A big Sotheby’s acquisition; family ‘dynasty’ joins eXp 

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.

Acquisition creates 700-agent firm

Massachusetts-based Gibson Sotheby's International Realty has grown to over 700 agents following its acquisition of Advisors Living.

The combined firm now boasts 33 offices, 16 of which were occupied by the Advisors Living 200-agent team. Most of those offices will be consolidated, according to a news release, though Gibson Sotheby's will gain locations in Andover, Canton, Gloucester, Plymouth and Tewksbury as a result of the acquisition.

Advisors Living was founded by Jason S. Weissman in 2001 as a home sales branch of Boston Realty Advisors, a commercial brokerage and consulting firm. The firm is currently helmed by President and CEO Merit McIntyre, who described the acquisition as "an exciting next chapter for our team and the clients we serve."

"Advisors Living has always embraced a boutique culture, one that values close ties to our communities and a highly personalized approach to supporting our agents and clients," McIntyre said. The new partnership "allows us to carry that same foundation of stability and local expertise forward, now strengthened by the tools and reach of a trusted global brand," he added.

C21 snaps up Colorado indie

Century 21 Elevated Real Estate has expanded its reach in the Centennial State through its acquisition of VIP Real Estate. The Denver-based firm will now do business as Century 21 Elevated Real Estate.

Brian Furer, who founded VIP Real Estate 15 years ago, will oversee the transition and serve as broker associate and team lead. In a news release, Furer praised the C21 brand's "power and global reach" while noting that its "unmatched suite of tools, technology and marketing resources" will help boost his team.

"This partnership equips them with cutting-edge systems, world-class training, and powerful networking opportunities — allowing them to elevate their business and better serve their clients," Furer said.

Daniel Bishop, broker at Century 21 Elevated Real Estate, said the acquisition "allows us to combine our strengths, expand our market presence, enhance resources for our agents and ELEVATE the level of service we can provide to our clients and to these agents."

The combined brokerage now has seven offices in Colorado and about 60 agents.

Three-generation family firm joins eXp

The Slocum Home Team, a "family-run real estate dynasty" that has operated in Rhode Island for over 70 years, is stepping beneath the eXp umbrella, the brand announced.

Three generations of Slocums have guided the firm, which launched in Warwick under George Slocum in 1949 and is now led by Nick Slocum. The 30-agent team brought in over $109 million in sales volume over the past year, according to a news release.

The future was top of mind for Nick Slocum when deciding to align with eXp. "What ultimately convinced us was the people, the collaboration, and the future opportunities eXp offers," he said. "Agents here aren't just selling homes, they're building equity, creating passive income, and connecting with a global community where iron sharpens iron."

eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja pointed to the firm's history in the area as one reason he is "thrilled to welcome them" to the brand. "Their 76-year history of serving Rhode Island families, combined with their forward-looking approach, makes them an incredible addition to our community," Pareja said.

Compass picks up $450M team in Florida

The Sarasota-based Salaverri Windsor Group is bringing over 30 decades of real estate experience to Compass in Florida. The team, which specializes in luxury sales, is led by Georgia Salaverri and Steven Windsor, who have a collective career sales volume of over $450 million, according to a news release.

Salaverri began working in Florida's real estate market in 2003 after moving to the area from Texas. Windsor has worked as a licensed agent since 2019 after his career as a classical ballet dancer brought him from England to the U.S.

The two were "drawn to Compass for its seamless integration of luxury branding with advanced technology, innovative programs, and a collaborative culture," Salaverri said. "The state-of-the-art tools, personal branding support, and valuable resources will not only fuel our business growth but also allow us to better serve our clients."

Jeff Polashuk, regional vice president of Compass Florida, said the duo's "leadership in both Sarasota's luxury market and new development projects like Peninsula Sarasota will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our presence across Florida."

BHGRE adds new affiliate in the Tar Heel State

A new firm is taking up the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate banner in North Carolina. Led by owner Rachel Brown and COO Coker Metcalf, the Asheville-based company will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Integrity Partners.

Business growth is a key aspiration for Brown and Metcalf, who plan to open a second office before the end of 2025 and expand further next year.

Brown, who began working in real estate in 2016, also serves as the president of the Land of the Sky Association of Realtors. In a news release, she said that she believes affiliating her firm with BHGRE "will quickly help propel our reputation in the Asheville community."

"From the start, we hope to set ourselves apart by our high standards for exceptional client experience built on the foundation of trust, transparency, and service," Brown said. "Our business will be a true family-based environment, and that will be evident in the joy we show while serving others in our community."

Metcalf, who worked in law enforcement before launching his real estate career in 2021, said his local knowledge as someone who grew up in Asheville will enable him and Brown to "confidently help clients navigate the nuances of Western North Carolina real estate."

More brokerage news

Anne Winicki has joined Scenic Sotheby's International Realty in Florida. Winicki, who was previously with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, has nearly $800 million in lifetime sales volume, with $86.7 million in sales closed in 2024 alone, according to a news release. The move signals the brand's "continued momentum in the state's competitive Panhandle market," the announcement said.

SERHANT is setting up shop in Rhode Island for the first time in a move that marks its third new market entrance this year. Over 30 agents who collectively closed over $550 million in sales in the past 12 months are coming together as part of the launch. John Sheil, Allie Readyhough, Dina Karousos, Tammy Bass, Devin Sheehan, Caroline Richards and Hillary Olinger are the brand's founding agents in the state, with Debroah Hauser serving as the market leader. A SERHANT office is slated to open in downtown Newport early next year.

RE/MAX is welcoming the return of Blue Line Group, a California team based in Antioch that first launched as RE/MAX Blue Line in 2010 and is now partnering with RE/MAX Gold. The team, which grew to over three offices in recent years under the guidance of founder Mike Barbanica, is eyeing further expansion with this new alignment. "The network and resources available are what our team is most excited about," Barbanica said in a news release.

The Casa Team by Chiqui Delgado and Edgar Marquez at Douglas Elliman is expanding into Miami. The New York City-based team brings an extensive network and more than 20 years of real estate experience to their new market, according to a news release. The move "underscores the value of cross-market expertise and the growing demand for guidance from trusted professionals who can navigate these interconnected regions," said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Brokerage, Florida Region at Douglas Elliman.

Coldwell Banker has welcomed Laura Mullaney and Jane Gomez-Mena to its Coral Gables office in Florida. Together, the mother-daughter duo brings over 40 years of real estate experience, with a special focus on selling historic homes. "Their dedication to Miami's architectural heritage and deep-rooted knowledge of the local market make Laura and Jane exceptional additions to our team," Coldwell Banker Realty Regional President, Southeast, Duff Rubin said in a news release.