Compass adds 2 teams; Florida indie hires CMO
Fort Lauderdale and D.C.-based teams with $500M in sales volume move to Compass; Michael Saunders expands its leadership team; eXp, SERHANT grow; 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.
Compass welcomes boutique teams in South Florida, DC
Compass is growing its agent roster with the announcement of two new teams this week.
In Florida, the Tika Team has made the move to Compass and will work out of the firm's Fort Lauderdale office. Led by Tika Van Den Hurk, the three-agent team has closed more than $500 million in sales in the past 10 years, according to a news release.
Van Den Hurk comes to Compass from Douglas Elliman, where she served as senior director of luxury sales. She has lived in Fort Lauderdale for more than a decade and specializes in waterfront estates, condos and investment properties.
She chose Compass for its technology and support, which, she said, "allows my team and me to focus on what we do best, delivering exceptional service and results for our clients."
Further up the East Coast, another boutique team has chosen to align with Compass. Dave and Patricia Smith, who have served the greater Washington, D.C., region for more than 20 years, are joining the firm from Coldwell Banker. They ranked in the top 1% of agents for six consecutive years while at Coldwell Banker, and they typically close more than $50 million in sales annually, according to a news release.
"We decided to join Compass because we believe its tools will empower us to open doors for our clients that simply aren't available anywhere else," said Patricia Smith. "With Compass, we can guide each client to the next chapter of their journey while feeling confident, supported and expertly advised every step of the way."
Michael Saunders & Company adds CMO, opens new office
It was a busy week for Michael Saunders & Company as the Florida brokerage named a new chief marketing officer and announced the opening of its 18th office.
Marketing exec joins leadership team: S.J. Yun, who brings a background in television, broadcast and digital marketing, has taken the role of CMO at the Gulf Coast firm.
Yun was most recently a senior digital marketing manager at The Durst Organization in Manhattan, where he created the real estate agency's marketing strategy, and he previously worked for Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, according to a press release.
At Michael Saunders & Company, Yun said he is eager to "collaborate with the entire team to help shape the future as they expand and elevate to the next level."
His "digital and online mastery and heart for compelling consumer-centric storytelling across all channels will strengthen and advance our brand, inspire customers, and expand our reach throughout the Gulf Coast," added President Drayton Saunders.
A 'special' expansion: Michael Saunders & Company also announced the opening of a new office on Sanibel Island. Local agents — some of whom worked at VIP Realty Sanibel-Captiva, the space's former occupant — will serve Sanibel, Captiva and surrounding areas.
Sanibel Island is an area the company has "long admired" for "its beauty, resilience, and strong sense of connection," Founder and CEO Michael Saunders said. "It's an honor to now be part of this special place and to welcome such a talented and well-respected team of professionals" to the firm.
Adding another location "underscores our deep commitment to Florida's unique coastal markets," Drayton Saunders said. "We're proud to bring the personalized service of a regional company with the strength and reach of a global network to clients in this special part of the Gulf Coast."
More brokerage news
The Impact Group, a 31-agent team that closed $305 million in sales last year, recently joined eXp Realty. The Denver-based team has earned the top spot in the Denver Metro Association of Realtors rankings for two consecutive years. "Their track record of success in Denver and their commitment to innovation and collaboration make them an incredible addition to our community of top producers," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty.
Emilia Bechrakis Serhant has transitioned to real estate, joining her husband Ryan Serhant at the firm's New York City headquarters. Bechrakis Serhant worked in law and the title insurance industry before making the move to SERHANT. The firm is known for its Netflix show "Owning Manhattan," which focuses on luxury real estate and the intense competition among agents.
The Agency recently announced the opening of a new office on Camano Island in Washington state, located about 90 minutes from Seattle. It is the firm's 12th office in the Pacific Northwest and will be led by Managing Partners Ellen Bohn and Bob Wold. "The Pacific Northwest is a key growth region for The Agency, and Camano Island represents a market with incredible potential," said James Ramsay, EVP of franchise sales at The Agency.
The Corcoran Group opened its first office in Germany earlier this month as part of its continued international franchise expansion, the company announced this week. Corcoran Fischer Properties is based in Frankfurt, the country's financial capital, and led by Founder Moritz Fischer. The city, where average home prices exceed €700,00, boasts "a thriving real estate market and a strong demand for upscale properties and premium service," said Corcoran CEO Pamela Liebman.
The Skyline Advisory Team of New York City is joining Brown Harris Stevens and will operate out of the firm's Union Square office. The 8-agent team — led by John Dugan, formerly a chef at Michelin-starred restaurants, and Mike Distasio, a former professional basketball player — has achieved more than $400 million in career sales. Skyline moves to BHS from Elegran, where it was the No. 1 ranked team, according to a news release.