing need for premium real estate offerings" makes it "the perfect match for our brand."

@properties Christie's International Real Estate has appointed Kelly Maggio as the vice president of brokerage services and managing broker of its office in Winnetka, Illinois. Maggio, who Co-CEO Mike Golden noted in a press release is "deeply connected to the North Shore community," is taking over for longtime managing broker Tom Downing as he steps into a broader role at the firm.

SERHANT. has added Alvaro Garcia, a Miami-based agent with over 20 years of real estate experience and more than $500 million in total sales volume, to its new development sales team. Garcia will join other SERHANT. agents in representing 29 Indian Creek, a collection of luxury condos and townhomes in Miami Beach's Faena District.