eXp, LPT notch big recruiting wins; RE/MAX nabs 170-agent firm 

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.

Former Keller Williams CEO brings San Diego team to eXp

Chris Heller and his Heller the Home Seller team have joined eXp Realty, the company announced this week.

Heller is well-known in the industry, previously serving as CEO of Keller Williams Realty, president of KW Worldwide and president of OJO/Movato, among other roles. He started his team more than 30 years ago — "before the concept of teams existed," he told the hosts of the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast — and it has sold more than 100 homes each year across those three decades, according to a news release. 

"Chris and I were once competitors chasing the #1 spot, and now we're reunited at a company that gives top producers the autonomy, platform, and scale to build empires," eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja said in the release. 

Pareja said Heller's decision to join eXp was "a signal to the entire industry that the most iconic leaders are choosing agent ownership, collaboration, and innovation."

Heller said he's had his eyes on the brokerage for some time, "and it's been incredible to watch eXp's growth and transformation over the years. From Leo's very first day, the idea of joining forces has been on the table."

$10 billion duo launches business with LPT Realty

The Southern California team of Rich Johnson and Shirin Alipanah have established Premier Property Partners under the LPT Realty banner, adding to the upstart brokerage's booming agent count.

The pair has closed more than $10 billion in combined sales, according to a press release, and bring decades of real estate leadership to LPT.

Johnson, previously broker/owner of San Diego Homes and Estates, said "our mission has always been clear — support agents like family. Give them freedom. Build something bigger than a commission check."

LPT, said Alipanah, "gives us everything we need to scale our vision: no monthly fees, total brand control, and marketing tools that remove the limits on our agents' growth."

"Rich and Shirin represent exactly the kind of high-powered, forward-thinking team we are proud to welcome at LPT," said LPT Founder Robert Palmer.

Founded in 2021, LPT has seen significant growth in the past year, increasing agent count from 10,000 to 15,000 between March and December 2024. Palmer told Real Estate News in January that he's setting his sights much higher, and he attributes the brokerage's success to its unique hybrid revenue share model. "We've been able to have all this meteoric growth organically with walkovers and no actual acquisitions," Palmer noted.

2 BHGRE affiliates merge in Connecticut

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Bannon & Hebert announced a merger this week, forming a newly combined business with four offices and 150 agents serving Connecticut's New Haven County.

Bannon & Hebert was founded nearly 30 years ago by agents Mary Ann Hebert and Donna Bannon, who said the decision to merge was based on a desire to help solidify the company's future and create more opportunities for growth. "The integration of our teams will allow us to set our agents up for even greater success," Hebert said in a news release. 

"I am truly honored that Mary Ann chose our company to further continue the legacy she has built, and it's just going to get better from here in terms of increased agent support and productivity," said Marra, broker/owner of BHGRE Gaetano Marra Homes. 

The merged company will operate under the Gaetano Marra Homes name, with Hebert leading recruiting efforts and Bannon staying on as an agent.

RE/MAX brings top Hawaii brokerage into its network

One of Hawaii's largest and most decorated brokerages is joining RE/MAX. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty, led by industry veteran Myron Kiriu, has brought its six offices and 170 agents under the RE/MAX banner as of August 1.

The move marks a notable step in RE/MAX's expansion strategy and adds significant market presence in Hawaii, where the firm will now operate as RE/MAX Hawaii. Under Kiriu's leadership, the company has consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in the state, earning multiple "Best Of" accolades from local publications and recognition for growth, workplace culture and community impact.

"Joining RE/MAX is a powerful step forward for our team," Kiriu said. "The brand's global reach, tech-forward vision and agent-first culture align perfectly with our values."

Chris Lim, chief growth officer at RE/MAX, called the addition a sign of momentum. "Myron and his team embody the professionalism, productivity, and trust that define the RE/MAX brand," he said. "We're proud to welcome them into our network."

RE/MAX Hawaii will serve clients across the islands, where strong international demand and a steady flow of second-home buyers continue to shape the real estate landscape.

Tucson indie joins forces with United Real Estate Specialists

United Real Estate Specialists has merged with KMS Realty, a well-known residential brokerage in Tucson led by longtime industry leader Suzanne Rothman.

The move brings Rothman and her team under the United banner, with Rothman stepping into the role of managing broker.

A 23-year veteran of the Southern Arizona real estate community, Rothman is the immediate past president of the MLS of Southern Arizona and a current board member. She said the culture at United Real Estate Specialists stood out immediately: "The energy here is bar none the most superior energy I have ever felt at any brokerage," Rothman said. "Ten days after walking in the door, I merged my office."

United Real Estate Specialists is part of United Real Estate, a national brokerage network with more than 22,000 agents across 35 states. In Tucson and Scottsdale, the combined office now includes over 100 agents and offers access to United's marketing, tech and support platforms.

More brokerage news

JBRE & Co. expands Real's reach in Arizona: Top-producing Northern Arizona team JBRE & Co. has affiliated with The Real Brokerage, expanding the company's presence in Flagstaff, Sedona and Prescott. The nine-agent team, led by founder Justin Bemis, closed 138 deals in 2024 and is on track to top $100 million in volume this year. Bemis founded JBRE & Co. in 2017, building a reputation for personalized service and a team culture focused on innovation, collaboration and care. "Real gives us the ability to grow smarter and faster, without compromising the values that define our team," Bemis said.

Iron Valley Real Estate enters Georgia: Fast-growing franchisor Iron Valley Real Estate has launched a new office in St. Mary's, Georgia, expanding its reach to seven states. The move brings the brand's agent-first, 100% commission model to the Coastal Georgia market. "We want to empower agents to be business owners and turn the traditional brokerage model in Georgia upside down," the local ownership group said in a news release.

Coldwell Banker expands in Southwest Florida: Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties has merged with Belle Realty, Co., extending the brand's presence into Labelle and Hendry County. The move marks Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties' first expansion since joining the brand in 1992 and brings the combined agent count to 49 across Southwest Florida. The Belle Realty office will rebrand as Coldwell Banker Belle Realty.

Engel & Völkers opens shop in Sisters, Oregon: Luxury real estate brand Engel & Völkers has launched a new location in Sisters, Oregon, expanding its Pacific Northwest footprint. The shop is led by license partners Marcel Dolak and Michelle Rea, who also operate Engel & Völkers Bend and bring more than 40 years of combined experience in Central Oregon. The team will serve clients in Sisters, Camp Sherman, Black Butte, and surrounding markets.

Top South Florida team joins The Agency: The Vanbronkhorst Team, a four-agent group with over $200 million in lifetime sales, has joined The Agency South Florida. Led by Daniel Vanbronkhorst, a top 1% regional producer, the team has already closed more than $62 million in 2024. Vanbronkhorst, known for bold marketing and client-first service, launched his real estate career in 2019.