Compass notches another acquisition; Windermere, KW regain agents
The brokerage giant has acquired Colorado’s PorchLight Real Estate Group, a 150-agent firm in Denver, while some former Compass agents return to their roots.
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.
Compass scoops up Colorado indie
Compass has acquired PorchLight Real Estate Group, a leading independent brokerage in Colorado, solidifying its presence in the high-demand Denver metro market, the company announced July 9.
Founded in 2005 by co-CEOs Amy Bayer and Carol Bayer, the women- and LGBTQ+-owned business was ranked 353th in the T3 Sixty Mega 1000 list of top brokerages by U.S. sales volume, closing 1,351 transaction sides valued at $952 million in 2024, according to the Mega 1000.
The move aligns with Compass' strategy to grow market share in key regions through targeted acquisitions of established local players.
"I'm excited to welcome the talented agents of PorchLight who have built a reputation for caring deeply about their clients and providing personal, standout service," Compass Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin said in the announcement. "Together, we will be able to learn from each other and better serve Coloradans."
PorchLight's leaders said the firms' shared values were a driving factor in the decision to move its brand and 180 agents to the nation's top brokerage.
"Joining Compass feels like the natural next step for PorchLight," Bayer said. "We've always believed in empowering agents to do their best work, and Compass offers the scale and technology to help take that to the next level."
The PorchLight acquisition comes during a moment of major consolidation activity happening in the industry. In addition to PorchLight, other recent brokerage acquisitions by Compass include Chicago's @properties Christie's International Real Estate, which formally closed in January, and Tennessee's Parks Real Estate and the New Orleans-based Latter + Blum, both of which were acquired last year.
5 agents rejoin Northwest powerhouse
Seattle-based Windermere Real Estate has announced the return of five veteran agents who previously left the regional family-run firm for Compass.
Meg Barlament, a lender-turned-agent with decades of industry experience; Kevin Cunningham, who transitioned to real estate in 2018 after a career in IT; Ingrid Haugaard, who earned her license in 2020; Darcy LaBelle, an agent with 25 years under her belt; and Beathe C. Smith, a two-decade industry veteran, have recently rejoined Windermere, citing the brokerage's culture as a key draw, according to a company news release.
In speaking about their decisions to return, the five agents expressed a common theme: a desire for more collaboration, community and connection. "This move was about coming back to a culture that enables me to perform at my best," Cunningham said, while Labelle felt that her "business wasn't aligned" with Compass' direction.
"We're very excited to welcome these five agents back to Windermere," Co-President OB Jacobi said in the announcement. "Their return speaks volumes about the supportive, agent-focused culture we've worked so hard to cultivate over the past 50+ years."
Notably, the leaders of Windermere and Compass have been sparring for several months over Clear Cooperation and private listings, with Jacobi accusing Compass of employing "dirty tactics," and Reffkin suggesting that Windermere is in cahoots with the region's MLS to stifle competition and consumer choice.
Top luxury agent returns to KW in Atlanta
Brandi Lewis, an agent specializing in "ultra-luxury" home sales in the greater Atlanta area, is back at Keller Williams after five years with Compass, KW announced this week.
Lewis began her career at KW in 2004, building her business for the next 20 years with the franchise brand. She is now affiliated with Keller Williams Realty West ATL, a 350-agent firm serving clients throughout Georgia's capital city, where she will continue to work with high-profile buyers and sellers while also serving as the director of luxury.
"I'm excited to be coming back home," Lewis said in a news release. "It's a full-circle moment to return to my roots and help grow the luxury presence at Keller Williams."
Lewis has closed more than $56 million in sales since 2022, representing celebrity clients including Cardi B and Offset, Kandi Burruss and Gunna, according to KW.
"Welcoming Brandi back home to Keller Williams is a power move for our luxury presence across Georgia," said Gabby Maddox-Davis, operating principal at KW West ATL, who described Lewis as "a force of nature" with a "bold vision."